Defending You

Rough Edges #5

by Matthew Dante

Sven Kolczynski
25, Polish, amateur car thief… and apparently unkillable.

Being a hero can be painful and seriously hazardous to your health. What can I say? I’m not a smart man. It’s been two weeks since I started following the brown-haired, cheery little puppy. There’s nothing special about the guy. He’s a mechanic, hangs out with a bunch of scary-looking dudes, and never seems to stop smiling. Like seriously, how can one man be so happy all of the time? Okay, fine, the guy is kind of cute, and that smile can make a man weak in his knees. But tell me, is a cute face really worth becoming someone’s next target? Not to mention, this dude's creepy brother keeps threatening to dismember me if I do anything to hurt his little brother. Like, seriously. What’s wrong with this family?

Oliver O’Maley
29, mechanic, and little brother to Patrick, the crew’s… “information extractor”, which is also a nice way of saying, “scary dude who will unalive you if you don’t do as he says”.

Arg. Who knew that having Patrick as a big brother was going to result in me having to live my life in a protective bubble? Seriously! Everyone on the Crew treats me like their kid brother and won't let me do anything even remotely dangerous! All I want is a chance to prove myself. A chance to show the guys that I’m more than just Paddy’s little brother. All that changes when some big Polish dude saves my life. Now, suddenly, we are both being hunted. I’m having to fight off assassins in the dark and make sure that nothing happens to my would-be protector or family. That includes stopping my overprotective big brother from murdering the rest of the world in retaliation. We’re a close family. We take things personally.

This is an MM dark romance filled with plenty of heat, steam, violence, and mayhem.

368 pages, Paperback

Published November 7, 2023

About the author

Matthew Dante is a Canadian Indie Author who writes MM Dark Romance and MM Contemporary Romance. He is an avid reader, world traveler, lover of all things Marvel and DC, and a romantic at heart.

You can follow Matthew on:
Instagram at MatthewDanteBooks
Facebook at Matthew.dante.73

Reviews

[Nancyreadsalotofbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! I’ve never read one of this authors more darker books, but I freaking loved it. It is recommended you read the other books in series first, but I read this as a stand-alone and it was amazing!
The story between Ollie and Sven was just so moving. The pace was fast and gripping, then loving and tender. I just loved it all and now I wanna go back to read all the rest in series.
Do yourself a favor, if you love action packed books with amazing spicy scenes, go read this series.

[E.L. Ough · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been looking forward to this book! I love this found family so much!! I think we were all happy when Matthew said he would write another story for these boys!!

Sven thought he was just going to do surveillance on his job, all he had to do was track his subject, but his tracking turned into saving him. He found himself thrown in the deep end with the Irish crew, one particular brute he didn’t want to cross was his subjects big brother. How was he going to get out of this alive!

Oliver just wanted to prove himself, he was sick of being the baby of the group, he was over just being Paddy’s little brother, he had to find a way to show them he was part of the team. One morning he finds himself about to be run down, till his knight in shining armour saves him, but all is not as it seems. Is he going to fall for the wrong guy and end up dead?

This story starts off slow, gently breaking you in, and then all hell breaks loose and I’m on the edge of my seat with the fast paced mafia underworld we have come to love. I really enjoyed seeing all the crew again and my beloved Paddy 😘 I love this found family with their protectiveness and loyalty. You should defiantly check out this whole series and get to know all the bad boys that are puppy’s for the right guy!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

TW in the book
💜Bi-awakening
💜Overprotective big brother
💜Found family
💜Protection, loyalty, friendships
💜Snark & sarcasm
💜Fire breathing dancers
💜Lots of heat and steam
💜Revenge, murder, mayhem

[RomanceLand65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smokes this is sit on the edge of your seat fast paced amazing mm romance read. How an author can take basically a sadistic man and make him into a hero that will protect his little brother at all cost seems normal is a gift of writing. As much as I don't like dark romance this author can make the dark side look like sunshine and rainbows. Truly. Being Irish myself I know how that bond of brothers can be. Matthew gave the reader the edge of your seat dark romance with a very big side of rainbows and sarcasm. The chemistry between Ollie and Sven is so tender and sweet. It was so refreshing to understand both of their stories. And how everyone loved Ollie. This book will stay with me for a very long time because it made such an emotional impression on me. I also want to state that I had to stop reading at some point because of the emotions i felt. I have a soft heart. I truly can't wait to read more from this author. He's amazing and makes me wonder how he can conjure up those emotions to write these scenes without giving yourself some sleepless nights.

[Tina Alicea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edited with full review 07/13/24...

Loved this book ..great addition to this amazing series!!

This is another book that I read a while back but life prevented me from getting my review done at the time. Well I'm here now to shout my love for this book and series to the moon and back!!

To begin with Ollie and Sven seemed pretty mismatched but I loved how their friendship/relationship grew throughout the story.

Paddy's big brother vibes along with the crew's banter was hilarious as always.

The love and support these guys show each other especially during the "tough times" is always heart warming. However I a feeling that the guys would not appreciate my descriptions of their big bad tough guy personas lol....but I can't help because I love them all!!

Anyways, I highly recommend this book and series...5 stars all the way!

*** As always don't forget to check the CW's and triggers.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defending you is a written Masterpiece. Matthew Dante has done it again. I can't say enough about this Fabulous Author.  Oliver an Sven boy would I love to beable to meet them in real life.  Even though Oliver has a Protective older bother. Sven is down on his luck when he meets Oliver.  Their story is Dark with so many twists.

[DLB2572 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Close to a New Favorite

Of course Patrick's brother’s story would be the one to almost unseat him and Skyler as my favorite couple. Ollie and Sven didn't quite beat them out but they really are a close second. I absolutely loved their story and this series.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

▪️ARC Review▪️

Matthew Dante’s newest release, Defending You, was an exciting and sexy read. The guys of the Rough Edges series have been amazing, and Oliver was not an exception.

Highlights:
▪️new friends to lovers
▪️forced proximity
▪️sexual awakening
▪️fast paced
▪️action packed
▪️high steam
▪️found family

Oliver “Ollie” and Sven were another amazing couple in the series. Ollie was a sweet, golden retriever character that rounds out the gang. I loved this character, and Sven was the perfect partner for him.

This series has been so fun to read and I’m looking forward to more!!

[Lyndsay TC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oliver and Sven were a fun pair with an interesting meet cute. I loved seeing Patrick in his big brother role to Oliver, it was fun to see him go very protective for someone other than Skylar. The action and suspense of who done it kept my interest and kept me turning the pages to see what craziness came next. This was a great addition to this fun and wild series.

[the.aquarius.booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so excited to be back in the Rough Edges universe! It is, after all, one of my favorite series. This series should be read in sequential order. You will not be able to follow the storyline. Most importantly, you will not be able to get to know these characters. The O'Brien family is a found family, and every book offers new insight into this family. Truly, it is a series that is not to be missed. Defending You is the 5th book in the series. Make sure you check your cw.
Defending You centers on Ollie and Sven. Ollie is Paddy's little brother. I was waiting on Ollie's storyline, and I was not disappointed. I knew it would be amazing. The witty banter. The new conflict and the spice; it all made for an unforgettable new entry into this unforgettable world that Matthew Dante has built. This is one hell of a fantastic series. The worldbuilding is exceptional. A great book will remind you of the joy of reading. Defending You was one of those books for me. I can't wait for the next installment. I hope this series never ends.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blown Away

This is by far my favorite book of the series so far . Oliver, Patrick's younger brother, is saved by Sven, from being hit by a car, and the action is non stop from here. Oliver has always thought he was straight until he meets Sven and suddenly he's second guessing himself. Before he can even process anything someone tries to murder Sven in the hospital. Patrick moves Ollie and Sven into his condo for protection but it seems someone is determined to get to Ollie and Sven. This book is filled with guns, knives, fire, explosions, crashes, and everything in between. The gang must figure out who is trying to eliminate them. Somehow through all of this Ollie and Sven grow closer and finally get their HEA by the epilogue. Now Brody's book is next.vi highly recommend this series.

[Maryann Kafka]

Oliver “Ollie” O’Maley is the younger brother to Patrick “Paddy” O’Maley, known as the notorious “torturer” for Micky O’Brien’s Crew. Being separated for too many years, Oliver has now come to live next door to his big brother. Being twenty-nine he’s still treated like a kid and Oliver is trying to change that. He’s got a good education thanks to Patrick and now he works at Brody’s auto shop as a mechanic. But Oliver want’s to prove he’s more valuable than that. He’s secretly on a collection job with Brody and if Micky or Patrick found out there would be hell to pay.

Patrick doesn’t want Ollie to be involved in the crew. The fear of enemies finding out Ollie is his brother can be used against him and the O’Brien Crew. Most of all, he loves his little brother and would never put his life in danger.

Micky O’Brien and Dominic Rossi are best friends of Patrick. Micky and Dom have gotten wind that Brody and Oliver were out on a run and they get called on the carpet. Micky gives them fair warning because if Patrick finds out there’s bound to be consequences. But Micky has a special job for Oliver. He now has to help Seth, Micky’s husband, with a huge project coming up at The Studs Embrace, owned by Micky and husband, co-owner Seth.

Sven Kolczynski twenty-five is a loner, has no relatives or friends and struggling to get by being a car thief. At eight years old his life was turned upside down and he was lucky to find Mrs. W. One night while attempting to boost a car, he was blackmailed to do a job. Now, he finds himself following a man around and reporting his every move to his blackmailer. Sven finds himself obsessed with watching Oliver. He observes Oliver being a really good person, always pleasant and helps people.

Another day of watching this intriguing man, Sven sees trouble. An SUV is barreling towards Oliver and Sven does the unthinkable. Now he’s in the hospital with this mysterious man by his bedside. Oliver is not about to leave the bedside of this man who just saved his life. Of course, Patrick and Skylar show up at the hospital, too. When it’s time for Sven to be released, he has no choice, as Oliver is going to take him home and see to his care. Feeling guilty and in a complete panic, Sven tells Oliver about the situation. When Patrick hears of the situation, the crew is immediately on high alert.

Who is this person that’s trying to kill Oliver and now Sven?
What will happen when all hell breaks loose? Who is the evil creature that’s out to “exterminate” the O’Brien Crew? Who of the O’Brien Crew is ready to dance with the devil?

Matthew Dante hits it out of the ball park with “Defending You” the fifth book in the “Rough Edges Series”. This epic story will give so much insight to the O’Brien Crew and how it came about, the men and their “Better Halves”, their legal and illegal businesses and how they give back to their community. It also gives an in-depth look into a relationship of two brothers, Oliver and Patrick, and how Patrick still hasn’t faced the hurt from his abandonment. Plus, he’s such a “mother hen” when it comes to Ollie. Danger, mayhem, unspeakable, gritty torture, suspense, crazy fire balls, chaos on home turf and a twisted plot of Patrick’s. And that’s why Patrick is known as the “TORTURER!”

The Better Halves are so much fun: Seth, Skylar, Scott, Des and they have a love of the O’Brien Crew: Micky, Patrick, Dominic, and Cillian. Then there’s Brody which is heard so much about in this story. He just may be getting his own story which will be an eye opener.

“Defending You” just became the best book in this series. The novel really gives an opportunity, for anyone that has’t read the previous books a look into the O’Brien Crew and just maybe tempt you to read more about the all the other characters. Here is how “Rough Edges Series” plays out: “Laying Claim” - Micky & Seth; “Protecting His” - Dom & Scott; “Devouring Sin” - Patrick & Skylar; and “Avenging Des” - Cillian & Des.

I loved every bit of this gritty, action packed, dangerous, explosive, thriller of a story. The teasing and the banter also brings loads of humor to the story. I highly recommend “Defending You” and the entire series. I’m curious to see what Matthew Dante has up his sleeve for the next thriller in the “Rough Edges Series.”

[Kiki Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if the guy who saved your life was also the man hired to stalk you? And even after he confesses… you find yourself drawn to him - even though you’ve never been attracted to a man before?
It’s an unconventional meet cute for sure. But Oliver and Sven aren’t your typical couple.
In Defending You, Ollie has an overprotective older brother who is a “information extractor” for a local crew. Sven is alone in the world, doing what he has to to survive.
I liked both MCs. Ollie is a smiley puppy dog trying to prove himself to his brother’s friends. Sven is a sweet, strapping, car thief who tried to boost the wrong car and is forced to follow Ollie and report on his movements. He’s a good guy with bad luck. And he’s not going to let Ollie die on his watch.
Sven’s employer is not happy, and suddenly he and Ollie are in danger. There’s action, mayhem, and violence. And a fire-breathing burlesque dance that you’ll fall in love with. Plus there’s wicked sense of humor to balance the darkness.
As the plot hurtles to the climax, I was holding my breath wondering what would happen to Sven. He must have some superhero DNA, because this gentle giant is pretty much un-killable. Thank goodness!
Things do get dark - I would not want to get on Paddy’s bad side. He has a macabre sense of retribution. But still manages to be charming.
Ollie and Sven are adorable. Their epilogue and HEA will leave you smiling.
After I finished, I downloaded Devouring Sin, because I was intrigued by, and had to know all of, Paddy and Skyler’s story. I have no doubt I’ll jump around the rest of this series as well. If you like found families, dark romance, and a healthy dose of snark, definitely check out Rough Edges. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Matthew you’ve done it again! I love these guys so much and I was gutted to think that book four brought the series to an end but luckily the author is finding it hard to let them go as well and so we get another brilliant book in the series.

This book is Oliver’s story, he is the younger brother of the big bad Patrick, the crews information extractor (polite word for torturer) and Paddy is very protective of his brother, no one is good enough for Ollie.

The gorgeous but naive car thief Sven comes into Ollie’s life when he is paid to watch him and report on his whereabouts but when he saves Ollie’s life and nearly gets killed instead it changes everything. Sven is a very reluctant hero and very nervous of Ollie’s big brother, as he should be because when Paddy finds out how Sven came into Ollie’s life, well he won’t be pleased. Sven’s reminder to self: never be alone with Ollie’s creepy brother who keeps threatening to dismember me.

Turns out Ollie is not as straight as he thought and when he sees what Sven is packing his curiosity gets the better of him.

Sven saving Ollie puts both their lives at risk and so begins the adventure, dodging assassins, gang warfare, kidnapping and Patrick at his most creative yet 😱 Should I be worried that I lol at what I should have found horrifying 🤷🏼‍♀️ Matthew manages to inject humour into the violent scenes so even a wuss like me loves this violent Irish crew who have huge hearts, for their chosen family.

To sum up in Matthew’s own words there's lots of swearing, violence, dirty talk, triggers, inappropriate language, steaming hot scenes, snark, witty banter... oh! and a romantic AF HEA (let's just say there is leather and a motorcycle involved).

What are you waiting for start reading it now!

[Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. This story is a little on the dark side but the characters and relationships override it to me.
Sven is a down on his luck guy. Needing money for medical reasons he returns to trying car thief only it doesn’t work. He gets caught and blackmailed into stalking Oliver.
While doing surveillance on Oliver he ends up actually saving Oliver’s life.
Oliver is working as a mechanic trying to gain more status in the crew. He is an easy going guy when some stranger knocks him out of the way of an oncoming car. This guy ends up in the hospital and there Oliver and Sven begin a friendship/relationship that is not workable in many ways. Sven is hiding plenty from Oliver. Oliver is straight and has never had attractions to other guys. There is humor, mystery and a lot of relationship things going on as the characters from the previous stories in this series appear.
One example I keep remembering and laughing at it the part with the chihuahua and great dane. The only bad part is I can’t set these stories down and yet am sad when they end. I can’t wait to see the next story.

[Crista · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 5 of a series, didnt realise that when I went to read it (idiot). I don’t think it should be a standalone book, I think you should read the others of the series first. The first chapter is all about how two brothers were split up, then the second chapter they have met again two years ago and all is well. Clearly the story of them meeting up again was in another book, but I was left feeling annoyed wanting to know about their story which this book doesnt go into, it was why take me down this path to not expand on it what a stupid first chapter, but it’s in another book! A lot of other examples where events that were only half mentioned in this book or not explored properly as they are clearly storyline’s in another book. I enjoyed the book and will likely read some of the other books eventually, I think I would have enjoyed the book better if I read it in order.

[Elodie Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ollie story ❤️❤️🔥 finally
Ok It took me some time to read that book but damn why ?!
Ollie is the little bro of the crew, of course, he is Paddy little brother ❤️ but even for me as a reader I learn to know him better and just fall in love with him.
I loved how the story went and how the intrigue was placed.
Sven is another cinnamon roll of a huge man that is as insecure that he is sexy.

Their love story was just so smooth, it gave me the giggles 😂❤️

[LifeReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had such a fun time reading about Ollie and Sven. Matthew again brings us a great storyline with action, humor, steam with a nice pinch of darkness. I have really enjoyed this series and its great to see everyone again and how far they have come. Paddy is so much fun. Love him. Fab addition. Definitely recommend the series.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insta Friends then lovers

Sven and Ollie have an instant connection brought on by crazy events. It works for them they fall into a friendship that quickly becomes a bi-awakening romance. All the while dealing with outside forces intent on harming them. This is a fun fast paced book with great action and the found family dynamics that thread throughout the series.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great dark, steamy book about Ollie and Sven, this is the first book in the series I have read but I will be going back to read the others. This had just enough suspense that it really grabbed my attention.

[Linda Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved this amazing series. Just one more book to go ☹️ I shall really miss Mickey’s Crew when this comes to an end.

[dan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is such a weird book. Like, it’s astonishingly violent (and in unbelievable ways, featuring lots of people who get very badly hurt and then are fine a week or two later). The sex and attraction stuff is really wonky, and also it includes weird smelling moments, like when Ollie first licks Sven’s skin, and he tastes of Mexican seasoning (like, what, he sprinkled a taco seasoning packet on him before licking?).

But also, fashion, which is just weird. For a benefit, Patrick (Ollie’s older brother who is also psychotic and likes torturing people) buys Sven and Ollie custom Armani suits that have decorations in a complex pattern representing rheir family tree. This … this doesn’t happen. Like, none of hi. O rhis happens. There’s supposed to be jewels as part of the decoration, but that also wouldn’t happen: you don’t put real jewels on clothing because it gets snagged (or after wasting pages on the the outfits that would never be made, you have the character get stabbed, so the suit goes away as quickly as it was made). Like, the author knows that Armani makes nice suits, but doesn’t seem to care about the company’s aesthetic. But I do. This is silly.

The book is, too.