Timothy Malone III was born to rule. Raised in the shadow of a legacy built on blood, power, and calculated cruelty, he was bred to inherit a city—and the empire of violence that came with it.
His father and grandfather reveled in destruction, dancing on the ashes of their enemies. But Tim? He walked away.
Now he runs a quiet bar that caters to cops, keeps his head down, and spends far too much time watching me.
Aubree Emeri.
Medical examiner. Free spirit.
Naive, they say—especially when it comes to the world Tim comes from.
He chose peace. He chose me.
But peace is fragile, and when war lands on my doorstep, Tim’s restraint burns to ash.
The heir who swore off violence becomes the man who’ll burn the world to keep me breathing.
Emilia Finn is an Amazon Top 20 bestselling, Australia-based author with more than 55 books written and published to date.
She's a mom, a coffee addict, a collector of quirky coffee mugs, and before she had kids, she was a real-life full-contact fighter.
Her experience on the fight circuits helped her pen her first ever book—Finding Home—featuring a world champion MMA fighter Bobby Kincaid, and his leading lady and equal in every way, Kit Reilly. What was only supposed to be a once off experience instead turned into a career for Emilia, a thriving empire, and a daily grind she never wants to be rescued from.
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Another enjoyable read, not as good in my opinion as her other books. Feeling a bit lost as I'm not sure if there's more to this series. Perhaps Fletch & Fifi or Cato & ?
2.5 “so disappointed” stars. I have been waiting for Tim and Aubree’s book since the beginning of the Mayet series. I was expecting, well, more. The first 50% of the book was them continuing to bicker like they have for 15 books. Tim was quite the tool in this book and not always in an endearing way. Then when they finally have their sexy time, it’s overly aggressive and a bit cringe. Why do authors feel name calling in bed is good? Top it all off, I expected more action with Tim and his rightful throne or handling the Copeland wannabe gangsters. But that was fairly subdued. The ending was interesting as we learned more about Aubree.
Tim and Aubree!!!! Finally! I feel like I’ve been waiting a lifetime for this moment. Did this live up to my very high expectations? Yesssss!! Everyone knows Tim and Aubs want each other but, you know, it’s complicated with Tim being the heir to a mafia empire and Aubree tired of him pushing her away… but don’t worry their tension finally reaches a breaking point and EXPLODES. It’s HOT and will live rent free in my mind for eternity, Tim has a filthy mouth and Aubs isn’t as innocent as everyone assumes. It’s a slow burn but let me tell you the build up hurts so good 😏
I loved getting to really know Tim and Aubree in their own words. Let me tell you, there is far more to both of them than meets the eye. Tim’s got layers and is on a mission to win his woman, while Aubs completely blew me away. She’s officially in my girl gang.
There are also mafia happenings that are of course dangerous and will make the right man (Tim!!!) burn the world down and do ANYTHING to keep Aubree safe.
Not only did this have some spicy spice, feels and mafia chaos but also AMAZING banter, because Aubs is no pushover and can be extra feisty. She also knows how to make a man grovel.
I devoured this, will definitely reread it and continue my obsession with Emilia Finn, the Malone brothers and my favorite Copeland bada** women.
This can be read as a stand-alone but if you want the full effect you can devour the Mayet Justice series and Underbelly Enchanted series. This book does have appearances from our favorite Copeland characters and of course the Malone brothers.
Tropes: Mafia heir + bar tender Medical examiner FMC Touch her and Die always been You FMC in danger Found Family Banter for Days Dirty talk + spice Age Gap
I think this is the first book of Emilia Finn that I did not finish. I stopped at 30% and could not go on further after seeing Aubree and Tim throughout the Mayet series, I was hesitant to read their story. After seeing so many tidbits of them throughout that series, I often find it hard to then focus on a couple we’ve read so much about already all they did in the first 30% of this book is bicker back-and-forth. He has broken her heart over and over again doesn’t respect her or her thoughts or her wishes and has never apologized. He thinks since he’s doing it to keep her safe that all of his actions are justified. He does not respect her as a partner. Maybe it gets better throughout the book, but I couldn’t take the bickering back-and-forth anymore after seeing it through so many books in the Mayet series maybe at some point I’ll go back and finish it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
If you've been reading the Sinful series this is Tim and Aubree's story and it needs to be read after Sinful Corruption.
The usual characters although we don't focus on solving a crime with this one. It revolves around the usual dead bodies and there is a resolution to the case.
A couple of storyline that go nowhere. The mayor. What's his role in these other to fill pages? And a storyline about Aubree's brother was introduced but not resolved. The reveal about Aubree's abilities also something to fill the gap.
This women! Normally when I write a review it's "I love him!" Let me tell you about this FMC.
She's loved him and kept her distance. Waited for him to be ready. She was so very patient. She watched as he slid other women up the back stairs of his bar and didn't say a word. She was patient.. until she wasn't. He messed up BIG TIME. She's BIG MAD.
And now she's in danger, and he wants to slip in and save her, and her family from the big bad. He doesn't want the people she loves to be hurt because he thinks it will break her little heart... Little does be know Aubree Grace is stronger than anyone realises.
Absolute perfection. The writing is what you've come to expect from Emilia Finn she's a magician with words and her books flow seamlessly. This is no different. Tim and Aubree were exactly what we waited for. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!
If you've never read an Emilia Book. Jump in this one is definitely worth your time. If you enjoy it start back at the beginning you won't believe the worlds she weaves.
This was an intriguing story with many unexpected twists that will hook you from beginning to end. These two have been circling each other for years, longer than the other couples have been together, and yet they're still not syncing up. It's certainly going to be an interesting story!
If you haven't already, I would highly recommend that you start from the beginning with The Rollin On series, then read on to the next series in the reading order, which is listed in each book. When you get to the Mayet Justice series, it will give you the next book in the reading order at the end of every book, which will include switching between that series and this one. The Underbelly Enchanted series was written as a separate series, but it's supposed to be read at certain points during the Mayet series. Both series involve the same characters, time lines, etc, and are best when reading together. Due to the character crossover, which is huge during the first several series and significant during these two, I would highly suggest reading all of them. Most of them can be read as stand alone series, but it will feel like you're missing something at the end. I've already experienced this ~I started with the 3rd series unknowingly, and when I was finished, I realized quickly that to get the best reading experience I would have to start at the beginning. I have happily read all of the stories up to this series, and they're some of the best stories I've read. Although there are a lot of books, each story is unique, and they don't have the typical issues that most long series have. (Ya know, like the only thing that changes is the characters names and the details of whatever conflicts they're going through, but the rest is almost an exact repeat of the previous stories) All of the books by this talented author are fantastic, and you'll absolutely fall in love with all of the characters and their stories.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
Aubree Emeri is a claimed woman. Legally. Morally. And indefinitely.
I just love the Malones and Tim and Aubree did not disappoint. This one is filled with humor, witty banter, suspense, complex characters and all the mafia vibes. Emilia Finn does an excellent job weaving a story filled with both weighty moments and lighter ones. You’ve got ruthless power and danger on one hand and tender loving care on the other. The chemistry between Tim and Aubree is delicious making the will they or won’t they dynamic addictive. And oh the pining! Tim is the perfect morally gray MMC who is possessive, intense and a little damaged but you can’t help but root for him even when he makes dumb decisions. Aubree was just this loyal, ray of sunshine who wanted all the good things with and for Tim and all of those she loved and cared for. Aubree was gifted and I loved her heart. The other Malones and Mayet justice characters made for a large supporting cast of characters but in a good way. The definitely added more layers to the story. Speaking of layers, this is a standalone and I read it as such but I definitely feel like I could have benefited from reading the larger Mayet world. A few times I felt like I might be missing something. I kept up fine but reading the others may have enhanced my understanding of things happening or alluded to in this book. This *is* a mafia book so it can be a little dark at times. Make sure to check the content warnings and read with care. If you’re looking for a mafia romance with high stakes, a sizzling (and spicy) romance, complex characters but with a dose of humor and the quintessential HEA, this would be a great read for you. When the time is right, I can’t wait for Cato’s book to conclude this series.
Lost Kingdom (Underbelly Enchanted #3) by Emilia Finn ⭐⭐⭐🌶️🌶️🌶️ Interconnected Standalone? * Grumpy x Sunshine * Forced Proximity * Age Gap * Mafia * Contemporary Romance * Marriage * Medical Examiner FMC * Touch Her And Die * Found Family * Banter * 310 pages * 🎧11h20
I found this one a bit hard to review. After finishing, I looked into it a little more and discovered that although it’s an interconnected standalone, both main characters have appeared many times throughout this series, and what seems to be another series as well. Having not read anything by Emilia Finn before, I can’t speak to their shared history, and I have a feeling this may have impacted my enjoyment of the story.
Unfortunately, I finished the book without connecting to either character, and honestly didn’t really care about their HEA. It has an extremely slow start, with the main characters bickering for a very large portion of the book, and then suddenly they’re together? It felt like I missed something along the way. That said, I did really enjoy the FMC being a medical examiner.
I was also confused by the overall storyline involving the family empires and the MMC’s role, or lack of role, in it. It felt like there was information missing on the page that we were supposed to already know. When some details were finally revealed, they landed as a bit lackluster. There were also a few storylines that started and then went nowhere, adding little to the overall plot.
That ending twist didn’t land for me at all. Was this book meant to be mystical or paranormal? I’m still not sure. It felt more like a device to tie up loose threads so the story could finally end.
It’s entirely possible I just wasn’t in the right frame of mind for this story at the time, or maybe I should of read the full series, or I missed details while listening to the audio. You might absolutely enjoy it. The current Goodreads rating is 4.58 stars, so this may just have been a miss for me.
How does Emilia Finn write the way she does!!! We (her dedicated fans) will never know even though she brings us through her process via her socials but even with the glances and peeks we get I still wasn’t prepared to fall so hard for Tim III!!! Emilia your words, your mind, your hours of research, and secret sources you have to fact check and keep you consistent through the 70+ (I know I have that number wrong lol) books to which I have read everyone after completing Lost Kingdom you make me fall in love with all your characters no matter which city we’re in over the span of your collection, I’m just in awe of you and am so happy I stumbled across your books!!! Best decision I ever made and you’ve ruined all other books for me.
If you’re not reading her books who are you reading and why?!?! You have to read this book stand alone or if you’re on the journey with the rest of the roller crew you know what you’re getting!!! However like I said even knowing I still wasn’t prepared and didn’t think you could top my all time faves of Kane & Aiden (Biggie 🥹) I have to jump ship I’m all Tim all the way!!!
Thank you thank you thank you for delivering this book and giving us everything we wanted and more. He was so worth the wait🥰🥰🥰
P.S. I think this is my first review it may be my second but that’s how much you have influenced me to review because everyone needs to know who you are and all about your collections!!!!
When it comes down to it, I liked this book. There only issue i found hard was i felt like a misses a TON of information not reading the entire Mayet Justice Book series. I only completed the first 2 books and then realized the series was insanely long so I gave up. I did read the first 2 books in this specific series and really enjoyed both, along with this one. I find because I haven't read the entire series of Mayets book, I feel like I missed a lot of important information regarding these 2 characters. I feel like there should have been 0.5 book for this couple so anyone who hasn't committed to the Mayet Series.
As first born son, Tim was born to lead the NY family Mafia. A birth right he never wanted and never accepted. He left his hometown at age 16 to escape his responsibilities. Aubree, a Medical Examiner, met through her boss/best friend, Mayet, who is Tim's sister in law. This book doesn't really explain how they met, I assume it was explained in the Mayet Series. But to summarize they both loved eachother from a far for years, never committing to eachother. Even though Tim never stepped into the role he was born to lead, he will always have a target on his back. Because of this, he never claimed Aubree as his own. This book follows the couple when Tim finally has had enough keeping her within arms length and realizes she is safer if the whole city knows she belongs to him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Lost Kingdom by Emilia Finn was a good read which I was disappointed about because I LOVE her mixed martial arts series and the first two in this mafia series are wonderful, so I had high expectations. Lost Kingdom has Timothy Malone (his family is in book 1 and 2 of The Underbelly series), he should be a mafia don but chose to leave the life and Aubree, a medical examiner. Their storyline is from another series - The Mayet Justice- so it was like a convergence of storylines here. I didn’t read the Mayet series so I was a bit lost on their backstory, I could pick it up but I would have enjoyed it more if I had read those. Tim and Aubree have chemistry, the steam is hot and the end took a turn that left me scratching my head.
I do think if I had read the Mayet series I would have been more invested in Tim and Aubree but even without that, Tim is sexy mafia dirty talking don perfection.
I feel kind of bad for saying this but I’m disappointed. I really wanted to love the book but it fell short for me.
First, there was a lot of how Aubree was hurt by Tim’s previous actions. However, as a reader I didn’t actually SEE it. Since I didn’t see it I couldn’t feel it. I’m not sure if it’s because I didn’t read past book 1 of the Mayet Justice series, but it was missing things. The problem with that is that Underbelly Enchanted is a different series and a standalone, therefore it needs to explain things as if the reader doesn’t have the background. Saying “you hurt me” without giving the reader those moments so they can feel it too made this book fall flat for me.
Second, the climax was a letdown. Everything we were made to believe was a problem was just… fine?
Finally, the ending with Aubree felt like a weird turn and didn’t fit with the other books.
I wanted to love it but unfortunately I just couldn’t. 3.5 stars for me. It was ok, but it fell short.
Damn Tim! I almost gave up hope of you ever having it in you but my heart rejoices at being proven wrong. Once again Emilia hits it out of the park. We have spent nearly 3 years and 16 books falling in love with Tim and Aubree from the sideline and delight in finally getting a front row seat to their main show! Tim is endearingly controlling with a filthy mouth that is surprisingly delightful from the "mild" and broody bartender we have previously seen. But it is Aubree Grace that takes the cake as she steps up, matches his energy, and proves herself to be his perfect partner in every aspect. Once again, Emila not only writes an incredible story and gives us a couple to root for, but also graces us with a new book boyfriend that we might just be tempted to take the FMC to the mat for!
3⭐️ here’s the thing, I love the Mayet Justice Series and I have loved all the Rollin’ On series and spinoffs, so I come into each book with high expectations. This book went in a different direction than I was expecting AND if I hadn’t read all the books in the Mayet Justice series, I would have been very disappointed with the lack of background in Tim and Aubree’s book.
However, since I have read all the other books, I liked it, but it wasn’t great like some of the other books written by Emilia. The twist with Aubree was definitely unexpected and I’m looking forward to seeing how Emilia will write this into the rest of the Mayet Justice books.
All that being said, I was hoping for more with Tim and Aubree and am a little sad that it didn’t quite meet my expectations, so I gave it a 3⭐️.
I fully need to process this book, but I wanted to leave a 5 star review ASAP. I mean. . Mind blown! Finn, you’re flippin’ amazing. I would read the phone book if you wrote it…..(Although the mention of a certain a$$ hole college football team was unnecessary 🤬).
You’ve taken a world of misfit, damaged men and made us love them despite their flaws and truly scarily obsessive tendencies. You’ve created strong, powerful, loving women we all want to be. Your characters are so flawed and so beautiful….like most people. I think we all see a little of ourselves and those we love in them. From Bobby to Aubree, you’ve made me love them all and I can’t thank you enough for this beautiful world you’ve created.
This book is worth the read just for the couple banter between Aubree Grace and Tim Malone. I have not read any of the other books, so this my first one in the series and it was a fun read. Tim is a typical alpha male who wants to protect his family and the love of his life Aubree. Although Tim and Aubree have been dancing around each other for years because of Tim’s desire to protect Aubree from his mafia lifestyle that he gave up but still follows him because of his brothers. In this book, we find that Tim is done fighting his feelings for Aubree and wants to find a way to protect her and his family successfully. Aubree is a great surprise. There is a happy ending. Read On!
Damn Tim! I almost gave up hope of you ever having it in you but my heart rejoices at being proven wrong. Once again Emilia hits it out of the park. We have spent nearly 3 years and 16 books falling in love with Tim and Aubree from the sideline and delight in finally getting a front row seat to their main show! Tim is endearingly controlling with a filthy mouth that is surprisingly delightful from the "mild" and broody bartender we have previously seen. But it is Aubree Grace that takes the cake as she steps up, matches his energy, and proves herself to be his perfect partner in every aspect. Once again, Emila not only writes an incredible story and gives us a couple to root for, but also graces us with a new book boyfriend that we might just be tempted to take the FMC to the mat for!
I was waiting and waiting to devour Tim and Aubree's book! I was so excited after getting so many snippets in other Mayet books I was waiting. This book was shaping up to be good and I was really enjoying it. I did not like how whiny Aubree became in this book and the storyline with her brother was kind of a let down. There was no resolution there other than "a strong talking to".
When the other sides of Aubree were revealed to the whole group, it was such a stretch to me. Everyone was just like ok cool, you can do that. It just felt like too much out of the real world that these stories are based in. I really wish she would have left these characters in the backgrounds of other books rather than this book. I will keep reading Mayet but it's just not the same.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was looking forward to this book since I started Myat Justice and I am honestly kinda disappointed. The ending was just fucking weird and took a hard left turn into WTF am I reading territory. The ending was wayyyyy too quick and I feel like nothing got resolved. I took to the final page before the epilogue, turned the page and color me surprised when I saw the words “Epilogue”, like surprise I’m an empath who only needs to touch someone to know what they are thinking or planning to do?!?! Did I get thrown into the Charmed universe, Phoebe is that you? Did you cross over to Copeland city?! Again I reiterate WHERE IS THE RESOLUTION BECAUSE I DON’T SEE IT Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
If you've been waiting for this book as long as I have, you will not be disappointed. If you are new to this world, time to catch up! He shall be called only Tim from this day forward, Holy hotness. I think we all knew Tim and Aubree would be combustable when they finally got together. He was born to be king and she is fit to be his queen. This book was everything I wanted it to be and more. As always Emilia Finn smacks us in the face with a couple "Whoa, did not see that coming" moments.I'm obsessed with Tim and Aubree and the rest of the Malone family. I can not wait to see more of them in the Mayet Justice series. Well done Emilia!
Out of pure evil has come some of the most loving and amazing men!
The long anticipated story of our broody Tim and our bubbly Aubree! I always knew that their story was going to be one for the record books and this story did not disappoint. The mouth of those Malone men is almost as amazing as their hearts. Tim shows us a love that is so all-encompassing that it's almost too much for any one woman. Aubree Grace Emeri (who will now be AGE in my head) is just soft enough to round out his rough edges while being bossy enough to tame a strong personality like a Malone man. Another amazing story by Emilia can't wait for the next one!
Aubrey and Tim! I feel like I waited forever for this book to come. I finished it and it’s time for a reread already. This is the third book in the Enchanted Underbelly series and gives us the story of good girl Aubrey and former mafia heir and all around bad boy bar owner Tim. There is mystery, there are secrets, there are weddings, there is SPICE, and there is a happy ending.
While this can be read as a standalone, there is so much history between Tim and Aubrey that has been building through the Mayet Justice series and he Underbelly Enchanted series, that you would really not have the same experience just picking this one up to start. Do yourself a favor and read both series before this one.
We've been following Tim and Aubree throughout the Mayet Justice series and also through the Underbelly Enchanted series. But Lost Kingdom is their time to shine. This book was freaken fantastic, and I loved everything about their story and well-earned HEA. I'm pretty sure I highlighted about fifty quotes as I read.
"And there isn't a soul in this city clueless to the fact that Aubree Emeri is mine. Whether she likes it or not."
"I want to be your protector, Aubree Grace. I want to be the guy you come home to."
"I can't feel the pulse in my chest unless you're standing right here in front of me."
“I’m helplessly, insanely, ridiculously head over heels obsessed with you.” 😍
Wow! If you have read the Mayet Justice series by Emilia Finn then you have been WAITING for this book! Tim and Aubree are absolute perfection, everything we needed and so much more! It was amazing getting to know Aubree for who she is and I loved seeing how much she has grown as a person. Tim and Aubree love each other for exactly who they are flaws and all. I did not see this twist coming but it was everything and made all the pieces click together! Seeing these two get their HEA was worth the wait and I can now breathe a happy sigh of relief. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them 🫶🏼♥️
Definitely didn’t see that coming but then I feel like that this twist fits Aubree’s personality. Emilia has yet again penned a story I can visualize. If you’re new to Emilia Finn I recommend going back to the beginning with the original Rollers. Emilia’s writing and editing seems to always be done well with none of those annoying flaws that has you rereading sentences or even pages to try and understand what is happening. Can’t wait for the next Mayat installment.
I had been waiting for Tim and Aubree's story. I wasn't prepared at all for the twists and turns!! Finn kept my attention through the whole book. You laugh out loud, you fan your face, and you say "awe" throughout reading this book. If this is your first book you'd enjoy it just fine, but knowing all the characters and the back story makes is a perfect attention! I never saw "it" coming and clapped at the end on how Finn told this story. It's so so good, and a definitely should be on you to be read list!
I needed this story to be told this way! I needed Aubs to be crazy and defiant and bubbly and so very strong. I needed Tim to be broody and stubborn and completely head over heels. But the things Aubree knows... Yes!!! I love that she knows what she knows and how she knows. I love that Lix and Cato have small parts in this story, that Minka, Arch, Fletch, and Mia are their same roles and crazy mixed into an amazing story. I loved this ride. Im so excited for more!
Once again, I was completely shook! Finn manages to keep her readers on their toes from page 1 to the end! Tim and aubs are everything we hoped for. All the teasers our great author has posted the last few months? Not even close to the fireworks of reading this book, FINALLY! It hits all the feels. You'll laugh, you'll go WTF. But in the end, she wraps it all up with our favorite little hippy and leaves you waiting for our dearly beloved Cato's book. . . Eventually.