Vail by Michelle Dare is the 2nd book in her East Dremest Mafia series. It is the love story among 3 men interwoven with protection, violence, and death as they try to live their lives in the crime world of the East Dremest Mafia. Their story began in the book, ‘Jordan’, where they met and began their relationship and I highly recommend that you read that one first to know what led up to the events in this one. Jordan Altair is the mafia crime boss in East Dermest and whatever he says goes. He is a hard man who doesn’t take anything from anybody and if people cross him, he tortures and kills them without a thought especially if they are after his family. He met Hartley Weathers, a fashion designer with problems of his own, especially with paying his grandfather’s debts, and Vail Ayers, a chef with a past, and against Jordan’s better judgment they started a relationship. Over time this turned into love and Jordan would do and give them anything they wanted, especially his protection, which meant his trusted and faithful guards being with them wherever they went. They understood that because of Jordan’s line of work, which was often illegal, they needed them around and they soon became friends. Vail’s past included a former lover Gil, who was extremely mentally and physically abusive. When Vail left him, Gil decided that wouldn’t do and started sending him notes telling him he couldn’t get away. He even disappeared and left evidence for the police that Jordan was involved, even though he wasn’t and he ended up in jail. Luckily his lawyer and others who worked for him were able to get him out and they started trying to figure out where he was so Jordan would be exonerated. Jordan wasn’t happy about this and wanted to kill Gil but Vail said he couldn’t unless he threatened someone so Jordan complied. However, everywhere Vail went there were things from Gil telling him he had to return to him like letters sent to his house, a picture at a charity auction, and leaving their cabin filled with “love” notes to Gil. All of these things sent Vail into despair but Jordan and Hartley were always there for him, telling him they loved him, and helping him get back on his feet. Then Forest, Hartley’s brother and Gil’s best friend came to stay with them after being estranged for a while and this helped both Hartley and Vail. But they were still worried about Gil doing something and when he did it was epic and catastrophic for all 3 of them. Luckily Jordan had the means and backup to do something about it even though it involved putting Vail in jeopardy but luckily everything worked out and they were able to go home and continue their lives loving each other. I really enjoyed this book as I have the others in Ms. Dare’s different series. I am usually not a fan of dark romance stories but I have liked these because of the characters and the way she weaves the story lines. Jordan is a hard man but he loves deeply and will do anything for the people he loves, including killing if necessary. Vail has been through a lot in his life and the problems with Gil exasperate his anxiety but Jordan and Hartley are there for him and help to get him through it. Hartley is a real sweetheart who is there for anyone who needs him and he shows his love in all that he does with his men. There are many very hot love scenes between the 3 of them that add lots of spice to their relationship. The guards, Vail’s sister and her family, and Forest also have a big part in this story. I highly recommend this book especially if you like dark love stories between 3 men who face adversity head on and do what needs to be done, including torture and murder, in order to get their happy ending. Hartley’s book is next and I can’t wait to read it to see what will happen, especially since Vail is going to take in a young extended family member and I’m sure that is going to add some interesting happenings between the 3 of them.