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Astoria Royals #7
Shattered Veil
One layover. One gorgeous billionaire. Then… Whoops. One positive pregnancy test.
Oh, and guess who my new boss is?
After a bad date, I barely make my flight across the Pacific wearing a tight dress and high heels, giving the guy next to me the wrong impression. He thinks I’m a high-priced escort. I think he’s a jerk.
I let him believe what he wants because this drool-worthy guy with the panty-melting smile turns out to be a charming flirt.
And his indecent proposal of a few spicy hours tangled in the sheets during our layover will solve my immediate money problem.
When our explosive afternoon ends, he leaves me in the hotel suite and has his bodyguard pay me. Who does that?
Turns out he’s a billionaire hacker in charge of cyber security for the Irish Mob.
And he’s my new boss. Small world, right? Hang on, it gets worse...
We get past the accusations that I set him up and settle into a routine that includes me dragging his gorgeous naked a$$ out of bed every morning.
A sight so phenomenal I should be paying him.
When he catches me staring at his sexy physique in the shower, he punishes me in the filthiest way but that only keeps me coming back for more.
He says I’m his. But he’s mob royalty, and I'm just a special-ed teacher getting over a toxic, abusive relationship.
Then my ex rears his ugly head, and I find out how fiercely possessive and dangerous this hacker mob boss can be.
And that’s before I show him two pink lines…
Author’s note: Shattered Veil is a standalone Mafia Romance with mature themes, a possessive hacker and a DV survivor. The story includes explicit content. It is recommended for mature readers only.
No cheating. HEA guaranteed.
Oh, and guess who my new boss is?
After a bad date, I barely make my flight across the Pacific wearing a tight dress and high heels, giving the guy next to me the wrong impression. He thinks I’m a high-priced escort. I think he’s a jerk.
I let him believe what he wants because this drool-worthy guy with the panty-melting smile turns out to be a charming flirt.
And his indecent proposal of a few spicy hours tangled in the sheets during our layover will solve my immediate money problem.
When our explosive afternoon ends, he leaves me in the hotel suite and has his bodyguard pay me. Who does that?
Turns out he’s a billionaire hacker in charge of cyber security for the Irish Mob.
And he’s my new boss. Small world, right? Hang on, it gets worse...
We get past the accusations that I set him up and settle into a routine that includes me dragging his gorgeous naked a$$ out of bed every morning.
A sight so phenomenal I should be paying him.
When he catches me staring at his sexy physique in the shower, he punishes me in the filthiest way but that only keeps me coming back for more.
He says I’m his. But he’s mob royalty, and I'm just a special-ed teacher getting over a toxic, abusive relationship.
Then my ex rears his ugly head, and I find out how fiercely possessive and dangerous this hacker mob boss can be.
And that’s before I show him two pink lines…
Author’s note: Shattered Veil is a standalone Mafia Romance with mature themes, a possessive hacker and a DV survivor. The story includes explicit content. It is recommended for mature readers only.
No cheating. HEA guaranteed.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2024
1261 people are currently reading
1776 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Garland
58 books733 followersDeborah Garland is a top 45 Amazon Bestselling and a 4x Award-Winning author of emotional, funny, and steamy romances!
She loves pugs, Friday night Cosmos, and that feeling when she publishes a new romance novel.
She lives on the beautiful North Shore of Long Island and in the summer, she escapes to Maine with her very patient husband.
She eats cheap mac and cheese with expensive red wine, her heroes are ALWAYS over six feet tall, and they fall hard, HARD for the girl.
Visit her website --> https://www.deborahgarlandauthor.com/... to join her newsletter and browse her little love stories.
New Releases are always featured, but all books can be read as standalones. Don’t be afraid to jump in. The water’s fine 😊
She loves pugs, Friday night Cosmos, and that feeling when she publishes a new romance novel.
She lives on the beautiful North Shore of Long Island and in the summer, she escapes to Maine with her very patient husband.
She eats cheap mac and cheese with expensive red wine, her heroes are ALWAYS over six feet tall, and they fall hard, HARD for the girl.
Visit her website --> https://www.deborahgarlandauthor.com/... to join her newsletter and browse her little love stories.
New Releases are always featured, but all books can be read as standalones. Don’t be afraid to jump in. The water’s fine 😊
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
November 9, 2024
I haven’t really been into reading mafia books lately, so I’m glad I enjoyed my first book back into them! I really loved both MC’s, but I loved the h just a tiny bit more. She was very obsessed with the H, but not in an annoying way imo, which I loved. However I must complain that they never tell each other they love each other. I mean they each think it, actually I can’t recall if the h even does think it but I know the H does, however that’s not the same as saying it. I always find it odd when authors make the decision to not have their characters exchange I love you’s. I mean, it’s a romance, so why leave it out????
April 15, 2025
Okay, first off the hero’s name drives me crazy. Balor pronounced like Valor— but I kept saying BAYlor in my head and had to constantly disengage and correct myself. I know it’s petty but it was annoying. Anyways the hero is a manho who only sleeps with escorts. I guess he’s Richard Gere in Pretty Woman. He’s a hacker, considered somewhat of an intellectual nerd, has a swimmers body , never killed anybody and all Of his brothers and bodyguards are described as 6’6 giant alpha killers. You know where I’m going with this- the H is not my cuppa tea. This guy is the runt of the litter but is feared because of his computer skills… not my ideal alpha H. So the mcs meet on a plane have a ons during a flight layover because the fmc lets the H think she’s an escort. The next morning th H exits stage left without a word. He called up his private jet to fly off into the wild blue yonder. The fmcs dad is also a cyber terrorist and gets them both a job working for Balor— you did it too didn’t you? Bow-lor not Bay-lor. They fall for each other while the non-surprising and not angsty chain of events pan out that lead to The hea.
February 2, 2025
4.25⭐️
March 11, 2025
✨Audiobook Review✨
I loved everything about this book… from the hilarious inner monologues, the banter between the MC’s, the touch her ☠️ vibes while being a grumpy-sunshine to the narrators who gave the characters a pulse.
I love a good dark romance, throw in the Irish Mob with hot accents and insane, deadly characters and I’m all in.
This isn’t the darkest mafia book I’ve listened to however Check the TW’s because it’s still a dark romance with dark themes. I love that this is a standalone but part of a series, because now I can go and read more about the family 😉
🎙️- 5 ⭐️
📖- 5 ⭐️
🌶️- 3 🔥
Do I recommend? Yes!
I loved everything about this book… from the hilarious inner monologues, the banter between the MC’s, the touch her ☠️ vibes while being a grumpy-sunshine to the narrators who gave the characters a pulse.
I love a good dark romance, throw in the Irish Mob with hot accents and insane, deadly characters and I’m all in.
This isn’t the darkest mafia book I’ve listened to however Check the TW’s because it’s still a dark romance with dark themes. I love that this is a standalone but part of a series, because now I can go and read more about the family 😉
🎙️- 5 ⭐️
📖- 5 ⭐️
🌶️- 3 🔥
Do I recommend? Yes!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2024
Another hit out of the park for Garland. I cannot get enough of her O’Rourke characters and their other halves.
The representation of DV and overcoming it was well done and I loved reading a FMC who took control and wasn’t afraid to ask for what she wanted. Balor and Ella had great communication from the start, whether about what they wanted in the bedroom or where their relationship was headed, it was clear how meant for each other they were.
Overall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
The representation of DV and overcoming it was well done and I loved reading a FMC who took control and wasn’t afraid to ask for what she wanted. Balor and Ella had great communication from the start, whether about what they wanted in the bedroom or where their relationship was headed, it was clear how meant for each other they were.
Overall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
July 7, 2024
Ella is kind, patient and loves working with special needs children. She is slowly getting over an abusive relationship and wants to learn to trust again. She might think she is average but isn’t afraid to go for what she wants.
Balor is a tech whiz and the backbone keeping the O’Rourke’s together. He is the youngest of the siblings but also one of the more guarded despite being close to his siblings. He might come off as cold sometimes but he cares a lot about the family.
These two! They have a miscommunicated meet cute but take a chance and their unexpected reunion sets them on a path they never knew they needed. Ella is able to get Balor to open up more and fight for something other than the power at his fingertips. She is able to support and care for him. Meanwhile, Balor proves to Ella that he would never hurt her, helping to look after her safety and encourage her to follow her interests. He might like to have some control but knows Ella needs her independence given her past relationship and he doesn’t bat an eye at anything. The two of them might have some ups and downs, but through it all they have a building connection and one that helps the through the hardest of times. Balor would do anything to make Ella happy and Ella wants to help Balor in any way she can.
I also liked seeing the rest of the couples snd see where they are at. Some humor comes from
Eoghan and Jillian as well as Lachlan and Katya, so if you haven’t read their stories yet, please do! They’re not necessary to understanding this story but helps with some of the inside jokes and knowing just how dedicated these O’Rourkes are to their significant others and their family.
Along the way we also get some suspense as Balor is trying to figure out how a computer virus harmed a mass back in Lachlan’s book as well as potential threats coming to rear their ugly heads. We also get hints of the next couple and I’m all for it!
Overall, this was an exciting read!
Balor is a tech whiz and the backbone keeping the O’Rourke’s together. He is the youngest of the siblings but also one of the more guarded despite being close to his siblings. He might come off as cold sometimes but he cares a lot about the family.
These two! They have a miscommunicated meet cute but take a chance and their unexpected reunion sets them on a path they never knew they needed. Ella is able to get Balor to open up more and fight for something other than the power at his fingertips. She is able to support and care for him. Meanwhile, Balor proves to Ella that he would never hurt her, helping to look after her safety and encourage her to follow her interests. He might like to have some control but knows Ella needs her independence given her past relationship and he doesn’t bat an eye at anything. The two of them might have some ups and downs, but through it all they have a building connection and one that helps the through the hardest of times. Balor would do anything to make Ella happy and Ella wants to help Balor in any way she can.
I also liked seeing the rest of the couples snd see where they are at. Some humor comes from
Eoghan and Jillian as well as Lachlan and Katya, so if you haven’t read their stories yet, please do! They’re not necessary to understanding this story but helps with some of the inside jokes and knowing just how dedicated these O’Rourkes are to their significant others and their family.
Along the way we also get some suspense as Balor is trying to figure out how a computer virus harmed a mass back in Lachlan’s book as well as potential threats coming to rear their ugly heads. We also get hints of the next couple and I’m all for it!
Overall, this was an exciting read!
July 9, 2024
This is Balor's book and Deborah Garland did not disappoint.
Ella left the states to get away from her abusive ex, who happens to be a cop. After 6 months, she returns to live with her dad. On the flight home she ends up next to a man who only sleeps with escorts. After pretending to be one and has an incredible night, she meets her new boss... the man from the plane.
Balor is a hacker for the mafia, he has no interest in relationships or more than sex with escorts, the woman on the plane rattled him, but finding out she was his new employee and who her father was made everything messy.
I love Ella as a FMC, she had gotten out of an abusive relationship and was trying to recover, but that didn't stop her appetite for sex. She had no problem asking for what she wanted in the bedroom, and understood that Balor was not the kind of guy who was into commitment. She was patient with him while he went through his feelings. Balor wasn't prepared to meet someone like Ella, and was conflicted throughout the book. He knew that he wanted her, but wasn't familiar with relationships and how to express his feelings for her. He did a great job of expressing it through his actions. There was a lot of spice in this book but I love that the MCs definitely had chemistry outside of the bedroom as well. I am loving this family and can't wait to see what happens in Shae's book.
Ella left the states to get away from her abusive ex, who happens to be a cop. After 6 months, she returns to live with her dad. On the flight home she ends up next to a man who only sleeps with escorts. After pretending to be one and has an incredible night, she meets her new boss... the man from the plane.
Balor is a hacker for the mafia, he has no interest in relationships or more than sex with escorts, the woman on the plane rattled him, but finding out she was his new employee and who her father was made everything messy.
I love Ella as a FMC, she had gotten out of an abusive relationship and was trying to recover, but that didn't stop her appetite for sex. She had no problem asking for what she wanted in the bedroom, and understood that Balor was not the kind of guy who was into commitment. She was patient with him while he went through his feelings. Balor wasn't prepared to meet someone like Ella, and was conflicted throughout the book. He knew that he wanted her, but wasn't familiar with relationships and how to express his feelings for her. He did a great job of expressing it through his actions. There was a lot of spice in this book but I love that the MCs definitely had chemistry outside of the bedroom as well. I am loving this family and can't wait to see what happens in Shae's book.
July 10, 2025
⭐️QUICK OVERVIEW⭐️
👩🏼❤️👨🏻: M/F
✏️ Dual POV
🎙️ Duet Narration
🎧 FMC: Desiree Ketchum ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🎧 MMC: J.F. Harding ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
📚 Plot: 4/5
🌶️ Spice: 4/5
👩🏻❤️💋👨🏻 HEA
______________________________
✍🏼 TROPES:
🖤Irish Mafia
💕Touch her and ☠️
🖤Accidental Pregnancy
💕Found Family
🖤Secret Identity
💕DV Survivor
🖤 Hacker Boss / Sunshine Assistant
Holy dirty talk Balor!! Prepared to get a bit HOT the spice is so good. 🥵🥵🥵 I really liked this plot it was engaging and kept me wanting more. I enjoyed Ella she was a great FMC and you really feel bad for her and the DV she went through. If that’s a trigger for you it is depicted.
This is apart of a series. They’re all interconnected stand alones about the O’Rourke brothers. Hot AF Irish mafia men. If you like an Irish accent JF does have one but it’s not the best. There’s hints of it but he doesn’t hold the accent long. He’s much better at a Russian accent than Irish.
I wish the story was longer but there are 3 epilogues. Unfortunately, she still hasn’t given birth by the third one which I thought was so dumb but 🤷🏽♀️
👩🏼❤️👨🏻: M/F
✏️ Dual POV
🎙️ Duet Narration
🎧 FMC: Desiree Ketchum ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🎧 MMC: J.F. Harding ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
📚 Plot: 4/5
🌶️ Spice: 4/5
👩🏻❤️💋👨🏻 HEA
______________________________
✍🏼 TROPES:
🖤Irish Mafia
💕Touch her and ☠️
🖤Accidental Pregnancy
💕Found Family
🖤Secret Identity
💕DV Survivor
🖤 Hacker Boss / Sunshine Assistant
Holy dirty talk Balor!! Prepared to get a bit HOT the spice is so good. 🥵🥵🥵 I really liked this plot it was engaging and kept me wanting more. I enjoyed Ella she was a great FMC and you really feel bad for her and the DV she went through. If that’s a trigger for you it is depicted.
This is apart of a series. They’re all interconnected stand alones about the O’Rourke brothers. Hot AF Irish mafia men. If you like an Irish accent JF does have one but it’s not the best. There’s hints of it but he doesn’t hold the accent long. He’s much better at a Russian accent than Irish.
I wish the story was longer but there are 3 epilogues. Unfortunately, she still hasn’t given birth by the third one which I thought was so dumb but 🤷🏽♀️
November 6, 2024
It has all the tropes that I love and delivers
If you are looking for a red-hot book with a fmc that is learning to trust again where he is allergic to relationships, but you can’t and love him then, this book is for you.
They meet on a plane, have a case of mistaken identity encounter and then go on their way… or so they thought.
I loved Ella’s confidence despite what she went through in her previous relationship and how well she meshed with Balor. I appreciated how honest Balor was with who he is and his aversions to normal women and relationships. I just made it even more satisfying to see how these hangups and trauma helped develop. the relationship
I had been waiting for Balor’s story and it didn’t disappoint. I loved reading it and can’t wait for book 3.
If you are looking for a red-hot book with a fmc that is learning to trust again where he is allergic to relationships, but you can’t and love him then, this book is for you.
They meet on a plane, have a case of mistaken identity encounter and then go on their way… or so they thought.
I loved Ella’s confidence despite what she went through in her previous relationship and how well she meshed with Balor. I appreciated how honest Balor was with who he is and his aversions to normal women and relationships. I just made it even more satisfying to see how these hangups and trauma helped develop. the relationship
I had been waiting for Balor’s story and it didn’t disappoint. I loved reading it and can’t wait for book 3.
July 7, 2024
Review by: Jennifer
(5 Stars)
Another great story out of the Astoria Royals series. I am not going to lie, there are so many characters that I had to go back and take a peek to remind myself of everyone. This is a ME thing, kinda my own OCD; looking back, for someone that has never read the series, it can be read as a standalone, just be prepared for loads of couples. I must say, I think the author out did herself with this story, when I say this was on fire with the naughty bits, I mean it was freaking burning HOT! Alongside those naughty moments, we are getting really great drama, danger, violence, everything you need or want in a mafia story. I enjoyed this story and inhaled it in one sitting. I give this 5 stars.
(5 Stars)
Another great story out of the Astoria Royals series. I am not going to lie, there are so many characters that I had to go back and take a peek to remind myself of everyone. This is a ME thing, kinda my own OCD; looking back, for someone that has never read the series, it can be read as a standalone, just be prepared for loads of couples. I must say, I think the author out did herself with this story, when I say this was on fire with the naughty bits, I mean it was freaking burning HOT! Alongside those naughty moments, we are getting really great drama, danger, violence, everything you need or want in a mafia story. I enjoyed this story and inhaled it in one sitting. I give this 5 stars.
July 8, 2024
Balor! The quiet Computer Nerd. But he is one sexy nerd! He is powerful, dominant, soft, and strong. The perfect combination.
Ella! I wanted to smack some sense into her a few times. Yet you have to understand her past to know why she did the things she did. She grew into herself and I loved that! She realized her power and what she wanted. She could control her outcome if she trusted herself.
Overall great story!
Can’t wait for the sister Shea’s story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
@smutbookhussler_cami
Ella! I wanted to smack some sense into her a few times. Yet you have to understand her past to know why she did the things she did. She grew into herself and I loved that! She realized her power and what she wanted. She could control her outcome if she trusted herself.
Overall great story!
Can’t wait for the sister Shea’s story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
@smutbookhussler_cami
March 17, 2025
BALOR O'ROURKE , irish mafia hacker extraordinaire ... he doesnt like women to touch him ...
ELLA REYES , the beautiful woman who he shared 1st class seats with on the flight back from Australia .
tropes
-------
irish mafia
DV survivor
ONS
hacker / teacher
" no one will judge, they know what it took for you to be here "
" luck , patience , trust and shattering the veil to Balor's heart "
ELLA REYES , the beautiful woman who he shared 1st class seats with on the flight back from Australia .
tropes
-------
irish mafia
DV survivor
ONS
hacker / teacher
" no one will judge, they know what it took for you to be here "
" luck , patience , trust and shattering the veil to Balor's heart "
July 14, 2024
So addictive and so good!!! I loved this mafia romance that left you guessing!!! The space is insane. Never mind about the insanely hot Balor!!!! Steamy seductive, and just so good!!
March 12, 2025
Shattered Veil
This is my first book by Deborah Garland and I really enjoyed reading it. A great storyline and lots of heat.
This is my first book by Deborah Garland and I really enjoyed reading it. A great storyline and lots of heat.
July 16, 2024
Deborah has done it again! First of all, mafia gets me every time. But she just gets it and knows how to write so that you are falling in love with what is supposed to be the big bad mafia guy. The backstory of the FMC is gripping, and one that many can probably relate to on most levels. The right amount of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat, and when that spice hits, ooooooh is it goooooood! And it hits EARLY!! What a way to start the book, thank you Deborah! I was never bored, and the additional characters were just what was needed. There were times I laughed at the banter, and times in the book when I just wanted to throw something, break down, cry. This book has it all. One of the best reads of 2024!!!
March 11, 2025
ꍏ꒒ꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ - 2025 ★★★★★
𝐴𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑑𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎 𝑟𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑜. 𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑛𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝐽𝐹 𝐻𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑠 𝐵𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑟 𝑂'𝑅𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑘𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐷𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝐾𝑒𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑢𝑚 𝑎𝑠 𝐸𝑙𝑙𝑎.
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒋𝒐𝒃, 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝑰 𝒂𝒍𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔, 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔...𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.
ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ -(2024)
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖡𝖺𝗅𝗈𝗋
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖤𝗅𝗅𝖺
4.5 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘝𝘦𝘪𝘭 𝘉𝘺 𝘋𝘦𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘩 𝘎𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥
You guys!!! Balor O'Rourke didn't disappoint 🔥
Ella, after months of abuse, she finds the strength to up and leave it all, she has been in Australia for 5-6 months, recovering from all the pain she endured. On her flight back to the states, she meets a very interesting, brash man. She misleads him into thinking she's an escort and let's just say...🔥
Balor, after witnessing something at sixteen, he decided then and there that relationships weren't for him. He believes that he will never fall like his brothers have. But one day on a flight back from Australia, that changed, and now his a man obsessed.
....you guys!!! I have been waiting for this book for so long and it surely didn't disappoint.
The chemistry, push and pull, tension and spicy scenes...and I mean the freaking spicy scenes 🔥🥵🔥🥵 it was 🔥
Absolutely loved Ella and her strength, it took her some time to come to terms with what she was feeling and it was understandable especially after everything she went through.
Balor, this guy!!! He needed time to work through his feelings as well, but Ella was his and he was never letting her go. (Definitely an O'Rourke)
The last 15% of this book!!! Had me on edge and in tears.
But that ending...why Deborah...now I need Illicit Temptation ASAP....
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Okay, I can't wait for Shea & Trace's book after that ending..I need that book ASAP.
It was awesome catching up with the previous characters.
Cormac? This guy needs a redemption book!
...Lachlan!!! I love this guy 😍 and having that one chapter from his POV 🫠🥲
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 💻💻💻💻💻
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 💋💋💋💋💋
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️🥵🌶️🥵
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚.5
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧💧
𝐴𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑑𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎 𝑟𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑜. 𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑛𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝐽𝐹 𝐻𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑠 𝐵𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑟 𝑂'𝑅𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑘𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐷𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝐾𝑒𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑢𝑚 𝑎𝑠 𝐸𝑙𝑙𝑎.
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒋𝒐𝒃, 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝑰 𝒂𝒍𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔, 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔...𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.
ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ -(2024)
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖡𝖺𝗅𝗈𝗋
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖤𝗅𝗅𝖺
4.5 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘝𝘦𝘪𝘭 𝘉𝘺 𝘋𝘦𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘩 𝘎𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥
You guys!!! Balor O'Rourke didn't disappoint 🔥
Ella, after months of abuse, she finds the strength to up and leave it all, she has been in Australia for 5-6 months, recovering from all the pain she endured. On her flight back to the states, she meets a very interesting, brash man. She misleads him into thinking she's an escort and let's just say...🔥
Balor, after witnessing something at sixteen, he decided then and there that relationships weren't for him. He believes that he will never fall like his brothers have. But one day on a flight back from Australia, that changed, and now his a man obsessed.
....you guys!!! I have been waiting for this book for so long and it surely didn't disappoint.
The chemistry, push and pull, tension and spicy scenes...and I mean the freaking spicy scenes 🔥🥵🔥🥵 it was 🔥
Absolutely loved Ella and her strength, it took her some time to come to terms with what she was feeling and it was understandable especially after everything she went through.
Balor, this guy!!! He needed time to work through his feelings as well, but Ella was his and he was never letting her go. (Definitely an O'Rourke)
The last 15% of this book!!! Had me on edge and in tears.
But that ending...why Deborah...now I need Illicit Temptation ASAP....
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Okay, I can't wait for Shea & Trace's book after that ending..I need that book ASAP.
It was awesome catching up with the previous characters.
Cormac? This guy needs a redemption book!
...Lachlan!!! I love this guy 😍 and having that one chapter from his POV 🫠🥲
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 💻💻💻💻💻
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 💋💋💋💋💋
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️🥵🌶️🥵
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚.5
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧💧
July 28, 2024
One layover. One gorgeous billionaire. Then ….whoops. One positive pregnancy test. Oh, and guess who my new boss is?
After a bad date, I barely make my flight across the Pacific wearing a tight dress and high heels, giving the guy next to me the wrong impression. He thinks I’m a high-priced escort. I think he’s a jerk. I let him believe what he wants because this drool-worthy guy with the panty-melting smile turns out to be a charming flirt.
And his indecent proposal of a few spicy hours tangled in the sheets during our layover will solve my immediate money problem. When our explosive afternoon ends, he leaves me in the hotel suite and has his bodyguard pay me. Who does that?
Turns out he’s a billionaire hacker in charge of cyber security for the Irish Mob.
And he’s my new boss. Small world, right? Hang on, it gets worse ….
We get past the accusations that I set him up and settle into a routine that includes me dragging his gorgeous naked a$$ out of bed every morning. A sight so phenomenal I should be paying him.
When he catches me staring at his sexy physique in the shower, he punishes me in the filthiest way but that only keeps me coming back for more. He says I’m his. But he’s mob royalty, and I'm just a special-ed teacher getting over a toxic, abusive relationship.
Then my ex rears his ugly head, and I find out how fiercely possessive and dangerous this hacker mob boss can be.
And that’s before I show him two pink lines …
“Shattered Veil” is the second instalment in the “Astoria Royals Standalone Series”. They say it’s the quiet ones that you need to watch out for …. enter Balor. He is the sexy and handsome computer nerd - hacker extraordinaire for the Family. Elle on the other hand, is kind and compassionate, slowly recovering from an abusive relationship with her ex. After six months she is decides to return home and is seated next to an extremely handsome man that believes she is a high priced escort. After an amazing night together, she wakes up and he is gone.
Balor has been rattled by this woman, an unusual feeling for him. When she walks into his office as his new employee, his personal assistant no less …. it gets complicated, especially considering who her father is! Then Elle finds out that she is pregnant …. Balor is the father! The story is full of passion, intrigue, betrayal, vengeance, power, control, twists and turns around every corner - most of all love ♥️ There is never a dull moment - you will be hooked! The book goes from pages that sizzle, to extreme violence, to the most beautiful tender moments!
You will fall in love with Balor and Charlie, hoping that everything with work out for them and if they have a future together. There is never a dull moment - you will be hooked! I know I was - just love these two! A thoroughly enjoyable read from page to page, one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
After a bad date, I barely make my flight across the Pacific wearing a tight dress and high heels, giving the guy next to me the wrong impression. He thinks I’m a high-priced escort. I think he’s a jerk. I let him believe what he wants because this drool-worthy guy with the panty-melting smile turns out to be a charming flirt.
And his indecent proposal of a few spicy hours tangled in the sheets during our layover will solve my immediate money problem. When our explosive afternoon ends, he leaves me in the hotel suite and has his bodyguard pay me. Who does that?
Turns out he’s a billionaire hacker in charge of cyber security for the Irish Mob.
And he’s my new boss. Small world, right? Hang on, it gets worse ….
We get past the accusations that I set him up and settle into a routine that includes me dragging his gorgeous naked a$$ out of bed every morning. A sight so phenomenal I should be paying him.
When he catches me staring at his sexy physique in the shower, he punishes me in the filthiest way but that only keeps me coming back for more. He says I’m his. But he’s mob royalty, and I'm just a special-ed teacher getting over a toxic, abusive relationship.
Then my ex rears his ugly head, and I find out how fiercely possessive and dangerous this hacker mob boss can be.
And that’s before I show him two pink lines …
“Shattered Veil” is the second instalment in the “Astoria Royals Standalone Series”. They say it’s the quiet ones that you need to watch out for …. enter Balor. He is the sexy and handsome computer nerd - hacker extraordinaire for the Family. Elle on the other hand, is kind and compassionate, slowly recovering from an abusive relationship with her ex. After six months she is decides to return home and is seated next to an extremely handsome man that believes she is a high priced escort. After an amazing night together, she wakes up and he is gone.
Balor has been rattled by this woman, an unusual feeling for him. When she walks into his office as his new employee, his personal assistant no less …. it gets complicated, especially considering who her father is! Then Elle finds out that she is pregnant …. Balor is the father! The story is full of passion, intrigue, betrayal, vengeance, power, control, twists and turns around every corner - most of all love ♥️ There is never a dull moment - you will be hooked! The book goes from pages that sizzle, to extreme violence, to the most beautiful tender moments!
You will fall in love with Balor and Charlie, hoping that everything with work out for them and if they have a future together. There is never a dull moment - you will be hooked! I know I was - just love these two! A thoroughly enjoyable read from page to page, one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
March 6, 2025
Brilliant Story & Narration🎧Enthralling & Intense!
Shattered Veil
Astoria Royals Standalone
By: Deborah Garland
Narrated by Desiree Ketchum, JF Harding
I have so much love for Deborah Garland’s “Astoria Royals” series and the amazing world she created, a mafia world filled with interesting characters and storylines. Each book in the series stands on its own, so you can enjoy them in any order, and once you have enjoyed one, you will want the others because they are all fantastic. “Shattered Veil” is Balor’s and Ella’s story and wow, what a story it is, grabbing my attention from the very start, the moment they met, holding it captive straight to the end. Both meet by chance on a flight back to the states, and a layover that turns into a steamy encounter. We learn plenty in that time, how Balor only does escorts with no repeats and he thinks Ella is one, so Ella went along with it, fulfilling a fantasy. She never had the chance to tell him otherwise because he was gone before she woke up, but that would not be the last to see each other. Her father is starting a new job and secured a job for her at the same company, a personal assistant to the boss, a boss who turns out to be Balor. Balor is the O’Rourke’s tech guru, and he hires her father, Snow, because of who he is and what he can do, and it did not Balor long to see that Ella had no clue about her father’s skills. It was great to watch Balor and Ella’s relationship morph into something so much more, something neither saw coming nor even wanted. Ella was still getting over an abusive relationship and thought she’d never see him again, except narcissistic abusers don’t go away that easily. Garland weaved an intricate web, plotting a multilayered story with plenty of drama, angst, twists and turns, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. It was great to see characters from earlier books and bringing in their own unique skills and charm. Deborah Garland, thank you for another amazing story and the wild, emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Desiree Ketchum and JF Harding were the perfect cast to bring these characters to life and did a fantastic job voicing them, accents included, and delivering a perfect portrayal of each. Harding nails it as Balor, grasping every aspect of his personality, and his versatility as a voice artist truly shines in this book, swapping out accents. Ketchum was just as amazing in Ella’s role, showcasing all aspects of her personalty as well. Both were fantastic performing the roles of the side/secondary characters, too. Their pacing and tone were just right for the story and they captured all the character’s emotions, making you feel every single one. They are entertaining storytellers and their captivating performance takes this already amazing story to another level.
Shattered Veil
Astoria Royals Standalone
By: Deborah Garland
Narrated by Desiree Ketchum, JF Harding
I have so much love for Deborah Garland’s “Astoria Royals” series and the amazing world she created, a mafia world filled with interesting characters and storylines. Each book in the series stands on its own, so you can enjoy them in any order, and once you have enjoyed one, you will want the others because they are all fantastic. “Shattered Veil” is Balor’s and Ella’s story and wow, what a story it is, grabbing my attention from the very start, the moment they met, holding it captive straight to the end. Both meet by chance on a flight back to the states, and a layover that turns into a steamy encounter. We learn plenty in that time, how Balor only does escorts with no repeats and he thinks Ella is one, so Ella went along with it, fulfilling a fantasy. She never had the chance to tell him otherwise because he was gone before she woke up, but that would not be the last to see each other. Her father is starting a new job and secured a job for her at the same company, a personal assistant to the boss, a boss who turns out to be Balor. Balor is the O’Rourke’s tech guru, and he hires her father, Snow, because of who he is and what he can do, and it did not Balor long to see that Ella had no clue about her father’s skills. It was great to watch Balor and Ella’s relationship morph into something so much more, something neither saw coming nor even wanted. Ella was still getting over an abusive relationship and thought she’d never see him again, except narcissistic abusers don’t go away that easily. Garland weaved an intricate web, plotting a multilayered story with plenty of drama, angst, twists and turns, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. It was great to see characters from earlier books and bringing in their own unique skills and charm. Deborah Garland, thank you for another amazing story and the wild, emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Desiree Ketchum and JF Harding were the perfect cast to bring these characters to life and did a fantastic job voicing them, accents included, and delivering a perfect portrayal of each. Harding nails it as Balor, grasping every aspect of his personality, and his versatility as a voice artist truly shines in this book, swapping out accents. Ketchum was just as amazing in Ella’s role, showcasing all aspects of her personalty as well. Both were fantastic performing the roles of the side/secondary characters, too. Their pacing and tone were just right for the story and they captured all the character’s emotions, making you feel every single one. They are entertaining storytellers and their captivating performance takes this already amazing story to another level.
March 5, 2025
Audiobook Review
This was my first Deborah Garland book, and it made me immediately think: how have I NOT read or listened to any of her stories?? That’s about to change after listening to Shattered Veil.
This is a duet narration featuring J.F. Harding & Desiree Ketchum and is nothing short of a delectable audio journey.
Balor is an Irish mafia boss played by J.F. Yup, you read that right…Irish accent on point. Ella meets Balor on a flight from Sydney, Australia to New York. She had spent some time getting away from an ex who did horrific things to her and furthering her education without having to look over her shoulder, and is ready to head home. A little role playing on her part ends with the two of them tangled up in Los Angeles during their layover, and unbeknownst to Ella and Balor they have sealed their fate in more than one way.
This story starts hot and heavy with impeccably written spice, and is wrapped in a plot that mafia romance lovers will adore. Balor ends up being Ella’s dad’s new boss, and when their paths cross again in New York they are both startled yet magnetized to each other. Ella begins working as his assistant and the attraction and connection they share is undeniable. Desiree and J.F soar within this beautiful chemistry.
Desiree plays the role of Ella with care and compassion in respect to Ella’s former abuse. She is optimistic with Balor and is hopeful she is not repeating history when their relationship becomes more, and the hesitancy Desiree gives her in those moments feels so visceral. Ella is playful too, and fiercely independent. She just wants to live her normal life as a special education teacher, living under the radar and away from her Wes, her ex. Balor opens her world to new possibilities and a life she never imagined, and Desiree works that apprehension and appreciation into her portrayal of Ella so well.
J.F is Balor, and what starts off as a “don’t touch” me mentality changes as soon as Ella infiltrates his senses. J.F has such a delicious Irish accent for Balor, and for the other O’Rourke brothers. What I love about mafia romance so deeply is when the mafia man has a duality: he is fierce and powerful to everyone else, and for her, he is softened and emotional. J.F balances this so well. I couldn’t help but fall in love with Balor and the way he wants to love Ella like he has never loved before.
I’m going to go backwards and listen to book 1…and eagerly await the next in the series. This book can be listened to as a a standalone but I have a suspicion you are going to want to know ALL stories in this universe.
This was my first Deborah Garland book, and it made me immediately think: how have I NOT read or listened to any of her stories?? That’s about to change after listening to Shattered Veil.
This is a duet narration featuring J.F. Harding & Desiree Ketchum and is nothing short of a delectable audio journey.
Balor is an Irish mafia boss played by J.F. Yup, you read that right…Irish accent on point. Ella meets Balor on a flight from Sydney, Australia to New York. She had spent some time getting away from an ex who did horrific things to her and furthering her education without having to look over her shoulder, and is ready to head home. A little role playing on her part ends with the two of them tangled up in Los Angeles during their layover, and unbeknownst to Ella and Balor they have sealed their fate in more than one way.
This story starts hot and heavy with impeccably written spice, and is wrapped in a plot that mafia romance lovers will adore. Balor ends up being Ella’s dad’s new boss, and when their paths cross again in New York they are both startled yet magnetized to each other. Ella begins working as his assistant and the attraction and connection they share is undeniable. Desiree and J.F soar within this beautiful chemistry.
Desiree plays the role of Ella with care and compassion in respect to Ella’s former abuse. She is optimistic with Balor and is hopeful she is not repeating history when their relationship becomes more, and the hesitancy Desiree gives her in those moments feels so visceral. Ella is playful too, and fiercely independent. She just wants to live her normal life as a special education teacher, living under the radar and away from her Wes, her ex. Balor opens her world to new possibilities and a life she never imagined, and Desiree works that apprehension and appreciation into her portrayal of Ella so well.
J.F is Balor, and what starts off as a “don’t touch” me mentality changes as soon as Ella infiltrates his senses. J.F has such a delicious Irish accent for Balor, and for the other O’Rourke brothers. What I love about mafia romance so deeply is when the mafia man has a duality: he is fierce and powerful to everyone else, and for her, he is softened and emotional. J.F balances this so well. I couldn’t help but fall in love with Balor and the way he wants to love Ella like he has never loved before.
I’m going to go backwards and listen to book 1…and eagerly await the next in the series. This book can be listened to as a a standalone but I have a suspicion you are going to want to know ALL stories in this universe.
July 23, 2024
I love a book with great characters, strong family bonds and a love story I can root for. Brownie points if the steamy bits are done well. I'm happy to report that Shattered Veil was all of that and then some!
Balor and Ella were complex individuals with their own backstories and emotional baggage but when they're in the same vicinity, their chemistry is explosive and undeniable. The emotional pull and the steam level are off the charts! I loved that Ella was the exception to every rule in Balor's book and once he accepted that she was it for him, there was no going back. He made his intensions clear and pursued her, no holds barred.
I loved him and he was a package deal with his large mafia family. He is the last brother to fall (excluding the only sister - book incoming, I hope!) so I thoroughly enjoyed catching glimpses of each of them and their partners, especially Lachlan! Then there's the Quinlan men! The author definitely teased me with all the past, present and future characters in her Mafia world and I'm here for it!
Ella was a heroine that will pull at your heartstrings, having to deal with her shady father, her nightmare past and her growing feelings for Balor push her to her limits but she's a strong woman and I couldn't help but root for her and her sexy nerd boss!
Long story, short, I loved this one but minus one star because this blood thirty girl wanted the villains to get their just desserts - very much like Lachlan (IYKYK 😏). Which reminds me! I have to add his book to my TBR. Baddie after my own heart and his OTP is a ballerina! *sigh* Already half way in love with this couple, lol!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
Balor and Ella were complex individuals with their own backstories and emotional baggage but when they're in the same vicinity, their chemistry is explosive and undeniable. The emotional pull and the steam level are off the charts! I loved that Ella was the exception to every rule in Balor's book and once he accepted that she was it for him, there was no going back. He made his intensions clear and pursued her, no holds barred.
I loved him and he was a package deal with his large mafia family. He is the last brother to fall (excluding the only sister - book incoming, I hope!) so I thoroughly enjoyed catching glimpses of each of them and their partners, especially Lachlan! Then there's the Quinlan men! The author definitely teased me with all the past, present and future characters in her Mafia world and I'm here for it!
Ella was a heroine that will pull at your heartstrings, having to deal with her shady father, her nightmare past and her growing feelings for Balor push her to her limits but she's a strong woman and I couldn't help but root for her and her sexy nerd boss!
Long story, short, I loved this one but minus one star because this blood thirty girl wanted the villains to get their just desserts - very much like Lachlan (IYKYK 😏). Which reminds me! I have to add his book to my TBR. Baddie after my own heart and his OTP is a ballerina! *sigh* Already half way in love with this couple, lol!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
March 5, 2025
Holy Crap! this was a ride I didn't want to get off of. I did not want this story to end, annnnnddd we were left with a CLIFFHANGER!!!! I'm so excited for the next book!
I received an ALC from Bluenose!!! thank you a million times BN!!! you guys have been choosing wonderful authors and narrators and I'm so excited for the rest of the year! Also, J.F. Harding and Desiree Ketchum were so freaking perfect as Ella and Balor!
Elle and Balor were seriously hot, from their first encounter on the plane to meeting up for dinner to him saving her and loving her, they were just everything!
Elle is running away from her past, spending 6 months in Australia with her father after getting away from an abusive relationship. She's a strong and independent woman, she has some hang ups and that is to be expected when you survive what she went through. It cracked me up so much how much she called Balor a jerk in the first chapter alone! hahaha. Which I mean, he does think she's an escort... soooo!! hahaha
Meeting Balor, A. Irish B. Mafia C. sexy as hell!!!! he's the total package, but when he meets Ella on the plane back to New York, he mistakes her for an escort and propositions her for 5 hours of hot as sin sex in a hotel on their layover in L.A. Elle takes him up on the offer and they have an amazing time together, so much so that Balor gets a little spooked about his feelings for her and leaves the hotel and has his bodyguard give Elle the money and thinks he will never see her again.
Low and behold, Elle's father is a master tech artist and he has something that Balor wants and he hires him to work for him under the conditions that his daughter becomes his personal assistant. Elle and her father are meeting his new boss for dinner, and OMG it's Balor!!!!!!! There are some touches and innuendos flying around the table and it's just a fun time. Elle starts working for Balor and their chemistry is just off the charts, they can't seem to stay away from each other.
Elle's ex is out for revenge and starts leaving things for her at her dad's apartment and showing up at the school she works at part time and things escalate. It's a crazy story and I just could not stop reading it! I loved it so much, and I never wanted it to end. Elle and Balor were so meant for each other and I really hope that we see more of them in the next book. I feel like their story wasn't over just yet!
I received an ALC from Bluenose!!! thank you a million times BN!!! you guys have been choosing wonderful authors and narrators and I'm so excited for the rest of the year! Also, J.F. Harding and Desiree Ketchum were so freaking perfect as Ella and Balor!
Elle and Balor were seriously hot, from their first encounter on the plane to meeting up for dinner to him saving her and loving her, they were just everything!
Elle is running away from her past, spending 6 months in Australia with her father after getting away from an abusive relationship. She's a strong and independent woman, she has some hang ups and that is to be expected when you survive what she went through. It cracked me up so much how much she called Balor a jerk in the first chapter alone! hahaha. Which I mean, he does think she's an escort... soooo!! hahaha
Meeting Balor, A. Irish B. Mafia C. sexy as hell!!!! he's the total package, but when he meets Ella on the plane back to New York, he mistakes her for an escort and propositions her for 5 hours of hot as sin sex in a hotel on their layover in L.A. Elle takes him up on the offer and they have an amazing time together, so much so that Balor gets a little spooked about his feelings for her and leaves the hotel and has his bodyguard give Elle the money and thinks he will never see her again.
Low and behold, Elle's father is a master tech artist and he has something that Balor wants and he hires him to work for him under the conditions that his daughter becomes his personal assistant. Elle and her father are meeting his new boss for dinner, and OMG it's Balor!!!!!!! There are some touches and innuendos flying around the table and it's just a fun time. Elle starts working for Balor and their chemistry is just off the charts, they can't seem to stay away from each other.
Elle's ex is out for revenge and starts leaving things for her at her dad's apartment and showing up at the school she works at part time and things escalate. It's a crazy story and I just could not stop reading it! I loved it so much, and I never wanted it to end. Elle and Balor were so meant for each other and I really hope that we see more of them in the next book. I feel like their story wasn't over just yet!
March 11, 2025
🎧⭐️ ALC Review ⭐️🎧
Overall Thoughts: This book was my first by Deborah, but I cannot wait until she finishes these standalones so I can get the other stories. These Irish m@fia men are hot, and OTTP just like I like them. It has great tropes and a storyline that doesn’t stop up until the very last word. Leaving you on a bit of a cliffhanger for the next book in the series. After getting a peak at the other brother’s backstories and who they came to be with their wives, I am dying for the details. This is my second JF Harding m@fia book in a week, and while he isn’t the one I would normally pick for this type of character he has been amazing (as always), and his accent for Balor is delicious. Desiree Ketchum is a favorite narrator of mine and she just seamlessly lends her voice to Ella and brings her to life in a way that seems effortless. This was a great introduction to this author and this world. 5 stars. Highly recommend.
Narration: Duet-style with dual POV, present-tense with some flashbacks
Tropes: Irish M@fia, hacker, schoolteacher, mistaken identity, dad’s boss, workplace romance, abusive ex, unexpected pregnancy, OTTP, alpha male, “mine”, abduction, betrayal, one bed, trauma bonding, secret relationship, v!olence, murd3r, tattoos, covered scars, voyeur/exhibitionism, touch aversion
Overall: 5
Spice: 3.5
Humor: 2
Drama: 3.5
Darkness: 3
Narration: 5
Ella is bumped from her seat on her plane and finds herself next to a smoking hot, broody stranger who doesn’t like to be touched. What starts out as a stilted conversation, transitions to one of flirting with cheap barbs and filthy talk. Mistaking her as a high-end escort, Balor nearly demands she come to his hotel and spend the whole time F$%ing each other, and Ella chooses to live out a fantasy with her dark stranger.
After their time together, Balor leaves without a goodbye. Ella arrives in New York to live with her father after adjusting to their move, and will be working for her father’s boss, who just so happens to be Balor.
The two keep their past a secret, and keep their distance, but the harder they try, the stronger the pull is towards each other. Not telling anyone about their relationship is just one of the secrets people are keeping from each other. Deception, and betrayal rock Balor and Ella to their core, and when Ella’s life is in danger, Balor will stop at nothing to save her.
Overall Thoughts: This book was my first by Deborah, but I cannot wait until she finishes these standalones so I can get the other stories. These Irish m@fia men are hot, and OTTP just like I like them. It has great tropes and a storyline that doesn’t stop up until the very last word. Leaving you on a bit of a cliffhanger for the next book in the series. After getting a peak at the other brother’s backstories and who they came to be with their wives, I am dying for the details. This is my second JF Harding m@fia book in a week, and while he isn’t the one I would normally pick for this type of character he has been amazing (as always), and his accent for Balor is delicious. Desiree Ketchum is a favorite narrator of mine and she just seamlessly lends her voice to Ella and brings her to life in a way that seems effortless. This was a great introduction to this author and this world. 5 stars. Highly recommend.
Narration: Duet-style with dual POV, present-tense with some flashbacks
Tropes: Irish M@fia, hacker, schoolteacher, mistaken identity, dad’s boss, workplace romance, abusive ex, unexpected pregnancy, OTTP, alpha male, “mine”, abduction, betrayal, one bed, trauma bonding, secret relationship, v!olence, murd3r, tattoos, covered scars, voyeur/exhibitionism, touch aversion
Overall: 5
Spice: 3.5
Humor: 2
Drama: 3.5
Darkness: 3
Narration: 5
Ella is bumped from her seat on her plane and finds herself next to a smoking hot, broody stranger who doesn’t like to be touched. What starts out as a stilted conversation, transitions to one of flirting with cheap barbs and filthy talk. Mistaking her as a high-end escort, Balor nearly demands she come to his hotel and spend the whole time F$%ing each other, and Ella chooses to live out a fantasy with her dark stranger.
After their time together, Balor leaves without a goodbye. Ella arrives in New York to live with her father after adjusting to their move, and will be working for her father’s boss, who just so happens to be Balor.
The two keep their past a secret, and keep their distance, but the harder they try, the stronger the pull is towards each other. Not telling anyone about their relationship is just one of the secrets people are keeping from each other. Deception, and betrayal rock Balor and Ella to their core, and when Ella’s life is in danger, Balor will stop at nothing to save her.
July 19, 2024
I have been waiting for Balor’s story and it is certainly worth the wait. The tall, gorgeous nerd carries a heavier burden than his family knows. He has a deep need for boundaries, including physical and emotional ones, and believes he will never succumb to love and commitment like his siblings have done. A chance meeting on a long flight and deliberate subterfuge brings a woman he can’t forget into his orbit. Ella stokes his desires, stirs his senses and something deep within him that refuses to name or acknowledge. A one time only agreement neither can forget, but as Fate would have it, they meet again. Balor is her boss and not at all happy about it.
Ella had been taking back a piece of herself when she followed through with her fantasy encounter with Balor. Her abusive ex, a cop and therefore practically untouchable, made her doubt herself, her strength and resilience. After her passionate encounter with Balor, she is feeling empowered, though the money he left her has sparked mixed feelings. Unable to get a job teaching special education classes until the next term, her father has lined up a job for her with his new employer. Balor, the man she can’t forget and who just happens to be part of the Irish Mafia, is now her and her father’s boss. The close proximity to Balor is torture, and Ella soon realizes that her heart is involved. Balor doesn’t do commitment and she knows she will be the one who gets hurt in the long run.
Balor does his best to resist Ella, to keep from claiming her again, though being near her nearly drives him insane. Learning of her abusive ex, he is determined to find him and exact some retribution. He refuses to acknowledge that he is falling for the sassy, resilient beauty or that he feeling very possessive of her. Her father’s secrets and activities also put Ella in danger, so Balor becomes obsessed with keeping her safe. Cool, emotionless and distant…..those adjectives do not fit him at all when it comes to Ella. It is a good thing that Ella feels the same way, although she tries to keep that hidden. Their way forward has a few twists and hazards before they finally see a future together.
Their story is beyond steamy, fraught with secrets, danger and suspense. It is engrossing, entertaining and so addictive. I would most definitely recommend this book.
Ella had been taking back a piece of herself when she followed through with her fantasy encounter with Balor. Her abusive ex, a cop and therefore practically untouchable, made her doubt herself, her strength and resilience. After her passionate encounter with Balor, she is feeling empowered, though the money he left her has sparked mixed feelings. Unable to get a job teaching special education classes until the next term, her father has lined up a job for her with his new employer. Balor, the man she can’t forget and who just happens to be part of the Irish Mafia, is now her and her father’s boss. The close proximity to Balor is torture, and Ella soon realizes that her heart is involved. Balor doesn’t do commitment and she knows she will be the one who gets hurt in the long run.
Balor does his best to resist Ella, to keep from claiming her again, though being near her nearly drives him insane. Learning of her abusive ex, he is determined to find him and exact some retribution. He refuses to acknowledge that he is falling for the sassy, resilient beauty or that he feeling very possessive of her. Her father’s secrets and activities also put Ella in danger, so Balor becomes obsessed with keeping her safe. Cool, emotionless and distant…..those adjectives do not fit him at all when it comes to Ella. It is a good thing that Ella feels the same way, although she tries to keep that hidden. Their way forward has a few twists and hazards before they finally see a future together.
Their story is beyond steamy, fraught with secrets, danger and suspense. It is engrossing, entertaining and so addictive. I would most definitely recommend this book.
August 19, 2024
Overall enjoyable, easy read
This is part of an interconnected series, but can be read as a stand-alone. The ending has an extra epilogue that does have a cliffy lead in to the next book, but this story is wrapped up before that.
Balor and Ella meet initially on a transcontinental flight and have a steamy hookup during a layover. She’s trying to move past an abusive relationship and lets him believe she’s an escort. For her, it was part of the fantasy. For him, it was the only way he ever had women. They definitely have 🔥🔥 chemistry. He catches some feelings he doesn’t know how to handle and leaves her in a crappy way though, and she thinks that’s the end of things. Until she meets the man that is her father’s new boss, and who she was hired to work for as an assistant.
Balor is part of a mafia family, the resident tech wiz, and has hired Ella’s father in an attempt to take him down. Then he discovers the woman he hooked up with is his enemy’s daughter, and his plans become more difficult. And when he learns she is pregnant… well the plan gets even more difficult.
Ella is a bit clueless, but initially pretty bold with Balor. She fled to Australia with her father for six months to escape her abusive ex. She puts herself out there with Balor in an effort to reclaim herself. She’s determined to be the special education teacher she went to school to be. But somewhere she becomes TSTL. She has zero idea about her father’s dealings, which was bad enough but believable to a point, but it went beyond that. She became increasingly more TSTL as the story progressed, which was frustrating. I won’t spell out all the ways here, but there were many. Even with a big betrayal at the climax she went all Pollyanna towards a man that literally handed her over to her abuser to be tortured. 🙄 She called hm mischievous for crying out loud.
Overall, the storyline is interesting, the characters mostly enjoyable and believable. I’ve not read all the books set in this world but have enjoyed the ones I have, so I will likely continue on and probably go back to pick up the ones I’ve missed.
This is part of an interconnected series, but can be read as a stand-alone. The ending has an extra epilogue that does have a cliffy lead in to the next book, but this story is wrapped up before that.
Balor and Ella meet initially on a transcontinental flight and have a steamy hookup during a layover. She’s trying to move past an abusive relationship and lets him believe she’s an escort. For her, it was part of the fantasy. For him, it was the only way he ever had women. They definitely have 🔥🔥 chemistry. He catches some feelings he doesn’t know how to handle and leaves her in a crappy way though, and she thinks that’s the end of things. Until she meets the man that is her father’s new boss, and who she was hired to work for as an assistant.
Balor is part of a mafia family, the resident tech wiz, and has hired Ella’s father in an attempt to take him down. Then he discovers the woman he hooked up with is his enemy’s daughter, and his plans become more difficult. And when he learns she is pregnant… well the plan gets even more difficult.
Ella is a bit clueless, but initially pretty bold with Balor. She fled to Australia with her father for six months to escape her abusive ex. She puts herself out there with Balor in an effort to reclaim herself. She’s determined to be the special education teacher she went to school to be. But somewhere she becomes TSTL. She has zero idea about her father’s dealings, which was bad enough but believable to a point, but it went beyond that. She became increasingly more TSTL as the story progressed, which was frustrating. I won’t spell out all the ways here, but there were many. Even with a big betrayal at the climax she went all Pollyanna towards a man that literally handed her over to her abuser to be tortured. 🙄 She called hm mischievous for crying out loud.
Overall, the storyline is interesting, the characters mostly enjoyable and believable. I’ve not read all the books set in this world but have enjoyed the ones I have, so I will likely continue on and probably go back to pick up the ones I’ve missed.
July 18, 2024
✨ I received this book as an ARC for my honest review✨
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
First and foremost, I want to thank Deborah Garland and The Author Angence for providing me with a physical ARC for Shattered Veil. After reading Reckless Obsession, I could not wait to get my hand on another Balor O’Rourke story. I've been waiting for it, and it was executed so well!
From a mistaken identity in an airplane to a wild few hours only to meet the Clark Kent/ Henry Cavill lookalike who paid you off as your new boss. Talk about miscommunicating and off-the-chart tension. While the story gives you a few hints about the story line, everything is written so well that it still catches you by surprise and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Let's just say I was not expecting what happened to actually happen. (No spoilers here) I will say, that I am proud of our Ella and how much of an amazing person she is.
Ella is a teacher who works with Special Needs Children, who is trying to get her life back after a toxic ex. I love how strong and independent Ella is, and how she took back control of her life is inspiring. Balor is a cyber security specialist who works for his family and has no need for a relationship. I loved this couple as they benefitted each other in more ways than one. Ella was able to support Balor and have him open up about his life. While, Balor, was able to give Ella the freedom she needed to be free, like a butterfly, and prove that he will always protect her and put her first.
I loved the storyline, the spice, the chemistry, the banter, the mystery, and this whole family. The plot twists will have you screaming as well. I loved seeing Eoghan and Jillian again and more of the family members. While relationships within this family are quick, I understand them being European, but I know some people don't. What I love most about this family is how the women hold most of the power and how loved and respected they are.
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
First and foremost, I want to thank Deborah Garland and The Author Angence for providing me with a physical ARC for Shattered Veil. After reading Reckless Obsession, I could not wait to get my hand on another Balor O’Rourke story. I've been waiting for it, and it was executed so well!
From a mistaken identity in an airplane to a wild few hours only to meet the Clark Kent/ Henry Cavill lookalike who paid you off as your new boss. Talk about miscommunicating and off-the-chart tension. While the story gives you a few hints about the story line, everything is written so well that it still catches you by surprise and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Let's just say I was not expecting what happened to actually happen. (No spoilers here) I will say, that I am proud of our Ella and how much of an amazing person she is.
Ella is a teacher who works with Special Needs Children, who is trying to get her life back after a toxic ex. I love how strong and independent Ella is, and how she took back control of her life is inspiring. Balor is a cyber security specialist who works for his family and has no need for a relationship. I loved this couple as they benefitted each other in more ways than one. Ella was able to support Balor and have him open up about his life. While, Balor, was able to give Ella the freedom she needed to be free, like a butterfly, and prove that he will always protect her and put her first.
I loved the storyline, the spice, the chemistry, the banter, the mystery, and this whole family. The plot twists will have you screaming as well. I loved seeing Eoghan and Jillian again and more of the family members. While relationships within this family are quick, I understand them being European, but I know some people don't. What I love most about this family is how the women hold most of the power and how loved and respected they are.
July 19, 2024
I was shocked that the brother that’s the least dangerous (physically) had a book that was the most graphic & dangerous! Check the trigger warnings before ready please!
What to Expect:
💛Mafia Hacker Boss
🖤Sassy Assistant
💛Mistaken Identity
🖤Age Gap
💛Surprise Pregnancy
🖤Enemy’s Daughter
My Advanced Reader Copy Review (5/5 ⭐️, 3.8/5 🌶️)
A chance encounter happens when Ella meets the mysteriously hot mafia hacker, Balor, on a plane. One thing leads to another, lies are told, and they spend their layover tangled in the sheets together. It’s hot, primal fun but something about the encounter feels off but Balor pays Ella for her “services” leaving without a trace. But when her father gets her a job with his new boss she finds out that the stranger she had the time of her life with is her new boss and in the Irish Mafia. As his assistant things get up close and personal and these two are left fighting the tension that’s so glaringly obvious. Just when they are starting to get into deep, trouble comes to mess with their lives in the form of a villainous father and ex-boyfriend who has caused her nothing but pain. Will Ella and Balor make it out alive or will their budding romance shatter before it even starts? The crazy twist and turns had me on the edge of my seat and I need more of this family. The chemistry dripped off the pages, the dirty talk spoken was extra hot, and the unique plot will have you hooked!
Thank you to Deborah Garland for allowing me the opportunity to be an advanced reader for this release, sending me a physical ARC, and being a part of your team!
What to Expect:
💛Mafia Hacker Boss
🖤Sassy Assistant
💛Mistaken Identity
🖤Age Gap
💛Surprise Pregnancy
🖤Enemy’s Daughter
My Advanced Reader Copy Review (5/5 ⭐️, 3.8/5 🌶️)
A chance encounter happens when Ella meets the mysteriously hot mafia hacker, Balor, on a plane. One thing leads to another, lies are told, and they spend their layover tangled in the sheets together. It’s hot, primal fun but something about the encounter feels off but Balor pays Ella for her “services” leaving without a trace. But when her father gets her a job with his new boss she finds out that the stranger she had the time of her life with is her new boss and in the Irish Mafia. As his assistant things get up close and personal and these two are left fighting the tension that’s so glaringly obvious. Just when they are starting to get into deep, trouble comes to mess with their lives in the form of a villainous father and ex-boyfriend who has caused her nothing but pain. Will Ella and Balor make it out alive or will their budding romance shatter before it even starts? The crazy twist and turns had me on the edge of my seat and I need more of this family. The chemistry dripped off the pages, the dirty talk spoken was extra hot, and the unique plot will have you hooked!
Thank you to Deborah Garland for allowing me the opportunity to be an advanced reader for this release, sending me a physical ARC, and being a part of your team!
March 5, 2025
Audiobook ALC Review
First and foremost... this book had me HOOKED from the very beginning.
Deborah Garland delivered an amazing blend of romance, suspense, and raw emotion in Shattered Veil.
The story follows Ella and Balor, performed by Desiree Ketchum and JF Harding. Desiree does an amazing job showing Ella's resilient character who is healing from a toxic past and JF, whose Irish accent is chefs kiss, did brilliantly voicing Balor, the enigmatic hacker entwined with the Irish Mafia.
Ella and Balor have a chance meeting on a flight that ignites an intense connection, leading to a complex relationship filled with passion and well some unforeseen challenges along the way. I don't want to give away any of the amazing plot but when I say your going to want to listen to this one. I mean you are GOING to want to listen to this one, and then all the rest because eat em up, eat em up, eat em up. These are standalone so technically you can read them without reading the others but now I must go back to book 1 and with that ending you already know the next book is on my TBL.
Both Desiree and JF narrated multiple characters in this book and their skill at differentiating all of them stands out and gives the listener an immersive experience that not only complements Garland's work but elevates the story, making the audiobook version highly recommended. I mean, two words, IRISH ACCENT!
Garland clearly masterfully crafts her characters to be both relatable and compelling and it shows with how much you love and feel for all of them.
This audiobook releases March 11th, be on that plane!!!
First and foremost... this book had me HOOKED from the very beginning.
Deborah Garland delivered an amazing blend of romance, suspense, and raw emotion in Shattered Veil.
The story follows Ella and Balor, performed by Desiree Ketchum and JF Harding. Desiree does an amazing job showing Ella's resilient character who is healing from a toxic past and JF, whose Irish accent is chefs kiss, did brilliantly voicing Balor, the enigmatic hacker entwined with the Irish Mafia.
Ella and Balor have a chance meeting on a flight that ignites an intense connection, leading to a complex relationship filled with passion and well some unforeseen challenges along the way. I don't want to give away any of the amazing plot but when I say your going to want to listen to this one. I mean you are GOING to want to listen to this one, and then all the rest because eat em up, eat em up, eat em up. These are standalone so technically you can read them without reading the others but now I must go back to book 1 and with that ending you already know the next book is on my TBL.
Both Desiree and JF narrated multiple characters in this book and their skill at differentiating all of them stands out and gives the listener an immersive experience that not only complements Garland's work but elevates the story, making the audiobook version highly recommended. I mean, two words, IRISH ACCENT!
Garland clearly masterfully crafts her characters to be both relatable and compelling and it shows with how much you love and feel for all of them.
This audiobook releases March 11th, be on that plane!!!
March 12, 2025
Breathtaking
I just finished listening to Shattered Veil by Deborah Garland, narrated in duet by Desiree Ketchum and JF Harding. I DID NOT BREATHE the last hour of this book. The plot twists are masterfully executed, building suspense until the very last second. I didn’t see those coming. At. All.
Deborah keeps the tension razor-sharp, making every new revelation hit like a gut punch.
From the moment Balor and Ella meet on a plane, sparks fly. Their instant connection leads to a spicy in-flight encounter, setting the stage for a whirlwind romance. Balor, an Irish mafia boss, is as dangerous as he is protective, especially when he learns about Ella’s abusive ex, a cop who refuses to let her go.
Balor hires Ella’s hacker father for his company, with the condition that Ella is brought on as well. Now working as Balor’s assistant, the lines between professional and personal blur, and their feelings soon intensify.
The combination of dark romance, action, and raw emotion makes this audiobook impossible to pause.
Narrators Desiree Ketchum and JF Harding are phenomenal as Ella and Balor. Produced in duet style narration, both voice actors captured the emotions Deborah wrote flawlessly. Their chemistry makes the tension, passion, and emotions in the story feel even more intense.
I love this Irish mafia world that Deborah has created with her Astoria Royals series. Shattered Veil is the second book in the interconnected standalone series, can be read by itself, but I highly recommend starting with book one as it is where we enter the Astoria world and meet the core characters.
I just finished listening to Shattered Veil by Deborah Garland, narrated in duet by Desiree Ketchum and JF Harding. I DID NOT BREATHE the last hour of this book. The plot twists are masterfully executed, building suspense until the very last second. I didn’t see those coming. At. All.
Deborah keeps the tension razor-sharp, making every new revelation hit like a gut punch.
From the moment Balor and Ella meet on a plane, sparks fly. Their instant connection leads to a spicy in-flight encounter, setting the stage for a whirlwind romance. Balor, an Irish mafia boss, is as dangerous as he is protective, especially when he learns about Ella’s abusive ex, a cop who refuses to let her go.
Balor hires Ella’s hacker father for his company, with the condition that Ella is brought on as well. Now working as Balor’s assistant, the lines between professional and personal blur, and their feelings soon intensify.
The combination of dark romance, action, and raw emotion makes this audiobook impossible to pause.
Narrators Desiree Ketchum and JF Harding are phenomenal as Ella and Balor. Produced in duet style narration, both voice actors captured the emotions Deborah wrote flawlessly. Their chemistry makes the tension, passion, and emotions in the story feel even more intense.
I love this Irish mafia world that Deborah has created with her Astoria Royals series. Shattered Veil is the second book in the interconnected standalone series, can be read by itself, but I highly recommend starting with book one as it is where we enter the Astoria world and meet the core characters.
March 14, 2025
I have been looking forward to Balor’s book since I was first introduced to the Astoria Universe and it did not disappoint!
After months of living in Australia to escape her abusive ex, Ella is finally ready to move back to NY. When she is seated next to a dark and mysterious Irishman on her flight she is instantly intrigued. When Balor assumes that Ella is an escort, she doesn’t correct him since it’s a fantasy she wants to live out. Which leads to an extremely steamy layover in LA. Afterwards Balor leaves without saying goodbye, Ella is disappointed and assumes she will never see him again. Until a few days later when her father is introducing Balor as his new boss and Ella is to be his new assistant. The chemistry is insane between the two and even though they shouldn’t pursue their connection, eventually they do and it’s a wild and steamy journey from there.
I loved Shattered Veil, I have enjoyed all of the Astoria Royals books and Shattered Veil was no exception. The chemistry between Ella and Balor was palpable, making for some very steamy scenes. Neither character wanted anything serious, but when an accidental pregnancy gets thrown into the mix, that changes things. Both Balor and Ella went on character growth journeys that were a pleasure to read.
The narration was outstanding! Shattered Veil is narrated in duet by J.F. Harding and Desiree Ketchum. Both narrators were already a favorite of mine, and Shattered Veil just solidified that more. J.F.’s Irish accent was such a treat and Desiree flawlessly brought Ella’s sweet and sassy personality to life.
After months of living in Australia to escape her abusive ex, Ella is finally ready to move back to NY. When she is seated next to a dark and mysterious Irishman on her flight she is instantly intrigued. When Balor assumes that Ella is an escort, she doesn’t correct him since it’s a fantasy she wants to live out. Which leads to an extremely steamy layover in LA. Afterwards Balor leaves without saying goodbye, Ella is disappointed and assumes she will never see him again. Until a few days later when her father is introducing Balor as his new boss and Ella is to be his new assistant. The chemistry is insane between the two and even though they shouldn’t pursue their connection, eventually they do and it’s a wild and steamy journey from there.
I loved Shattered Veil, I have enjoyed all of the Astoria Royals books and Shattered Veil was no exception. The chemistry between Ella and Balor was palpable, making for some very steamy scenes. Neither character wanted anything serious, but when an accidental pregnancy gets thrown into the mix, that changes things. Both Balor and Ella went on character growth journeys that were a pleasure to read.
The narration was outstanding! Shattered Veil is narrated in duet by J.F. Harding and Desiree Ketchum. Both narrators were already a favorite of mine, and Shattered Veil just solidified that more. J.F.’s Irish accent was such a treat and Desiree flawlessly brought Ella’s sweet and sassy personality to life.
July 17, 2024
🔥 𝚂𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚅𝚎𝚒𝚕 🔥
𝚋𝚢 @deborahgarlandauthor
🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆
4.5/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
↓↓
I love this series so much! The glimpses we got of Balor we never really to to know him and I loved diving into getting to know him and Ella more.
Balor is the tech mastermind within his family and seen as the glue that keeps their family together. He comes off as this guarded, cold and quiet man but he is anything but that. He cares deeply and a lot, he just shows it in a different way.
Ella is such a strong, kind and patient person. She has been through the wringer in a past relationship so she finds it hard to trust people easily. After a mishap, a crazy night with a man and then surprise pregnancy she is determined to over come her past and move forward.
I loved, loved, loved the way that Balor was there for Ella in a way that was exactly what she needed. He proved to her they he was there for her and would never hurt her.
I loved the glimpses we got of previous characters and couples. I love when they are all together.
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🔥Mafia Hacker Boss
💞Sassy Assistant
🔥They meet on a plane/ ONS
💞Mistaken Identity
🔥Age Gap
💞Surprise Pregnancy
🔥Enemy’s Daughter
💞No Third-Act Breakup
🔥HEA Guaranteed
🏷️
#newrelease #deborahgarland #shatteredveil #mafiahacker #sassyassistant #mistakenidentity #agegap #surprisepregnancy #theauthoragency @theauthor.agency #summerreads #booktropes #smutbooks #romancereader #arcreaders #bookboyfriendsdoitbetter #momswhoread #spicyromance #bibliophile #bookworm #kindleunlimited #romancebooks #ReadNow
𝚋𝚢 @deborahgarlandauthor
🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆
4.5/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
↓↓
I love this series so much! The glimpses we got of Balor we never really to to know him and I loved diving into getting to know him and Ella more.
Balor is the tech mastermind within his family and seen as the glue that keeps their family together. He comes off as this guarded, cold and quiet man but he is anything but that. He cares deeply and a lot, he just shows it in a different way.
Ella is such a strong, kind and patient person. She has been through the wringer in a past relationship so she finds it hard to trust people easily. After a mishap, a crazy night with a man and then surprise pregnancy she is determined to over come her past and move forward.
I loved, loved, loved the way that Balor was there for Ella in a way that was exactly what she needed. He proved to her they he was there for her and would never hurt her.
I loved the glimpses we got of previous characters and couples. I love when they are all together.
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🔥Mafia Hacker Boss
💞Sassy Assistant
🔥They meet on a plane/ ONS
💞Mistaken Identity
🔥Age Gap
💞Surprise Pregnancy
🔥Enemy’s Daughter
💞No Third-Act Breakup
🔥HEA Guaranteed
🏷️
#newrelease #deborahgarland #shatteredveil #mafiahacker #sassyassistant #mistakenidentity #agegap #surprisepregnancy #theauthoragency @theauthor.agency #summerreads #booktropes #smutbooks #romancereader #arcreaders #bookboyfriendsdoitbetter #momswhoread #spicyromance #bibliophile #bookworm #kindleunlimited #romancebooks #ReadNow
Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews