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The Elite #7
Bullets & Butterflies
As the on-call doctor for a club that caters to assassins, Liam Bexley has learned to set some strict boundaries:
Never ask questions about their work.
Always stay professional.
And never, ever date a client.
Easy rules to follow, and ones that Liam takes very seriously. Being lonely and boring is a small price to pay to keep trained killers out of his personal life.
In one chance encounter with the handsome hitman Francisco Delgado, Liam's routine and existence is completely altered.
Pulled into the insanity of rival assassin guilds and a high profile death, Liam is suddenly stuck eluding danger at every turn with a man he has no business fraternizing with.
Even if he is interesting.
And really hot.
And covered in tattoos.
Liam may have to rethink those boundaries...
Bullets & Butterflies is part of the multi-author series The Elite. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Anonymous, a club beneath the gritty city where only the elite are welcome.
Never ask questions about their work.
Always stay professional.
And never, ever date a client.
Easy rules to follow, and ones that Liam takes very seriously. Being lonely and boring is a small price to pay to keep trained killers out of his personal life.
In one chance encounter with the handsome hitman Francisco Delgado, Liam's routine and existence is completely altered.
Pulled into the insanity of rival assassin guilds and a high profile death, Liam is suddenly stuck eluding danger at every turn with a man he has no business fraternizing with.
Even if he is interesting.
And really hot.
And covered in tattoos.
Liam may have to rethink those boundaries...
Bullets & Butterflies is part of the multi-author series The Elite. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Anonymous, a club beneath the gritty city where only the elite are welcome.
151 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2023
95 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Maz Maddox
44 books694 followersMaz Maddox is the odd lovechild between a unicorn, dinosaur and vampire. The outcome is a human-like figure who inherited aspects of all three. She is a champion of logic and science, adores beauty and whimsy, and has a slight streak of darkness that dances the line of genius and insanity.
Residing in the wild land of cowboy boots and Shiner beer, Maz spends her time with her two dogs and a husband who she adores, and is constantly demanding that science gives her a pocket sized triceratops. The efforts of these demands have yet to be fulfilled.
When she’s not pining over the lack of chihuahua sized ornithischia, she’s a writer who loves crafting adventures tales sprinkled with humor, a hefty helping of romance, and topped with a happy ending.
Residing in the wild land of cowboy boots and Shiner beer, Maz spends her time with her two dogs and a husband who she adores, and is constantly demanding that science gives her a pocket sized triceratops. The efforts of these demands have yet to be fulfilled.
When she’s not pining over the lack of chihuahua sized ornithischia, she’s a writer who loves crafting adventures tales sprinkled with humor, a hefty helping of romance, and topped with a happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
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May 29, 2023I’ve loved everything else I’ve read by Maz Maddox but was ambivalent about this one, at best. If it were nearly any other author, I’d have DNF’d somewhere between 30 and 40%. I hung in there because I know Maz can deliver. Unfortunately, I remained ambivalent and bored til the end.
Nothing offensive or problematic, simply meh 🤷🏻♀️
Nothing offensive or problematic, simply meh 🤷🏻♀️
July 7, 2025
As the on-call doctor for a club that caters to assassins, Liam Bexley has learned to set some strict boundaries: Never ask questions about their work. Always stay professional....and never, ever date a client. Easy rules to follow, and ones that Liam takes very seriously. Being lonely and boring is a small price to pay to keep trained killers out of his personal life. In one chance encounter with the handsome hitman Francisco Delgado, Liam's routine and existence is completely altered.
This has been a fun multi-author series. In this one we are transported into the inner workings of The Menagerie Hotel, home to the unsavory club, "The Anonymous", which is located in the heart of the city known as Old Defiance.
As a reader you are always a guest at the club, along with whatever criminal character(s) that particular author has created for their storyline. Here we go with Maz Maddox, behind the doors, to the Hotel’s/club’s infirmary, where the assassins, thieves, wet-workers, and other nefarious members who need “patching up” come to get medical care. We meet Dr. Liam Bexley who has been the doctor for The Anonymous’ clientele for years, walking its blood red carpet and sticking by his rules of non-engagement with any of his notorious patients. Even if the patient is the attractive and flirtatious hitman, Francisco Delgado.
Maz Maddox brings us into the seamier aspect of the club; if that’s even possible. It's already a dark and dangerous place with two jaded men, deeply seated within this environment. Liam’s constantly aware of his patients unsavory and deadly professional sides, as well as their often-murderous skill sets. They end up on his table, needing everything from emergency surgery to simple stitches.
Liam’s is a complex man. He's wry, jaded, and totally accepting of his status and lifestyle that includes treating and healing criminals, yet somehow, he manages to hide his very tender heart. It was fun "hearing" his grumpy interior monologue.
Francisco Delgado, or "Cisco" as he’s called, is an entirely different character. He's handsome, and charismatic, and he’s a member of the Courtesan Guild of assassins. The other group being "The Sheath Guild".
This is a fantastic and talented author that has created for us a marvelous tale of intrigue, betrayal, suspense, murder and, a rising love among the falling bodies.
From book one, I had wanted to know more about each of the Guilds, especially The Courtesan Guild, how it operates and the history behind it, as well as how Liam came into the moment that he chose to be both a doctor and an assassin. That story would be a remarkable story all by itself. Together, Cisco and Liam make a sexy, darkly compelling couple. I highly recommend their story, and the books can easily be read out of order.
This has been a fun multi-author series. In this one we are transported into the inner workings of The Menagerie Hotel, home to the unsavory club, "The Anonymous", which is located in the heart of the city known as Old Defiance.
As a reader you are always a guest at the club, along with whatever criminal character(s) that particular author has created for their storyline. Here we go with Maz Maddox, behind the doors, to the Hotel’s/club’s infirmary, where the assassins, thieves, wet-workers, and other nefarious members who need “patching up” come to get medical care. We meet Dr. Liam Bexley who has been the doctor for The Anonymous’ clientele for years, walking its blood red carpet and sticking by his rules of non-engagement with any of his notorious patients. Even if the patient is the attractive and flirtatious hitman, Francisco Delgado.
Maz Maddox brings us into the seamier aspect of the club; if that’s even possible. It's already a dark and dangerous place with two jaded men, deeply seated within this environment. Liam’s constantly aware of his patients unsavory and deadly professional sides, as well as their often-murderous skill sets. They end up on his table, needing everything from emergency surgery to simple stitches.
Liam’s is a complex man. He's wry, jaded, and totally accepting of his status and lifestyle that includes treating and healing criminals, yet somehow, he manages to hide his very tender heart. It was fun "hearing" his grumpy interior monologue.
Francisco Delgado, or "Cisco" as he’s called, is an entirely different character. He's handsome, and charismatic, and he’s a member of the Courtesan Guild of assassins. The other group being "The Sheath Guild".
This is a fantastic and talented author that has created for us a marvelous tale of intrigue, betrayal, suspense, murder and, a rising love among the falling bodies.
From book one, I had wanted to know more about each of the Guilds, especially The Courtesan Guild, how it operates and the history behind it, as well as how Liam came into the moment that he chose to be both a doctor and an assassin. That story would be a remarkable story all by itself. Together, Cisco and Liam make a sexy, darkly compelling couple. I highly recommend their story, and the books can easily be read out of order.
May 18, 2023
An assassin book really shouldn't be boring. But I found myself drifting away from this one time and time again, and while it picked up eventually, the first 40 percent or so was a drag. I can't even explain why -- the writing is fine (a bit purplish, but really -- assassin books should be either hard-boiled or magenta, so that's allowed) and there is plenty of action afoot. Insofar as I can put my finger on anything, it's that I just didn't feel much of a connection with the two MCs or between the two MCs. That made me feel detached from the machinations and not particularly invested in the twists and turns.
3-starring because this is a perfectly competent assassin book that will probably work for plenty of people, even if it didn't do much for me.
I got an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
3-starring because this is a perfectly competent assassin book that will probably work for plenty of people, even if it didn't do much for me.
I got an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
May 16, 2023
I love Maz Maddox and this book was the usual wild ride I've come to expect!
Liam is a doctor who works for an organisation that that provides services for assassins. He's grumpy and bad tempered and has been crushing hard on one of his patients, Cisco, for quite some time. Cisco is a assassin that specialises in seduction and he's been crushing on Liam for quite some time too. He adores the grumpy man and their banter is a delight as he shamelessly flirts with Liam every chance he gets.
When Liam inadvertently gets caught up in an assassination attempt on Cisco, the two are thrown together and the usual Maz Maddoz mayhem ensues. They are 🔥, the story is short, fun and fast-paced. I adored it!
Liam is a doctor who works for an organisation that that provides services for assassins. He's grumpy and bad tempered and has been crushing hard on one of his patients, Cisco, for quite some time. Cisco is a assassin that specialises in seduction and he's been crushing on Liam for quite some time too. He adores the grumpy man and their banter is a delight as he shamelessly flirts with Liam every chance he gets.
When Liam inadvertently gets caught up in an assassination attempt on Cisco, the two are thrown together and the usual Maz Maddoz mayhem ensues. They are 🔥, the story is short, fun and fast-paced. I adored it!
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May 31, 2023DNF time of death: 20%
Maybe I'm not in the mood, maybe it's the book and not me... still can't wait for the next book by Maz :)
Maybe I'm not in the mood, maybe it's the book and not me... still can't wait for the next book by Maz :)
May 6, 2023
This is Maddox's first foray into contemporary and it had everything I've come to expect from her paranormal works. It was a quick, extremely fun read with witty banter and lovable characters. For me, it was just a little too insta-lovey, as it seems like the MCs fell for each other off page before the book started. I still enjoyed the action, the steam, and the chemistry between the characters, and am looking forward to more contemporary stories from Maz
June 28, 2023
June 2023
Kindle edition
Not a fan of this one. There was a glint of interest when Gabe realized it was a set up, and then it became a regular assassin conspiracy. For me, I was pretty much done when they decided getting off in the closet was more of a priority than getting evidence. The whole no trust thing seems to work against them. I did like the ending, that was clever but not enough for me to enjoy the rest of the book.
Kindle edition
Not a fan of this one. There was a glint of interest when Gabe realized it was a set up, and then it became a regular assassin conspiracy. For me, I was pretty much done when they decided getting off in the closet was more of a priority than getting evidence. The whole no trust thing seems to work against them. I did like the ending, that was clever but not enough for me to enjoy the rest of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2025
I really enjoy Maz Maddox's writing style and the way their plots are always chaotic disasters!
This was definitely a hare-brained escapade, but I loved the chemistry between Dr Liam and Cisco the courtesan assassin. I would have liked to see them properly together after the whole crime boss showdown, but I did enjoy getting to see the beginning of their relationship and the lengths they were willing to go to so they could keep each other safe.
This was definitely a hare-brained escapade, but I loved the chemistry between Dr Liam and Cisco the courtesan assassin. I would have liked to see them properly together after the whole crime boss showdown, but I did enjoy getting to see the beginning of their relationship and the lengths they were willing to go to so they could keep each other safe.
March 11, 2025
Voto: 4.5
RECENSIONE A CURA DI BARBARA
Frizzante!
Maz Maddox ci conquista con immediatezza grazie a uno stile narrativo stuzzicante che diviene intrigante grazie alla caratterizzazione emotiva dei suoi due protagonisti, Liam e Cisco. Due uomini che danno vita a uno sviluppo leggero e ricco di pungenti battibecchi. Due personalità quasi caricaturate ma che in queste poche pagine sanno creare una chimica sarcasticamente sexy che esplode in tutto il suo splendore mortale. Un’attrazione cocente che non maschera completamente le fragilità delle loro anime, anzi ne esalta la bellezza portandoci, così, ad affezionarci tra tensione e divertimento.
Continua sul nostro blog!
RECENSIONE A CURA DI BARBARA
Frizzante!
Maz Maddox ci conquista con immediatezza grazie a uno stile narrativo stuzzicante che diviene intrigante grazie alla caratterizzazione emotiva dei suoi due protagonisti, Liam e Cisco. Due uomini che danno vita a uno sviluppo leggero e ricco di pungenti battibecchi. Due personalità quasi caricaturate ma che in queste poche pagine sanno creare una chimica sarcasticamente sexy che esplode in tutto il suo splendore mortale. Un’attrazione cocente che non maschera completamente le fragilità delle loro anime, anzi ne esalta la bellezza portandoci, così, ad affezionarci tra tensione e divertimento.
Continua sul nostro blog!
May 26, 2023
Good, but rushed
This was a good story, but I wish the book was longer. The relationship did not feel fleshed out and everything felt way too rushed. It would have been solid otherwise.
This was a good story, but I wish the book was longer. The relationship did not feel fleshed out and everything felt way too rushed. It would have been solid otherwise.
May 27, 2023
A fun short read with lots of action and heat. I enjoyed the characters, and the story never slowed down.
May 26, 2023
great dark characters, fast plot. more pls
Rating: 4.5🌈
One of the real delights of having a series written by multiple authors is that the reader can get a great depth in differences in the depiction of the central location , and variety in how the series theme is presented through the many different characters and plots.
In Bullets & Butterflies (The Elite) by Maz Maddox, we are transported into the inner workings of The Menagerie Hotel, home to unsavory club, The Anonymous , right in the heart of the city known as Old Defiance.
The reader has always been a guest at the club, along with whatever criminal character(s) that particular author has created for their storyline. But here , with Maddox, we go behind the doors, to the Hotel’s/club’s infirmary, where the assassins, thieves, wet-workers, and other nefarious members who need “patching up” come to get medical care.
Dr. Liam Bexley has been the doctor for The Anonymous’ clientele for years, trodding its blood red carpet and sticking by his rules of non engagement with his notorious patients.
Even the patient is the attractive and flirtatious hitman Francisco Delgado.
Maddox brings us into the seamier aspect , if that’s even possible, of an already dark and dangerous world with two jaded men, deeply seated within this environment. Liam’s constantly aware of his patients deadly professional side, as well as their often murderous skill sets. They end up on his table, needing everything from emergency surgery to simple stitches.
Liam’s such a complex man, wry, jaded, accepting of his status and lifestyle that includes healing criminals, yet somehow he manages to hide his own tender heart. I so enjoyed listening to his grumpy doctor’s interior monologue.
Francisco Delgado, or Cisco as he’s called, is a different character. Handsome, charismatic, he’s a member of the Courtesan Guild of assassins. The other group being The Sheath Guild.
Maddox builds a marvelous tale of intrigue, betrayal, suspense, murder and , a rising love among falling bodies.
If a have a quibble, it’s that I wanted to know more about each Guild, especially The Courtesan Guild, how it operates and the history behind it. And I wanted to know how each man came into each moment that they chose to be both a doctor at The Anonymous and an assassin .
Each story would be a remarkable story itself.
Together, Cisco and Liam make a sexy, darkly compelling couple. More of them pls.
I highly recommend their story and hope Maddox finds the time to explore their future together.
Rating: 4.5🌈
One of the real delights of having a series written by multiple authors is that the reader can get a great depth in differences in the depiction of the central location , and variety in how the series theme is presented through the many different characters and plots.
In Bullets & Butterflies (The Elite) by Maz Maddox, we are transported into the inner workings of The Menagerie Hotel, home to unsavory club, The Anonymous , right in the heart of the city known as Old Defiance.
The reader has always been a guest at the club, along with whatever criminal character(s) that particular author has created for their storyline. But here , with Maddox, we go behind the doors, to the Hotel’s/club’s infirmary, where the assassins, thieves, wet-workers, and other nefarious members who need “patching up” come to get medical care.
Dr. Liam Bexley has been the doctor for The Anonymous’ clientele for years, trodding its blood red carpet and sticking by his rules of non engagement with his notorious patients.
Even the patient is the attractive and flirtatious hitman Francisco Delgado.
Maddox brings us into the seamier aspect , if that’s even possible, of an already dark and dangerous world with two jaded men, deeply seated within this environment. Liam’s constantly aware of his patients deadly professional side, as well as their often murderous skill sets. They end up on his table, needing everything from emergency surgery to simple stitches.
Liam’s such a complex man, wry, jaded, accepting of his status and lifestyle that includes healing criminals, yet somehow he manages to hide his own tender heart. I so enjoyed listening to his grumpy doctor’s interior monologue.
Francisco Delgado, or Cisco as he’s called, is a different character. Handsome, charismatic, he’s a member of the Courtesan Guild of assassins. The other group being The Sheath Guild.
Maddox builds a marvelous tale of intrigue, betrayal, suspense, murder and , a rising love among falling bodies.
If a have a quibble, it’s that I wanted to know more about each Guild, especially The Courtesan Guild, how it operates and the history behind it. And I wanted to know how each man came into each moment that they chose to be both a doctor at The Anonymous and an assassin .
Each story would be a remarkable story itself.
Together, Cisco and Liam make a sexy, darkly compelling couple. More of them pls.
I highly recommend their story and hope Maddox finds the time to explore their future together.
May 14, 2023
Good story.
This book started off just a bit slow for me but once it picked up it grabbed me and didn’t let go. The only reason this didn’t get five stars from me is that I thought it ended a bit too abruptly. This is a novella length story and I really enjoy that length of book. The characters were interesting and I liked their dynamic together. This book is part of a multi-author series that can be read in any order; the books are connected only by a club called Anonymous.
I’ve never read a book quite like this – with an assassin as one of the MCs – but it really worked well. It seems a bit weird that a story about an assassin and murder could be funny but Maz Maddox’ witty sense of humor was very present in this story and I LOL’d more than once.
As I said above, the book ended a bit abruptly for me and the last sentence of the story left me thinking that we haven’t heard the last of Liam and Cisco. I’d love to see this expanded into a full-length novel or for there to be a follow-up book about this couple. I need to add that I loved the twist about what Liam did to help Cisco near the end – that was a good surprise!
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
This book started off just a bit slow for me but once it picked up it grabbed me and didn’t let go. The only reason this didn’t get five stars from me is that I thought it ended a bit too abruptly. This is a novella length story and I really enjoy that length of book. The characters were interesting and I liked their dynamic together. This book is part of a multi-author series that can be read in any order; the books are connected only by a club called Anonymous.
I’ve never read a book quite like this – with an assassin as one of the MCs – but it really worked well. It seems a bit weird that a story about an assassin and murder could be funny but Maz Maddox’ witty sense of humor was very present in this story and I LOL’d more than once.
As I said above, the book ended a bit abruptly for me and the last sentence of the story left me thinking that we haven’t heard the last of Liam and Cisco. I’d love to see this expanded into a full-length novel or for there to be a follow-up book about this couple. I need to add that I loved the twist about what Liam did to help Cisco near the end – that was a good surprise!
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
May 29, 2023
It was a little to insta-lovey for me as this is supposed to be contemporary. Well it seems that in truth the characters feelings for one another were already growing for some time, but it was all before we even met them - thus the insta feel. Still, the chemistry between the MC's certainly was there and there was quite some action too. There were some things I didn't get concerning the proof aspect, like there are cameras everywhere nowadays, I'm sure the perpetrator would be on one or another and with other evidence it would make a circumstantial case (also, there is also such a thing as a handy camera, I don't know why they didn't utilize that when they had some evidence at hand).
Also, do I remember right? No prep, no protection?
Also, do I remember right? No prep, no protection?
May 13, 2023
3.5
Let me start by saying I loved the humor. Something about Maz's sense of humor just works for me. We could easily be friends in RL.
I definitely enjoyed this book, but for some reason I didn't quite connect with it like I have with Maz's other books. I liked both characters fine, but I just didn't get excited about reading it.
Though damn, are Maz's sex scenes getting hotter, or is that just me?
All in all, I definitely think it's worth a fun read!
Let me start by saying I loved the humor. Something about Maz's sense of humor just works for me. We could easily be friends in RL.
I definitely enjoyed this book, but for some reason I didn't quite connect with it like I have with Maz's other books. I liked both characters fine, but I just didn't get excited about reading it.
Though damn, are Maz's sex scenes getting hotter, or is that just me?
All in all, I definitely think it's worth a fun read!
May 31, 2023
Liam is a doctor working for the club and gets mixed up with Cisco when he comes in to get patched up following his latest assassination attempt.
When Cisco goes on his way, Liam decides to go home for a few hours and gets mixed up in trouble outside the hotel where Cisco comes to his rescue.
Things get deeper into trouble when Cisco is accused of murdering the head of another guild.
I am loving this series.
When Cisco goes on his way, Liam decides to go home for a few hours and gets mixed up in trouble outside the hotel where Cisco comes to his rescue.
Things get deeper into trouble when Cisco is accused of murdering the head of another guild.
I am loving this series.
August 6, 2023
Great addition to the series!
I didn’t know I had a danger kink, but boy those sex scenes were hot! Lots of action and danger, a little betrayal, and some humour made this a fun book to read!
I didn’t know I had a danger kink, but boy those sex scenes were hot! Lots of action and danger, a little betrayal, and some humour made this a fun book to read!
April 4, 2024
Why was I disappointed that there wasn't a dinosaur in sight? 🤣🤣🤣
June 1, 2023
Doctor Liam 42 was the one man that the assassins came to ta get patched up .
Liam was crushing on Francisco something bad.
Cisco was setup and hurt and now on the run . Fantastic action fighting scenes playout out, unfortunately the good doctor gets mixed up in the mess.
Dangers are high and dramas happen with a mix of violence. An enjoyable read for another The Elite series.
Liam was crushing on Francisco something bad.
Cisco was setup and hurt and now on the run . Fantastic action fighting scenes playout out, unfortunately the good doctor gets mixed up in the mess.
Dangers are high and dramas happen with a mix of violence. An enjoyable read for another The Elite series.
May 11, 2023
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Bullets & Butterflies by Maz Maddox is part of the shared Elite universe. Grumpy on-call Dr. Liam Bexley sews up assassins without blinking an eye. His dry humor and serious nature keep his clients at arm’s length except for Francisco ‘Cisco’ Delgado. Cisco has found himself the target of a rival assassin guild after a hit gone wrong and shockingly finds himself turning to handsome Dr. Bexley. The two team up to try and keep Cisco safe but are shocked to find there’s a lot more they’d like to do together.
Dr. Liam Bexley’s life is predictable albeit a little boring. He’s okay with being bored after seeing the condition of some of his client’s. He has always been fond of Cisco even if he pretends otherwise whenever the shameless flirt comes in. Liam never expects to get enveloped in Cisco’s mess and even more shocking is the connection he feels with the younger man.
To everyone else, the handsome doctor was a personified sour scowl with legs and a desperate need to stab everyone he met with sarcasm. But to Cisco, he was something of a barbed puzzle box he wanted to fiddle around with until something wonderful came out.
Cisco’s life is dangerous and he knows he should stay away from the handsome doctor who has fixed him up. He hesitates to involve Liam but a chance encounter after being hurt has the doctor sticking to him like glue. Cisco has never wanted to get his heart involved but Liam manages to sneak in and charm the charmer.
Cisco marveled at him like he was a treasure to behold, eyes flicking up to catch Liam’s as he purred, “You’re beautiful, Liam.”
“I don’t handle compliments well.” Liam felt his cheeks light up under the praise.
“Keep it filthy, please.”
“My apologies.”
The Elite universe is a fun, fast paced world where assassins run amok and their partners get caught in the web. Liam and Cisco were so fun to read as they bungled their way through trying to save Cisco from another guild while getting to know each other. It was funny and chaotic yet sweet and sexy which is trademark Maz Maddox.
4 stars for Cisco being just what the doctor ordered.
Bullets & Butterflies by Maz Maddox is part of the shared Elite universe. Grumpy on-call Dr. Liam Bexley sews up assassins without blinking an eye. His dry humor and serious nature keep his clients at arm’s length except for Francisco ‘Cisco’ Delgado. Cisco has found himself the target of a rival assassin guild after a hit gone wrong and shockingly finds himself turning to handsome Dr. Bexley. The two team up to try and keep Cisco safe but are shocked to find there’s a lot more they’d like to do together.
Dr. Liam Bexley’s life is predictable albeit a little boring. He’s okay with being bored after seeing the condition of some of his client’s. He has always been fond of Cisco even if he pretends otherwise whenever the shameless flirt comes in. Liam never expects to get enveloped in Cisco’s mess and even more shocking is the connection he feels with the younger man.
To everyone else, the handsome doctor was a personified sour scowl with legs and a desperate need to stab everyone he met with sarcasm. But to Cisco, he was something of a barbed puzzle box he wanted to fiddle around with until something wonderful came out.
Cisco’s life is dangerous and he knows he should stay away from the handsome doctor who has fixed him up. He hesitates to involve Liam but a chance encounter after being hurt has the doctor sticking to him like glue. Cisco has never wanted to get his heart involved but Liam manages to sneak in and charm the charmer.
Cisco marveled at him like he was a treasure to behold, eyes flicking up to catch Liam’s as he purred, “You’re beautiful, Liam.”
“I don’t handle compliments well.” Liam felt his cheeks light up under the praise.
“Keep it filthy, please.”
“My apologies.”
The Elite universe is a fun, fast paced world where assassins run amok and their partners get caught in the web. Liam and Cisco were so fun to read as they bungled their way through trying to save Cisco from another guild while getting to know each other. It was funny and chaotic yet sweet and sexy which is trademark Maz Maddox.
4 stars for Cisco being just what the doctor ordered.
May 29, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Bullets & Butterflies is a fun, suspenseful story pairing a smooth and sexy assassin with a slightly surly doctor who has a bit of a kink for danger. I found Liam and Cisco an entertaining pair as they work together to find their way out of trouble. Liam’s default tends to be on the grumpy end and he mostly just keeps his head down and does his job. Cisco is a charmer, a man trained in seduction and smooth talking to help lure in his targets. Both men are isolated and lonely and both take a chance on opening up with one another. It takes a bit to be sure they can trust each other, but the intensity of their situation quickly brings them close. In this case, I’d say maybe a little too quickly, as the story takes place over a few days and the men are already in love by the end. We know they had an attraction from before the start of the story, having met during previous times Liam patched Cisco up. But it doesn’t appear they had any kind of connection or even real conversation, and if the story is going to rely on past events as a foundation for their relationship, it would have helped to have more insight into what happened previously.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Bullets & Butterflies is a fun, suspenseful story pairing a smooth and sexy assassin with a slightly surly doctor who has a bit of a kink for danger. I found Liam and Cisco an entertaining pair as they work together to find their way out of trouble. Liam’s default tends to be on the grumpy end and he mostly just keeps his head down and does his job. Cisco is a charmer, a man trained in seduction and smooth talking to help lure in his targets. Both men are isolated and lonely and both take a chance on opening up with one another. It takes a bit to be sure they can trust each other, but the intensity of their situation quickly brings them close. In this case, I’d say maybe a little too quickly, as the story takes place over a few days and the men are already in love by the end. We know they had an attraction from before the start of the story, having met during previous times Liam patched Cisco up. But it doesn’t appear they had any kind of connection or even real conversation, and if the story is going to rely on past events as a foundation for their relationship, it would have helped to have more insight into what happened previously.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
May 27, 2023
Bullets & Butterflies is a snarky, sly, steamy masterpiece of romance and action.
The latest in the Elite multi-author series, this book brings us Dr. Liam Bexley, he of the pinnacle of Resting Bitch Face, sarcasm for days, and just a wee bit of a crush on an assassin. You know, the way that you do. The good doctor works for the Menagerie Hotel, home to the Anonymous club, and he’s called on to patch up many a dubious injury. When the crush-worthy assassin, Francisco Delgado, literally crashes into him one night, Liam is thrust into a dangerous and deadly situation, for which he is wholly unprepared. As the two work together to unravel the mess they’re in, they are irresistibly drawn together. But can a man who vows to do no harm be with a man whose life’s work is the opposite?
I love this series, and this book is an excellent example of why. Humor and heat and action, all rolled up in a tight yet immensely satisfying story. Liam is hilarious (and maybe my new favorite grump), and I loved how he showed up for Cisco, even though he was totally out of his element. And I loved Cisco and his secret tattoos and his secret soft spot for the doc. This is a fantastic read. Highly recommend.
The latest in the Elite multi-author series, this book brings us Dr. Liam Bexley, he of the pinnacle of Resting Bitch Face, sarcasm for days, and just a wee bit of a crush on an assassin. You know, the way that you do. The good doctor works for the Menagerie Hotel, home to the Anonymous club, and he’s called on to patch up many a dubious injury. When the crush-worthy assassin, Francisco Delgado, literally crashes into him one night, Liam is thrust into a dangerous and deadly situation, for which he is wholly unprepared. As the two work together to unravel the mess they’re in, they are irresistibly drawn together. But can a man who vows to do no harm be with a man whose life’s work is the opposite?
I love this series, and this book is an excellent example of why. Humor and heat and action, all rolled up in a tight yet immensely satisfying story. Liam is hilarious (and maybe my new favorite grump), and I loved how he showed up for Cisco, even though he was totally out of his element. And I loved Cisco and his secret tattoos and his secret soft spot for the doc. This is a fantastic read. Highly recommend.
May 20, 2023
Enjoyable entry in a new shared world series called the Elite. Liam Bexley is an on-call doctor who works for a hotel that provides services for assassins ("inspired" by a certain hit movie series, perhaps?). A particular patient of his, Cisco, has managed to grab his attention and flirts shamelessly with Liam as he uses his services. That interaction changes, though, when Liam is pulled into Cisco's line of work during an attempt to kill Cisco by a rival guild.
The story is novella length and Maddox makes maximum use of it, leaving us with a story with virtually no padding as it wastes no time throwing the doctor and the hitman together in a race for their lives. The plot is fairly cleverly with some neat twists and turns, even though I did have a quibble with one action of Liam's (or lack thereof) in one part of the story where he kept something to himself. In typical Maddox fashion, there's a bit of dark humor interspersed with a lot of action, making for a fun ride of a story. And even though the whole assassin thing isn't my usual cup of tea, I enjoyed this story enough that I might check out some of the other books in this series.
The story is novella length and Maddox makes maximum use of it, leaving us with a story with virtually no padding as it wastes no time throwing the doctor and the hitman together in a race for their lives. The plot is fairly cleverly with some neat twists and turns, even though I did have a quibble with one action of Liam's (or lack thereof) in one part of the story where he kept something to himself. In typical Maddox fashion, there's a bit of dark humor interspersed with a lot of action, making for a fun ride of a story. And even though the whole assassin thing isn't my usual cup of tea, I enjoyed this story enough that I might check out some of the other books in this series.
May 23, 2023
The first things that caught my attention about this book were the cover and the title, I loved them both a lot, and I also loved the book, even though at first I didn’t like Liam so much, and that’s why I do not give a 5 star rate.
Liam is a doctor, but a particular one, since his duty consists in taking care of assassins and hitmen. His life is quite boring, until he meets Francisco Delgado, Cisco, a professional assassin accused of having murdered the wrong man, even though this time he is innocent. Squads of men hunt down him, and, without wanting it, Liam finds himself involved.
The two men are forced to stay together, and being so close, they discover they have feelings for each other.
There’s a lot of action, which I love, and after a lot of dangers the two men manage to survive and find their HEA.
Putting aside the fact that he’s an assassin, I loved Cisco for his manners, and the fact that he’s a gentleman, as well as loyal to his people. On the opposite, I liked Liam only in the end, but at least then, he managed to do the right thing, even though in a clumsy way.
In any case, I enjoyed the reading, and I do not regret at all having choosen this book.
Liam is a doctor, but a particular one, since his duty consists in taking care of assassins and hitmen. His life is quite boring, until he meets Francisco Delgado, Cisco, a professional assassin accused of having murdered the wrong man, even though this time he is innocent. Squads of men hunt down him, and, without wanting it, Liam finds himself involved.
The two men are forced to stay together, and being so close, they discover they have feelings for each other.
There’s a lot of action, which I love, and after a lot of dangers the two men manage to survive and find their HEA.
Putting aside the fact that he’s an assassin, I loved Cisco for his manners, and the fact that he’s a gentleman, as well as loyal to his people. On the opposite, I liked Liam only in the end, but at least then, he managed to do the right thing, even though in a clumsy way.
In any case, I enjoyed the reading, and I do not regret at all having choosen this book.
May 28, 2023
This was not only Maz Maddox's first foray into contemporary, but my first foray into their writing. And as a first read for this author, I was impressed. The characters were great. The humor was on point. The spicy scenes were well written and hot. It was a nice quick read, clocking in at about 43k words.
My only problem with it was that it seemed rushed and sometimes, the timeline got a bit murky. There was one scene in particular where I thought it had been just one day (and looking back, there'd been no indication of passage of time), but it mentioned an event that happened that day happening several days prior. It pulled me out of the story, made me question my sanity, and made me flip back to check myself.
But the story was cute and Liam and Cisco had amazing chemistry. Both of the characters were very lovable and I was intrigued by the world that Maz built for this. I definitely want to go and read the rest of the Elite series now, just to see more of this world of assassins operating from an upscale hotel. It's an interesting premise and it played out very well.
** DISCLAIMER: ** I recieved an ARC of this book from GRR and this is my fair and honest review.
My only problem with it was that it seemed rushed and sometimes, the timeline got a bit murky. There was one scene in particular where I thought it had been just one day (and looking back, there'd been no indication of passage of time), but it mentioned an event that happened that day happening several days prior. It pulled me out of the story, made me question my sanity, and made me flip back to check myself.
But the story was cute and Liam and Cisco had amazing chemistry. Both of the characters were very lovable and I was intrigued by the world that Maz built for this. I definitely want to go and read the rest of the Elite series now, just to see more of this world of assassins operating from an upscale hotel. It's an interesting premise and it played out very well.
** DISCLAIMER: ** I recieved an ARC of this book from GRR and this is my fair and honest review.
September 7, 2024
3.25/5 I generally like things too fluffy to really enjoy assassins as MCs for the most part, but I enjoy Maz’s writing and decided to give this a try. It has enough of an “action film of my childhood” vibe that I could mostly suspend disbelief and enjoy it for what it is. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of the doctor genuinely intent on doing no harm and the assassin who kills people for a living. Their banter is entertaining, and it’s clear that there’s been interest brewing between them for a while.
The main point of conflict in the story was both a moment of strong emotion where I most connected with the characters and one of huge annoyance for me. (I actually totally sympathise with the character’s fear and indecision *except* for them seeming to honestly think it’s a binary choice of survival given what’s happened to everyone else connected so far. So it ended up feeling a bit manufactured to me.)
I had no idea how things were going to be resolved, and I did like the solution, as wild/luck-dependent as it was. I was glad that Cisco wasn’t completely on his own. I can’t actually imagine living that life, but I do like imagining Cisco and Liam happy together.
The main point of conflict in the story was both a moment of strong emotion where I most connected with the characters and one of huge annoyance for me. (I actually totally sympathise with the character’s fear and indecision *except* for them seeming to honestly think it’s a binary choice of survival given what’s happened to everyone else connected so far. So it ended up feeling a bit manufactured to me.)
I had no idea how things were going to be resolved, and I did like the solution, as wild/luck-dependent as it was. I was glad that Cisco wasn’t completely on his own. I can’t actually imagine living that life, but I do like imagining Cisco and Liam happy together.
May 8, 2023
This was a great read from start to finish and had everything I could want; likeable characters, action, steam and a sweet HEA. Cisco and Liam had good chemistry and their banter made me laugh, even when Liam wasn't trying to be funny. They were opposites in many ways but were clearly united. Things moved fast for the pair of them but it didn't really feel rushed. Would I like even more of their world? Absolutely! There felt like so much to explore and I'd love to hear more about some of the secondary characters, namely Beau! Overall, this is a great MM romance that is full of action and intrigue. The characters fall for each other fast and I was just swept along for the ride. It definitely works as a standalone but I'm really hoping we get to hear some more from Maz about Beau at some point in the future! I'd definitely recommend this book to others who like this genre.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
May 3, 2023
Francisco is a hitman, Liam is the doctor to the hitmen. Cisco has fueled his fantasies, now the man becomes his nightmare.
Very reminiscent of a mega hit movie series, it has the charm of an added romance to move it along. Cisco has the advantage over the movie star in that he appeared (mostly) approachable, for Liam anyway, and didn’t following a set of movie rules. The plot, while seemingly predictable, still managed to surprise me in a few spots. The spicy times were unexpected in their variety and appeared at just the right times to enhance the story, not used as filler.
I’ve read almost everything written by this author. She has never disappointed me. Part of her writing allure is that no matter the subject matter, it seems perfectly believable.
I received an arc of this book.
Very reminiscent of a mega hit movie series, it has the charm of an added romance to move it along. Cisco has the advantage over the movie star in that he appeared (mostly) approachable, for Liam anyway, and didn’t following a set of movie rules. The plot, while seemingly predictable, still managed to surprise me in a few spots. The spicy times were unexpected in their variety and appeared at just the right times to enhance the story, not used as filler.
I’ve read almost everything written by this author. She has never disappointed me. Part of her writing allure is that no matter the subject matter, it seems perfectly believable.
I received an arc of this book.
May 9, 2023
3.5 stars
Liam and Cisco have had a secret crush on each other for the few months Liam has been the doctor for the club of assassins that Cisco is a member of. When things take a turn for the worse for the coutesan assassin, Liam unwittingly gets embroiled in a trap by a rival assassin club. During this three day ordeal, Cisco is exposed to more of Liam's dry, sarcastic humor while fighting for their lives, facing deadly assassins everywhere, and being thwarted at every turn. Their attraction for each other increases, leading to some sexy times, and eventually to confessions of love.
Liam and Cisco have an intense connection and being in intense danger helps to solidify their fledgling relationship.
However, for me, there were some things in this story that didn't quite make sense, and the insta-love wasn't really believable.
Liam and Cisco have had a secret crush on each other for the few months Liam has been the doctor for the club of assassins that Cisco is a member of. When things take a turn for the worse for the coutesan assassin, Liam unwittingly gets embroiled in a trap by a rival assassin club. During this three day ordeal, Cisco is exposed to more of Liam's dry, sarcastic humor while fighting for their lives, facing deadly assassins everywhere, and being thwarted at every turn. Their attraction for each other increases, leading to some sexy times, and eventually to confessions of love.
Liam and Cisco have an intense connection and being in intense danger helps to solidify their fledgling relationship.
However, for me, there were some things in this story that didn't quite make sense, and the insta-love wasn't really believable.
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