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    REVIEW: The Hazard and The Hitman by Cambria Hebert

    The Protectors: The Hazard and The Hitman – Cambria Hebert

    Desperate times call for desperate measures, and being in the hospital with stitches in my head and no way out makes me pretty desperate. So I log in to a dating app, searching for a guy willing to pretend to be my boyfriend so I can bust out of this overpriced nightmare.
    But what do I get?
    Accused of being a prostitute. Talk about a waste of phone minutes.
    With plan A a no-go, I move on to plan B. Escape. Except, on my way to freedom, I’m nearly pummeled by a man wearing all black and with the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen.
    When he pretends to be my boyfriend, I’m shook. And even more shook when I discover this is the rude guy from the app.
    Turns out he’s not only rude but bossy, irritable, and he keeps calling me a walking hazard. I go along with the lie anyway, thinking I can ditch him as soon as I’m free.
    Except that doesn’t happen.
    I end up back at his place, eating soup and trying hard not to catch feelings.
    Then my apartment is broken into, and I’m running for my life, confused, injured, and with nowhere else to go. Kieran vows to keep me safe, something he seems more than capable of… Which is kinda odd for a real estate agent, right?
    As the threat to my life intensifies, I start to wonder if I’ll make it to my next birthday and, more importantly, if trusting Kieran is the deadliest hazard of all.


    The Hazard and The Hitman kicks off The Protectors, a hitman romance series by Cambria Hebert

    The hazard, Hazier is a lonely orphan juggling four jobs. After a car accident lands him in the hospital, he can’t afford the bills and needs a companion to be discharged. Desperate, he messages a random guy on a dating app to pose as his boyfriend.

    The hitman is Kieran. Intrigued by the odd request from a cute stranger, he shows up, quickly realizes Hazier is telling the truth, and steps into the role of protective boyfriend—going so far as to pay the hospital bill.

    But Kieran soon discovers Hazier is a walking disaster who can’t be left alone and starts calling him Hazard. Worse, there’s a contract on Haz’s life, and Kieran himself was hired to kill him.

    The premise is ridiculously cute, but Haz’s dude in distress antics wore thin. His clumsy, too-stupid-to-live moments weren’t endearing and dragged the story down. Also, Kieran and Haz suffered various injuries which seemed to magically vanish whenever sex entered the picture. At one point, Haz even had a head injury, which didn’t stop him from giving Kieran a blowjob.

    Fortunately, I loved Kieran’s grumpy, over-protective brand of alphahole energy which carried the book. He fell hard and fast, ready to burn the world for his Hazard. His broody presence and swoony declarations made Haz tolerable.

    Side characters Ghost, hitman and Kieran’s best friend, and Rhett, Haz’s neighbor and only friend, also added to the fun. Ghost’s quips are a humorous contrast to Kieran’s grouchiness. I’m thrilled he’s paired with the adorable Rhett.

    The plot follows Kieran and Haz as they navigate romance, danger, and Haz’s numerous part-time jobs. Mafioso bad guys and irate bosses made Haz’s life more complicated while Kieran did his damnedest to keep his babydoll safe. Chaotic but entertaining, the story kept me hooked despite my frustration with Haz.

    The Hazard and The Hitman is a swoony tale of protection and devotion. Overall, not realistic, but cute enough to enjoy, especially if you love a broody hitman falling hard for his disaster of a boyfriend.

    Rating:
    3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked it

    Soundtrack: Hazardous Eyes
    Artist: Arca
    Album: Hazardous Eyes


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    REVIEW: End It All by Brea Alepou & Skyler Snow

    Vitale Brothers: End It All by Brea Alepou & Skyler Snow

    What do you do when your only way out is to join a family you never knew existed?

    I’m not well behaved, that’s a given. But meeting the Vitale’s puts my life into perspective. They’re everything I’ve longed for; rich, adventurous, fearless, and close. Really close.

    This is supposed to be my family too.

    So why do I feel like an outsider?

    I have no choice except to fit in because I can’t go back home. Not when I’m on the run…

    Amidst the chaos of a cooling war, a family struggle, and the law nipping at my heels, I meet Quincy. Bold, crazy, and hot as a five alarm fire.This man is the grand red flag of all red flags, but then again so am I.

    And I’ve always loved to play with fire.

    The fifth book in the Vitale Brothers series. Each book can be read as a standalone but is best read in order. HEA guaranteed. Make sure to check out the TWs.


    End It All is the fifth book in the gritty, addictive Vitale Brothers mafia romance series by Brea Alepou & Skyler Snow. The Vitale clan may be a chaotic mix of half-brothers, but under Benito’s leadership, they remain fiercely loyal and endlessly entertaining.

    The 5th Vitale brother is Blake Moreno, who only recently discovered he’s a Vitale after a botched bank heist turned him into a fugitive. Sent to New York to his father Cesare for protection, Blake meets his brothers for the first time, who were just as surprised to learn about his identity.

    Not yet trusting Blake but still willing to protect his youngest brother, Benito (Say I Do) assigns Quincy Adachi, Harlow’s best friend and former bodyguard, to keep Blake in line. Blake and Quincy immediately got off on the wrong foot.

    Blake kept trying to run away, and Quincy unerringly tracks his ass wherever he goes. Forced proximity did its magic because they might hate each other, but it didn’t stop them from jumping each other’s bones.

    Blake is a semi-wild spitfire, not yet full-on Vitale like Gin, Enzo, or even Paolo. He’s street-smart but really naive. He has a stupid tendency to run away from the person protecting him when he’s supposed to be in New York for his protection.

    Quincy is a dominant, alpha-as-hell power bottom who matches Blake’s arson-loving ferocity with his own daredevil antics. Quincy is Harlow’s best friend after all, and only someone as bloodthirsty as him could keep up with a psycho like Harlow.

    Together, Blake and Quincy’s chemistry is equal parts volatile and magnetic. Blake’s rebellious streak and Quincy’s relentless dominance make for a fiery clash. Their dynamic was entertaining, with lots of sharp banter, flirty provocations, and cute nicknames. Quincy calling Blake “baby girl” tickled me pink every time because Blake is so precious and bratty, even if he tops.

    The best part of the book is the Vitale family themselves, their outrageous antics, dark humor, and twisted brand of love. From Gin’s absurd schemes and his possessive devotion to Ash to Benito and Harlow’s stab-happy foreplay, the brothers never fail to entertain. Paolo and York got parenthood down to a science, and Enzo and Tex are joined at the hips. Loved seeing the Vitale “wives” joining forces and welcoming Quincy to the fold.

    I thought the series would end with Paolo and York’s book, Never Say Never. Half of me thinks Blake and Quincy’s story was unnecessary, the plot not really bringing anything new to the table, and the romance is less intense as the previous books. While still dark and humorous enough for a Vitale, this is the weakest installment of the series.

    It did give us a lead-up to Cesare’s book, which I also have mixed feelings about. Cesare welcomes Blake with open arms, but the brothers frequently warn Blake that the old man cannot be trusted. Blake agrees, runs away, then foolishly returns to Cesare.

    Daddy Vitale’s motives are suspect throughout the entire series, so redeeming him in the 6th book might be a stretch. I’m not sure if I could root for Cesare, given how villainous he was. Also, it’s going to be an age gap romance. We have enough of that already. Give us old men yaoi instead!

    End It All is a story of family ties and baby criminals. While not hitting the same highs as the rest of the series, overall, it sets the stage for biggest battle ahead. In the Vitale world, loyalty is blood-deep, betrayal is inevitable—and sometimes, ending it all is the only way to begin again.

    Rating:
    3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked it

    Soundtrack: Alive In New Light
    Artist: IAMX
    Album: Alive In New Light

    P.S.

    Vitale Brothers can be read as standalone but each brother is a force of nature.

    Take Me Apart is the raw intensity of Enzo.

    Paid In Full is the wild insatiability of Gin

    Say I Do is the nuclear explosion of Benito.

    Never Say Never is the chaotic mayhem of Paolo.


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    SERIES REVIEW: Isaac & Dallas (Light & Shadow Duet) by N.N. Britt

    Light & Shadow: Isaac – N.N. Britt

    In the heart of Sin City, two men on opposite sides of the law collide in a dangerous game of power, passion, and betrayal.

    Isaac Thoreau, the son of a notorious crime boss, has spent nine years behind bars for his father’s murder. Driven, cunning, and unfeeling, he’s now back to claim what’s rightfully his. But when an enigmatic security guard named Hawk is hired to work at his nightclub, Isaac finds himself distracted… and inexplicably drawn to Hawk, despite his best efforts to resist.

    Special Agent Dallas Bradley’s mission is infiltrate the Hellhounds and bring their leader, Isaac Thoreau, to justice. Posing as Hawk, Dallas is determined to uncover the secrets of the Thoreau criminal empire. But as he delves deeper into Isaac’s world, the lines between right and wrong blur, and soon an undeniable attraction grows between the two men, forcing Dallas to question everything.

    Walking away before he’s compromised would be the smart choice, but Dallas can’t resist Isaac’s magnetic pull, even if it means risking his life.

    As love and duty clash, only one question will Isaac and Dallas survive the fallout?

    ***

    Isaac is the first installment of the Light & Shadow Duet. It can not be read as standalone. This is a dark MM mafia romance that explores various sensitive subjects like violence, abuse, PTSD, etc.


    Rating:
    3.5 Stars – that place between like and love

    Soundtrack: Another Life
    Artist: Motionless in White
    Album: Disguise


    Light & Shadow: Dallas – N.N. Britt

    Prepare for Betrayal and Redemption in Sin City.

    As the leader of the Hellhounds and a valued member of the notorious Thoreau crime syndicate, Isaac has it all: power, money, fear. Falling for someone has never been on his radar. But for the first time in his life, Isaac thinks he’s found someone he can truly trust—the mysterious security guard who shattered through his icy defenses and became the one person Isaac could be himself with.

    Until everything goes up in flames.

    Dallas Bradley has been treading an unstable line of deceit between righteousness and criminality. Isaac Thoreau’s world is slowly turning him into Hawk, the man who doesn’t exist, the man who’s ready to do bad things to survive and remain close to Isaac. But when a dangerous deal goes south, in order to save Isaac’s life, Dallas is forced to reveal the devastating truth—he’s a Special Agent sent to infiltrate the Hellhounds and bring down Isaac.

    Heartbroken and enraged, Isaac can’t stand the man who betrayed him so deeply. However, when it’s clear Isaac’s fate is prison, Dallas strikes a bargain with his boss: help save Isaac from life behind bars and keep Dallas undercover to clean up the mess.

    Isaac hates Dallas more than ever, but to escape the crosshairs they must work together once more. As tempers and stakes flare in the streets of Sin City, Dallas will risk everything to redeem himself in Isaac’s eyes. But can their undeniable connection survive when trust has turned to ash?

    ***

    Dallas is the second installment of Light & Shadow Duet. It should be read after Isaac. This is a dark MM mafia romance that explores various sensitive subjects like violence, abuse, PTSD, etc. Length: 65,000 words. Alternating POV.


    Rating:
    3.5 Stars – that place between like and love

    Soundtrack: Light
    Artist: N3wport feat. Dianna
    Album:


    Light & Shadow Duet by N.N. Britt is the series opener of the dark mafia romance series of the same name.

    The first part is Isaac, where we meet Special Agent Dallas Bradley as he starts his undercover job as Hawk, infiltrating the Thoreau crime syndicate led by Isaac Thoreau, the son of the notorious mob boss whom he killed. Isaac paid the price for murdering his abusive father, and his stint in prison further traumatized the young man.

    Hawk had to get close to the leader, first by working as the night club bouncer and then climbing the ranks high enough to be included in Isaac’s inner circle. But Isaac was not what Hawk expected, and he soon found himself getting very personal with the boss,

    The second part is Dallas, where, after an ATF bust where the gang was caught running guns, Dallas had to negotiate hard to save Isaac. Trust broken but left with no choice, Isaac had to go against everything he stood for and work with Dallas and the FBI.

    Dallas and Isaac have that intense push-pull I always enjoy in well-delivered enemies-to-lovers romance. Both are solitary men who found a deep connection that put each of them in danger. The sexual tension is sizzling, the need for secrecy and the threat of being caught heightening the electric mood.

    Isaac is a compelling combination of power and vulnerability, having survived sexual abuse as a child and more trauma in prison, then strengthening the criminal organization he inherited. He’s touch-averse and touch-starved, cold to most, but a well-liked leader of his gang, a Robin Hood who took care of his men and their families.

    Dallas is a veteran at undercovers, but this job, a.k.a. Isaac, got under his skin and had him questioning his identity and loyalties. As Hawk, he became Isaac’s lover; as Dallas, he was Isaac’s only chance of avoiding prison. He won’t let Isaac go back, knowing it would cost Isaac his life with so many enemies inside.

    While the plot was gripping, the writing was something of an acquired taste. It’s in the 1st-person present tense and a bit too flowery for my liking, with metaphors that could be considered poetic. They detract from the story because I found them unnecessary or better suited to a historical romance

    However, there’s a great balance of romance and the rest of the plot, with the cliffhanger of Isaac ending the first book in such an explosive way. The second book continues with the tightly paced plot, still as intense, Isaac hurt and conflicted over the betrayal and Dallas’s Hail Mary rescue.

    I say the second part is more suspenseful and more twisty turn-y with Dallas and Isaac jumping through hoops of fire. There were so many hurdles thrown their way, I was left wondering how this would end happily. Our only guarantee that this is an HEA is that this is romance. The author saved it till the very last, a bit bittersweet but still resolutely hard-won and satisfying.

    Light & Shadow Duet is a stirring tale of forbidden passion between two men on opposite sides of the law. The prose takes getting used to but, overall, slow burn yet fiery, dark and angsty yet thrilling!

    P.S.

    Light & Shadow must be read in order.


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    SERIES REVIEW: Enticed by the Enemy, Seduced by a Sinner, & Kissed by a Killer (The Morelli Family Books 3-5) by Leighton Greene

    The Morelli Family: Enticed by the Enemy – Leighton Greene

    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 standalone, but it’s even more fun to read the series in order. Characters and events from previous books are referenced.


    Rating:
    3.5 Stars – that place between like and love

    Soundtrack: Enemy Mind
    Artist: Priest
    Album: Samurai


    The Morelli Family: Seduced by a Sinner – Leighton Greene

    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.


    Rating:
    4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits

    Soundtrack: Sin So Sweet
    Artist: Walter Zeiders
    Album:


    The Morelli Family: Kissed by a Killer – Leighton Greene

    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?


    Rating:
    3.5 Stars – that place between like and love

    Soundtrack: Kiss/Kill
    Artist: Michelle
    Album:


    The Morelli Family Books 3 to 5 feature Luca Di’Amato’s inner circle and the men who came into their lives, causing chaos, mayhem, and heat.

    Enticed by the Enemy stars Angelo Messina, the second in command. Angelo is a well-known and well-liked personality in New York, so close-lipped and slippery that he even had lunch with the detective who claimed Angelo was his white whale. Yet the detective still got nothing on him.

    Special Agent Baxter Flynn is a forensic psychologist who is just that bit obsessed with Angelo, having even done his master’s thesis on the man. The SA is so spectacularly green that he dropped his gun while trying to stalk Angelo Messina when somebody started shooting, and he and Angelo had to run away.

    Turns out a cop was shot, and the bullets are from Baxter’s Bureau-issued gun. The detective Angelo had lunch with was also found dead. Bold if rash, Baxter barged into Angelo’s apartment and clumsily proposed they work together to find the shooter who was after Angelo and/or Baxter. And clear their names.

    Angelo has always been a solid guy, the rock the Morelli dons have relied on. He’s a capable, level-headed mobster who loved the late Tino Morelli and now has nothing but respect and support for the new don Luca. He’s also gorgeous. Even the detective spoke with envy, saying Angelo’s got it easy with a face like that. In short, Angelo’s the complete package and made the book worth reading.

    Baxter, on the other hand, had me wondering how he passed Quantico. Not because he’s a rookie, I mean, we’re all beginners at some point. But the man was so ridiculously TSTL and inept, I wasn’t at all surprised he got framed for murder. His investigative skills were laughable, his decisions were hopelessly naive, and this case of opposites attract didn’t work in his character’s favor.

    The book ended in an HFN and will be picked up in Vow of the Vigilante, where, hopefully, Baxter redeems himself.

    Seduced by a Sinner stars Matteo Vitale, Finch’s bodyguard, who’s been quietly eyeing Finch’s best friend, the novice, Aidan O’Leary, in the background.

    One day, a man threatened Aidan with a knife, and Teo stepped in to save the novice. Then he took Aidan to the Morelli home to keep him safe. However, Aidan’s upcoming ordination is fast approaching, and they have to get to Boston with Finch and Luca in tow.

    Things became even more chaotic when an Irish terrorist group started threatening Finch’s sister, Tara Donovan, now head of the Donovan family, and whose house the Morellis are staying in Boston.

    Teo’s another capable Morelli and the best bodyguard the don trusts with his husband’s life. Teo is aware he’s got blood on his hands, not the man for somebody as innocent as Aidan. He’s got nothing but awe and affection for Ai.

    Aidan is an openly gay man about to become a priest. When he became romantically involved with Teo, he did angst, but not overly so. He was generally content and happy; the angstying came later, but unlike most religious figures in MM romance, he was not a miserable character to read about.

    I loved how Teo let Aidan experience his firsts with consent, gentle reassurances, and positive views on sexuality and Aidan’s religious beliefs. This books doesn’t condemn religion but reconciles it with all forms of love.

    With some guidance from his mom and a mentor, he was able to make peace with himself and his relationship with God and Teo. I loved reading their story because their romance has a wholesome and pure quality to it, in contrast with the Irish business that bulldozed its way into their lives.

    The book ended with an HEA for the couple and good things for Teo, Morelli-wise, when he stepped up against the Irish terrorists.

    Kissed by a Killer stars Nick Fontana, a capo, and rumored to be the future caporegime of the Morellis. He’s occasional fuck buddies with Carlo Bianchi, the Morelli lawyer, a forbidden affair because Carlo’s father, doesn’t want his lawyers fraternizing with the mobsters.

    The story opens with a wedding where all five Families are attending. On the night of the wedding, the groom snuck into Carlo’s room and assaulted him. Nick, who had just come from Carlo’s room, saw him and snapped his neck. They had to quickly make the body disappear.

    The groom is a scion of the Guiliano Family, and soon everyone was looking for the missing groom. Nick and Carlo were conflicted whether to tell Luca, and alliances would break if they don’t do something about it soon. With the threat of the Irish terrorists hanging over New York, they can’t afford to lose allies.

    Nick is Luca’s closest friend, the two rising in ranks together. He’s one of the most trusted men in Luca’s circle, so his not coming clean right away and later dragging his feet for some reason or other really added to the tension and anticipation, a.k.a. dread of when Luca will eventually find out.

    Carlo is the heir to the Bianchi firm, which has an exclusive contract with the Morellis. He’s known to be extremely good at keeping the men out of jail. Objectively, I could see that Carlo can be unlikable. He tends to run his mouth and push buttons. Even Nick was annoyed with him several times, as much as he’s fond of the difficult man.

    I don’t actively dislike Carlo; he’s just not somebody I would cast as a love interest. Fortunately, he meshes well with Nick, their antagonistic dynamics adding spice to their story. And he totally redeemed himself when he did his big lawyer speech to save Nick’s life. I was actually impressed! So now I see why Luca keeps him on a retainer.

    Plot-wise, it was all over the place. There were many overarching threads that were continued here, plus the forbidden romance and the secrets. And for men of their caliber, Nick and Carlo weren’t making the smartest decisions. The ending was bittersweet and an HFN, but I loved that it gave us hope for Luca and Nick’s friendship.

    Overall, Morelli men are making their marks and winning hearts.

    The Morelli Family continues with Devoted to the Don. The books must be read in order.

    Married To The Mobster introduces us to delightfully bratty Finch Donovan and besotted but won’t admit it, Luca Di’Amato.
    Beloved By The Boss is Luca and Finch making their marriage work and taking over New York


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