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The Botticelli Brotherhood #3
Indebted To The Enemy
On my knees before him, I'm compelled to submit to Marco Barone. As king of this city, he should be bowing before me, Giancarlo Botticelli. But behind closed doors, with his perfect body towering above mine, I am powerless to my need for him once again. Poor timing has us reconnecting as war is raging through the city. In the midst of this war, my brother agreed to pay a debt to garner peace. A debt I must pay by marrying Irene Andreyev, the sister of one of our family's enemies. I will make this sacrifice for my family. I'll marry her and bind our families by blood, but only on my terms. I refuse to give up the man who fulfills my desires. She can take us both or watch this city burn.
248 pages, Paperback
Published August 3, 2023
2 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Quick
38 books339 followersJ.L. Quick is an author of spicy, dark, contemporary (18+) romance novels and novellas. Utilizing a mixture of her life experiences and Master's degree in Psychology, she creates deep, rich characters who battle their demons while finding savage and brutal love. In her free time, she enjoys reading, food festivals, visiting distilleries, and cult-classic movies. J.L. Quick resides in the Mid-Atlantic with her husband and the pack of pitties.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 11, 2023
Holy h#ll. I didn't think it could get any hotter after the last two, but JL said, "Here, hold my beer!"
Things you need to know. This is the third book in a series of standalones. HOWEVER, I highly recommend that you read them in order. This book has dark content and you should read the trigger warnings. And lastly, this book is EXTRA spicy. So prior to reading you should take a cold shower and have a friend, or two, within reach. You're welcome.
Now, review. In this installment of the series, we are focusing on Carlo, Marco, AND Irena. The first thruple of the series! (When I say JL stepped her game up, like she brought her A game). Carlo is the brother of Lorenzo (first book). He is known to be interested in men and women. After some events occur, Carlo's dad decides to put a detail on him and the sister.
Marco is the security detail. Someone that Carlo has been interested in but doesn't seeing going anywhere for reasons. Clearly, we wouldn't have a book if we didn't have issues. Things will happen. And Marco and Carlo find themselves pulled to each other until it's just impossible to be apart. It's actually really sweet.
BUT THEN...Carlo is told that he has to marry Irena, who he does not know. Due to a debt, the marriage is arranged on Carlo and Irena's behalf. Carlo is determined that now that he has Marco, they are a package deal. Sweet baby JESUS did I want to be in the middle of that package...
Irena has her own issues with the marriage, but agrees. The first meeting, Irena show's why she belongs. I love her! After conversation and things take place, and arrangement is made. And it's fireworks from then on. And it was amazing!
Full disclosure, I'm not one that typically enjoys MM or MMF. Just not my personal choice. I knew going into this book that it was very much present (the author tells you in the beginning). I also trust this author to deliver, and she did expertly. I say that only to point out how well this book is was written and the overall delivery of the story. The spice is hot (shocked the heck out of me for sure because again not typically my jam)/. But there is also a plot that draws you in and makes it impossible to put down. The world building and character development over this entire series is phenomenal.
I highly recommend this book, and the ones before it. I'm obsessed with it. And you will be too!
Happy Reading Ya'll!
Things you need to know. This is the third book in a series of standalones. HOWEVER, I highly recommend that you read them in order. This book has dark content and you should read the trigger warnings. And lastly, this book is EXTRA spicy. So prior to reading you should take a cold shower and have a friend, or two, within reach. You're welcome.
Now, review. In this installment of the series, we are focusing on Carlo, Marco, AND Irena. The first thruple of the series! (When I say JL stepped her game up, like she brought her A game). Carlo is the brother of Lorenzo (first book). He is known to be interested in men and women. After some events occur, Carlo's dad decides to put a detail on him and the sister.
Marco is the security detail. Someone that Carlo has been interested in but doesn't seeing going anywhere for reasons. Clearly, we wouldn't have a book if we didn't have issues. Things will happen. And Marco and Carlo find themselves pulled to each other until it's just impossible to be apart. It's actually really sweet.
BUT THEN...Carlo is told that he has to marry Irena, who he does not know. Due to a debt, the marriage is arranged on Carlo and Irena's behalf. Carlo is determined that now that he has Marco, they are a package deal. Sweet baby JESUS did I want to be in the middle of that package...
Irena has her own issues with the marriage, but agrees. The first meeting, Irena show's why she belongs. I love her! After conversation and things take place, and arrangement is made. And it's fireworks from then on. And it was amazing!
Full disclosure, I'm not one that typically enjoys MM or MMF. Just not my personal choice. I knew going into this book that it was very much present (the author tells you in the beginning). I also trust this author to deliver, and she did expertly. I say that only to point out how well this book is was written and the overall delivery of the story. The spice is hot (shocked the heck out of me for sure because again not typically my jam)/. But there is also a plot that draws you in and makes it impossible to put down. The world building and character development over this entire series is phenomenal.
I highly recommend this book, and the ones before it. I'm obsessed with it. And you will be too!
Happy Reading Ya'll!
September 2, 2023
This is easily the best in the series. Honestly, that’s not saying a ton for me since I really didn’t care much for the last 2. I was intrigued enough with the family to keep going.
The first 30% is basically Renzo’s story with mm sex. So, if you’ve been reading the series, it’s boring.
The inner homophobic turmoil is very crude and may even be a tad insulting. It’s not well written. In the beginning as Marco comes into his sexuality he’s all over the place and I think I got whiplash trying to follow him. “I’m not gay” “be a good boy and suck my cock” “I don’t know what I want”.
As usual with JL’s stories, the overall story is pretty good. However, the execution leaves a lot to be desired. There’s very little detail, timing is confusing, and many scenes you have to reread to know what she’s talking about. This book was no exception. Many of the scenes were impractical or just confusing.
But the spice is throughout. Basically the entire story is sex (mm, mf, and mmf). Also, her stories are always very short, quick reads.
Lastly, this was her best edited novel. Previously, they always felt like rough drafts. This was felt more complete.
The first 30% is basically Renzo’s story with mm sex. So, if you’ve been reading the series, it’s boring.
The inner homophobic turmoil is very crude and may even be a tad insulting. It’s not well written. In the beginning as Marco comes into his sexuality he’s all over the place and I think I got whiplash trying to follow him. “I’m not gay” “be a good boy and suck my cock” “I don’t know what I want”.
As usual with JL’s stories, the overall story is pretty good. However, the execution leaves a lot to be desired. There’s very little detail, timing is confusing, and many scenes you have to reread to know what she’s talking about. This book was no exception. Many of the scenes were impractical or just confusing.
But the spice is throughout. Basically the entire story is sex (mm, mf, and mmf). Also, her stories are always very short, quick reads.
Lastly, this was her best edited novel. Previously, they always felt like rough drafts. This was felt more complete.
August 3, 2023
This is the 3rd in the Botticelli Brotherhood series. The first being Sold to the Syndicate and the second being Capo Dei Capi’s Daughter.
All three obviously follow the Botticelli family, a mafia family. Sold was Lorenzo’s story. Capo was V’s (the sister) story and this one is Carlo’s story. This one is my new favorite.
This story has so much action, and twists as it wraps up the slight cliffhanger in both of the other books.
Carlo and family friend Marco, bond and reconnect in a romantic way, and it is hot! Their relationship grows and build, until Carlo finds out he’s being forced to marry a woman named Irena because of a unpaid debt.
JL, GAH!! I’m still in my feels over this one. The ending was profound, with the 7 of them… I fell in love with the dynamics of these characters and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. This was amazing. I, someone that rarely rereads already feels the need to read it again. 5⭐️ 4🌶️ Bravo!!
All three obviously follow the Botticelli family, a mafia family. Sold was Lorenzo’s story. Capo was V’s (the sister) story and this one is Carlo’s story. This one is my new favorite.
This story has so much action, and twists as it wraps up the slight cliffhanger in both of the other books.
Carlo and family friend Marco, bond and reconnect in a romantic way, and it is hot! Their relationship grows and build, until Carlo finds out he’s being forced to marry a woman named Irena because of a unpaid debt.
JL, GAH!! I’m still in my feels over this one. The ending was profound, with the 7 of them… I fell in love with the dynamics of these characters and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. This was amazing. I, someone that rarely rereads already feels the need to read it again. 5⭐️ 4🌶️ Bravo!!
August 10, 2023
"I wonder how I should reward you for being so good for me."
So, I've been reading this series since book one and when I tell you I was not prepare for it I mean it. This book I think is by far my FAVORITE of the series. I know this book is about Carlo but I think just like in the story Marco took charge of it. The way this two characters lured me from the beginning of the story. Individually they were good but together they were creating freaking fireworks. To me them as a couple was good. Marco coming to terms of his sexuality and Carlos being there to support him and vise versa. BUT then JL sprinkles the extra toping to the pie I didn't know I needed!!! I was so invested in what was happening in their relationship that I honestly didn't even notice when Renzo, V or any of the family were involved lol.
Like I said this was by far my favorite one of the series!!!
So, I've been reading this series since book one and when I tell you I was not prepare for it I mean it. This book I think is by far my FAVORITE of the series. I know this book is about Carlo but I think just like in the story Marco took charge of it. The way this two characters lured me from the beginning of the story. Individually they were good but together they were creating freaking fireworks. To me them as a couple was good. Marco coming to terms of his sexuality and Carlos being there to support him and vise versa. BUT then JL sprinkles the extra toping to the pie I didn't know I needed!!! I was so invested in what was happening in their relationship that I honestly didn't even notice when Renzo, V or any of the family were involved lol.
Like I said this was by far my favorite one of the series!!!
August 12, 2023
I've been eagerly anticipating the third installment in the Botticelli series, and 'Indebted to the Enemy' by JL Quick certainly lived up to my expectations. I've given this captivating story a well-deserved 4 stars, and the spicy level easily earns a solid 5. The saga of this mafia family continues to enthrall me.
In this book, we follow Carlo's journey as an old flame is reignited and a new one is ignited. Quick's skillful storytelling drew me in from the first page and kept me hooked until the very end. This is a relatively short read, but it packs a punch, making it an excellent choice for readers who crave both steamy romance and thrilling excitement.
The character dynamics and the intricate plot twists had me on the edge of my seat throughout. If you're a fan of sexy, pulse-pounding reads, 'Indebted to the Enemy' is a must-add to your bookshelf. I'm eagerly looking forward to more from JL Quick!
In this book, we follow Carlo's journey as an old flame is reignited and a new one is ignited. Quick's skillful storytelling drew me in from the first page and kept me hooked until the very end. This is a relatively short read, but it packs a punch, making it an excellent choice for readers who crave both steamy romance and thrilling excitement.
The character dynamics and the intricate plot twists had me on the edge of my seat throughout. If you're a fan of sexy, pulse-pounding reads, 'Indebted to the Enemy' is a must-add to your bookshelf. I'm eagerly looking forward to more from JL Quick!
August 10, 2023
I just finished my read of Indebted To The Enemy: The Botticelli Brotherhood Series by J.L. Quick. This story is book three of the Botticelli Brotherhood and can be read as a standalone. In this book you will meet Carlo, Marco and Irene. A debt was owed, and the payment was to be Carlo marrying Irena in an arranged marriage. Carlo refuses to give up Marco and will watch his city burn to ash unless Irena agrees to his terms. This book grabs you from page one, you won't want to put it down. I can't wait to see what happens next.
August 10, 2023
The Botticelli family has quickly become one of my absolute favorites in the book world. There is never a dull moment with them, not ever, and they sure as hell aren’t starting now. The third installment to the Botticelli Brotherhood series, Indebted To The Enemy is suspenseful, action-packed and sexy as hell. Carlo and Marco together pack a punch- one that I wasn’t truly expecting because MM isn’t exactly my forte BUT add Irena into the mix. Holy smokes, y’all. I could not get enough of this trio. This is one book that I could not and would not put down until I reached the very end. I’m a sucker for MMF/MFM, this isn’t a secret, but I truly think these MCs are my new fave throuple 🥵
Everyone deserves to have someone who loves them as fiercely as these three love, care and protect each other. *swoon*🫶🏼♥️
Happy freaking release day, love!!!
Everyone deserves to have someone who loves them as fiercely as these three love, care and protect each other. *swoon*🫶🏼♥️
Happy freaking release day, love!!!
August 15, 2023
This book is probably my favorite in the series. The relationship between Marco and Carlo was so good and then Irena happened. I really wasn't sure what to expect with her and I kind of expected to hate her but she was great. I thought the three of them together were great and she was the perfect fit for both of the guys.
The first half of the book did cover a lot of things we've seen in the other books but didn't go into detail other than Marco and Carlo's part. For those who've read the other books it may seem a bit redundant but for those who haven't, they might be confused about what's happening. What I said for the last book is still true for this one. Even though it can be read as a stand-alone it's better to have read the others first just to avoid any confusion.
The first half of the book did cover a lot of things we've seen in the other books but didn't go into detail other than Marco and Carlo's part. For those who've read the other books it may seem a bit redundant but for those who haven't, they might be confused about what's happening. What I said for the last book is still true for this one. Even though it can be read as a stand-alone it's better to have read the others first just to avoid any confusion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2023
Gahhh what can I say I devoured this book. I couldn’t put it down, it was super hot like burning up my kindle. Had some funny scenes and the suspense and action it was all there.
Carlo and Marco man they’re super hot together those scenes of them two was like damn 🔥🥵. Then you throw in the mix Irena who is feisty, strong headed and doesn’t put up with anything her brother wants from her. And man you have a very hot combination and book. I loved how we get to find out what happened to Karyann and we get glimpses from the previous books, that make all the books tie together.
I can’t wait for Sal’s book. He showed a side of him we really didn’t see in the other books. I loved this whole series of books but I have to say this one is my favorite 😍 .
5/⭐️
5/🌶️
Carlo and Marco man they’re super hot together those scenes of them two was like damn 🔥🥵. Then you throw in the mix Irena who is feisty, strong headed and doesn’t put up with anything her brother wants from her. And man you have a very hot combination and book. I loved how we get to find out what happened to Karyann and we get glimpses from the previous books, that make all the books tie together.
I can’t wait for Sal’s book. He showed a side of him we really didn’t see in the other books. I loved this whole series of books but I have to say this one is my favorite 😍 .
5/⭐️
5/🌶️
August 17, 2023
Gahhh what can I say I devoured this book. I couldn’t put it down, it was super hot like burning up my kindle. Had some funny scenes and the suspense and action it was all there.
Carlo and Marco man they’re super hot together those scenes of them two was like damn 🔥🥵. Then you throw in the mix Irena who is feisty, strong headed and doesn’t put up with anything her brother wants from her. And man you have a very hot combination and book. I loved how we get to find out what happened to Karyann and we get glimpses from the previous books, that make all the books tie together.
I can’t wait for Sal’s book. He showed a side of him we really didn’t see in the other books. I loved this whole series of books but I have to say this one is my favorite 😍 .
5 /5⭐️
5/5 🌶️
Carlo and Marco man they’re super hot together those scenes of them two was like damn 🔥🥵. Then you throw in the mix Irena who is feisty, strong headed and doesn’t put up with anything her brother wants from her. And man you have a very hot combination and book. I loved how we get to find out what happened to Karyann and we get glimpses from the previous books, that make all the books tie together.
I can’t wait for Sal’s book. He showed a side of him we really didn’t see in the other books. I loved this whole series of books but I have to say this one is my favorite 😍 .
5 /5⭐️
5/5 🌶️
August 4, 2023
Phew, so I love this family, I know I know they are mafia and blow shit up et el, but these guys are good. Ok that's, never mind.
Carlo and Marco with Irena well well well, safe to say I saw it was gonna be the two men in this book but Irena , holy smoking geez, I so so so loved this story.
I can say that the way these 3 come about being together is so mafiaesque, you just want them to be together.
This story was hella hot and pure sin sin sin sin!!! I devoured it, no I inhaled it completely and it was worth it.
With the running plot line from the previous books everything comes to head in this one and it was just what the doctor ordered.
Cant wait to read more on this family!
Carlo and Marco with Irena well well well, safe to say I saw it was gonna be the two men in this book but Irena , holy smoking geez, I so so so loved this story.
I can say that the way these 3 come about being together is so mafiaesque, you just want them to be together.
This story was hella hot and pure sin sin sin sin!!! I devoured it, no I inhaled it completely and it was worth it.
With the running plot line from the previous books everything comes to head in this one and it was just what the doctor ordered.
Cant wait to read more on this family!
August 5, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
P H E W this was one steamy continuation of The Botticelli Brotherhood series!
The first 1/3 of this book included flash backs to scenes we’ve already experienced through the eyes of other characters; they’re curt and hone in on the beginnings of Marco and Carlo’s relationship. (I appreciated the insight, but felt like the story TRULY began almost halfway through the book.)
Enter Irena. This is when we stop flashing back and look forward. She was the perfect addition to Marco and Carlo’s relationship: ball-busting Irena; sweet, yet vicious Giancarlo; and brusk and in-charge Marco have some seriously spicy encounters.
Thanks to J.L. Quick for the ARC of this book!
P H E W this was one steamy continuation of The Botticelli Brotherhood series!
The first 1/3 of this book included flash backs to scenes we’ve already experienced through the eyes of other characters; they’re curt and hone in on the beginnings of Marco and Carlo’s relationship. (I appreciated the insight, but felt like the story TRULY began almost halfway through the book.)
Enter Irena. This is when we stop flashing back and look forward. She was the perfect addition to Marco and Carlo’s relationship: ball-busting Irena; sweet, yet vicious Giancarlo; and brusk and in-charge Marco have some seriously spicy encounters.
Thanks to J.L. Quick for the ARC of this book!
August 5, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! The plot, interesting twists, spice and character development had me entranced. The dynamic between Carlo & Marco was perfection, those two are both strong, hot headed, snarky mafia guys but wow do they make a great pair. They both have the “touch her/him & die” thing going on. The female MC,Irena, fits in so well with Carlo & Marco. Irena is brazen & very sassy but those boys love it! The spice in this M/M/F romance is 10 out of 10, wow the spice had me blushing like crazy. This book definitely made it to the top of my favorites list!
August 10, 2023
It's a really tough decision, but I am almost certain this is my favorite book in The Botticelli Brotherhood Series thus far. I am a sucker for MMF dynamics, but the way that J.L. Quick wrote Giancarlo and Marco was near perfection and then she stepped it up even more by including the fiery and all consuming Irena. The chemistry between the trio is undeniable.
Written in first person and with multiple POV's, each character blends very well into the next and doesn't leave the reader feeling tossed around or left out in the rain.
These quick read books can all be read as standalones but do have an interconnecting plotline. Each book brings something new to the table and I can't wait to see who she writes about next.
Happy reading mafia book lovers!
Written in first person and with multiple POV's, each character blends very well into the next and doesn't leave the reader feeling tossed around or left out in the rain.
These quick read books can all be read as standalones but do have an interconnecting plotline. Each book brings something new to the table and I can't wait to see who she writes about next.
Happy reading mafia book lovers!
August 7, 2023
I am loving these short and super spicy books about the Botticelli family!
In this installment, Carlo gets to explore what life is like with 2 loves of his life. He starts a fling with one of the family’s men, Marco and just as they are getting hit and heavy, Carlo is informed he will be forced to marry Irena, the sister of his enemy to pay off a debt.
These three are super spicy and a nice change of pace in this world J. L. has built! I enjoyed every minute of mg time reading it!
In this installment, Carlo gets to explore what life is like with 2 loves of his life. He starts a fling with one of the family’s men, Marco and just as they are getting hit and heavy, Carlo is informed he will be forced to marry Irena, the sister of his enemy to pay off a debt.
These three are super spicy and a nice change of pace in this world J. L. has built! I enjoyed every minute of mg time reading it!
August 10, 2023
This was such an amazing read! In this installment of the Botticelli Brotherhood Series, we are introduced to Carlo, who has just started to reconnect with Marco, but finds he is being given to Irena to settle a debt. This leads to an interesting dynamic between the three of them. The spice is amazing and as always J.L. Quick wrote an awesome story, that will leave you hooked and emotionally invested.
August 14, 2023
J.L. put all the 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ in this book! Although a part of a series, it can read as a standalone.
Giancarlo the boss, Marco the security have had feelings for one another for a long time. Just when they decide to make it public, Carlo has to pay a debt by marrying Irena.
They proposition Irena to join the both of them.
There are trigger warnings.
There is a lot of spice.
I was given this arc for my honest review.
Giancarlo the boss, Marco the security have had feelings for one another for a long time. Just when they decide to make it public, Carlo has to pay a debt by marrying Irena.
They proposition Irena to join the both of them.
There are trigger warnings.
There is a lot of spice.
I was given this arc for my honest review.
August 4, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. The way JL brought the 3 main characters together was amazing. This is one that I couldn’t put down and finished within 5 hours. I think it’s great that this one is part of the Botticelli series but can also be a stand alone. Five stars for JL Quick and I’m definitely looking forward to the next book!
August 9, 2023
This book…. Wow! So not only do we get a mafia trope, but we also get RH?! This book brought the spice. This book brought the suspense. This book gave me all the feels. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next and I was not disappointed! Can’t wait for the next in this series!
August 4, 2023
Oh My God! Another amazing book. I love this mafia family . I love every character. Every character has its own spark and attraction . I love their dynamic, love for each other and their connection . I love everything about this book . Marco and Carlo are 2 beautiful creatures with amazing chemistry and it sparks it more when gorgeous Irene came in the picture . Mafia books are so thrilling with you author . Thankyou once again for this wonderful book
August 4, 2023
Received as an arc. Omg the dynamics of these three are fire!!! I completely recommend if you don’t mind the just plain hotness of Irene, Marco and Carlo. This is the third book in this series with plenty of spice. Badassness with a touch of sassy to round it all off!!! Enjoy!!!!!!
August 7, 2023
I went into this book because I have read the others by this author and omg!! She didn't disappoint!!
You would be missing out if you don't go and read this book!!! So hurry and get it. Put aside the other book you are reading and pick this one up!!
You would be missing out if you don't go and read this book!!! So hurry and get it. Put aside the other book you are reading and pick this one up!!
June 15, 2024
I feel like they went from ignoring each other and not liking each other to being in love and in a relationship in the same paragraph. The overall story was good, but it was hard to follow throughout and a lot of repeating events from the past two books in the series.
August 14, 2023
I enjoyed how this story unfolded. The spicy scenes are brilliant. As they say small but mighty. This story was sure mighty. An intriguing and engrossing read that will leave you wanting more.
August 15, 2023
I'm not a fan of this authors writing style, it's like the mc is just telling me all this info and it's just too much. It doesn't feel natural at all
August 28, 2023
Holy wow. I absolutely loved Giancarlo and Marcos story. Add in Irena and I’m mind blown. I can’t wait for the next book!
October 24, 2023
I finished this in less and 24 hrs!!!! 🫣😳😳😳
March 15, 2024
I always wanted to read a poly mafia book!!!
December 28, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
I loved Marco and Carlo 🥵 Adding in Irena had me *swooning* because the chemistry between the three of them was perfect.
Loved this!
I loved Marco and Carlo 🥵 Adding in Irena had me *swooning* because the chemistry between the three of them was perfect.
Loved this!
October 4, 2025
3.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews