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Iron and Steel #1
Iron Rose
Rose is an underground MMA champion. When the bratva tell her to lose a fight so that they can rig the bets and advance their own fighter, she gleefully pummels her opponent to the ground. With the bratva hard on her heels, she goes underground with the help of her estranged father's former colleagues.
Alastair was bred for a life in the Irish mob, but walked away. He works for the elite Caledonia Security firm. But he can't resist the allure of the violent underground blood sports. He becomes obsessed with a female fighter who has a reputation for ruthlessness that makes his blood boil. When the bratva have her cornered, he steps in and helps her escape.
Will he use his criminal ties to protect the woman who has become his obsession? Will the stubborn fighter allow him? The secrets that lurk in the shadows of their violent world threaten to pull them apart, but they'll only be able to survive together.
This is a spicy romance with suspense and is a part of the Ungoverned Spaces series, but can be read as a stand alone. This is a dark romance, with graphic death scenes and sexual content. Check the inside for more specific warnings.
Alastair was bred for a life in the Irish mob, but walked away. He works for the elite Caledonia Security firm. But he can't resist the allure of the violent underground blood sports. He becomes obsessed with a female fighter who has a reputation for ruthlessness that makes his blood boil. When the bratva have her cornered, he steps in and helps her escape.
Will he use his criminal ties to protect the woman who has become his obsession? Will the stubborn fighter allow him? The secrets that lurk in the shadows of their violent world threaten to pull them apart, but they'll only be able to survive together.
This is a spicy romance with suspense and is a part of the Ungoverned Spaces series, but can be read as a stand alone. This is a dark romance, with graphic death scenes and sexual content. Check the inside for more specific warnings.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2023
557 people are currently reading
705 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
April 3, 2023
Well, that was one heck of an amazing story! Molly Briars writing style sucked me in on page one and spit me out on the last! I flew through the pages and did not want to stop. Molly has a really easy, laid back writing style that makes it so easy to fall in love with the characters and getting through the book.
It started amazing, Rose starting with a fight is just the opening scene you want. It really got me hooked from the first page. The further you get in the book the more you get to know Rose, she went through so much and it was like she got no break from it all. And still she kept going, fighting and loving. I loved how she developed and grew througout the story and the way she opend up to some people.
And then we have Alastair, just the perfect book boyfriend if I may say so. He really kept Rose on a edge and the way he kept coming back was just amazing.
Reading from dual POV between Rose and Alastair was a great way to bond with both characters. Their thoughts and the pieces of their background you'll get while reading made it so great. And Hugo, omg that man! He made me laugh so hard!
I really enjoyed this story and can't wait for what Molly Briar brings out next!
Thank you Molly Briar for the ARC to read! I left this honest review voluntarily.
It started amazing, Rose starting with a fight is just the opening scene you want. It really got me hooked from the first page. The further you get in the book the more you get to know Rose, she went through so much and it was like she got no break from it all. And still she kept going, fighting and loving. I loved how she developed and grew througout the story and the way she opend up to some people.
And then we have Alastair, just the perfect book boyfriend if I may say so. He really kept Rose on a edge and the way he kept coming back was just amazing.
Reading from dual POV between Rose and Alastair was a great way to bond with both characters. Their thoughts and the pieces of their background you'll get while reading made it so great. And Hugo, omg that man! He made me laugh so hard!
I really enjoyed this story and can't wait for what Molly Briar brings out next!
Thank you Molly Briar for the ARC to read! I left this honest review voluntarily.
April 1, 2023
This was an incredibly delicious, exhilarating and gripping story from beginning to end.
I actually did not want to reach the final page, because I've already become so attached to the main characters, even the side characters are so thoughtfully crafted, it made me crave more information, Molly Briar knocked it out of the park, by having me practically at her mercy the farther I got.
Our FMC is freaking amazing, and throughout the complications, having her face the grim reality, and the brutality of what her entire world is about felt satisfying.
The character development between Alastair and Rose is my favourite bit, they challenged each other, to accept, if not realize there's something beneath the surface, struggling to control or fall prey to.
I can't even put it in proper words, I am left flabbergasted, by the range of emotions still reeling me in.
10/10
Spice was hawt.
🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Possessive alpha vibes
Strong FMC
Obsessed MMC
Bratva
MMA
Irish Mob
Found Family
B!ood Play
Kn!fe Play
I received an arc for my honest review, and I am leaving it voluntarily.
I actually did not want to reach the final page, because I've already become so attached to the main characters, even the side characters are so thoughtfully crafted, it made me crave more information, Molly Briar knocked it out of the park, by having me practically at her mercy the farther I got.
Our FMC is freaking amazing, and throughout the complications, having her face the grim reality, and the brutality of what her entire world is about felt satisfying.
The character development between Alastair and Rose is my favourite bit, they challenged each other, to accept, if not realize there's something beneath the surface, struggling to control or fall prey to.
I can't even put it in proper words, I am left flabbergasted, by the range of emotions still reeling me in.
10/10
Spice was hawt.
🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Possessive alpha vibes
Strong FMC
Obsessed MMC
Bratva
MMA
Irish Mob
Found Family
B!ood Play
Kn!fe Play
I received an arc for my honest review, and I am leaving it voluntarily.
April 2, 2023
Molly Briar did an amazing job telling the story of Rose. I loved Rose's strength and resilience yet her vulnerability that also becomes apparent. The spice between her and Alistair is strong! The twists and turns within the story and the entanglement of the characters kept me on my toes till the very end. Make sure to read the Trigger Warnings to make sure you will enjoy the story. I was giving an ARC copy for my honest review.
March 28, 2024
LOVE. i waited too long to give my review. but this is one of my favorites in the series. i got the ARC and it was LOVELY
April 3, 2023
Alastair and Rose. 🥵🖤
This book is filled with angst, spice and emotion. Molly Briar’s debut is pure amazing. The development of side characters leaves you wanting for more. And the character arc for Rose is chef’s kiss.
This book is filled with angst, spice and emotion. Molly Briar’s debut is pure amazing. The development of side characters leaves you wanting for more. And the character arc for Rose is chef’s kiss.
April 16, 2023
⭐️ 3.5 Stars ⭐️
Okay so I did like this and the characters were good. It just seemed very fast paced in places to me.
~~RTC~~
Okay so I did like this and the characters were good. It just seemed very fast paced in places to me.
~~RTC~~
September 13, 2023
I’m a fan of hot-brother series (like Jolie Vines’ Scotts, Serena Akeroyd’s Irish and Sophie Lark’s Italians). With all that testosterone there’s usually some mafia, secret agent and bodyguard action. However, it is very rare to get a female character with the grit and capability like Rose Marie Legaspi. Better yet- she’s Filipino and bi. ***Reader tip: Bonifacio is a Filipino surname too. I didn’t realize until the end and it made so much more sense***
She’s not just your spitfire leading woman. She’s an MMA champion in the MEN’s underground circuit. Page one throws you right into the center of her world. Trained by her contract killer father and then his ex-Navy Seal protégé, she has the skill and tenacity to fight the world.
Her life goes south when the Russian mob demands that she throws her next fight. Instead, she decimates her competition and goes into hiding to become one of the deadliest people on the planet. She picks up allies along the way including a superfan who’s more powerful than she realized.
“Iron Rose” will fulfill your hot and deadly romance needs without being weighed down by Mafia Politics and Americanism. Sorry NYC, but I need a break from all the odes to your greatness. Rose is uniquely not American and shared stories that made me laugh and think of my own childhood outside of the US. It’s not a long read, but it’s bold and ballsy and fresh. I’m excited for the rest of the series. #advancedreadercopy
She’s not just your spitfire leading woman. She’s an MMA champion in the MEN’s underground circuit. Page one throws you right into the center of her world. Trained by her contract killer father and then his ex-Navy Seal protégé, she has the skill and tenacity to fight the world.
Her life goes south when the Russian mob demands that she throws her next fight. Instead, she decimates her competition and goes into hiding to become one of the deadliest people on the planet. She picks up allies along the way including a superfan who’s more powerful than she realized.
“Iron Rose” will fulfill your hot and deadly romance needs without being weighed down by Mafia Politics and Americanism. Sorry NYC, but I need a break from all the odes to your greatness. Rose is uniquely not American and shared stories that made me laugh and think of my own childhood outside of the US. It’s not a long read, but it’s bold and ballsy and fresh. I’m excited for the rest of the series. #advancedreadercopy
August 1, 2023
Iron Rose kickstarts Molly Briars Ungoverned Spaces series and is the Irish Mob/private security, possessive MMC, MMA fighting, strong FMC, found family dark romance of Rose and Alastair.
Rose “The Vixen” Legaspi is an underground MMA fighter and after a fight in France she has one hot passionate encounter with Alastair, member of an organised crime family turned elite security agent. Despite going their separate ways, Alastair has become completely obsessed with following Rose’s career which is how he ends up in New York to watch her fight. Rose takes to the octogen an undefeated fighter when the Bratva orders her to lose the fight so they can rig the bets and advance their own fighter. Rose comes out swinging and pulverises her opponent leaving her with a target on her back. She manages to escape with the help of the dashing Alastair and makes it out of the city when her estranged father’s former colleagues work to get her to safety and keep her off the Bratva’s radar. Will Rose and Alastair’s hot, possessive connection that spans the globe and multiple cultures survive the wrath of the Bratva?
Alastair was born into the Irish mob but walked away in favour of a life with the elite Caledonia Security firm, however, the allure of violent underground blood sport is too much of a temptation. At one such MMA fight in France he is completely captivated with the female fighter and after one passionate encounter with her, he is totally beguiled by her and is so obsessed that he begins following her underground career cand finds himself unable to stand by when the Bratva go after her when she defies their orders to throw the fight. Despite getting her to safety, Rose disappears, and Alastair uses all the resources at his disposal including reaching out to the Irish Mob to find her so he can protect her, only he doesn’t anticipate her wanting to do the same for him. Will the secrets that lurk in the shadows of the violent world they’ve become embroiled in tear them apart, or will love truly conquer all?
New to me narrators Holden Maddox and Molly Briar bring Alastair and Rose to life in the most phenomenal way possible.
Holden’s performance as the alpha possessive, protective security agent with familial ties to the Irish mob was incredible. Holden showcased Alastair’s courage, perseverance, dominance, and humour perfectly. Molly bringing her own words to life with her portrayal of Rose was spectacular. Molly brought all the strength, resilience, determination, fearlessness, and vulnerabilities of Rose’s character perfectly.
I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. Ms Briar brought everything with this debut. So, if you love a strong FMC, a possessive MMC, a good Bratva meets the Irish mob, found family, blood play, knife play, graphic death scenes, and very spicy content then this dark romance will be right up your street.
What a wonderful start to what is shaping up to be an amazing series.
Rose “The Vixen” Legaspi is an underground MMA fighter and after a fight in France she has one hot passionate encounter with Alastair, member of an organised crime family turned elite security agent. Despite going their separate ways, Alastair has become completely obsessed with following Rose’s career which is how he ends up in New York to watch her fight. Rose takes to the octogen an undefeated fighter when the Bratva orders her to lose the fight so they can rig the bets and advance their own fighter. Rose comes out swinging and pulverises her opponent leaving her with a target on her back. She manages to escape with the help of the dashing Alastair and makes it out of the city when her estranged father’s former colleagues work to get her to safety and keep her off the Bratva’s radar. Will Rose and Alastair’s hot, possessive connection that spans the globe and multiple cultures survive the wrath of the Bratva?
Alastair was born into the Irish mob but walked away in favour of a life with the elite Caledonia Security firm, however, the allure of violent underground blood sport is too much of a temptation. At one such MMA fight in France he is completely captivated with the female fighter and after one passionate encounter with her, he is totally beguiled by her and is so obsessed that he begins following her underground career cand finds himself unable to stand by when the Bratva go after her when she defies their orders to throw the fight. Despite getting her to safety, Rose disappears, and Alastair uses all the resources at his disposal including reaching out to the Irish Mob to find her so he can protect her, only he doesn’t anticipate her wanting to do the same for him. Will the secrets that lurk in the shadows of the violent world they’ve become embroiled in tear them apart, or will love truly conquer all?
New to me narrators Holden Maddox and Molly Briar bring Alastair and Rose to life in the most phenomenal way possible.
Holden’s performance as the alpha possessive, protective security agent with familial ties to the Irish mob was incredible. Holden showcased Alastair’s courage, perseverance, dominance, and humour perfectly. Molly bringing her own words to life with her portrayal of Rose was spectacular. Molly brought all the strength, resilience, determination, fearlessness, and vulnerabilities of Rose’s character perfectly.
I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. Ms Briar brought everything with this debut. So, if you love a strong FMC, a possessive MMC, a good Bratva meets the Irish mob, found family, blood play, knife play, graphic death scenes, and very spicy content then this dark romance will be right up your street.
What a wonderful start to what is shaping up to be an amazing series.
May 3, 2023
Iron Rose is book two of Molly Briar's new dark Mafia series.
Rose "The Vixen" Legaspi is an underground MMA fighter who is used to taking down men in the ring. She's honed her body to be a deadly weapon and has earned her reputation the hard way. She doesn't take lightly to being told to throw a fight in order to stoke the ego of the worthless son of a Russian mob boss. It's insult to injury that the son can't even fight well enough to make throwing the fight look genuine. Rose refuses to compromise, knowing that doing so has earned her a bullet to the head. With the help of an unlikely ally, a one night stand with connections of his own, Rose manages to escape.
While on the run, missing pieces of her life fall into place as Rose is surrounded by family and protection she never knew she had, put into place by the father she thought abandoned her.
But...here's the thing. This book is dark. The author took the time to write out probably one of the most complete trigger warnings that I've seen yet. If you have a problem with any of the following - torture, murder, graphic fight scenes (one of which is very graphic), mental breakdown that leads to self-inflicted injury, blood/knife play, or consensual non-consent - then do not pick up this book. This isn't a book for those looking for the "good guy", you won't find any here. Instead you'll find yourself rooting for the best of the bad guys and thoroughly enjoying the ride.
You'll see some familiar characters - Brett, Jubilee, Lea, Leo and Callum - from book one. Like the first book, Iron Rose also ends on a slight cliffhanger, but only enough of one to set up the next book, Leo's story. Rose and Alistair's story is complete here.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rose "The Vixen" Legaspi is an underground MMA fighter who is used to taking down men in the ring. She's honed her body to be a deadly weapon and has earned her reputation the hard way. She doesn't take lightly to being told to throw a fight in order to stoke the ego of the worthless son of a Russian mob boss. It's insult to injury that the son can't even fight well enough to make throwing the fight look genuine. Rose refuses to compromise, knowing that doing so has earned her a bullet to the head. With the help of an unlikely ally, a one night stand with connections of his own, Rose manages to escape.
While on the run, missing pieces of her life fall into place as Rose is surrounded by family and protection she never knew she had, put into place by the father she thought abandoned her.
But...here's the thing. This book is dark. The author took the time to write out probably one of the most complete trigger warnings that I've seen yet. If you have a problem with any of the following - torture, murder, graphic fight scenes (one of which is very graphic), mental breakdown that leads to self-inflicted injury, blood/knife play, or consensual non-consent - then do not pick up this book. This isn't a book for those looking for the "good guy", you won't find any here. Instead you'll find yourself rooting for the best of the bad guys and thoroughly enjoying the ride.
You'll see some familiar characters - Brett, Jubilee, Lea, Leo and Callum - from book one. Like the first book, Iron Rose also ends on a slight cliffhanger, but only enough of one to set up the next book, Leo's story. Rose and Alistair's story is complete here.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2025
This book started off fire. Captivated me from the start! A woman underground MMA fighter who fought both genders and kicked complete and total ass. The voice actors were nicely chosen, accents were fire and delicious.
Then just as quickly as it kept me captivated, it started becoming unbearable. Scenes started becoming drawn out with long winded explanation of things that didn’t need to be there or the needed description was way too long. Ended up fast forwarding to skip the descriptions because they were so long winded.
The miscommunication and unwilling to use words to actually talk to one another between Rose and Alister was baffling and frustrating. He would go on and on with the inner monologue of how obsessed he was of her but would say “I want to possess you” “you offend me” or my personal favorite “you walk out that door you will offended me” or “ask me for help” like tf?! Yet couldn’t understand why she never took him serious and felt like she was just a toy to him.
Rose? She is no better “I don’t have a father” was the most annoying line I have the unpleasure of hearing. Her hard headedness and unwilling to listen to understand was just as baffling and annoying. She would then find it frustrating that everyone got upset enough that they threaten violence towards her. Down to the last 4 minutes of the book she still did not listen to understand and hard headed.
The story itself was a good story. Easy to follow, understand, and enjoy. When she was fighting in the ring was literally the best part and of course Hugo when he played a “damsel in distressed” 😂😂 had me cracking up. He’s a favorite.
Then just as quickly as it kept me captivated, it started becoming unbearable. Scenes started becoming drawn out with long winded explanation of things that didn’t need to be there or the needed description was way too long. Ended up fast forwarding to skip the descriptions because they were so long winded.
The miscommunication and unwilling to use words to actually talk to one another between Rose and Alister was baffling and frustrating. He would go on and on with the inner monologue of how obsessed he was of her but would say “I want to possess you” “you offend me” or my personal favorite “you walk out that door you will offended me” or “ask me for help” like tf?! Yet couldn’t understand why she never took him serious and felt like she was just a toy to him.
Rose? She is no better “I don’t have a father” was the most annoying line I have the unpleasure of hearing. Her hard headedness and unwilling to listen to understand was just as baffling and annoying. She would then find it frustrating that everyone got upset enough that they threaten violence towards her. Down to the last 4 minutes of the book she still did not listen to understand and hard headed.
The story itself was a good story. Easy to follow, understand, and enjoy. When she was fighting in the ring was literally the best part and of course Hugo when he played a “damsel in distressed” 😂😂 had me cracking up. He’s a favorite.
April 28, 2023
I have thoroughly enjoyed these books in the Hot Bothers series, the Italians are such a hot-blooded race and this is reflected in their stories and the mafia element makes the stories dark and action filled. The loyalty to family is true and they will stick together like glue but cross them and you will never live to cross them again.
Rose Marie is a woman that has a backbone and will take no nonsense from anyone make or female and this reputation has caused her to have a reputation as an MMA championship fighter who is also able to what is needed to honour her family, her father had been a contract killer and he had taught her everything he knew and she used it wisely.
When she is instructed in a MMA championship fight that she had to throw she decides that she will show the Russian mob that they did not call all the shots so she did the complete opposite and it did not go down well. Iron Rose as she is now known is a marked woman now and she has to go into hiding, she uses her other skills becoming a killer of renown, this earns her respect and a following of loyal fans.
I guarantee that you will love every moment of this simply amazing story, you will be captivated by the story and like me will not put the book down until you reach the end of the book and discover the amazing finale of this read.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
Rose Marie is a woman that has a backbone and will take no nonsense from anyone make or female and this reputation has caused her to have a reputation as an MMA championship fighter who is also able to what is needed to honour her family, her father had been a contract killer and he had taught her everything he knew and she used it wisely.
When she is instructed in a MMA championship fight that she had to throw she decides that she will show the Russian mob that they did not call all the shots so she did the complete opposite and it did not go down well. Iron Rose as she is now known is a marked woman now and she has to go into hiding, she uses her other skills becoming a killer of renown, this earns her respect and a following of loyal fans.
I guarantee that you will love every moment of this simply amazing story, you will be captivated by the story and like me will not put the book down until you reach the end of the book and discover the amazing finale of this read.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
April 19, 2025
Molly always knows how to write a story that has so much depth and sucks you right in. You want to sit down and read it all in one sitting.
Rose is a freaking spitfire of a woman. And she’s a MMA champion in the MENS underground fighting. She is fierce and a force to be reckoned with. But there is so much more to her. She doesn’t really have any family and she does not like when anyone mentions the word father. He left her when she was little and has nothing kind to say about him.
Alastair was born into the Irish mafia, but decided to walk away from it and runs the Caledonia Security Firm. After watching The Vixen fight in the underground MMA world and having a very spicy moment with her, he becomes obsessed and smitten.
Rose finds herself having to go into hiding after she goes against the request of the Bratva to throw the fight and lose. Alastair does everything he can to find her again. She has just disappeared for 5 days and he is going crazy trying to locate her again.
The character development of Rose and Alastair was so good. You get to learn more about what makes them who they are. They have a very spicy and hectic connection, but it’s there and strong.
ⓐⓤⓓⓘⓞ ⓣⓗⓞⓤⓖⓗⓣⓢ
Theodore Zephyr did an amazing job of Alastair and all the side male characters. He really brought to life the possessive and obsessed side of Alastair and you could feel the tension. Molly Briar always nails it when it comes to the characters she narrates. I could feel the emotions of Rose every single time. Her rage, anger, sadness, and passion.
4⭐️
3🌶️
Rose is a freaking spitfire of a woman. And she’s a MMA champion in the MENS underground fighting. She is fierce and a force to be reckoned with. But there is so much more to her. She doesn’t really have any family and she does not like when anyone mentions the word father. He left her when she was little and has nothing kind to say about him.
Alastair was born into the Irish mafia, but decided to walk away from it and runs the Caledonia Security Firm. After watching The Vixen fight in the underground MMA world and having a very spicy moment with her, he becomes obsessed and smitten.
Rose finds herself having to go into hiding after she goes against the request of the Bratva to throw the fight and lose. Alastair does everything he can to find her again. She has just disappeared for 5 days and he is going crazy trying to locate her again.
The character development of Rose and Alastair was so good. You get to learn more about what makes them who they are. They have a very spicy and hectic connection, but it’s there and strong.
ⓐⓤⓓⓘⓞ ⓣⓗⓞⓤⓖⓗⓣⓢ
Theodore Zephyr did an amazing job of Alastair and all the side male characters. He really brought to life the possessive and obsessed side of Alastair and you could feel the tension. Molly Briar always nails it when it comes to the characters she narrates. I could feel the emotions of Rose every single time. Her rage, anger, sadness, and passion.
4⭐️
3🌶️
April 12, 2023
*No Spoilers* 18+ Adult Standalone Dark Romance within the Ungoverned Spaces series
* Strong FMC, Possessive MMC, Irish Mob, MMA, Bratva, Found family, F/M, Private security
** Check content warnings as adult sexual content which feature some F/F and graphic violence **
Loved this book from the onset.
The female lead, Rose is the quintessential Filipina, intelligent and beautiful but she has been honed to a knifes edge of lethality and she just bursts out of the page from the word Go!
Love how her character progresses through out, the flaws, the attributes, the growth, everything superb.
Alastair is our MMC, slightly obsessive over Rose and an Alpha in character traits with links to the Irish Mob.
From the start the sexual tension is Hot with a capital H and never cools, has that organic, natural build up to combustion when these two forces of nature collide again!
Excellent dynamics.
Side characters are superbly written with depth and colour, all relatable and you want to know more about them as they are interesting, make you laugh or raise questions.
I had planned an early night but once I started reading this I could not put it down, story gathered momentum the further in I read and just one more page turned into err just one more chapter and then it was the final line!
The author Molly Briar has a new addition to her dedicated followers as I shall be reading her books from now on. Superb.
* Strong FMC, Possessive MMC, Irish Mob, MMA, Bratva, Found family, F/M, Private security
** Check content warnings as adult sexual content which feature some F/F and graphic violence **
Loved this book from the onset.
The female lead, Rose is the quintessential Filipina, intelligent and beautiful but she has been honed to a knifes edge of lethality and she just bursts out of the page from the word Go!
Love how her character progresses through out, the flaws, the attributes, the growth, everything superb.
Alastair is our MMC, slightly obsessive over Rose and an Alpha in character traits with links to the Irish Mob.
From the start the sexual tension is Hot with a capital H and never cools, has that organic, natural build up to combustion when these two forces of nature collide again!
Excellent dynamics.
Side characters are superbly written with depth and colour, all relatable and you want to know more about them as they are interesting, make you laugh or raise questions.
I had planned an early night but once I started reading this I could not put it down, story gathered momentum the further in I read and just one more page turned into err just one more chapter and then it was the final line!
The author Molly Briar has a new addition to her dedicated followers as I shall be reading her books from now on. Superb.
December 31, 2023
What a ride. This book caught my attention when I read the FMC was Filipina, but I wasn't in a rush to read it until I saw the second book in the series was coming out. I am SO glad I put it at the top of my TBR.
First, it dives right into the smut, but that's not all it is, so don't let that turn you off if it's not so much your thing. This is one of the rare dark romance/mafia romance books that has WAY more than that going for it. As someone who writes and edits for a living, I'm insanely nitpicky about spelling, grammar and punctuation errors because I find them so distracting. Not an issue at all with this author and her editing team - kudos to all of them. Also, the level of writing by this author is impressive, to the point that she's been added to by fave author list and I'll likely read just about anything she writes at this point. There also were some really funny/memorable bits from this book that I've listed below:
- That was a new kink unlocked.
- If I drink this, will I end up as annoying as yo in the mornings?
- Hugo: Oh no. Anton Vasiliev has found us!!!! :-(
This book was memorable. I loved the FMC. I loved the MMC. I loved the Irish Mafia representation and the development of tangential characters that I hope get their own installments. There was a lot going on with the plot, but the author managed to keep it altogether and moving and I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to Steel Rain!
The FMC's new name Jubilee Bradley, I have some thoughts on this, mostly WTF. But it all makes sense later in the book so I forgive this weird name that I almost gave to my springer spaniel when we got him a year ago.
First, it dives right into the smut, but that's not all it is, so don't let that turn you off if it's not so much your thing. This is one of the rare dark romance/mafia romance books that has WAY more than that going for it. As someone who writes and edits for a living, I'm insanely nitpicky about spelling, grammar and punctuation errors because I find them so distracting. Not an issue at all with this author and her editing team - kudos to all of them. Also, the level of writing by this author is impressive, to the point that she's been added to by fave author list and I'll likely read just about anything she writes at this point. There also were some really funny/memorable bits from this book that I've listed below:
- That was a new kink unlocked.
- If I drink this, will I end up as annoying as yo in the mornings?
- Hugo: Oh no. Anton Vasiliev has found us!!!! :-(
This book was memorable. I loved the FMC. I loved the MMC. I loved the Irish Mafia representation and the development of tangential characters that I hope get their own installments. There was a lot going on with the plot, but the author managed to keep it altogether and moving and I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to Steel Rain!
The FMC's new name Jubilee Bradley, I have some thoughts on this, mostly WTF. But it all makes sense later in the book so I forgive this weird name that I almost gave to my springer spaniel when we got him a year ago.
May 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this story. It comes hot out of the gate between Rose and Alastair, kickstarting their heated relationship after one of Rose’s fights. Rose is a total bad booty FMC. She finds herself in hot water with the Russian mafia after she refuses to throw a fight and she has to fight her way to freedom with Alastair at her side. He helps her to safety and that is all she wrote right? Heck no! This story is one of strength, tenacity, finding family, found family, and standing up for yourself.
Having read Jericho’s duet, I liked this early look at him and how his relationship with Rose developed into one of Father/Daughter. I am surprised he didn’t just drop her out of a plane with her stubbornness though. I even wanted to smack her sometimes, lol.
Her relationship with Alastair is tumultuous to say the least. While Rose is tough as nails, she definitely has confidence issues and has a hard time believing Alastair’s intentions, though he doesn’t help his case for sure. The spice and heat between them is fire and they had good push and pull.
One of my favorite scenes is the ending and climax of the story. Priceless and I cheered Rose on all the way.
Having read Jericho’s duet, I liked this early look at him and how his relationship with Rose developed into one of Father/Daughter. I am surprised he didn’t just drop her out of a plane with her stubbornness though. I even wanted to smack her sometimes, lol.
Her relationship with Alastair is tumultuous to say the least. While Rose is tough as nails, she definitely has confidence issues and has a hard time believing Alastair’s intentions, though he doesn’t help his case for sure. The spice and heat between them is fire and they had good push and pull.
One of my favorite scenes is the ending and climax of the story. Priceless and I cheered Rose on all the way.
May 22, 2023
★”She was a dangerous game, and I wanted to consume her, own her and toy with her in the worst possible way.”★
—>>> Rose “The Vixen” Legaspi makes an indelible impression on Alistair when he witnesses her fighting in the underground MMA ring, and the safety of this ferocious fighter is one of the only things which will make him choose between the life he had left behind and the straight-and-narrow road he had forged in its stead when she makes a move during a fight which will decide her fate for herself and others…possibly for the rest of her life. The choice was simple, however, the woman he has been obsessing through Rose-colored glasses will win every time, now that she has lit a NOS-fueled desire for her in his blood. Luckily for them both, he may just have the necessary skills and resources to keep them all safe. A page turning read for me, absolutely loved the characters (witty and glib banter) and hope to read more about them as well as more stories from this author in the future!
—>>> Rose “The Vixen” Legaspi makes an indelible impression on Alistair when he witnesses her fighting in the underground MMA ring, and the safety of this ferocious fighter is one of the only things which will make him choose between the life he had left behind and the straight-and-narrow road he had forged in its stead when she makes a move during a fight which will decide her fate for herself and others…possibly for the rest of her life. The choice was simple, however, the woman he has been obsessing through Rose-colored glasses will win every time, now that she has lit a NOS-fueled desire for her in his blood. Luckily for them both, he may just have the necessary skills and resources to keep them all safe. A page turning read for me, absolutely loved the characters (witty and glib banter) and hope to read more about them as well as more stories from this author in the future!
July 29, 2023
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
Iron Rose is a standalone but related to the Ungoverned Spaces series. Rose is a Filipino kick-a$$ female MMA fighter in a man's world. When she flips a middle finger at the Bratva refusing to throw a fight, she has to run. Alistair is a sexy Irishman, was her one night stand, and now her ticket to safety as he works for a security group (basis for the Ungoverned series). I love that this story is multicultural, international, just a breath of fresh air in the mafia based stories. I binged this book as it's action-packed, has lots of intrigue, super steamy scenes, and has a little age-gap going on and I loved it all. This was my first book by the author and now I'm hooked.
The narration was so, so good. Molly Briar did a fantastic job as Rose, accent and all (which I have a feeling is authentic), but who better to know a character than the author! Holden Maddox is new to me but what a voice! All the accents, all the characters...just amazing! I hope to hear more from him. 5 killer stars!!
Iron Rose is a standalone but related to the Ungoverned Spaces series. Rose is a Filipino kick-a$$ female MMA fighter in a man's world. When she flips a middle finger at the Bratva refusing to throw a fight, she has to run. Alistair is a sexy Irishman, was her one night stand, and now her ticket to safety as he works for a security group (basis for the Ungoverned series). I love that this story is multicultural, international, just a breath of fresh air in the mafia based stories. I binged this book as it's action-packed, has lots of intrigue, super steamy scenes, and has a little age-gap going on and I loved it all. This was my first book by the author and now I'm hooked.
The narration was so, so good. Molly Briar did a fantastic job as Rose, accent and all (which I have a feeling is authentic), but who better to know a character than the author! Holden Maddox is new to me but what a voice! All the accents, all the characters...just amazing! I hope to hear more from him. 5 killer stars!!
December 11, 2023
Iron Rose is a thrilling page turner that sucks you into the plot line from the beginning and just enough spice to keep you wanting more!
The push and pull of Rose and Alastair’s story is magnetic. The MFC Rose is a strong (psychically and mentally) underground MMA fighter who has has her fair share of hardships in life. She learns that not all of what she knew was true and that there was more to her complicated life then she could have imagined.
The MMC Alastair is the man we all love to hate, he’s possessive and broody but willing to lay down his life for his woman and treats her like the queen she is.
Together they fight through the trials that the Bratva have set for them as one another’s side.
This is not your typical tough guy falls for damsel in distress this damsel can save herself!
Molly’s writing style is easy to read and follow the story line while keeping the characters in focus!
She makes you fall in love with every character in the book so you look forward to their stories!
The push and pull of Rose and Alastair’s story is magnetic. The MFC Rose is a strong (psychically and mentally) underground MMA fighter who has has her fair share of hardships in life. She learns that not all of what she knew was true and that there was more to her complicated life then she could have imagined.
The MMC Alastair is the man we all love to hate, he’s possessive and broody but willing to lay down his life for his woman and treats her like the queen she is.
Together they fight through the trials that the Bratva have set for them as one another’s side.
This is not your typical tough guy falls for damsel in distress this damsel can save herself!
Molly’s writing style is easy to read and follow the story line while keeping the characters in focus!
She makes you fall in love with every character in the book so you look forward to their stories!
December 27, 2023
This was a great short read book! Molly is definitely an author I'd continue to read from. This story specifically is about a female MMA fighter, Rose, who is the daughter of a previous hit man for hire. With a chip on her shoulder for a father she thinks never cared for her, she takes all of her anger out on strangers in a boxing ring. After meeting an attractive man at a match in France, she has a one night stand & flies off for her next match in NYC. Rose's hot, one night stand, promised that wouldn't be the end of their time together.. and he delivers on that promise!! Rose ends up discovering many things about her life; or what she thought she knew of it. She ends up on the run & starts ruthlessly training for a fight for her life against the mafia. But her path keeps crossing with that of her hot one night stand...who also happens to be in the Irish Mafia?! The secrets, the twists, and all the turns!! This book keeps you on your toes!! Soo worth the read. I can't wait to see what happens next 🤗
April 29, 2023
This isn’t an easy read. It’s complex, it’s gritty, it’s dark, it will require your full attention and it will hold on to you until you finish it.
There is so much detail in this book and the author really goes out of their way to both world build, story build and character build. At times you might wonder why so much need for certain details but as the book progresses everything begins to click in to place and those little details suddenly make sense. It’s very cleverly written.
Rose is a physically strong character but it’s clear at times that is a cover for feeling emotionally and mentally weak as she struggles with rejection and feels unwanted and unloved. Something which the male characters unknowingly feed into. Told in multiple POV the author really manages to make you feel the characters pain.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There is so much detail in this book and the author really goes out of their way to both world build, story build and character build. At times you might wonder why so much need for certain details but as the book progresses everything begins to click in to place and those little details suddenly make sense. It’s very cleverly written.
Rose is a physically strong character but it’s clear at times that is a cover for feeling emotionally and mentally weak as she struggles with rejection and feels unwanted and unloved. Something which the male characters unknowingly feed into. Told in multiple POV the author really manages to make you feel the characters pain.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2023
This book is refreshing the FMC is a tough as nails MMA champion fighter so she can definitely handle herself. Rose is trying to rise up the ranks to make a name for herself on the underground MMA circuit and she meets Alastair at one of her fights where he became obsessed with her. Rose is ordered by the Bratva to throw a fight so that they can fix the bets and they can promote their fighter of course she does the complete opposite she destroys her opponent in the ring. The Bratva are very unhappy with this outcome they lost a lot on the fight so Rose has to disappear for a while and she gets some help from her estranged father's ex-colleagues which includes Alastair. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this exciting action-packed story to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2023
This is the first book that I have read by Molly Briar and about an MMA fighter. I understand this is her debut and what a great one it is! Molly is definitely someone to keep an eye on in the future!
I found the plot riveting from start to finish. Rose is the feisty, but lonely fighter, who meets her match with Alastair (ex-SAS) whilst on the run from the Bratva and is taken under the wing by Brett Bradley (a friend of her dad and trainer) and with a very interesting past and future!
The password to the laptop was a good touch where all the pieces to the puzzle happily slide into place.
There is suspense, romance, a good story and a great deal of sizzling and unusual spice! What I really liked was a great conclusion with no sappy epilogue about babies. Thank you!
I loved the #duetnarration and new to me narrators #mollybriar and #holdenmaddox who caught all the characters beautifully and I shall definitely be looking out for them in the future.
I found the plot riveting from start to finish. Rose is the feisty, but lonely fighter, who meets her match with Alastair (ex-SAS) whilst on the run from the Bratva and is taken under the wing by Brett Bradley (a friend of her dad and trainer) and with a very interesting past and future!
The password to the laptop was a good touch where all the pieces to the puzzle happily slide into place.
There is suspense, romance, a good story and a great deal of sizzling and unusual spice! What I really liked was a great conclusion with no sappy epilogue about babies. Thank you!
I loved the #duetnarration and new to me narrators #mollybriar and #holdenmaddox who caught all the characters beautifully and I shall definitely be looking out for them in the future.
June 12, 2025
STORY:4
CHARACTERS:4
NARRATORS:5
SPICE:2.5
OVERALL:4
TROPES:
DARK
MAFIA
BRATVA
INSTA-LUST
MMA
BAD ASS FMC
FOUND FAMILY
This was my first Molly Briar and the first time I have ever heard an author narrate their own work. That was impressive. However, the Filipino accent was rough for me at times.
Rose is a MMA fighter that has hands that are rated E and she is not afraid to fight anyone. Alistair finds her after her fight and they have a great time...in the very beginning of the book mind you.
From there he is obsessed with her and he crosses her mind..until he shows up at another fight and from there she more than just thinks about him.
This is more than just spice ya'll. Molly brings us a story of finding out what you are made of and just who you can be even though you have thought of yourself and your past in just one way. That ecen when you do not know it, you have people in your corner.
Good story, but a tad too long for my liking.
CHARACTERS:4
NARRATORS:5
SPICE:2.5
OVERALL:4
TROPES:
DARK
MAFIA
BRATVA
INSTA-LUST
MMA
BAD ASS FMC
FOUND FAMILY
This was my first Molly Briar and the first time I have ever heard an author narrate their own work. That was impressive. However, the Filipino accent was rough for me at times.
Rose is a MMA fighter that has hands that are rated E and she is not afraid to fight anyone. Alistair finds her after her fight and they have a great time...in the very beginning of the book mind you.
From there he is obsessed with her and he crosses her mind..until he shows up at another fight and from there she more than just thinks about him.
This is more than just spice ya'll. Molly brings us a story of finding out what you are made of and just who you can be even though you have thought of yourself and your past in just one way. That ecen when you do not know it, you have people in your corner.
Good story, but a tad too long for my liking.
April 6, 2023
“Of all the queens that ever lived, I choose you to rule me, my Rose Marie.”
What can I say. I enjoy it very much when you have strong and badass female character representation in books.
This book follows Rose an underground MMA fighter trying to make a name for her self. She find herself in a situation with the Bratva mobs at one of her fights when she has to make a decision that will change the outcome of her future.
During one of her fights she encounters Alistar where they have a one night stand where Rose becomes his new obsession.
Their life's collide again and she will now not only need to fight to come on top but she will need to fight her feelings as well.
🌹 Obsessed MMC/One-night stand
🌹 Strong FMC who can Unalive with the best of them
🌹 🩸🗡 play / Primal k!nk
🌹 Found Family
What can I say. I enjoy it very much when you have strong and badass female character representation in books.
This book follows Rose an underground MMA fighter trying to make a name for her self. She find herself in a situation with the Bratva mobs at one of her fights when she has to make a decision that will change the outcome of her future.
During one of her fights she encounters Alistar where they have a one night stand where Rose becomes his new obsession.
Their life's collide again and she will now not only need to fight to come on top but she will need to fight her feelings as well.
🌹 Obsessed MMC/One-night stand
🌹 Strong FMC who can Unalive with the best of them
🌹 🩸🗡 play / Primal k!nk
🌹 Found Family
April 30, 2023
Iron Rose by Molly Briar is described as a dark romance; however, Ms. Briar imbues this fast-paced story with heart stopping action and incandescent dialog, the story shines! Rose is a rising star in the underground MEN’s MMA circles, and she has a brief romantic encounter with Alistair after a match in France. Alastair has led a complicated life as a member of an elite security company and an organized crime family. Alastair is totally smitten with Rose and travels to New York to watch her latest match. Complications ensue; Rose has been asked to take a fall during the match. When she doesn’t take the fall, she must go on the run, escaping with the help of Alastair and friends. We get enormous growth and range from all characters, especially Rose and Alastair. I really enjoyed this story and appreciated the format in that we got dual narratives.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 3, 2023
This is Molly Briar's debut, and you won't want to miss it! This is an MMA meets bratva/mob meets obsessed MMC mash-up that will have you wanting to speed read through the pages to find out what happens next.
Rose is a strong female lead, but she also shows a softer side I think we all can appreciate. Alastair is soft in his own ways, but his draw to Rose pulls the BAMF he's got tucked away straight to the surface. They compliment each other well, and the resulting spark between them is fabulous!
The side characters in this one will leave you wanting more. There are many introduced in this book, and I'm curious about all of them. I hope we get more from them in future books!
Highly recommend giving this one a go. Check your triggers if you need to, and then enjoy the ride!
Rose is a strong female lead, but she also shows a softer side I think we all can appreciate. Alastair is soft in his own ways, but his draw to Rose pulls the BAMF he's got tucked away straight to the surface. They compliment each other well, and the resulting spark between them is fabulous!
The side characters in this one will leave you wanting more. There are many introduced in this book, and I'm curious about all of them. I hope we get more from them in future books!
Highly recommend giving this one a go. Check your triggers if you need to, and then enjoy the ride!
August 3, 2023
Not a Cliffhanger. Rose was a strong character it was the only reason I wanted to read this book. She is a underground MMA fighter who whips up on men, absofuckinglutely! She is solid, I loved her completely. Her man is great in sex scenes, obsessed with making sure Rose is his. He is pretty awesome too, I love that he helps her in so many ways,. They are both very solid characters.
There are some MAJOR trigger warnings in this book, IF YOU DO NOT LIKE:
* graphic torture
* murder
* graphic fight scenes
* mental breakdown
* blood and knife play during sex
* consensual non-consent
If none of the above is for you, I would not advise picking up this book, for the rest of you, go get it.
There are some MAJOR trigger warnings in this book, IF YOU DO NOT LIKE:
* graphic torture
* murder
* graphic fight scenes
* mental breakdown
* blood and knife play during sex
* consensual non-consent
If none of the above is for you, I would not advise picking up this book, for the rest of you, go get it.
April 25, 2024
Rose is one strong FMC. She would need to be, being an MMA fighter. I loved her attitude, especially when it came to the cheaters, and standing against them. She's got her issues she needs to work through though, as do we all. Will she manage to do that by the end of the book? The male characters in this book are great accompaniers to Rose. Whether they are her father figures, or love interests. They all are there for her, and looking out for her in their own ways. There's some spice in this book, but not too much. The story plot is solid, moves nicely and is all tied up well in the end. Would recommend to those who like Mafia based stories with tough female protagonists. Queen of the Night is a perfect follow on as well.
June 7, 2025
3.5 stars!
An action-packed, relatively unhinged mafia romance!
Now I have to be honest, I did take more time reading this than usual considering its length. I felt the need to put it down every time I get confused thinking "where is this story going?" which was honestly quite a lot. Things happened a bit too quickly for a significant chunk of the plot, especially when it came to the romance. It was a good thing that I really liked how it ended, and it somehow made up for the pacing.
Overall, I thought this was a solid setup to a bigger mafia universe even though I would have wanted 'love' it rather than merely 'like' it. I'm still very much eager to read more from this author and this world!
tw: gun violence, injury detail, blood, death
An action-packed, relatively unhinged mafia romance!
Now I have to be honest, I did take more time reading this than usual considering its length. I felt the need to put it down every time I get confused thinking "where is this story going?" which was honestly quite a lot. Things happened a bit too quickly for a significant chunk of the plot, especially when it came to the romance. It was a good thing that I really liked how it ended, and it somehow made up for the pacing.
Overall, I thought this was a solid setup to a bigger mafia universe even though I would have wanted 'love' it rather than merely 'like' it. I'm still very much eager to read more from this author and this world!
tw: gun violence, injury detail, blood, death
August 13, 2025
I hadn't read anything by this author before so I wasn't expecting much, but I was blown away. It was SOOO good!
What an awesome mafia romance. I wasn't sure about the MMA fighter part when I read the burb, but damn, the FMC was badass while still being soft enough for me to love when the MMC was being protective of her. I want to listen to it again already and I have never done that with an audiobook before. I wanted the story to keep going!
The character banter was hilarious at times and I loved it - especially Jericho/Brett. The narators brought each character to life so well, I am now hanging, not only to read the stories of the side characters, but also to listen to them! Gha....I'll have to read them now and wait for the audios!
Buying physical copy now as I loved it so much..
What an awesome mafia romance. I wasn't sure about the MMA fighter part when I read the burb, but damn, the FMC was badass while still being soft enough for me to love when the MMC was being protective of her. I want to listen to it again already and I have never done that with an audiobook before. I wanted the story to keep going!
The character banter was hilarious at times and I loved it - especially Jericho/Brett. The narators brought each character to life so well, I am now hanging, not only to read the stories of the side characters, but also to listen to them! Gha....I'll have to read them now and wait for the audios!
Buying physical copy now as I loved it so much..
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