Brutal Souls

by Quell T. Fox, Penny Fox

One broody bounty hunter. One unhinged assassin.
Two men with the same goal—kill the other.
Justin
I’m ready to escape the life that’s been controlling me. So when killing the elusive Piano Man—a serial killer who's hunting mafia heads—is a way to escape, I jump at the chance. Only he offers me a way out I never imagined and everything changes. Surrendering to him means giving up control in ways I’m not prepared for.
Can he convince me to abandon my escape for a chance at something more intense, or will my need for a new life keep me from what we could have?

Sevastian
I take what I want without hesitation. So when I capture the man sent to end me, my attraction to him surprises me. As he plays hard to get, I’m drawn deeper into a dangerous game of desire and control.
With my life hanging in the balance, I’m ready to risk it all for this man.
Will I be able to persuade him to ignore his plans and give in to our undeniable connection, or will his quest for freedom pull him away from what we could become?



This book is in the Dark Hearts Series. It is a standalone and can be read in any order.

Genres: M M Romance, Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Dark, Contemporary, Crime, Serial Killer

404 pages, ebook

Published May 17, 2024

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75

I'm sorry but why are all the reviews 5 stars??
I wanted to like it so bad, and don't get me wrong some parts had me hooked (the letter thing every time he kidnapped him, the shower scene)

but I just couldn't stand Justin, he talked and talked and talked but didn't actually say anything...I don't get why we had so much of his inner monologue but barely communicated

thank god Sev was like crazy obsessed cuz my god, I would not have lasted that long
, cuz Justin pushed him away so so so many times it got annoying. I basically skimmed the first 200 pages, I just wasn't hooked. and I just thought Justin was a little bitch.
I also thought the writing was a lot of telling and showing, like in the inner monolgues about " oh he gets me like no one else and I him"....Sev may have known everything about him but Justin certainly did not know shit about Sev.

[Becca Sabala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sev might be one of my all time favorite stalkers. He had me laughing through most of the book.
Justin and Sev are a couple I never would have put together, but they really did work great.

Justin is grumpy and super antisocial, and really good bounty hunter. He’s not one to shy away from violence, so when a new serial unaliver pops up and starts taking out heads of the families he jumps at the opportunity to try to take him out.

Sev is super friendly and confident even though he’s a bit rough send the edges. He knows he’s good at unaliving and he doesn’t downplay it. He enjoys the fear that just his name brings.
He comes to the US to do what he does best, and that’s get rid of people. While he’s there on a job he finds a new obsession, but this obsession complicates his life immensely.

Justin is so incredibly stubborn, and he fights himself and Sev for most of the book. He’s so stuck in his ways that he doesn’t want to let Sev in, even though he makes him experience things he never has before.
Sev is so cocky, and the moment he had Justin in his sights he knew he was never letting him go. He would do anything he needed to win over the grumpy man, and get him to admit to wanting him.

Once Justin finally gives in, they’re seriously the cutest! You see a side to Sev you never would have expected, and once Justin starts to soften up a bit their connection really grows.

This book is full of twists and turns and secrets. When things start to get good, it all falls apart.

I loved that Reese and Ezra were in this book!

[Rayona Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was epic

Never thought for a second their relationship wouldn’t work. Justin and sev were made for each other.
Great story. Some humor and everything great spice

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Justin's story, Sev is a crazy man but aren't they all. I love a mm romance book

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had a really strong start for me, and I still enjoyed it for the most part, but the second half of the book was not my favorite. I did think the plot of a psycho serial killer constantly kidnapping someone in order to get them to love them was a great idea. Just wish the execution had been a little better. Still a fun read.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review
I loved this book so much! I want someone to be obsessed with me the way Sev is of Justin. What's better than a love story between a bounty hunter for the mafia and a serial killer of the bratva?
This was my first Quell T. Fox book and I cannot wait to read more.
The characters and story were great and I just love a good dark romance.

[Amy Crull · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a delight!! It seriously feels weird with all the kidnapping and stalking that happens in this book but the way it's done and how often, will have loving and possibly laughing at times. I found this book to be addicting and charming. Justin and Sev are both in the Mafia. Justin has been in for 15 years and after the son took over for the dad, things have changed. Justin wants out. He's done with the lifestyle and wants more. He's also grumpy and doesn't believe in love. When offered a job that would give him plenty of money to leave, he jumps at the chance. He's trying to catch a killer but didn't count on falling in love along the way.
Sev, on the hand, is certified killer. He was trained for it and it's all he's really known. Kidnapping Justin leads to so much more then he bargained for. It was only supposed to be a job and that turned out to be so much more. I loved Sev's sense of humor and how he isn't afraid to be himself around Justin. Sure his methods are strange but it works for him. He knows how to make an uncomfortable situation laughable. I loved his attitude to life and how he wasn't afraid to show his true self to Justin.
These two just seem to mesh really well. The one thing I loved the most about this book is you get to see how each character is handling their relationship. The thoughts that go thru their minds, how much they are struggling when it comes to feelings and whether what they do is even worth it anymore. This was such a great book with a storyline that you are sure to LOVE!!!

[Lexi Truitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️

I looooved this book! It was so good and kept me interested from the first page to the last. I totally support SEVIN! Not only was it a really good story between Justin and Sev and everything they were dealing with, it was also hilarious! Reese and Sev had me cracking up 😂 100% recommend!

[Mary Jaay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh

Had to DNF around 40% there’s too many side conversations. It started off so well, but why are enemies moving past that stage so fast???😭 tried my best, but it’s not for me.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

Wow, this book had me astounded I was hooked from the start, I was riveted to my seat the characters were absolutely sensational. This story was about Justin Lorenzetti, and Sevastian Romanoff (Sev), these two men are two lost souls, one Bratva (the Pakhan's son), then you have the other was adopted so it doesn't say who his birth parents are. Justin doesn't talk to his twin he just continues to sort out his own life, Justin has a stalker but not your usual stalker, Justin wants to move closer to his cousin once he does a job that will give him plenty of money to set him up. Sev is a trained assassin he is more skilled than anyone with a scarry reputation, he found that he was fascinated with Justin he knows everything about him so when he visits him there love making is really intense then he leave Justin with something so he won't be forgotten until the next time. Justin is excited when his boss put a hit on the Piano man whoever kills him and brings his head they will receive five million dollars, and Justin thinks he knows who it is. There is so much back and forth between Justin and Sev that Sev gives Justin the bad news that his twin brother is dead. Will these two be able to fall in love with so many secrets looming over there heads will Justin be able to forgive.

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

[Stamatina Vatikioti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third book from QUELL T. FOX and I don't get surprised that I was swept away again...I'm still in awe with what I read.

A story between 2 completely opposite ppl, Justin, a head bounty, grumpy, antisocial and full of negativity(especially when it comes to his feelings for Sev), and Sev, the trained assassin of the bratva, with a mission to annihilate whoever his father tells him. He is friendly and confident though rough around the edges. Never before an unhinged sociopath felt so lovable and cute!(trust me when you read the book you will see what I mean)...

Those two are taking part to a delicious game, set by yours truly(Sev) after he sees Justin and becomes obsessive over him... There is push and pull between them,mostly Justin does the push while Sev wants to pull him deeper into whatever this is between them. Their back and forth is immaculate, their dynamics hot hot hot (scorching) and when they surrender and acknowledge their feelings, their love and growth is so beautiful...

A true masterpiece once again from the author of Ezra and broken boy(and yes you will see them both here too and that was a very beautiful surprise since I missed them so much since I've read their books.

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

[Evelyn Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justin, Reese’s cousin, is being stalked~ He is another enforcer for a mafia family he is not blood related with. Ezra’s policy of protection includes him. He has a twin brother that is psycho. They are adopted into their family. A ghost is killing the heads of the mafia families. Why? The FBI is not worried about catching the person. When a massive amount is offered up for the ghost, Justin is the one who decides to take it so he can get out. He has Reese’s wedding to get through as well.

When the ghost takes an uncanny and possessive stance with Justin, things go right and wrong. Justin is attracted to him as well but wants to kill him for making him feel things he should not. The ghost will continue to play sordid games with him, and he is one of the best in the world. This is a very dark bromance that is sure to knock your socks off! This one is truly dangerous to any and all. He will have to make many decisions that can cost those he cares about lives. Where will the ghost’s obsession end? Will Justin survive? His brother? What does this have to do with their pasts? A fantastically written depraved romance with lots of humor worked into the mix and high heat.

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a game becomes more than you could ever imagine.

Justin & his twin brother were adopted and knew nothing of their birth family or their history. He is a bounty hunter for the mafia and his newest target is a cereal killer taking out the heads of mafia families.

Sev is an assassin who does whatever he wants without remorse. When he finds out someone is trying to kill him he decide to kidnap him. What he isn't prepared for is the unequivocal attraction and need he feels for this man. So like any normal psychopath he decides to make a game out of kidnapping Justin and carving his name into his skin one letter at a time.

What happens when 2 men who both need to control come up against each other? Well of course someone must give in. Can these 2 overcome their needs and discover the wants that will lead them to what they both seem to want?

Will fears, lies and secrets be too much for them to overcome or will someone make the right move to ensure everyone comes out better than they entered?

This was a fantast story. I loved the dual POV that gave you a look into each of the men's minds and how they were feeling. So many thoughts and emotions on what should and should not be okay or feel okay. I absolutely loved the sexual tension and the small moments that often had a deeper meaning for one or both men.

4.5 stars. I love a good MM romance and the dark undertones made it that much hotter.

[Manuela Molteni · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you pick up a book by Quell T. Fox, you can bet on two things: you're in for some steamy scenes, and you're going to enjoy every moment of it. For me, this is 100% true. I usually steer clear of mafia books, but when the author is Quell T. Fox, or any of her other pen names, I simply can't resist.

"Brutal Souls" is set in the same gritty world as "Ezra" and "Broken Boy." We first met Justin in "Ezra," and I instantly fell in love with him. Still tied to the mafia life, Justin is desperately seeking an escape from the violence and chaos. Enter a letter from his and his twin's biological mother, revealing someone is out to eliminate them.

And then there's Sevastian! He's a sweet pea wrapped in the brutal, dark shell of a psychopathic assassin—a giant teddy bear at heart for Justin. I absolutely adored him. I'm a sucker for the darkest, craziest characters, so Sev is right up my alley! True to Fox's style, the darker and crazier the character, the more entertaining they are. In "Brutal Souls," the interactions between Sev and Justin are morbidly humorous, fast-paced, and packed with action and intrigue.

But the real highlight is the complex relationship between Justin and Sev, and how their feelings evolve against all odds. If you're in the mood for a book that's equal parts smut, suspense, and dark humor, then "Brutal Souls" is definitely for you. Buckle up, because this wild ride is one you won't want to miss!

[BOOKGIRLIE4LIFE · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was exceptionally well written. I got this on a Stuff your Kindle day and was unfamiliar with the author but the blurb made the book seem right up my alley and it definitely was.
I totally fell for Justin right out of the gate and Sev....how could a person not fall under that mountain of a man's thrall, even if he is a serial unaliver and was sent to unalive Justin.....
This book had me on the edge of my seat with anticipation the whole way through.
Justin wanting to leave the life he is in and looking for a way out, then the whole letter from his dead bio mom, Sev stalking him and kidnapping him...repeatedly, Justin struggling with his feelings for Sev, Sevastian fighting his inner demons and going against his fathers wishes. Justin finding something in Sev that he didn't know he needed or wanted and when he stops fighting himself and lets Sev in it's beautiful to watch him become the man he's always fought to become.
You add in the sassy side characters with Reese and Ezra and this book is well rounded and unsuspectingly funny and has lots of wholesome sweet moments of vulnerability and love. Will definitely be reading more from this author.

[amys.readsx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ate this up!

This is my first book by this author, and I'm happy to say it won't be my last.

I absolutely ate up this story. I was instantly intrigued. Justin, a mafia enforcer and Sev, hitman for his father, head of the Bratva. Their story was so unhinged yet so freaking adorable at the same time!!

I loved the obsession from Sev, the unhinged in the most adorable way psycho. I was laughing out loud at his antics and banter. He was so sweet and friendly, and that often threw me in the best ways. His character was written so perfectly. Justin is grump, and the push and pull of their relationship kept me captivated till the end.

This had action, suspense, secrets, and delicious spice all wrapped up in an enjoyable story. I am 100% team SEVIN all the way!! I need to read all the books in this universe.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was such a fun read. As soon as I read the premise I knew I had to read this story. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Sevastian and Justin- especially Sev, who I thought was fun and was naturally drawn to. I liked his personality. I liked the dynamic between the two of them and the "game" Sev declares- always one step ahead.

"The problem is I’ve never been good with boundaries. I know what they are, have plenty of my own, but I don’t give a shit about anyone else’s. Maybe that makes me narcissistic? Psychopathic? Sociopathic? Not really sure. Never cared to find out."

The story had suspense and anticipation. I love the way their relationship develops. The two of them mesh so well and I love the grumpy/sunshine personalities. This is the first book I've read by this author and I will definitely be reading more. 5 stars.

[LJ Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justin works for a mob family. His job entails a lot of interesting things, some gruesome, some messy and he’s ready for a change. Waking up in a cabin, with his side bleeding, Justin is aware he’s not alone. A hunk of a man has trapped him and keeps saying Justin is his then he disappears only for it to happen time and time again. Soon Justin has some of thus guys names carved into his side. Sevastian has secrets. One is that he was hired to kill Justin and his twin brother. It’s all mob related and is very interesting how the story unfolds.

Is Sevastian crazy? Well maybe… Thus new to me author has grabbed my attention with this book and I’m going to make sure to read more by them!.

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

[Book Addict · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is somewhere between a 3 and 4 star for me. I enjoyed the premise of the plot, but there was something missing. Honestly, I don't think Justin really did anything the entire book besides go to [was it Boston?] one day to track down a guy. He immediately gave up on whatever he was doing. Other than that, it's all internal dialog on his end. Sevastian seems to maybe do a bit more, but it's almost entirely off-screen as well. Relationships with outside characters are brought up, and then never heard from again. The chemistry between the two was decent, but it was hot and cold, told 25 different ways. In the end, this should've been 100 pages less and maybe it would've been slightly better. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Renee Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I'm totally feeling Justian (Justin and Sevastian)! Quite the unconventional "meet cute", that leaves you wondering if love will win out before one of them offs the other. Nothing says you're mine like a serial kidnapping psychopath carving his name into you one letter at a time, am I right? But hey- psychopaths needs love too! To be totally honest, I thought the plot was a little contrived, but in the end the character arcs kept me reading, and the desire to see these two find their HEA had me turning the pages right until the end. Here's to the men who will kill anyone blocking the path to the one they love...and the men who love them (eventually)!

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️

This was such a fun, palate cleanser read. It’s not too dark and gave me a break from all the really dark and emotional romances I was reading.

I ADORE Sevastian!! He is so fun and playful (not at all like the ruthless killer he is) and he drives everyone crazyyyyy including his partner, Justin. Carving his name into Justin is so wild…but I love how Sev starts planning his and Justin’s marriage after they meet for the first time lollll! Justin and Sev’s relationship is everything to me! They are so cute together and I have such a fun time reading about them.

Tropes:
-serial killer
-stalker
-mafia themes
-boy obsessed
-touch him and 💀

[Erin M. Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author never ceases to surprise me, everytime she releases a new book. I don't know how she does it every month. Not with just one pen name but with two pen names. Brutal Souls was just as good as any of her others that she has written. I loved that even though it was a stand alone the story interconnected with the other two she has done previously: Ezra and Broken Boy. I loved reading Justin’s story, poor grumpy pants didn't know what hit him when he met Sev the very first time. Quell, another awesome book on your writer's bookshelf. 
I have received a complimentary ARC from the author for a fair and honest review.

[Mia Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating - 4.2 rounded up to 4

That lowkey might have been one of the best MM romances I have ever read. The chemistry between the leads is so sexy and amazing! I am not generally into mafia romances, but Savastian is so sexy :)

First time reading anything by this author, but I am definitely intrigued! Reese's hilarious by the way.

I thought some parts might give me the ick, but Sav's behaviour around Justin and how much he loved him brought smiles to my face. Him not being scared of showing his obsession and how he handled things with his father showed his love. Definitely recommend this to MM romance lovers!

[Yinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carved into your skin

A brutish type of love story between two Mafia members who are coincidentally hunting each other. Very different from what I usually read, but I definitely enjoyed it!

It gives off a 'boys will always be boys' vibe, and I love the domesticated things they do with each other. Not to mention the other darker things they enjoy, which were very spicy. Their chemistry is intense, and definitely enjoyed that they had time to think about their feelings for each other: they don't mindlessly throw themselves on each other.

Warning: if you're uncomfortable with cutting into skin then this is not for you.

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sevastian, aka Sev, is sent by his father, the head of the Bratva, to kill the Farina twins, Justin and Jackson, only to find out that he is attracted to Justin. So Sev does what he does best and begins taking out the heads of the multiple Mafia's in the States while following Justin around. This story is very bloody and includes plenty of MM romance and steam, ending in a HEA. Very highly recommended.

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

[Hazel M Bear · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
Hated the two leads until about 65%, and even then was a bit iffy. Everyone else wasn't interesting or likable at all, which felt weird. The spice was OK, but that was about it. Well, the 3rd act setup and breakup was fun. Justin was boring as hell, he kept saying the same things over and over again. And crazy Sevastian was so annoyingly full of himself. Like sure, an obsession in a romance can be fun, but his thing wasn't?

[River · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. It was cute and it caused me pain at times. Nothing better than a “I hate you x no you don’t” kinda book. I love sev. Obsessed doesn’t even begin to describe him an I love it. Not to mention this book has tones of action and killing in it. My favourite part was when sev was contemplating whether ghosts could jerk off 💀.

[Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was fun and also romantic and sweet.. in the darkest way lol.

Sevastian is a psycho killer and he has to kill Justin - who's a mafia killer himself - but he gets obsessed with him instead. Justin fights it and that's part of the game.

They're also super hot together. There's killing, kidnapping, a lot of mild CNC and some pain play.. liked it!

[Karen Sorg · Rating 5 out of 5]

So often do you get kidnapped and have letters carved into you? Well reading this book will explain so many sociopaths and how they reason things out. Quell you did a great job on this one. The tension, the love, the hate, the anger so brutal. Good job!.

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

[Rayna K · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC review***

This was my first MM book and to say I was not disappointed would be an understatement. I cannot get enough of Sev and his sass. He’s literally my favorite stalker/un-aliver. Justin did get on my nerves at some points but I do love him still. I didn’t want this story to end but I know Quell will come in hot with another story I’m obsessed with soon.