Unexpected Union

Made #2

by Brooke Summers

A moment of passion leads to an unexpected union...

Melissa Harding has veered on the side of caution, always keeping her past locked up tight. Until one night she decided that she'd let loose. Which came at a cost. Getting pregnant was shocking enough, but marrying the head of the Irish Mafia was worse.

Melissa hopes that she can keep her darkest secrets hidden. But her new husband has other ideas.

Danny Gallagher never had plans on settling down. His family doesn't have a great track record when it comes to marriages. That is until his new bride's secrets start to unravel, Danny realises that he's finally met his match.

The darkness he has inside burns deep within her.

When enemies start to rise, Danny and Melissa find out just how perfectly matched they really are.

What happens when a traitor has plans to take Danny out?

Will the couple be able to find them before it's too late?

Genres: Mafia Romance, Dark, Romance, Dark Romance, Surprise Pregnancy, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary

332 pages, Paperback

First published March 19, 2021

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Brooke Summers is a Mafia Romance author and is best known for her Made Series.


Brooke lives on the West Coast of Ireland with her daughter and husband where her stories come to life.

Brooke is represented by Nikki Groom at SBR Media.

Reviews

[Raquel Costa · Rating 4 out of 5]

** Arc received in exchange for an honest review **

***4 estrelas***



O relacionamento entre Danny e Lissa acontece de forma explosiva, a atração entre eles é instantânea, e o que deveria ser só uma noite de prazer, se tornou em um casamento quando Danny descobre a gravidez de Lissa.

Por mais que o casamento entre eles tenha sido por causa da gravidez, o relacionamento entre eles é ótimo e vai muito além da atração sexual, os sentimentos são mútuos entre eles, então isso não se torna um obstáculos.

Infelizmente esse livro me fez sentir falta da ação, por mais que ela exista ainda foi algo que podia ter muito mais, principalmente comparado ao livro anterior. Esse livro já deixou alguns ganchos para o livro 3 e por mais que eu esteja com medo do próximo livro, ainda me deixou curiosa para conhecer mais da história de Holly & Romero.

Brooke Summers tem sido uma surpresa para mim nessa série, amo mocinhas fortes e até agora ela tem entregado isso com louvor, não vejo a hora de ler o livro 3 e me surpreender com ele.


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[Corinne [hiatus] · Rating 1 out of 5]

***ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***

The second book in the Made series follows the main characters Melissa (Lissa) and Danny. Lissa and Danny have a one-night stand that result in a surprise baby. When Danny learns this, he arranges to marry Lissa even though she is from a rival gang.
The book follows the same formula as the first book in the series with Lissa being a strong, smart heroine with a very dark past, an alpha-male, instant chemistry, some enemies to lovers vibes mixed with funny moments.
Unfortunately, I didn't really like the writing style and I didn't connect with the characters or the story.

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know it’s a 3 star but let me star by saying Brooke Summers writes some of the badass mafia heroines EVER!!

Sadly, this didn’t live up to how much I adored book 1. There are quite a few time jumps and there was just a LOT going on in this book that it took away from the development of our couple and left me kinda meh.

Danny & Lissa were great together and Lissa was just freaking awesome. I don’t want to give anything away because it’s more fun for you to learn…but our gal here is the coolest mafia hacker ever.

Lissa is a ride-or-die heroine who isn’t afraid of murdering those who betray her trust. Very few people have made their way into her inner circle, but those that do will be protected for a lifetime.

When you have over 8 books in a mafia series, there will be some that you don’t love as much as other. Overall, I’m excited to continue on with this series!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa and Danny's book was even better than i thought it would be. Damn these girls are such bada$$es! I love how independent Melissa is, how strong she is, especially for everyone she cares about. Danny is every bit alpha that i thought he would be, but that soft side he pulls out only for Melissa, made me fall for him. Great read forsure, I can not wait for more.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's HERE! Grab your copy today!! ➡ https://books2read.com/UnexpectedUnion



We are back with an all-new explosive Irish Mafia romance! *BOOM*

I am addicted to Brooke’s writing. You guys, seriously, I don’t know who lives up in her brain, but I like them! I didn’t think she could top the chemistry she created with Mackenna and Dante in Bloody Union, but I was very wrong! Once again, she delivered two alpha leads that were perfectly matched. It was exhilarating reading their story. I was on the edge people, literally! Like sit-up back-straight pay-attention edge. I’m kinda still recovering LOL

Everything, from the dialogue to the secondary characters felt incendiary to me. There’s a spark to this story that just keeps you edgy and glued to the story. It’s amazing! Of course, we’re dealing with mafia families so the drama is explosive and twisty! MY FAVORITE! I have loved every word that Brooke has written thus far and I continue to look forward to reading much more from her in the future!

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!!! After reading Bloody Union (first book ) I couldn't wait to get to this book. It was like I stepped out of the first book right into this one. Lis (Melissa , but don't call her that) is a kicka@@ heroine that had rise above some harsh times. She had demons as did Danny but together they could slay anything. I didn't think I would like another heroine like I did Kenna (cause she is also bada@@) but Lis is right there with her. They are so different but so alike. There are some dark points in this story but they are written well. If you're looking for a good paced mafia book this series is a great one to read. I want to thank Kiki Chatfield and Netgalley for the ARC !! I can't wait for the next one!!

[Sue Harbers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fitting follow up to book 1! I loved Lis, almost as much as Kenna (who is my #1 girl crush), and I’m relieved that she was awesome if I’m being honest. The way Danny spoke about her in book 1 was like she was the devil incarnate, I mean she is in her own kick@ss way but... still. She’s an amazing FMC who has managed to rise up from devastating circumstances and be able to not only play with the big boys, but fully dominate them. Danny is a perfect match for her and I really did like that it was a relationship that they had to work at/for. There’s a lot of steam, action and kick@ass-ness in this book and you will love it!

[E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great second book in Made series. It is hot and steamy. I just love the storyline and the characters in it.

[vxhexn reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Bloody Union I knew this was a series that I’d devour with each new release and Unexpected Union doesn’t fail to disappoint.

✔️ strong, feisty, & lethal h who’s a survivor
✔️ protective, possessive, brutal, & insatiable H
✔️ drama, intrigue, & corruption
✔️ complex character back stories
✔️ strong world building with ties to both the last book & the future ahead

♥️ And a fun peek at these two:
“I felt possessive towards you before we even fucked in my office. You’ve been a constant thought for me, for far too fucking long.” He winces. “God, I’m fucking this up. What I meant is, it’s not because you’re pregnant or my wife. It’s because of you. You’re amazing, Lis, and I want to ensure you’re safe for my own damn sanity.”

A giggle escapes me, this is the most most genuine conversation we’ve ever had and it’s the closest I’ve ever felt to anyone. “I didn’t mean to laugh.”

He grins, “Yeah you did.”

⚠️ This book tackles some emotionally heavy topics. Melissa has endured a very rough life and we witness both the past and it’s lasting effects. While Kenna went through some serious shit, Lissa’s traumas span nearly her entire life.

UPDATED: 4.01.2021
I thought I would add a few more thoughts about this story. Lissa's life has been nothing short of a catastrophe. Her mother is addicted to drugs to such an extent that offering up her daughter as payment seemed acceptable...when she wasn't even a teen yet. As the product of an affair her birth father was no where to be seen. Thankfully her half-siblings father loved her as one of his own, but as a criminal he's in and out of jail. Then at the age of fourteen Lissa is taken in by her half-brothers on her father's side.

As we learned last story Danny, the Irish mafia's leader in the UK, had one night with a girl he couldn't deny. This one night has resulted in the unintended union of three families - the Irish, the Harding gang in London, and one more.

Where in the last book everything seemed to happen in a blink, this time around we get to experience an entire pregnancy, two weddings, and the birth of a little new Gallagher. Get ready for an emotional story full of angst, lust, and wonder.



𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
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[Daisy Sauceda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the made series and let me tell you it is oh so good. Do you remember Danny's predicament in the first book. Well we get his and Melissa's story. So all we know is the Melissa is a crazy psycho and some how Danny could not pass up one night with her. She is one tough chick and has been through a lot. Her story is heartbreaking but it has made her who she is. Her half sisters are mean and really need some sense knocked into them. Her dad is no better in some ways but her brothers are awesome. Danny chooses to do the right thing and he sees a different side of her. He is just as crazy as she is and they match each other darkness. Melissa also has another secret and once Danny finds out it is a bit comical. They have been married for a few months and let me say that they are a force to be reckoned with and deal with a lot in a short amount of time. What a great story to read and I cannot wait to read more in this series.

[Hannah Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

* I was given this book in exchange for an honest review*
I felt this book had such great chemistry between the main characters, Melissa and Danny. This book follows the couple as they are pressured to marry after an accidental pregnancy in order to cook the relations between their rival families.
I loved how completely independent Lissa was during this plot. Her humor and charisma were so refreshing and added something extra to the storyline. Danny finds himself having such strong feelings in a short while of knowing Lissa. I loved how the author wrote his character as a tough mobster who would support and encourage the independence of his wife!
I felt that the dialogue in this book was slightly stinted but altogether the flow of the storyline made such an enjoyable read! I finished this book in one day because I loved the characters so much. Bravo Brooke Summers! Yet another one of your couples I am in love with. Can’t wait to read about Romero and Holly next!

[~lil maso~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride this story takes you on! I loved every dip, curve, and climb. I loved book one, Bloody Union, and this book even topped that, an incredible feat.

I enjoyed the lead characters so much, in particular Lissa, who had such amazing strength—both physically and mentally. She was super intelligent and thank goodness for that too, with the upbringing she experienced she needed something to cling to. Danny was a lot different to what I expected, in a good way. I felt the sensual power of Lissa enveloped him and even he received a shock. 😆 Together their chemistry was explosive and very sexy.

I also liked how the characters could be sure of something but then realize it might not be the way to go and we’re unafraid to go with the changes. Keegan, as a secondary character, gave a bit of light relief in this moderately dark book and I often found myself chuckling over his comments. I loved reconnecting with Makenna, Dante, and Romero again as well as meeting new characters. Boy, when Kenna and Lissa got together you had to expect that anything could happen! 😄

When the action and drama built to a crescendo I found myself literally on the edge of my seat, great stuff. I truly had many ‘edge of my seat’ experiences in this story.

I thoroughly recommend this book but if you haven’t read the first book in the Made series then do yourself a favor and read it first.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
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[Atlanta Whitlock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just don’t know where to begin… I knew after reading Bloody Union that Brooke Summers had an amazing twisted mind, but after this book…. Just WOW… I seriously love her writing and I just can’t get enough. There’s so much happening and the Gallagher family is quite big, so it’s never a dull moment. Brooke wrote this book perfectly and I loved how strong Lis (Melissa) was, it’s clear that she’s been through a lot which is why she’s so guarded around people, but the way she acts confident back in the beginning of the book is just epic. Brooke has honestly impressed me with this book and I love that whilst both Makenna and Lis are similar, they both won’t let anyone walk all over them or demand anything from them… It’s clear that Lis has an ally in her.
I love how Brooke has managed to get all the characters to mesh well together, it’s understandable that the males from both Danny’s side and Lis’ side are going to be at war with each other, but that’s natural, especially because of the type of families they are.
I honestly can’t fault anything with this book and think that Brooke did an excellent job at writing this. It’s clear that her writing grows and she’s got some incredible talent that she willingly shares with the world. I was literally hooked from the beginning to end.
I’d highly recommend that you give this a try because this series is honestly incredible and I have no idea what else Brooke has planned up her sleeve for the next one.

When Lis walked into Danny’s club, Danny had no idea who she really was, but after waiting patiently, she came back and he decided to make his move. Little did either of them realise that their worlds were going to change… But when Danny realises who Lis really is, he decides he’s out for blood as no one tries to pull as fast one over him.
However, four months pass by and in walks Lis into Danny’s club, when he realises the change and what has been happening since they last saw each other, he proposes they get married…
Will the marriage go on as planned??? Will Danny realise that she never set out to play him??? Will this be a good thing for their families???

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride this story takes you on! I loved every dip, curve and climb. I loved book one, Bloody Union, and this book even topped that, an incredible feat.

I enjoyed the lead characters so much, in particular Lissa, who had such amazing strength—both physically and mentally. She was super intelligent and thank goodness for that too, with the upbringing she experienced she needed something to cling to. Danny was a lot different to what I expected, in a good way. I felt the sensual power of Lissa enveloped him and even he received a shock. 😆 Together their chemistry was explosive and very sexy.

I also liked how the characters could be sure of something but then realise it might not be the way to go and we’re unafraid to go with the changes. Keegan, as a secondary character, gave a bit of light relief in this moderately dark book and I often found myself chuckling over his comments. I loved reconnecting with Makenna, Dante and Romero again as well as meeting new characters. Boy, when Kenna and Lissa got together you had to expect that anything could happen! 😄

When the action and drama built to a crescendo I found myself literally on the edge of my seat, great stuff. I truly had many ‘edge of my seat’ experiences in this story.

I thoroughly recommend this book but if you haven’t read the first book in the Made series then do yourself a favour and read it first.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I went about this all wrong. I haven’t read the first book, but I dove into Melissa and Danny’s story. And you know what? I wasn’t lost at all. Instead, I’m going to go back for the first book simply because I think it’s got to be as good as this one was. Danny, Lis, the tangled web of deceit and familial bonds among the UK and US underworlds, and a love that neither of them expected grabbed me from the very first chapter. I adored Lis and her absolute confidence in herself and had to laugh at each new secret that Danny discovered about her. She was no wallflower or weak little thing. Oh, no. She’s a bonafide badass and is the absolute perfect match for Danny. Their story was low on angst and high on proof of what love can bring to the table.

This author had me enthralled with this book and I’m incredibly interested in seeing how Holly and Romero fare once their story comes out. Until then, I’ve at least got book one of this series to entertain me for a short while, since I’d bet I won’t want to put that one down either.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

One night of passion was all it was meant to be between Melissa and Danny but when Danny sees a pregnant Melissa 6 months later he does what he thinks is right and marries her. Melissa hasn't had a great past and she has her secrets and marrying into mafia brings a whole new kind of crazy! With danger around every corner hell bent on taking Danny out, can he keep Melissa and his child safe. This is a well written full of suspense drama, hot scenes and more!

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

[Afolasade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is indeed an unexpected union It's an enjoyable, fast paced , engaging , well written, emotional and funny steamy read. It has lots of drama, full of ups and downs . Likeable characters whose chemistry is sizzling and instant. This is a recommended read. I received an ARC for my honest review

[Samantha Shaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Union

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

❤ Mafia
❤ Badass FMC
❤ Thick plot
❤ Eggplant 1

WARNING TRIGGER of rape and dug abuse mentioned

Well dang I couldn't think I'd love this family more but Lis is a freaking badass warrior!! Danny makes me swoon and that plot of boy is it getting thicker by the day. Kena and Lis might just be my new favorite female leads. I'm so pumped to read Holly and Romeos book next!!

[Lofty · Rating 4 out of 5]

4*
Danny has no idea who Melissa is but he's drawn to her so much.
Melissa knows who Danny is but she deserves a night of fun right?
Only Danny's not so happy when he discovers the truth, but sometimes good comes from bad.
I thought lissa was a great match for Danny.
I'm looking forward to reading Holly & Romero story in "Fragile union" the next book in the made series

[PeaceOfGod]

Starting with this one.......haha.........accidental pregnancy are my fav. tropes........😂🌈

[Maycee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Union is the second book in Brooke Summers Made Series and to be honest I think I love it even more than I did Bloody Union (which was AMAZING!) While this book is a standalone, meaning you don’t have to read the first book to understand what’s going on in this one, I do recommend reading the first book as well. We meet (and fall in love with) Danny in the first book and get a glimpse of Melissa as well. The first book gives us all the World Building and introduces us to all the characters we see in Unexpected Union.
My expectations were high going into the book and Brooke did not disappoint! What I have learned is this: DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE WOMEN IN THIS SERIES! I think Kenna (from Bloody Union) has met her match with Issa. This girl is a beast! She has been through some of the hardest life situations and they have molded her into this incredible woman. She will not be a victim. Danny has seen the dark side of life and relationships as the head of the UK Gallaghers and doesn’t see love as an option for him. The Union between these two was merely supposed to be a means to an end. A one night stand that resulted in pregnancy was only supposed to be a marriage of convenience and a way to tie the Irish Mafia and the Harding Gang together to help keep the peace. The more time Danny and Issa spend together they realize how perfect they are for each other. They are such a great couple. We have twists and turns... secrets and betrayal... steam and love. It’s all the emotions and all of the things and it was a wild ride that I didn’t want to get off! I highly recommend this book, Brooke Summers has a way of breathing new life into the Mafia trope, and it’s a gripping experience!
ARC graciously given by the author via NetGalley by The Next Step PR. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[ALR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great “mafia style” romance with a twist by this author, a strong female lead. Lissa and Danny have an instant attraction that leads to an unexpected surprise, a baby, but Danny is the head of the Gallagher family (Irish mafia) in the UK and Lissa is the daughter of one of enemies. What seems like an insurmountable difference is really nothing compared to the emotional and physical scars that helped to build Lissa’s walls that Danny has to overcome, however their strong connection (yes it starts with it being just physical) and strong personalities help bring them closer than ever as they face off against their true enemies. The heat and humor in this book is balanced by the “alphaness “ of both leads. This is book two in the series and the beginning may be a bit confusing if you have not read book one (although I do recommend it as it was also great) you soon become consumed by their story and everything starts to make sense as you learn a bit more of what previously happened. The supporting characters also leave you wanting more of their stories and I am anxiously awaiting book three. I do want to mention that there is a very serious subject matter that is the core to Lissa’s story that may be upsetting to some but I do recommend this story. 5 stars. I received an arc copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

3.5 Stars:

I was a little hesitant at first because there are some weird time gaps at the start of this story (hookup to hero finding out heroine is 6 months pregnant to wedding day) that felt like there was something missing. However, once I got into this story, I was hooked.

Lissa was such a fun heroine to read about. She didn’t take shit from anyone, she gave as good as she got, and she broke through a lot of stereotypes about heroines in dark romances. She really made this book for me and kept me wanting to read more. I often find myself intrigued by mafia romances, but then not really enjoying them and not continuing with the rest of the author’s backlist, but I’ve already added several of this author’s other books to my TBR list. Which is honestly saying something because I usually stay away from accidental pregnancy tropes with a ten-foot pole and I had a grand old time with this.

The only reason why I couldn’t rate this higher is the random time jumps. There will be dramatic scenes and then it will jump forward in time. It seems a bit disjointed and takes the reader away from what’s happening.

[Michele Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Made series and I think this one is better than the first. I love the Gallagher’s and now they’ve added not one but two more mafia families. Melissa (Lis or Lissa) and Danny know they have an attraction to each other before they really know who the other is. Melissa does have quite a past she needs to work through, but Danny doesn’t let her off easy and forces her to come to terms with it and be honest with him. I love their love and the comic relief with these two and this deep story is much appreciated. Great book!

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

[Amy Mccann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic second to the Made Series and I love Danny and I can just imagine his Irish accent when reading it.

Lissa is a bad as chick but one night with Danny puts her in an unexpected predicament and she can only hide it for so long before the Gallagher family find out.

But Danny and Lissa are an amazing feisty couple both have demons they deal with.

A fantastic mafia book by the wonderful Brooke Summers I loved the sexiness, the angst and the passion this book holds it is worth more than 5 stars and I can't wait for more in the Made Series.

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, like the first, was AMAZING.
I seriously couldn't look away, and had to force myself to sleep when it got ridiculously late, or else I would of devoured this book in one sitting. I can tell just from the first two books that this will be an unmissable series.
Both characters and plot will have white knuckling your kindle from cover to cover.
Definitely recommend.

[Nicole Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well if you have read the amazing Bloody Union which is book 1 in The Made Men Series by this author then you will know who this is about!!! We get introduced to Danny and the events surrounding his and Lissa’s relationship(if you can even call it that) in that book. I have been not so patiently 😜 waiting for this release, and I am so excited it’s finally here.

Danny boy oh Danny boy, you sexy Irishman, I love him so much. Stepping up and doing the right thing. He is an amazing man all around!

Lissa this FMC. She is the perfect match for him. She has so many layers that I truly enjoyed peeling them back throughout this story. She may come off as the princess, but she is far from it. And let me just say Lissa and Makenna....... DREAM TEAM! They need their own book together seriously the trouble they would get into! They could rule the whole world!

Overall this whole book was so freaking amazing I loved every single second! I wasn’t ready for that ending I though I was going to have a heart attack!! And I love how all are leading ladies in these books are BAD A$$ I can’t get enough of their bloodthirsty ways.

I can’t believe you dropped that little bomb in the end now my mind in whirlwind of WHAT HAPPENED I need Romero and Holly’s book ASAP!

[Olga · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is a person who does not do wild things. When she decide to do one thing that was wild she ended up getting pregnant. This can be read as a stand alone.

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

[Lori Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danny and Lissa have a one-night stand. Months later they see one another again and the situation has changed. Their story has all the feels, angst, trepidation, suspense, danger, love. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

After devouring the previous book, I was really excited to dive into Unexpected Union. If you've read the first book, you would know what happened between Danny and Lissa. So diving into this book shouldn't be that much of a surprise.. in the beginning.

Now these two were cute and I loved how fiercely protective they were of one another. Lissa also proved that she's her only mini bad ass. Still love Kenna a bit more though. I was just really happy that she could hold her own. Even if her entire family is full of a bunch of assholes that deserve good slaps or punches every second of the day.

Just wow. I don't want to go into that deep dark hole because I will never see the light of day again.

Besides the romance and drama, there wasn't that much action. The first book definitely had a lot more and I think the flow was better than this one. It just felt chunky to me because I feel like I was missing some key points in certain areas. We just kind of jumped from one thing to another with little to none transition.

In the end, I still enjoyed this one and I'm super excited to dive into Holly's book next. I want to see her break out of her little shell so freaking badly.