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West Coast Mobsters: Castellani Family #3
His Fatal Love
As an assassin for the Castellani Family, I live for the thrill of the job.
I'm devoted to my Family and my Don, because they keep me safe.
To Leo Bernardi, I'm a monster.
A killing machine.
And a puppet that his Family can use for their own ends.
To me, Leo Bernardi is a pawn.
A means to an end.
And if I have a little fun with him along the way, who cares?
Leo thinks he can seduce me. Tame me. Use me.
In this game of cat and mouse, the Bernardi Lion is about to get a big surprise.
But the more entangled we become, the more I start to feel…
Things I didn’t think I was capable of feeling.
Things I’ve never wanted to feel.
In my line of work, love is a fatal flaw. But the more time we spend together, the harder I fall.
Leo Bernardi is my greatest enemy…
Could he also be my only love?
*** Dive into a forbidden romance between a psychopath assassin and a Mob Enforcer. Get ready for seductions and betrayals, scorching love scenes, and an unforgettable romance as a cold case comes back to haunt two Families sworn to destroy each other. His Fatal Love is the third book in the West Coast Mobsters series. Follow the men of the Los Angeles underworld in this page-turning romantic suspense series as they find love, danger and mystery in the most unexpected places. Each book in this series tells the love story of a different couple who find their happy ending , as well as a resolution to the mystery they're investigating , but there are cliffhangers to the wider suspense plot for the series. Content advisory notes are available to view on the Author's Note via Look Inside or by downloading the sample.
I'm devoted to my Family and my Don, because they keep me safe.
To Leo Bernardi, I'm a monster.
A killing machine.
And a puppet that his Family can use for their own ends.
To me, Leo Bernardi is a pawn.
A means to an end.
And if I have a little fun with him along the way, who cares?
Leo thinks he can seduce me. Tame me. Use me.
In this game of cat and mouse, the Bernardi Lion is about to get a big surprise.
But the more entangled we become, the more I start to feel…
Things I didn’t think I was capable of feeling.
Things I’ve never wanted to feel.
In my line of work, love is a fatal flaw. But the more time we spend together, the harder I fall.
Leo Bernardi is my greatest enemy…
Could he also be my only love?
*** Dive into a forbidden romance between a psychopath assassin and a Mob Enforcer. Get ready for seductions and betrayals, scorching love scenes, and an unforgettable romance as a cold case comes back to haunt two Families sworn to destroy each other. His Fatal Love is the third book in the West Coast Mobsters series. Follow the men of the Los Angeles underworld in this page-turning romantic suspense series as they find love, danger and mystery in the most unexpected places. Each book in this series tells the love story of a different couple who find their happy ending , as well as a resolution to the mystery they're investigating , but there are cliffhangers to the wider suspense plot for the series. Content advisory notes are available to view on the Author's Note via Look Inside or by downloading the sample.
418 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2023
About the author
Leighton Greene
40 books417 followersLeighton Greene has been writing stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Her first book was a choose-your-own-adventure style book about deciding what to eat for breakfast. It didn't shake the New York Times bestseller list, but she still has a copy of it.
After spending some time writing in academia, fanfiction and corporate reporting, Leighton decided she should probably do what she actually wanted to do, which was to write commercial fiction. So she did. She writes gay romance and, when the mood strikes, erotica as L.J. Greene.
Leighton lives with her partner and her cockatiel on the east coast of Australia.
(Source: Amazon.com)
After spending some time writing in academia, fanfiction and corporate reporting, Leighton decided she should probably do what she actually wanted to do, which was to write commercial fiction. So she did. She writes gay romance and, when the mood strikes, erotica as L.J. Greene.
Leighton lives with her partner and her cockatiel on the east coast of Australia.
(Source: Amazon.com)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
May 25, 2023
His Fatal Love is the latest entry in the West Coast Mobsters. This story focuses on Leo, a mafia enforcer, and Julian the wildcard brother of the Castellani Don. Julian has always captivated my interest due to his unpredictable and dynamic personality. His story is full of mystery, intrigue, and complications due to his increased attraction and interest in a rival family's enforcer.
Leo and Julian have an intense connection, which is only further increased due to the forbidden nature of their relationship. What I enjoyed the most is how the trust between these two is built slowly and before long they share a bond that rivals some of the other couples featured.
I love this series and enjoy getting to see all of these fascinating characters interact. Everything continues to build in a fascinating direction and I cannot wait to read the next one.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.***
Leo and Julian have an intense connection, which is only further increased due to the forbidden nature of their relationship. What I enjoyed the most is how the trust between these two is built slowly and before long they share a bond that rivals some of the other couples featured.
I love this series and enjoy getting to see all of these fascinating characters interact. Everything continues to build in a fascinating direction and I cannot wait to read the next one.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.***
May 28, 2023
This book was everything I expected and more.
Julian has been on my mind since Angelo's novella and I couldn't wait to see who would be able to tame this deadly assassin. Turns out, nobody would, not even the Bernardi Lion.
Something that I absolutely love about Leighton Greene is that her books are packed with plot. I have been wanting to know what happened to Caroline Castellani since Jack's book. It's masterful the way the author connects details between books that you do not give much thought to until you go "oh! that's why!"
Let me start by saying that this a powercouple, as deadly as sinful. Julian, although being a psycopath (not diagnosed lol) is a cinnamon roll and nobody can convince me otherwise. My heart broke for him many times in this book and I even teared up a little on his behalf. His condition really took me surprise, not because it wasn't expected he had a big secret since it is hinted but just like Leo and Sandro, I did not know this was a real condition! I can only imagine Julian working extra hard on his assignments. And Leo, how could you not be charmed by Leo like Julian was? Even thought this is a couple born in violence and deception, their relationship is quite sweet! Maybe I have gone mad and my bar is skewed but what might've been small moments of softness and tenderness really stood out to me! And of course, their heat level is off the charts 🔥
I'm glad that the end, justice was served and that Julian found the man just for him. I'm happy Leo was able to breakout. I was not sure how would this relationship work out due to their Families rivalries but it turned out perfect. Also, Julian's relationship with Sandro and Jack. ❤️🩹 This book is my new favorite of the series and I cannot wait to keep reading about the Castellanis.
Julian has been on my mind since Angelo's novella and I couldn't wait to see who would be able to tame this deadly assassin. Turns out, nobody would, not even the Bernardi Lion.
Something that I absolutely love about Leighton Greene is that her books are packed with plot. I have been wanting to know what happened to Caroline Castellani since Jack's book. It's masterful the way the author connects details between books that you do not give much thought to until you go "oh! that's why!"
Let me start by saying that this a powercouple, as deadly as sinful. Julian, although being a psycopath (not diagnosed lol) is a cinnamon roll and nobody can convince me otherwise. My heart broke for him many times in this book and I even teared up a little on his behalf. His condition really took me surprise, not because it wasn't expected he had a big secret since it is hinted but just like Leo and Sandro, I did not know this was a real condition! I can only imagine Julian working extra hard on his assignments. And Leo, how could you not be charmed by Leo like Julian was? Even thought this is a couple born in violence and deception, their relationship is quite sweet! Maybe I have gone mad and my bar is skewed but what might've been small moments of softness and tenderness really stood out to me! And of course, their heat level is off the charts 🔥
I'm glad that the end, justice was served and that Julian found the man just for him. I'm happy Leo was able to breakout. I was not sure how would this relationship work out due to their Families rivalries but it turned out perfect. Also, Julian's relationship with Sandro and Jack. ❤️🩹 This book is my new favorite of the series and I cannot wait to keep reading about the Castellanis.
December 24, 2023
I JUST FOUND MY FAVORITE ROMANCE OF THE YEAR!! Julian intrigued me when I first met him in the previous book, but this one made me love him. I'm always a fan of the cheerful, charming yet sadistic psychopath (okay, not officially diagnosed) assassin characters. Even better when they're paired with their broodier, more stoic opposite who has slightly better morals.
As usual, Greene's writing is so good. She pairs the steamy sizzling and ultra kinky romance with heavy plot. This one involves a murder mystery and tons of mafia intrigue. I actually gasped out loud when the final clue of the murderer was revealed... I had so much fun.
I really appreciated how falling in love with Leo "tamed" Julian, so to speak. I honestly felt so bad for him at times because even though he's crazy, he legitimately means well and doesn't understand human norms. Julian seeing a giant scary mob enforcer and basically asking his brother if he can keep him like it's a puppy is so funny yrdhfcycy I love him so much ❤️ These two monsters will live happily ever after, the end.
As usual, Greene's writing is so good. She pairs the steamy sizzling and ultra kinky romance with heavy plot. This one involves a murder mystery and tons of mafia intrigue. I actually gasped out loud when the final clue of the murderer was revealed... I had so much fun.
I really appreciated how falling in love with Leo "tamed" Julian, so to speak. I honestly felt so bad for him at times because even though he's crazy, he legitimately means well and doesn't understand human norms. Julian seeing a giant scary mob enforcer and basically asking his brother if he can keep him like it's a puppy is so funny yrdhfcycy I love him so much ❤️ These two monsters will live happily ever after, the end.
May 24, 2023
Julian is the younger brother of a mobster and crazy like a fox, without many morals, indeed an undiagnosed psychopath which he is quick to remind people. He is the object of fascination and himself, fascinated by Leo, the enforcer of another Mob family. Through intrigue and violence, these two have their own mad love-fest with lots of sexy times. In this third book of the series, as the Castellani's take on the Bernardi's, it will be a bloodbath and you only can hope Julian and Leo survive, thrive and get some sort of HEA. They are an odd couple but fiercely devoted and strangely enough, one of my favorite couples of Leighton's. But then, Leighton is one of my favorite authors. I received a copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
October 26, 2023
Excellent. Love this authors work and this characters story was well worth waiting for.
Reread October 2024.
Reread October 2024.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2024
Julian and Leo, I am out of words. They had me on the edge of my seat and cracking up crazy mad at the same time. I have to agree with the few reviews I read for this book, Julian is not what I expected at all. He was shown very chaotic and the whole "eye in the face of tornado" in a negative and notorious way. But he is such a soft, pouty, nevertheless feisty boy at heart. All the events that made him who is, the seclusion, the disorder, never having someone to rely on, repeatedly being stamped by everyone, it has opened a Julian-like hole in my heart lol (right alongside Leo). But along with all the seriousness and mafia here and there, I loved how funny both of them are. The last two books were more serious than funny anyways so this one seemed to have it all. When it comes to the sex part, they were a few things I'd rather skim through in any other book, but they both made me get into it somehow bahaha. I love how Leo is a softie for Julian, that was very unexpected because for some reason I thought Julian will get obsessed first, he just gives off those vibes so imagine the surprise when Leo is constantly like "Julian this Julian that" even when he gets nearly killed because of Julian lol. Then steals his bike, beats him up, asks him to dress up as Romeo repeatedly. Like boy do you have it bad. We love soft doms, both of them are also sunshine characters (as much as they can be in a mafia book). Overall, I loved this book.
May 16, 2026
Once again I am blown away by the craft and storytelling of LG. I have been looking forward to a closer look in the Julian character and this story fulfilled that and did not disappoint. It was so well written. I must add accolades for the narrator Michael Ferraiuolo. Wow, this man has talent. Julian has been seen in the background of many stories leading up to this one, and not only is MF’s voice for Julian spot-on perfect for capturing the character, but the voice has been consistent since the very first appearance of Julian many, many books ago as a minor character. Wow, that is professionalism. This narrator is worth every penny he is paid and I must add him to my absolute favorite narrators after this book.
I’ve enjoyed this series so much and I cannot wait to experience the next chapter in this saga.
Thanks to the author for the advanced listening copy of this audiobook. I am leaving my honest review.
I’ve enjoyed this series so much and I cannot wait to experience the next chapter in this saga.
Thanks to the author for the advanced listening copy of this audiobook. I am leaving my honest review.
September 10, 2025
The first thing you need to know is that I'm a huge fan of Leighton Greene's work. Like, in general, but specifically regarding the series associated with this one. That said, Julian's book has been the one I've looked forward to the most. I've adored him since his first mention. Unhinged is my thing and I refuse to explain myself. But Julian is more complicated than that and getting a look inside his head was fascinating. I figured out his secret pretty early on, but the way it was presented, framed, danced around...was masterful. Even though I was sure I knew, the tension built to the point that I second guessed myself with regularity. That's damned good writing, my friends.
Okay, Leo. It took me a hot minute to warm up to him. He's got issues of his own but mostly I took exception because my brain zeroed in on my desire to protect my stabby cinnamon roll Julian from everyone--even the love interest.
Emotions ran high in this book and I found myself both cackling out loud and wiping away tears. Seriously, it was that good. I'm excited that despite the book's conflict being resolved, it looks like the series has more life in it yet. I can't wait to see what's in store for these delightful characters.
this and all future re-reads: Julian and Leo are still my faves. sorry. I love these two weirdos.
Okay, Leo. It took me a hot minute to warm up to him. He's got issues of his own but mostly I took exception because my brain zeroed in on my desire to protect my stabby cinnamon roll Julian from everyone--even the love interest.
Emotions ran high in this book and I found myself both cackling out loud and wiping away tears. Seriously, it was that good. I'm excited that despite the book's conflict being resolved, it looks like the series has more life in it yet. I can't wait to see what's in store for these delightful characters.
this and all future re-reads: Julian and Leo are still my faves. sorry. I love these two weirdos.
June 5, 2023
Well, it's been worth the wait for this book. Julian, the glittering deadly brother, is revealed finally. And yes, he's a psychopath (undiagnosed, as Julian reminds everyone) and a cold-hearted assassin devoted to solving the mystery of his mother's murder when he was a child. But in Leo, the Bernardi family enforcer he finds the perfect counterpart. And some very sexy, edgy scenes ensue ("Did you lose your class ring in there or something?") and the two men craft a HEA of sorts for themselves in the midst of family intrigue, murder and the usual mayhem.
I'm not sure who the next book will feature, but I'm in for the adventure. 4 stars.
I'm not sure who the next book will feature, but I'm in for the adventure. 4 stars.
March 16, 2024
The problem with Julian Castellani—apart from all the obvious ones—is that he really fucking does it for me.
3.5 stars. It was nice to return to this series! I marathoned a bunch of it last year and got a teensy bit burnt out on it, and something told me it would be a good idea to take a little bit of a break before I continued. Especially since this book was about my favourite character in the spin-off series so far. And it was a good idea. I enjoyed this so much; it was a really solid romance wrapped up in all the OTT mafia shenanigans I expect from this series, but not too OTT. Very balanced! A phrase, coincidentally, that no one would use to describe Julian.
I think I said it before, but part of why the first two books in this spin-off didn't quiiiiite work for me is because one love interest was in the mafia and the other wasn't. And IDK why, but the imbalance that that created really didn't work for me. Or maybe 'imbalance' isn't quite the right phrase. But somehow I find it much more palatable when both main characters are in the life. Teddy's mafia fanboying still leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
Anyway, all of that to say, I really liked Julian and Leo together. This was suuuuuch a good enemies to lovers arc, with instant sexual attraction, but so much animosity and banter and mind games. I did figure out Julian's secret, and it made for a pretty interesting facet to his story, and how it played into his investigation of his mother's murder. I really enjoyed Julian as a character. The author did a good job of remaining true to and building on the messed up character that we'd already been introduced to, and then slowly giving him development, slowly making me believe that he was actually falling for Leo. Emphasis on slow. They have a great rapport amidst their enmity, but I loved how Julian was steadfastly and staunchly loyal to his own family in the beginning, no matter how much he was intrigued by Leo. And it was just really fun, seeing him caper and lie and spread misinformation and generally be a menace. But there were also moments where he was unfailingly honest, and that was a really breath of fresh air too. I just really loved his character, more than I expected. Leo was a little generic, but I quickly came around on him, and on them as a couple.
The mystery aspect of the plot wasn't amazing, but it was serviceable, and I liked all the cameos from the previous couples. It was also great to see the evolution of Julian's relationships with Jack and Sandro. Julian is just so weird and off-putting, I truly enjoyed every moment he was on the page. And to get back to the romance, I just found it really well-paced and satisfying. A lot of the sex scenes weren't really to my taste, but they were still enjoyable in a general sense because of all the chemistry and intensity. You can't go wrong with the age old trope of 'unfeeling monster realises that he can indeed feel things'.
Really satisfying, and a great romance for these characters; so glad they found each other. :) I like the setup for the next book, and I'm hoping to see more of Anna-Vittoria. I kinda have a crush. And I'm excited to finally get to know Pedretti. Greene does know how to write a compelling romance.
Content warning:
For a second I think he means something...poetic. Unlock him. Open him up. Reveal his heart.
May 30, 2023
Julian and Leo 🔥
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Time to give props where props are due: Leighton Greene has written another hotter than hell, mystery packed and swoon worthy m/m mafia romance and I am so here for it!!!
Omg, Julian and Leo had the most insane chemistry. I love a good enemies to lovers and this one far surpassed my expectations which I knew it would. The beauty of this relationship build was the inner turmoil of these two men, knowing they should remain enemies but the pull to one another is just to strong. Another thing that made my heart happy was watching Julian, the cold, ruthless, unfeeling psychopath experiencing emotion, trust and love for the first time and not realizing what it was.....so adorable, yes that's right in a world of violence, betrayal and death our intriguing killer was adorably naive!! The fierce Bernardi Lion thawed the deadly assassins cold heart and it was everything! I love that these stories all interconnect with our previous characters as well, I love me some Jack and Sandro 🔥. I 100% recommend this book, it does not disappoint. I can't wait to see what this author does next!
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Time to give props where props are due: Leighton Greene has written another hotter than hell, mystery packed and swoon worthy m/m mafia romance and I am so here for it!!!
Omg, Julian and Leo had the most insane chemistry. I love a good enemies to lovers and this one far surpassed my expectations which I knew it would. The beauty of this relationship build was the inner turmoil of these two men, knowing they should remain enemies but the pull to one another is just to strong. Another thing that made my heart happy was watching Julian, the cold, ruthless, unfeeling psychopath experiencing emotion, trust and love for the first time and not realizing what it was.....so adorable, yes that's right in a world of violence, betrayal and death our intriguing killer was adorably naive!! The fierce Bernardi Lion thawed the deadly assassins cold heart and it was everything! I love that these stories all interconnect with our previous characters as well, I love me some Jack and Sandro 🔥. I 100% recommend this book, it does not disappoint. I can't wait to see what this author does next!
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
May 28, 2023
Best one Yet
This story exceeded my expectation. I was soo scared reading it because I was captivated from the start and I didn't want it to end. I wish this was minimum 1000 pages long.
Julian has to be my favourite Castalini (still love Sandro though). Reading this book, you get to understand him more and his behaviour. The way he was portrayed in the previous book will also make more sense.
The more I read this book the more I fell in love with Julian and then quickly Leo, they are the perfect match. It is truly Unique how extremely well written this book is and that's all thanks to Leighton. I was very much looking forward to this book and let me tell you, I was not disappointed.
The book came along really well and at certain points I really wanted to smack both Sandro and Jack for hurting my Julian. Still, it was all love deep down with all three of them and I'm glad that we got to witness the love slightly from both Sandro and Jack in this book.
My only disappointment is that this book wasn't longer, and I truly hope to see more from Julian and Leo.
This story exceeded my expectation. I was soo scared reading it because I was captivated from the start and I didn't want it to end. I wish this was minimum 1000 pages long.
Julian has to be my favourite Castalini (still love Sandro though). Reading this book, you get to understand him more and his behaviour. The way he was portrayed in the previous book will also make more sense.
The more I read this book the more I fell in love with Julian and then quickly Leo, they are the perfect match. It is truly Unique how extremely well written this book is and that's all thanks to Leighton. I was very much looking forward to this book and let me tell you, I was not disappointed.
The book came along really well and at certain points I really wanted to smack both Sandro and Jack for hurting my Julian. Still, it was all love deep down with all three of them and I'm glad that we got to witness the love slightly from both Sandro and Jack in this book.
My only disappointment is that this book wasn't longer, and I truly hope to see more from Julian and Leo.
February 15, 2024
I liked this because Julian has been so pivotal a character in the series, and it's impossible not to root for him. I don't particularly remember Leo much from before, but he turned out to be wonderful. I'm not entirely sure a psychopath (even an undiagnosed one) can actually feel love, but I wanted to believe it was possible. It was nice that the storyline about Julian's mother's murder was resolved. I could have done without the two of them getting beaten mostly to death because I hate when they do that in movies, and I'm even more picky about books. I'm really curious if the new butler is the next love interest.
June 6, 2023
An assassin and an enforcer from to opposing mob families who decide they can use each other to achieve certain goals. I love the way these two start out so convinced of their ability to manipulate anyone and everyone and of their own ability to remain totally distanced from any emotion for their mark. As they come together and slowly begin to realize they may have finally me the one person they want to give and get honesty (heaven forbid!) from this story takes some wonderful twists and turns. There are emotional connections to match the heat and a great plot.
May 29, 2023
Julian ❤️
June 24, 2025
I am SO torn on this one.
On one hand: Julian is a fascinating character, and his face-blindness really gives the author’s skill with prose time to shine here. It’s one thing to just have a narrator recognize other characters - it’s a whole different kettle of fish to bring the reader ALONG as that narrator susses out who people are, and lay the groundwork so precisely that you can trust that reader to put the clues together based solely on the flavor of TUMS a character buys. It’s excellent work.
On the other hand: Leo is boring as shit.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not even that he’s underwritten. He has as much depth as any other character on the page. It’s just that his depths are so goddamn boring in comparison to Julian’s that I just don’t CARE.
And I can see what the author was going for just fine: set Julian in contrast with a normal person, and see what happens when that brings him down to earth. But the result just feels like a waste.
It’s telling that the big reveal of Julian’s secret face-blind weakness happens in a scene Leo isn’t even in. It’s telling that it’s Jack, a previous installment’s protagonist, who puts the pieces together.
Because Jack is a character of Julian’s scene-stealing caliber. And Leo would weaken that scene. He’d ground it TOO much, when this series is at its best when higher dramatics are on the line.
Leo and his run-of-the-mill daddy issues just end up feeling so dull in comparison to everybody else’s noir-style panache.
I think I went into this one curious about if falling in love would rearrange Julian’s moral compass? And I came out wishing that somebody’d had the guts to make him aroace and also just let him keep killing people, as a treat.
(I do love how big a role Caroline played in this one, though, even dead. This series needs more women, in general, and her turning out to be as complicated as her son was a HIGHLIGHT, for sure!)
On one hand: Julian is a fascinating character, and his face-blindness really gives the author’s skill with prose time to shine here. It’s one thing to just have a narrator recognize other characters - it’s a whole different kettle of fish to bring the reader ALONG as that narrator susses out who people are, and lay the groundwork so precisely that you can trust that reader to put the clues together based solely on the flavor of TUMS a character buys. It’s excellent work.
On the other hand: Leo is boring as shit.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not even that he’s underwritten. He has as much depth as any other character on the page. It’s just that his depths are so goddamn boring in comparison to Julian’s that I just don’t CARE.
And I can see what the author was going for just fine: set Julian in contrast with a normal person, and see what happens when that brings him down to earth. But the result just feels like a waste.
It’s telling that the big reveal of Julian’s secret face-blind weakness happens in a scene Leo isn’t even in. It’s telling that it’s Jack, a previous installment’s protagonist, who puts the pieces together.
Because Jack is a character of Julian’s scene-stealing caliber. And Leo would weaken that scene. He’d ground it TOO much, when this series is at its best when higher dramatics are on the line.
Leo and his run-of-the-mill daddy issues just end up feeling so dull in comparison to everybody else’s noir-style panache.
I think I went into this one curious about if falling in love would rearrange Julian’s moral compass? And I came out wishing that somebody’d had the guts to make him aroace and also just let him keep killing people, as a treat.
(I do love how big a role Caroline played in this one, though, even dead. This series needs more women, in general, and her turning out to be as complicated as her son was a HIGHLIGHT, for sure!)
April 4, 2025
Everyone calls Julian Castellani a psychopath. Of course, he's never been officially diagnosed. That would require an appointment with a psychologist, and that doesn't seem to be very high on the list of priorities for a mobster.
So while an official diagnosis can't be provided, it's very fair to say that Julian does very little unless it brings him amusement and exhilaration, and often those actions can be impulsive. And even then, he lacks complete empathy. But most of all, these qualities make him very dangerous, and very terrifying. Especially when he has a goal.
Julian knows for a fact that his mother was murdered when he was a child, but it was always tossed aside as some tragic suicide. But Julian knows better, and he intends to prove it. He also intends to gain more respect, trust, and favour with his brother, Sandro. And to do that, he's willing to do just about anything. Except when it comes to Leo, it seems.
Leo Bernardi has always been portrayed as a brainless meathead. But nothing could be further from the truth. Leo can think for himself very well - he just chooses silence and exacting orders to try to make his life a little bit easier. But that doesn't mean he's mindlessly obedient, either. So when Leo's father, Don of the Bernardi Family and rival of the Castellani's, concocts a plan to use Julian against Sandro, Leo isn't convinced it'll work.
And it doesn't. Not really. Though Julian sure knows how to play it cool and collected. But even though they each have warring agendas, they do manage to meet in the middle. And that middle leads to absolutely pure chaos. Which is an environment in which Julian thrives. Because even as Julian's plans come together, he never really anticipated catching feelings for the enemy. But that's exactly what happened.
The closer Leo and Julian become, the more apparent it becomes to Julian that it's Leo he will do anything and everything for. It's Leo Julian will go to bat for. And it's Leo that Julian will risk everything for. And Leo feels the exact same way. The two can't be without each other, and they don't want to. And in light of discoveries that are made and upheavals that occur, they'll need each other more than ever.
Their romance is not at all conventional, and it may have started under rather false and toxic pretences, but they make it work. And somehow, they make it work well. Because they choose to have no other choice but to love and trust each other. And it works for them.
While things seem to be stabilizing for the Castellani family, there's major drama happening amongst the other LA mob families. And somehow, I have a feeling the Castellani's are going to get mercilessly dragged into it.
So while an official diagnosis can't be provided, it's very fair to say that Julian does very little unless it brings him amusement and exhilaration, and often those actions can be impulsive. And even then, he lacks complete empathy. But most of all, these qualities make him very dangerous, and very terrifying. Especially when he has a goal.
Julian knows for a fact that his mother was murdered when he was a child, but it was always tossed aside as some tragic suicide. But Julian knows better, and he intends to prove it. He also intends to gain more respect, trust, and favour with his brother, Sandro. And to do that, he's willing to do just about anything. Except when it comes to Leo, it seems.
Leo Bernardi has always been portrayed as a brainless meathead. But nothing could be further from the truth. Leo can think for himself very well - he just chooses silence and exacting orders to try to make his life a little bit easier. But that doesn't mean he's mindlessly obedient, either. So when Leo's father, Don of the Bernardi Family and rival of the Castellani's, concocts a plan to use Julian against Sandro, Leo isn't convinced it'll work.
And it doesn't. Not really. Though Julian sure knows how to play it cool and collected. But even though they each have warring agendas, they do manage to meet in the middle. And that middle leads to absolutely pure chaos. Which is an environment in which Julian thrives. Because even as Julian's plans come together, he never really anticipated catching feelings for the enemy. But that's exactly what happened.
The closer Leo and Julian become, the more apparent it becomes to Julian that it's Leo he will do anything and everything for. It's Leo Julian will go to bat for. And it's Leo that Julian will risk everything for. And Leo feels the exact same way. The two can't be without each other, and they don't want to. And in light of discoveries that are made and upheavals that occur, they'll need each other more than ever.
Their romance is not at all conventional, and it may have started under rather false and toxic pretences, but they make it work. And somehow, they make it work well. Because they choose to have no other choice but to love and trust each other. And it works for them.
While things seem to be stabilizing for the Castellani family, there's major drama happening amongst the other LA mob families. And somehow, I have a feeling the Castellani's are going to get mercilessly dragged into it.
May 21, 2026
Overall 4.5 stars; Performance 5 stars; Story 4 stars
'His Fatal Love' is the third book in Leighton Greene's 'West Coast Mobsters' series and features two main characters who are second sons of rival L.A. crime bosses. I listened to the first two books in this series earlier this week before listening to this new release, and I highly recommend that you listen to this series in order and do not treat it as a standalone novel. This series has been excellent so far and I have enjoyed this third book the most in terms of plot and character development. Julian Castellani was such an intriguing secondary (and amusing, and often chilling) character in the first two books, and it was truly great to get a glimpse inside his mind and learn what makes him tick. It was fascinating to see how he perceives how others perceive him. His love interest is Leo the Lion, the enforcer for the Bernardi family, frequent enemies of the Castellani, whom Julian meets as an anonymous masked Dom at a seedy sex club. Leo's on a mission from his father to seduce Julian and convince him to betray and kill his older brother, Sandro, and take over the Castellani throne as a Bernardi puppet. Mind games between the two ensue while they also work together to investigate who murdered Julian's mother when he was five years old, also while trying to figure out who has been been trying to both frame Julian for murder, and kill him. There's a lot of plot going on in this one, all while two families are on the brink of war, with a third one about to be pulled into the melee. It was exciting stuff, sexy too with plenty of kink.
Michael Ferraiuolo's narration on this audiobook was top notch. I've listened to many of his audiobooks prior to this one, and while he has always been great, this one stood out to me as really excellent. I have a huge appreciation for single narrators who can breathe separate distinct voices and personalities into multiple characters, and the narration (and acting for that matter) skills displayed in this particular audiobook were really enjoyable for me--even more so than the two previous books.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
'His Fatal Love' is the third book in Leighton Greene's 'West Coast Mobsters' series and features two main characters who are second sons of rival L.A. crime bosses. I listened to the first two books in this series earlier this week before listening to this new release, and I highly recommend that you listen to this series in order and do not treat it as a standalone novel. This series has been excellent so far and I have enjoyed this third book the most in terms of plot and character development. Julian Castellani was such an intriguing secondary (and amusing, and often chilling) character in the first two books, and it was truly great to get a glimpse inside his mind and learn what makes him tick. It was fascinating to see how he perceives how others perceive him. His love interest is Leo the Lion, the enforcer for the Bernardi family, frequent enemies of the Castellani, whom Julian meets as an anonymous masked Dom at a seedy sex club. Leo's on a mission from his father to seduce Julian and convince him to betray and kill his older brother, Sandro, and take over the Castellani throne as a Bernardi puppet. Mind games between the two ensue while they also work together to investigate who murdered Julian's mother when he was five years old, also while trying to figure out who has been been trying to both frame Julian for murder, and kill him. There's a lot of plot going on in this one, all while two families are on the brink of war, with a third one about to be pulled into the melee. It was exciting stuff, sexy too with plenty of kink.
Michael Ferraiuolo's narration on this audiobook was top notch. I've listened to many of his audiobooks prior to this one, and while he has always been great, this one stood out to me as really excellent. I have a huge appreciation for single narrators who can breathe separate distinct voices and personalities into multiple characters, and the narration (and acting for that matter) skills displayed in this particular audiobook were really enjoyable for me--even more so than the two previous books.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 31, 2023
The Beautiful Psycho and the Kinky Enforcer
This is the third in the West Coast Mobsters series, and over the first two books we got to know quite a bit about Julian, Sandro's step brother.
Julian is stunning to look at, blond, pretty, muscular and looks like his angelicither who drowned when he was five.
But that gorgeous veneer hides a darkness within; he's psychotic - never officially diagnosed, cold, a talented killer and very strange.
Despite everything though, Sandro worries about him, not just what trouble he might bring to the Castellani family.
In this book, we get to peek inside his head as he regularly goes to The Cellar - a club he can let himself go with his latest Dom Romeo, and his flirtations with Bernardi Enforcer Leo the Bernardi Lion
Leo is muscled, large, tattooed and vicious but like the lion he has honour.
The pair end up working together as the Dons of both families attempt to win one over on the other.
But as team mates and more they have serious chemistry - they fight together like a superhero duo, reading each other's cues, and the other type of chemistry between them sizzles.
However, they're aware it's destined not to be, not two different family men together; especially as Aldo B SR is disgusted with his son Leo being gay.
So much happens in this book - story arc wise across the whole world, and with the minor and major characters.
There's violence galore, secrets, betrayal, more violence and lots of kinky sex.
It's hotter than Hades, but what I really love is we start to see chips in Julian's armour.
The darkness he seems engulfed by is in many ways down to his childhood and also his neurodiversity.
It's clear that something is buried deep and it takes the adorable and fierce lion to uncover the emotions Julian denies.
Meanwhile, Sandro builds his empire, his friendship with Jack is starting to repair and there's a new player in town - or rather, in the game.
This series is addictive, hilarious, sweet, sexy and smart.
I can't wait for the next one.
This is the third in the West Coast Mobsters series, and over the first two books we got to know quite a bit about Julian, Sandro's step brother.
Julian is stunning to look at, blond, pretty, muscular and looks like his angelicither who drowned when he was five.
But that gorgeous veneer hides a darkness within; he's psychotic - never officially diagnosed, cold, a talented killer and very strange.
Despite everything though, Sandro worries about him, not just what trouble he might bring to the Castellani family.
In this book, we get to peek inside his head as he regularly goes to The Cellar - a club he can let himself go with his latest Dom Romeo, and his flirtations with Bernardi Enforcer Leo the Bernardi Lion
Leo is muscled, large, tattooed and vicious but like the lion he has honour.
The pair end up working together as the Dons of both families attempt to win one over on the other.
But as team mates and more they have serious chemistry - they fight together like a superhero duo, reading each other's cues, and the other type of chemistry between them sizzles.
However, they're aware it's destined not to be, not two different family men together; especially as Aldo B SR is disgusted with his son Leo being gay.
So much happens in this book - story arc wise across the whole world, and with the minor and major characters.
There's violence galore, secrets, betrayal, more violence and lots of kinky sex.
It's hotter than Hades, but what I really love is we start to see chips in Julian's armour.
The darkness he seems engulfed by is in many ways down to his childhood and also his neurodiversity.
It's clear that something is buried deep and it takes the adorable and fierce lion to uncover the emotions Julian denies.
Meanwhile, Sandro builds his empire, his friendship with Jack is starting to repair and there's a new player in town - or rather, in the game.
This series is addictive, hilarious, sweet, sexy and smart.
I can't wait for the next one.
May 19, 2026
Leighton Greene has written over a dozen unforgettable characters in her Morelliverse series', but none as more memorable as Julian Castellani. He is my absolute favorite undiagnosed psychopath and, while I have read His Fatal Love a few years ago, listening to it was a completely new experience!
Narrator Michael Ferraiuolo voiced Julian exactly how I imagined him, haughty yet with a vulnerability that comes from his traumatic childhood. Known as the Castellani Prince, he has the mannerisms of royalty, despite his predilection for murder. His real role in the Castellani family is their assassin. Michael was able to capture it all. *Chef's kiss*
There were a lot of accents I completely forgot about but was happily surprised to hear and fleshed out each character even more so, i.e. the Italian accents, the typical mafioso thug accents, and even the various yet few female voices. They were still different, a feat that is difficult for most voice actors to do this well.
Leighton's third book in the Castellani series, gave us an old murder mystery, an enemies to lovers romance, age old Mafia rivalries, A LOT of death and even more kinky, spicy sex! Like super spicy! Spicy that usually jumps off the pages but listening to it is even hotter where you clutch your imaginary pearls! It's all on par to her Morelliverse brand, and you can't help but root for the bitter rivals of the Bernardi Lion and Castellani Prince romance.
I suggest you read/listen to the first two books to have a better understanding of the LA side of the Mafia world. Yet if you do start here, you'll still appreciate it for what it is. An MM Mafia soap opera, and I say that respectively. I'm so grateful Leighton offered me an advanced listening copy in reciprocity for my honest review. Kind of a blast of the past in real time. Now, I need to decide if I want to own this complete series first or the OG Morelli series audiobooks, because I am so invested in all of Miss Greene's antiheros getting their HEA's!
Narrator Michael Ferraiuolo voiced Julian exactly how I imagined him, haughty yet with a vulnerability that comes from his traumatic childhood. Known as the Castellani Prince, he has the mannerisms of royalty, despite his predilection for murder. His real role in the Castellani family is their assassin. Michael was able to capture it all. *Chef's kiss*
There were a lot of accents I completely forgot about but was happily surprised to hear and fleshed out each character even more so, i.e. the Italian accents, the typical mafioso thug accents, and even the various yet few female voices. They were still different, a feat that is difficult for most voice actors to do this well.
Leighton's third book in the Castellani series, gave us an old murder mystery, an enemies to lovers romance, age old Mafia rivalries, A LOT of death and even more kinky, spicy sex! Like super spicy! Spicy that usually jumps off the pages but listening to it is even hotter where you clutch your imaginary pearls! It's all on par to her Morelliverse brand, and you can't help but root for the bitter rivals of the Bernardi Lion and Castellani Prince romance.
I suggest you read/listen to the first two books to have a better understanding of the LA side of the Mafia world. Yet if you do start here, you'll still appreciate it for what it is. An MM Mafia soap opera, and I say that respectively. I'm so grateful Leighton offered me an advanced listening copy in reciprocity for my honest review. Kind of a blast of the past in real time. Now, I need to decide if I want to own this complete series first or the OG Morelli series audiobooks, because I am so invested in all of Miss Greene's antiheros getting their HEA's!
June 2, 2023
I'm a big fan of this author's mobsters and Julian has been an intriguing character from the moment he set foot on the page earlier in the series. I think that's why I was expecting so much from this book. Don't get me wrong, it's a fantastic read, but for me it's just not quite the nailed-on 5* read I was hoping for. I’m almost certain it's a me thing but, for the first time, the book actually felt its length. I usually find myself wondering how 400 pages have flown so quickly. Sadly that didn't happen this time and I found myself impatiently wanting to skip ahead to where Julian and Leo stop circling each other and realise what they're feeling runs so much deeper than the assumed hatred that comes from their being from rival Families.
Once the hook caught, though, the book gave me everything! There's super hot enemies to lovers action with enough fire to warm even the coldest of hearts; inter-Family battles and shady dealings; dysfunctional family dynamics and wonderfully flawed characters who are perfect for each other. We really get to see the depth of character from both Leo and Julian. Both men have something to prove to their family, they both have trust issues and yet they're both every bit as protective as each other. There are such harsh trials and tribulations the men have to go through to get to their happy place with Leo learning to trust and love Julian and vice versa.
Overall, I was cheerleading for these complex bad boys all the way and probably needed to do a better job of managing my own expectations. It's 4* from me, even though I really want it to be 5*.
An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
Once the hook caught, though, the book gave me everything! There's super hot enemies to lovers action with enough fire to warm even the coldest of hearts; inter-Family battles and shady dealings; dysfunctional family dynamics and wonderfully flawed characters who are perfect for each other. We really get to see the depth of character from both Leo and Julian. Both men have something to prove to their family, they both have trust issues and yet they're both every bit as protective as each other. There are such harsh trials and tribulations the men have to go through to get to their happy place with Leo learning to trust and love Julian and vice versa.
Overall, I was cheerleading for these complex bad boys all the way and probably needed to do a better job of managing my own expectations. It's 4* from me, even though I really want it to be 5*.
An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
May 21, 2026
Oh how I love unhinged (never officially diagnosed) psychopaths🤭
I loved Julian since book one and getting a whole book about him was such a wonderful treat. There were so many layers to him that it’s hard to decipher which one I loved more.
He was such cold, manipulative unaliver who wouldn’t think twice to get his hands dirty. But most of all, he was a young man hungry for love and the respect of his brother. Being the bastard child was a curse he had to live with all of his life.
His uncaring persona only showed how much it affected him to be cast aside first by his father, and then by his brother. He felt more than he cared to admit even if at first he didn’t know what that meant.
Leo was in a similar position. Being gay was the worst thing he could be in his father’s eyes. His sexuality was something his father wouldn’t accept and therefore, treated him with as much disdain as possible.
Leo and Julian had more in common than they thought. Though that wasn’t the only reason why Leo was attracted to him. Julian was a puzzle Leo wanted to solve, even when he was pissed at Julian for not knowing who he was.
Them role playing was sexy af. I don’t know if I love Romeo more than Leo or vice versa. I can vividly imagine Romeo and let’s just say my thoughts aren’t PG🤣
I don’t know how Leighton manages to outdo herself with these mafia series. Each one keeps getting better and better with each new book. I can’t wait to read the next one!
I’m so glad we got Michael Ferraiuolo to narrate both series. I love how he brings the characters to life and makes you feel the stories even deeper. Looking forward to more of his work.
I loved Julian since book one and getting a whole book about him was such a wonderful treat. There were so many layers to him that it’s hard to decipher which one I loved more.
He was such cold, manipulative unaliver who wouldn’t think twice to get his hands dirty. But most of all, he was a young man hungry for love and the respect of his brother. Being the bastard child was a curse he had to live with all of his life.
His uncaring persona only showed how much it affected him to be cast aside first by his father, and then by his brother. He felt more than he cared to admit even if at first he didn’t know what that meant.
Leo was in a similar position. Being gay was the worst thing he could be in his father’s eyes. His sexuality was something his father wouldn’t accept and therefore, treated him with as much disdain as possible.
Leo and Julian had more in common than they thought. Though that wasn’t the only reason why Leo was attracted to him. Julian was a puzzle Leo wanted to solve, even when he was pissed at Julian for not knowing who he was.
Them role playing was sexy af. I don’t know if I love Romeo more than Leo or vice versa. I can vividly imagine Romeo and let’s just say my thoughts aren’t PG🤣
I don’t know how Leighton manages to outdo herself with these mafia series. Each one keeps getting better and better with each new book. I can’t wait to read the next one!
I’m so glad we got Michael Ferraiuolo to narrate both series. I love how he brings the characters to life and makes you feel the stories even deeper. Looking forward to more of his work.
May 25, 2023
I have enjoyed The West Coast Mobsters. The series is an offshoot of The Morelli series which I also love. Each book in The West Coast Mobsters series focuses on a different character. Julien has been the character that even the toughest guy fears. He is often called a psychopath to which he replies, "Never officially diagnosed." I love his character. In the previous books, Julian has appeared as an uncontrollable monster of chaos. In this book, Julien reveals his secrets. He is still dangerous as hell but the reasons start to make sense.
The other main character is Leo, the Lion, Bernardis who is the enforcer for his father. Don Bernardis uses Leo as a weapon. Other than that, he ignores him and treats him as if he no value. Leo's older brother, AJ, following their father's lead treats him badly. His Don tells him to seduce Julien and turn him. He wants Julien to kill his older brother and Don, Sandro.
The relationship between Julien and Sandro is intricate and changing during the book. The clarity that they gain with each other is wonderful. Three books in and I am still enjoying this series. The next book will be out at the end of the year. As soon as it is ready to preorder I plan to. I think that is the highest recommendation.
I purchased a copy of His Fatal Love but I also received a copy from Gay Romance Review.
The other main character is Leo, the Lion, Bernardis who is the enforcer for his father. Don Bernardis uses Leo as a weapon. Other than that, he ignores him and treats him as if he no value. Leo's older brother, AJ, following their father's lead treats him badly. His Don tells him to seduce Julien and turn him. He wants Julien to kill his older brother and Don, Sandro.
The relationship between Julien and Sandro is intricate and changing during the book. The clarity that they gain with each other is wonderful. Three books in and I am still enjoying this series. The next book will be out at the end of the year. As soon as it is ready to preorder I plan to. I think that is the highest recommendation.
I purchased a copy of His Fatal Love but I also received a copy from Gay Romance Review.
May 25, 2023
Third in series (West Coast Mobsters), must be read in order due to overarching storyline. Mystery/suspense/action. Dual POV. Heed content warnings. Julian is the younger brother of Don Castellani, a loose cannon and feared assassin, and he is on a mission to finally find his mother’s killer. Leo is the Bernardi family enforcer, but his newest assignment is to woo Julian, encourage him to kill his older brother, and eventually become a puppet for the Bernardi family. But who is playing who is anyone’s guess when both Julian and Leo have their own agendas, but are slowly falling deeper into something - maybe love, maybe hate - and they can never really be together since their families are enemies. The push and pull for power between Julian and Leo is constant, with high heat steamy interactions, and some sweet glimpses into each of them falling for the other. Absolutely enjoyed every minute of the story, Julian and Leo learning to trust, finally being honest about their feelings, and working together perfectly. Both Julian and Leo were likable characters, one psychopath (never diagnosed :-)) and his perfect match that understands him, both loving every piece of each other. This series is Chef’s Kiss.
July 18, 2023
**3.5 stars
I have loved and been intrigued by Julian since the beginning of this series. He was my little misunderstood psychopath ( not officially diagnosed) and I couldn’t wait to see where his obsession would take him. The beginning of this story was really good. I loved getting to know Julian and watching him navigate his relationship with Leo “The Lion”, the enforcer from their rival family. The back and forth, animosity mixed with attraction was done well. We also got to see Julian be a little vulnerable about his feelings and relationship with his brother and Jack.
Where things started to change for me was about halfway through. Julian seemed to change a little too abruptly for me. I get that he can get attached, but having a chapter showing that that was where things were heading would have helped buy him being completely taken by Leo. And Leo was still standoffish until he wasn’t. Then there was drama and it all felt rushed.
Overall, I’m still very invested with this series and am I seeing who the next book will be about, but this started out strong for me but then fizzled out.
I have loved and been intrigued by Julian since the beginning of this series. He was my little misunderstood psychopath ( not officially diagnosed) and I couldn’t wait to see where his obsession would take him. The beginning of this story was really good. I loved getting to know Julian and watching him navigate his relationship with Leo “The Lion”, the enforcer from their rival family. The back and forth, animosity mixed with attraction was done well. We also got to see Julian be a little vulnerable about his feelings and relationship with his brother and Jack.
Where things started to change for me was about halfway through. Julian seemed to change a little too abruptly for me. I get that he can get attached, but having a chapter showing that that was where things were heading would have helped buy him being completely taken by Leo. And Leo was still standoffish until he wasn’t. Then there was drama and it all felt rushed.
Overall, I’m still very invested with this series and am I seeing who the next book will be about, but this started out strong for me but then fizzled out.
May 5, 2025
Julian is a highly skilled and dangerous assassin working for the Castellani Family. He is manipulative and easily bored, even in his personal life. His loyalty lies with his Family and Don, who provide him with safety. Leo Bernardi, views Julian as a monstrous killing machine and a tool for his own family's agenda. Julian, in turn, sees Leo as a pawn to be used. The dynamic shifts as Leo attempts to seduce and tame Julian, leading to a dangerous game of cat and mouse. However, this entanglement unexpectedly awakens unfamiliar feelings in Julian, feelings he never desired due to the inherent risks they pose in his profession. Despite considering Leo his greatest enemy, Julian finds himself falling in love with him, creating a conflict between his loyalty and his burgeoning emotions.
I enjoyed this story with the two men who were both skilled killers and had a hidden agenda but fell for each other. There were a lot of politics within their own families as well as between the families. I loved how supportive they ended up of each other. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
Sources and related content
I enjoyed this story with the two men who were both skilled killers and had a hidden agenda but fell for each other. There were a lot of politics within their own families as well as between the families. I loved how supportive they ended up of each other. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
Sources and related content
May 21, 2026
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Thank you to Leighton Greene for providing me a copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review.
Castellani assassin, Julian, the psychopathic younger half-brother of the family Don, has been given permission to look into his mother’s murder from when he was a child. Meanwhile, the second son of the Bernardi Family Don, and their enforcer, Leo “The Lion”, has been charged with seducing Julian with the aim of turning him into a tool for the Bernardi’s. As the two men work to outsmart each other while entertaining all of their desires, feelings start to form, but as their families are enemies how can the situation end in anything but heartache?
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Michael Ferraiuolo is fantastic at narrating this world that Leighton Greene has created.
What I liked:
Julian intrigued me from when we first met him in “Vow of the Vigilante (Morelli Family book 7)”, and his appearances in the previous two books of this series have been a delight. Needless to say I was impatient to start this audiobook as soon as it was available to me. Learning more about what makes Julian tick has been an emotional journey, and I’m so glad Leo was deserving of him. Their relationship, while bumpy with misunderstandings, was incredibly sweet. The mystery aspect of the book was as twisty as usual, and while I, again, figured out who did it way too early, the who’s and why’s along the way kept me guessing.
What didn’t work for me:
Holy heck, one of those spice scenes was way outside my comfort level! I appreciate LG’s ability to cater to a wide range of kinks, but sometimes I’m left shuddering (and not in a good way), this was one of them, even MF’s gorgeous tone couldn’t help.
Final thoughts:
A captivating addition to the West Coast Mobsters series.
Who would enjoy this: Adults who read darker romances with a mystery element. To avoid spoilers, read the series in order.
Thank you to Leighton Greene for providing me a copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review.
Castellani assassin, Julian, the psychopathic younger half-brother of the family Don, has been given permission to look into his mother’s murder from when he was a child. Meanwhile, the second son of the Bernardi Family Don, and their enforcer, Leo “The Lion”, has been charged with seducing Julian with the aim of turning him into a tool for the Bernardi’s. As the two men work to outsmart each other while entertaining all of their desires, feelings start to form, but as their families are enemies how can the situation end in anything but heartache?
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Michael Ferraiuolo is fantastic at narrating this world that Leighton Greene has created.
What I liked:
Julian intrigued me from when we first met him in “Vow of the Vigilante (Morelli Family book 7)”, and his appearances in the previous two books of this series have been a delight. Needless to say I was impatient to start this audiobook as soon as it was available to me. Learning more about what makes Julian tick has been an emotional journey, and I’m so glad Leo was deserving of him. Their relationship, while bumpy with misunderstandings, was incredibly sweet. The mystery aspect of the book was as twisty as usual, and while I, again, figured out who did it way too early, the who’s and why’s along the way kept me guessing.
What didn’t work for me:
Holy heck, one of those spice scenes was way outside my comfort level! I appreciate LG’s ability to cater to a wide range of kinks, but sometimes I’m left shuddering (and not in a good way), this was one of them, even MF’s gorgeous tone couldn’t help.
Final thoughts:
A captivating addition to the West Coast Mobsters series.
Who would enjoy this: Adults who read darker romances with a mystery element. To avoid spoilers, read the series in order.
September 10, 2023
Best in series!
I was blown away by how the author could take a character like Julien, whose a cold-hearted emotionless psycho killer, and so expertly turn him slowly and believably into a character who experiences the emotional journey of falling in love.
Amidst twisting plots of two mafia families in competition and ulterior motives for each of the main characters and set against the backdrop of Julien's mother's decades old death, Julien and Leo (the Bernardi enforcer known as the Lion) find each other and fall in love.
And love does overcome everything even the insurmountable problem of being in opposing mafia families.
As Leo says towards the end of the story, "We may have come from different worlds, but we fit together perfectly. We have our own secret language—a language of revenge, of love, of passion and violence." This is totally representative of their devotion to each other, they are in it for long-term. Their catch phase is "I am yours. Forever."
I loved this book!!
I was blown away by how the author could take a character like Julien, whose a cold-hearted emotionless psycho killer, and so expertly turn him slowly and believably into a character who experiences the emotional journey of falling in love.
Amidst twisting plots of two mafia families in competition and ulterior motives for each of the main characters and set against the backdrop of Julien's mother's decades old death, Julien and Leo (the Bernardi enforcer known as the Lion) find each other and fall in love.
And love does overcome everything even the insurmountable problem of being in opposing mafia families.
As Leo says towards the end of the story, "We may have come from different worlds, but we fit together perfectly. We have our own secret language—a language of revenge, of love, of passion and violence." This is totally representative of their devotion to each other, they are in it for long-term. Their catch phase is "I am yours. Forever."
I loved this book!!
May 15, 2026
Overall 5 Stars
Performance 5 Stars
Story 5 Stars
Bravo!
Michael Ferraiuolo did an outstanding job bringing this story to life. I thought he did a remarkable job with the number of characters he was given, the accents and he made the emotions sizzle. I was hooked from start to finish.
I am jumping into this series in the middle with book 3 and although I thoroughly enjoyed it I would have enjoyed it much more if I had started from the beginning so I could learn more about all the players in this mafia universe.
There are several twists and turns throughout to keep us on our toes as we solve the mysteries.
Great cast of characters.
It was interesting watching Julian’s character development from an emotionless killer without heart to someone who is capable of falling in love. Leo is the opposite in that he has too much heart but hides it underneath the rough persona of the lion. It his job to make everyone afraid of him but he cares deeply for his family and friends.
*action *mystery *forbidden romance *enemies to lovers *mafia rivalry *secrets *lies *betrayal
Performance 5 Stars
Story 5 Stars
Bravo!
Michael Ferraiuolo did an outstanding job bringing this story to life. I thought he did a remarkable job with the number of characters he was given, the accents and he made the emotions sizzle. I was hooked from start to finish.
I am jumping into this series in the middle with book 3 and although I thoroughly enjoyed it I would have enjoyed it much more if I had started from the beginning so I could learn more about all the players in this mafia universe.
There are several twists and turns throughout to keep us on our toes as we solve the mysteries.
Great cast of characters.
It was interesting watching Julian’s character development from an emotionless killer without heart to someone who is capable of falling in love. Leo is the opposite in that he has too much heart but hides it underneath the rough persona of the lion. It his job to make everyone afraid of him but he cares deeply for his family and friends.
*action *mystery *forbidden romance *enemies to lovers *mafia rivalry *secrets *lies *betrayal
May 30, 2023
What a delicious series!
In the end I loved Julian and Leo to the bottoms of their spoiled and rotten souls... but, ngl, the first 30-ish % were a bit draggy. It was the only book where I felt like the mystery really took a seat back and we followed the romance more. Which is fine but also, I felt like there should've been something more happening. Which then did but I expected it to happen sooner.
Nevermind that because I devoured this book. It is the longest one yet and it took me just a day to finish.
The sex was really kinky - which I guess might not be everyone's cup of tea but I lived for it. I love seeing all kinds of kinks and playtime in the bedroom.
Julian was such an amazing character... and yeah, Leo was annoying for the first couple of chapters but once his heart grew a few sizes, I just loved him the same.
The mutual possessiveness was to die for.
Cannot wait for the next book... I'm kinda hoping this will involve the new butler?
In the end I loved Julian and Leo to the bottoms of their spoiled and rotten souls... but, ngl, the first 30-ish % were a bit draggy. It was the only book where I felt like the mystery really took a seat back and we followed the romance more. Which is fine but also, I felt like there should've been something more happening. Which then did but I expected it to happen sooner.
Nevermind that because I devoured this book. It is the longest one yet and it took me just a day to finish.
The sex was really kinky - which I guess might not be everyone's cup of tea but I lived for it. I love seeing all kinds of kinks and playtime in the bedroom.
Julian was such an amazing character... and yeah, Leo was annoying for the first couple of chapters but once his heart grew a few sizes, I just loved him the same.
The mutual possessiveness was to die for.
Cannot wait for the next book... I'm kinda hoping this will involve the new butler?
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