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The Scarred Pretty Boy
Finn McCorkell messed up. The first serious assignment he was given by the Killough Company—America’s biggest Irish mob—left him with scars. As a man who enjoys wearing delicate clothing, he is horrified to discover that he is no longer the center of attention due to his injuries. The swift change batters his self-confidence. When Finn is sent to Australia on a new job, he meets a man who sees past the scars.

The Mob Boss Who Loves Lace
Legend Sweeney is a myth in the southern hemisphere—a feared criminal, who has enemies fighting to regain their former territory. Bringing in Americans who know how to deal with dangerous threats is an added layer of protection. What Legend doesn’t expect is for the lookout who comes with the gunslingers to rob him of his heart. Legend has always loved stylish men, and from the moment Legend lays eyes on Finn, he can’t resist him.

A Fight for Love
As much as Legend wants to claim Finn, he can’t. Finn belongs to the Killough Company, and once the job is done, he’ll be sent back to America. The day Finn will be forced to leave is a ticking time bomb they both ignore. Legend will do everything in his power to make sure Finn stays, but his focus needs to be on his local enemies. Everyone’s life is on the line as the fight grows more violent. If Legend and Finn make it out alive, will they be able to stay together? Or will Finn have to go home alone?

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2023

105 people are currently reading
270 people want to read

About the author

Ki Brightly

92 books722 followers
I spend most of my days writing, editing, and perfecting the craft of storytelling.

A note to readers: I don't hang out on Goodreads or social media, so if you have any questions about my books, please check out my website, which I host with M.D. Gregory.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
Profile Image for S.J. Himes.
Author 20 books1,463 followers
June 1, 2023
New favorite

I adore Legend and Finn and they are my new fav NG couple!!!

Brutal, intense, emotional, and full of found family vibes, a dash of hurt/comfort, and enough silk and chiffon to restock all the boutiques in Australia, this book is perfect. I want more!!!!
Profile Image for True Loveislovereview.
2,898 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2023
I love books with mobs and I loved this one hard! It had everything I wanted!
And all vividly written!

Flying through a windshield ruined Finn’s face. He was sent over for a job in Australia by his mob boss to help the Sweeney family, probably because a change of environment may be good for his down-spiral mood.
He was always attractive, delicate, and pretty, enough men who adored him, but now? Not! Even his lingerie can’t lift him up.

When Legend saw Finn in a pretty dress, at his bar, not knowing who he was, he got all possessive, the scarred guy was gorgeous, and he was just gonna claim him as his. Only, he disobeyed him and was gone.

Surprise… imagine Legend when he understands Finn is part of the American-Irish mob group who came here to help him.
He claimed him right there.

Finn can’t believe this ruthless mob boss really finds him pretty, but the man is quite insistent on showing him, to protect him and give him everything his heart desires.

I love Legend’s possessiveness and protective stand and all he felt for Finn from first sight.
Finn was a darling and let Legend do his thing with him.

Besides Legend and Finn's relationship, there’s a good story around the gray mob business.

I really enjoyed this read. Their enough action, cruelty, fun, and delicious sexiness and lace, satin and lingerie!!!.
When you love the world of mobs, on the other side of the law, with ruthless people, read this one!
Profile Image for Lelyana's Reviews.
3,426 reviews399 followers
June 23, 2023
Well hell
Everyone has glowing reviews except me.
I have no issue with the cruel mafia but the story was f* bored me to death.
Too much telling and one major issue for us Indonesians. Bali is INSIDE Indonesia, as one of our many provinces.
Authors should be doing some research. We are a big country. Not everything happens in the world happens in America.
And the world is not only America.
Next time, IMHO, hire some sensitive readers or do some RESEARCH.
Google it!
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,475 reviews105 followers
June 7, 2023
An American mob lookout who prefers to wear silk and lace and an possessive Australian mob boss equals all the steamy goodness 🔥🔥


Profile Image for Brey (lil Sebastian).
577 reviews7 followers
dnf
January 28, 2024
DNF at 47% I tried to power through this book, but I couldn’t. I usually love what these authors write, but I just was not feeling this one. I think I’m just not really feeling this series anymore. I loved Bound to Him and The Boss and others but a few of their books lately have just been misses for me. I’m not sure if my reading tastes are changing or I just need to take a break.
Profile Image for Santy.
1,260 reviews75 followers
August 31, 2023
Good Start

The Aussie crew might be my new favorites… I enjoyed every one of those characters.

Can’t wait to see what’s next
Profile Image for Savy.
299 reviews7 followers
May 15, 2025
So I was already snickering when I started this book with reading the provided glossary of Aussie slang. (Conall, I'm looking at you.) The rest of the story didn't disappoint at all.

This book is about a mob boss named Legend. I really liked the fact Legend and his mob was different from other mafia books I have read. Down South, it's all run a bit differently, people are much chiller. This is not to say Legend is soft: he is still as ruthless as other mob bosses. Instead, expect different punishments for those who are foolish enough to cross Legend.

It's also Finn's story, a broken boy who is trying 'just one last time' and finds much more than he bargained for. His secrets won't stay secret very long, now that Legend has set his eyes on him. Finn might be insecure, but Legend is sweet and helps him overcome (part of) his insecurities.

It's very much an insta lust/almost insta love story, mixed with a hefty dose of sweetness. It's funny, much lighter than some other books with about the mob. The ending was lovely.
There is not much action/suspense in this story. The story is mostly on the relationship between Legend and Finn, against a background of some disturbances concerning the mob.
It's an easy read, nothing too dark. No real surprises, but I didn't mind all of that. Each chapter is told from the POV of either Finn or Legend.
There is no cheating between the main characters (or anyone else for that matter).

As with almost all of Ki Brightly and M.D. Gregory's books, we see some familiar faces from other stories. While this is a great delight for me, having read those other books, you don't need to have read those stories to enjoy Legend. You aren't missing out on a lot and there aren't really any spoilers in this book, just in case you want to start reading the other books later on.
The support cast in this book was also really nice and I can't wait to read more about Legend's family.

Overall, a great story and I can't wait to read the next book in this series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nile Princess.
1,591 reviews174 followers
pass
September 2, 2023
Sigh. DNF @ 29%. I need a little more nuance in my mafia characters, a little more controlled subtlety and less over-the-top dramatics. The first chapter already had me rolling my eyes. Legend threatening to beat an employee with a bat for not letting Finn in the back room? Why? He was just doing his job. Just because Legend found this particular man, with a scarred face, dressed in women's clothes, attractive doesn't mean he now gets to want to almost kill people for doing what the club has always done. Not sexy. Repeatedly talking about how pretty Finn was as if he was blind to the scars, umm. lt's one thing for him to find Finn attractive, but considering Finn had made a big deal about the scars, and everyone else noticed the scars and treated him like he was ugly because of them, the authors should have at least had Legend acknowledge them to the reader, and address how much of a non issue they were for him. Otherwise, it cheapened the whole thing and made it seem like he couldn't see. And I'm talking about after he saw this the second time when he could clearly see the scars in broad daylight. Address it and move on. He doesn't do that until after he claims Finn in front of the rest of the mafia clan. Another eye roll worthy moment.

The whole 'Legend claiming Finn' immediately and 'you are mine' and 'I don't care what anyone has to say about it, or how it upends relations between the two mafia factions' 10 seconds after meeting was not sexy. I need some kind of effort here, authors. Like at least pretend to give me a story. By the time Finn was arrested but not really (brought in for questioning and allowed to keep his cell phone??) while not calling anyone for two hours?? I was good to go on this. I am all for fast paced romance, but give me a 'Boss' character that I can take seriously, please.
Profile Image for Sophie Reads Stories.
287 reviews
June 6, 2023
I found a new favourite couple in Legend and Finn!

I enjoyed Legend so much, and one of the reasons is definitely because it is set in Australia (I live in South Africa, and it's always nice to see the Southern Hemisphere as a setting for a book), and somehow everyone is as ruthless as in the US, but just a lot more relaxed and more appropriately dressed. I chuckled at the comments that the Yankees kept wearing heavy, formal suits while the Aussies were all more appropriately dressed for the heat.

The relationship between Legend and Finn is reminiscent of Sloan and Conall's relationship in The Boss —a mob boss having an insta-lust/insta-falling in love with a member of the Company. But Legend and Finn's dynamic is different and unique to the two of them.

I really liked how Legend saw and treated Finn as someone special, beautiful, valuable, and worthy simply for being themselves. And I loved that Finn was already on his way to accepting the fact that his scars did not change who he is as a person; Legend's attention and declarations simply cemented the fact.
Finn's expression of his femininity was also lovely to read, and I got just as excited as he did whenever he dressed as his authentic self and knew he was a bombshell. Confidence is sexy as hell!

It was also really interesting to see the difference in how Legend runs his Company compared to Sloan's way of doing things. His torture/kill method of using jellyfish and crocs was really inventive and impossibly cruel (I've been stung by a jellyfish, and it hurts like a mother). 7 months later, I still have the scars on my leg.

The other members of the Sweeney family sound like they would all make for some very interesting stories and characters, and Deidre Sweeny was an absolute gem of a character! I love when the parents of villains are not only supportive but also actively participate in their villainy.

I can't wait to read more books exploring the Sweeney mob family.
Profile Image for Showarst.
1,137 reviews
May 31, 2023
We first met Finn McCorkell in "How to Survive a Kiss" when he was involved in a major accident that completely changed and scarred him. He gets sent to Australia to be part of the team to meet with Legend Sweeney, head of the Sweeney mob. Finn is an unexpected delight! He loved dressing up in feminine clothing and lingerie and feeling pretty. He doesn't get to do that much in NYC as a member of the Killough mob. He lost his confidence due to the accident, so letting loose in Australia is exactly what he needs.

Legend is everything that you would expect from a mob boss. He is older, tough, vicious, and completely enthralled with Finn. It was so hot to watch him determine that Finn would belong to him and heaven help anyone that stood in his way.

These two fit together so well. I loved their relationship from the first meeting in the club to the epilogue. These two clearly love each other and it doesn't hurt that their chemistry is off the charts. I am so happy that Finn got the HEA he deserved. The introduction of the side characters was great too. I am intrigued by all of the Sweeney family, particularly Cyclone. I look forward to reading her story with Grimm and Cary.

Honestly though, I will read anything that Ki Brightly and M.D. Gregory write. I don't understand how each new intricate story fits so well into the universe that they've created, but they are both clearly very talented. I know that when I pick up a book by them that it will be a roller coaster ride but one that I will love. I cannot wait to see what they come up with next!

I received an ARC for my honest review
Profile Image for Suzanne Irving.
2,784 reviews24 followers
June 11, 2023
I love the New Gothenburg world of MD Gregory and Ki Brightly and with this book they travel to Australia which isn’t surprising given that Gregory lives there. This is another fine story with the usual twists and turns that has Finn sent with some other NG characters to help Legend Sweeney and his Sweeney Mob with some nasty characters. These two authors obviously have a lot of fun writing together and continue to produce interesting and terrifically readable works.
One of the things that I liked best about this volume was the decision to use the words that are used in that part of Australia for some things. As much as this is sometimes confusing they have made every effort to help people understand what they mean and it adds so much to the story. I have read too many books that are supposed to be set somewhere other than the US and yet there is no effort to make words, phrases and sayings any different and I find that it makes me wonder if the author has any idea what things are like in the other country or if they just decided to “simplify” things. Yes sometimes you need to look things up, but it’s so easy and I found that I could mostly figure things out by context.
The romance is actually rather sweet and you definitely are left feeling like it was fate that brought the terribly scarred Finn into the life of Legend who is a guy who can see right through to the man beneath.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,100 reviews15 followers
June 5, 2023
I haven't read the recent releases this dynamic duo have released, mainly because they weren't my cup of tea. But! When I read the description of this one I knew I had to read it. So I did, and I really enjoyed it.

I have to say I definitely agree with what Finn said about how Australia confuses him, it confuses me too. The lingo/language is so different from the states that it's difficult to wrap my head around the differences. I really appreciated that the authors put in glossary of what certain terms and words meant, that helped a lot.

I liked how Legend's character had different layers to him. I mean, you wouldn't expect him to be a family man and to love the creatures of the oceans. I really enjoyed learning about Legend's pets.

While this book is focused on action scenes, lookouts, and bikers, it also has wonderful family scenes and cute moments. One in particular being when Legend takes Dinner shopping, another being Stormy calling Legend, Uncle Leggy. That's so cute!

I enjoyed reading this story, and while a part of me thinks this progressed quickly, it fits with the story. Overall a good book!
Profile Image for Belinda Zamora.
2,833 reviews8 followers
June 10, 2023
Great addition

Finn is a beautiful man who loves lace and silk.
As part of the American Irish mob he was in a horrific accident that left him scarred.
As a result his self esteem took a major hit and he now doubts any man would ever want him again.
He's sent to Australia on loan to a assist a mob outfit and immediately is caught in the sights of the outfits boss Legend.
Legend is vicious, brutal, always gets what he wants and what he wants is the beautiful Finn.
I loved how he was able to help Finn find his confidence again, to see that he still has worth beyond his looks.
Legend for his part is very soft for Finn and those he considers his to protect.
The chemistry between these two was instantaneous and scorching hot.
I loved his fascination for marine life and it was so sweet to see his alter Uncle Leggy.
There's also plenty of fast paced action, danger and drama which I absolutely enjoyed.
I really would love to see some of the side characters get some more development.
Profile Image for Theresa Derwin.
1,161 reviews44 followers
June 16, 2023
Lolly, Lace, Lust and a Legend of a Mobster

This new series starter of MM Mobsters Romance is set in Australia with boss Legend.
He rules with an iron fist plus the threat of lethal jellyfish or crocs for his enemies.
A war is brewing between him and the Italians who've become aggressive, so USA Irish boss Sloan sends some men over to help.
Finn, a lithe redhead with scars following a car accident is sent on loan as lookout.
The thing his crew don't know about him, is he likes to wear lingerie and dresses.
Sneaking out on night one in pink silk, he meets a gorgeous giant of a man, but runs.
The next day he sees him again.
It's Legend, the boss.
His family are terrific, laid back apart with enemies, funny, caring and honest.
Legend decides straight away he wants to keep Finn and amidst the violence, there's romance, chemistry and working through trauma.
Some of the USA crew like Fallon are great and Legend's mom in particular is great fun.
I can't wait for the cop near the end to get involved in a book.
Profile Image for Miruru Shouting.
1,072 reviews2 followers
June 1, 2023
Set in Australia but all the terms were easy enough to understand since Finn is American and always asking Legend what any aussie words mean.

Loved that all the characters (the ones that matter anyway) encouraged and didn't make a big deal out of Finn crossdressing, wearing makeup, or wearing lingerie. Finn had low self-esteem because of his scars from his accident and being turned away everywhere and from everyone, but Legend gave him enough confidence to own up to his interests in private while they're together and then eventually outside.

I'd say this can probably standalone pretty well, but if you at least read book 1 of the Irish Roulette series, and the Killough Company series, you'll have a better idea of who some of the major side characters are and enjoy this book better.

I wonder who's book is next. Looking forward to Cyclone's book with Cary and Grimm (MMF) and also Danger's book with a possible detective, and Hero's book with... was it the enemy? Oooooo so much yummmm.
Profile Image for Joanne Mccorkell.
1,650 reviews14 followers
June 2, 2023
I adored this book, yes its mostly a new set of characters, and yes there is a couple of our favourite Irish boys returning, but what I adored was that Legend gave Finn confidence. He gave him respect, yes he Wanted to hide him and keep him from danger however, he didnt try to refuse what Finn said he wanted/needed.
The support was there almost from the beginning. Not only from Legend but from the whole Sweeney family.
Finn supported his man also. He stood by him, regardless of what Legend was doing, teasing his friends and family, displining his men, standing up for the business or retailition. Finn wouldnt walk away, as this was the life he knew and choose also.

I loved how Finn carried out the family business dressed how he pleased, both to help Legend and as payback for the attack on the family.... showing he was there for them all and wasnt to be coddled as he stood at Legends side throughout.
Profile Image for Latecia Jennings.
2,360 reviews10 followers
June 6, 2023
This introduction to the Sweeney Mob was all that and then some. All I can say is Legend is cool as heck and don't give 2 fuggs about nada. To be a mob boss he got the violence and madness down pact but he also got his soft and sweet side for his family and his love...Finn...He saw Finn...wanted him and then he claimed him. Who cares that Finn is a company man...LOL. Finn gave me all kinds of feels. This is my first introduction to him so I'm going by his character in this book and by gosh I just wanna give him a hug and tell him to live his life how he wanna and don't worry about others. Absolutely LOVED his self love development under Legend and his family and crew. ABSOLUTELY LOVED all the lace and satin...Legend made their intimate sexy times so HOT, definitely not for timid. All in all this had what I loved about mafia romances and if you like HOT action and violence with a hint of sweetness you will love this.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Amos24601.
1,289 reviews43 followers
June 9, 2023
Let’s go to Australia

I knew Finn was going to be adorable and I was right. While he definitely had this hard mob side to him, he really was soft and sweet at times. I think Legend was a perfect match for him.

Legend was such a good mob boss. He was brutal and clever and I loved him. His little jellies were such a highlight for me. I love the ingenuity of them, even if they were a bit impractical.

We met several characters in this book that all seem interesting enough for their own stories. Don’t get too attached though because these two authors notoriously over plan themselves. So some of these characters MAY get a story in the next few years. Still, they all added a unique flavor to the story that I appreciated.

This one was a win for me and I’ll be going back for more if there are any more books in the series.
1,014 reviews36 followers
June 11, 2023
This is another great story from these authors. I love this couple and their story. Finn is a good-looking man but an accident has changed everything for him. When he is sent to help out the mob boss; Legend Finn’s life changes. Legend and Finn are good together and I enjoyed being along for their adventure. It was fun to meet Legend and his family. Each of the characters shine in their own way and I loved the interaction and banter between them all. Legend is a good man and he sees Finn for the man that he is and not his scars. I loved seeing Finn come alive and grow with the support oof Legend. Their story has a good amount of action and romance to keep readers interested and eager for more. Legend is a scary and brutal man but Finn gets to see the softness that only a few are even aware off. Their story is a great ride and I am excited to see more from the Australian mob.
Profile Image for K-Me.
2,918 reviews
June 1, 2023
I probably say this every time, but this is definitely one of my favorites in this growing world! It can totally be read as a standalone romance, but I highly recommend the entire New Gothenburg world. They way all the different characts intertwine is complex and captivating! Sweet Finn who you will know from the Killough Company has always relied on his looks, but he is scarred from injuries now and feeling very insecure and down on himself. Finn is still beautiful inside and out and Legend is the perfect mafia man to bring out the bright and carefree Finn. Loved getting a tough and possessive mob boss totally captivated by the sweet lingerie wearing Finn. These two are hot, sweet and just kind of the perfect balance for each other.
2,202 reviews18 followers
June 6, 2023
O.M.G. I love Legend! The Australian Mob Boss fell head over heels for wounded fragile Finn with his lacy femme wardrobe and scarred beauty, immediately moving hjm into his bedroom. A Killough Company man, Finn is torn between loyalty to Sloan and his adoration of Legend. Their sexy times are off the charts as they face danger from Legend's enemies and Legend with his hair trigger and cruelty is the kind of man who demands and gets what he wants- Finn! I love that obsessive, possessive, protective desire boiling over page after page. This is another couple like Sloan and Conall that this writing duo placed all this hotness in a pair of guys. If I could, this baby would be ten stars. I received a copy of this book through BookSprout and this is my honest, enthusiastic opinion.
Profile Image for vrstal.
621 reviews9 followers
February 23, 2025
5/5. Highlights may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Content Warnings for book: Gun violence, ableism, murder, torture

Kink: Size queen, praise kink, light breeding kink, D/s dynamics, spanking, lace and lingerie

This was so good!! I needed a nice, sweet romance with mafia shenanigans. Legend was a great daddy (lower case d, no kink involved) with Finn, who is pretty and badass. I really want to read more of the Sweeneys, I am invested in various hints of pairings. Especially that detective 👀 I wanna know more!!

The female side characters are well written which I always appreciate. I loved Deidre.

As usual this pair’s writing is really enjoyable and this had so many of my fave tropes. 10/10. Highly recommend :)
Profile Image for Ashley.
Author 28 books25 followers
May 31, 2023
Brightly and Gregory have taken the mob down under in this latest New Gothenburg spin-off. This book is a fun read! We get to meet Legend and his feisty family as they battle with the Italians. I can’t wait to read more about them. Finn is a Killough company man on loan to the Sweeney mob in Australia. He’s had a rough time recently and is feeling down when he meets Legend. They’ve got immediate sparks. Finn is sweet but strong. Legend is just the right amount of growly possessive. They complement each other perfectly! The book is low angst and has romance and heat. Loved getting glimpses of Fallon and Cillian too.
Profile Image for FHR.
1,112 reviews13 followers
June 1, 2023
After an accident alters Finns confidence, he doesn’t indulge in his love of finer things the way he used to, when his job takes him to Australia, he meets older mob boss Legend and things start to change.
Legend is captivated by Finn as well but he knows his life is complicated but the connections between them is undeniable so too is the danger that surrounds them.

An entertaining new spin off series in which the authors overlap the characters and some story lines.
The Sweeney family are a cast of interesting characters and I’m eager to see what’s next for them. I was absolutely delighted to see Legend and Finn get their HEA.
Profile Image for Demetra Roussakis.
1,544 reviews15 followers
June 3, 2023
I have not read any of the Killough Company books but that did not detract from my enjoyment of this book. Legend Sweeney brought in help to Australia for some issues. The day before he met with them he was at a bar and met someone. When he went to take care of something they disappeared. The next day, he met Finn who he was quite taken with. I loved how Legend got Finn to accept himself with how he looked with his scars. Great world building, high heat, lots and lots of chemistry between them that lead to their HEA. I hope there are more books in the series, especially with Legend’s brothers.
2,633 reviews45 followers
August 11, 2023
Omg! Could Finn and Legend be any cuter together?? Both men were magnificent. I love how Legend instantly saw past the scars to the beauty of Finn and helped Finn with his self esteem issues. The lingerie shopping tugged at my heart. It was so affirming. Legend's mum was precious, and her positivity for lgbtq was inspiring. Legend gives new meaning to "swimming with the fish". Lol. The scene made me roar with laughter. The ending was emotional and inspiring. Keval's different accents were so authentic that it made a good story into a phenomenal story. The characters and story came alive under his expertise. I loved every second of it.
Profile Image for Jay Purse.
296 reviews4 followers
January 25, 2024
Recommendation... READ IT!!!

Legend: Commanding Mob Boss with a penchant for getting what he wants when he wants it...

Finn: Scared Beauty with a penchant for the more delicate attire in his night, who hides this kink being a Company man and all...

This couple kick off a new series by these two adventures and ambitious authors!!! They write MM couples that are unique and fun... Even when they are completely morally gray!!! Absolutely going back and ready the books for other couples making appearances in this series!!!

HEA
Strict Top/Bottom
MM
Mob Boss/Sexy Garments Kink/Possessive
Mild Angst
5 outta 5 in the 🔥🔥🔥 Department
46 reviews
June 8, 2023
I enjoyed this book so much. I love Legend and his siblings. Their names are awesome. I love Finn and so enjoyed how he be ane more secure about liking to dress feminine. I really liked that the book was set in Australia as well and learning new slang. Legend and Finn's relationship works for them and I can't wait for the next book. Getting to see some regular characters with new characters was nice as well. Gregory and Brightly never let me down. I will definitely reread this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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