Isaac

Light & Shadow #1

by N.N. Britt

In the heart of Sin City, two men on opposite sides of the law collide in a dangerous game of power, passion, and betrayal.

Isaac Thoreau, the son of a notorious crime boss, has spent nine years behind bars for his father's murder. Driven, cunning, and unfeeling, he's now back to claim what's rightfully his. But when an enigmatic security guard named Hawk is hired to work at his nightclub, Isaac finds himself distracted… and inexplicably drawn to Hawk, despite his best efforts to resist.

Special Agent Dallas Bradley's mission is infiltrate the Hellhounds and bring their leader, Isaac Thoreau, to justice. Posing as Hawk, Dallas is determined to uncover the secrets of the Thoreau criminal empire. But as he delves deeper into Isaac's world, the lines between right and wrong blur, and soon an undeniable attraction grows between the two men, forcing Dallas to question everything.

Walking away before he's compromised would be the smart choice, but Dallas can't resist Isaac's magnetic pull, even if it means risking his life.

As love and duty clash, only one question will Isaac and Dallas survive the fallout?

***

Isaac is the first installment of the Light & Shadow Duet. It can not be read as standalone. This is a dark MM mafia romance that explores various sensitive subjects like violence, abuse, PTSD, etc.

Genres: M M Romance, Dark Romance, Romance, Dark, Crime, Enemies To Lovers, LGBT

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2024

About the author

N.N. Britt is a Los Angeles-based music journalist and photographer. Her photos have graced T-shirts, billboards, and CD covers. She pens realistic, thought-provoking novels about today's world of art and music and the flawed people who live in it. When she's not writing or drinking coffee, she's probably reading or attending a heavy metal show.

Newsletter sign up ⇨ https://sendfox.com/nnbrittbooks
Instagram ⇨ https://bit.ly/nnbrittinstagram

Reviews

[Renae Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this forbidden romance between an undercover FBI agent and his crime boss. They have an intense connection that is dangerous to both Isaac and Dallas given their precarious roles. I also enjoyed how I was constantly surprised by the direction of the story. I never really knew what to expect from the unpredictable nature of both the FBI and the criminal underworld.

Isaac and Dallas have a believable connection. They are two loners who don't usually connect with anyone on a romantic level, so to their surprise and shock, they find themselves falling for one another in the most impossible situation imaginable. This creates many steamy moments with a strong undercurrent of a ticking time clock of when their secret will eventually be discovered.

Overall I loved the first part of this intense duet. It kept me guessing to the very end and I loved the amazing cliffhanger. It's the best ending to keep you anticipating what comes next.

** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.**

[lakshmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid start. I finished it so quickly, I can’t wait to start book 2.

“My heart stutters, a single hiccup in its rhythm. I'm clueless as to why. It’s like a knee-jerk reaction. Isaac does something and my body responds without checking with me first if I want it. If I want this feeling in my chest, a paradoxical play of light and dark.”

[haletostilinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐︎ 4.5 stars rounded up! ⭐︎

After a slow start, this really picked up and I really got into it.

I think the problem is, at first, that Dallas (aka Hawk) and Isaac don't interact much, and there's mafia dealings going on here and there that I just didn't care about that much without these two in it together.

Dallas has to gain trust, though, so it makes sense that he isn't at first. He's just hired to replace a bouncer at the club/casino Isaac owns, and as Isaac is a part of the criminal underworld, Dallas has to work his way up to gaining his trust in order to get evidence needed to put him away, because he's an FBI agent under cover as "Cody 'Hawk' Smith."

Dallas tries to immerse himself in his cover as "Hawk" but part of himself seeps through at every turn, until it feels like it's probably mostly him as himself, at least with Isaac.

Isaac doesn't trust easily, but he sure does trust more easily than his right hand man, Jeremy, who is suspicious of Dallas (and he's right to be) since Dallas offers to help save one of their men who gets shot.

Or maybe Isaac wouldn't be as trusting if it wasn't Dallas. Because there's a connection there from the beginning.

And actually, it isn't good that Dallas is feeling those things as an agent, because while he's supposed to get close to Isaac, like in his inner circle to get info, he's not supposed to be attracted to and potentially fall for his 'mark' as it were, as it complicated everything, and could compromise him as an agent.

Which, we already start to see somewhat by the end of this. His feelings for Isaac are becoming too strong, and he's sympathizing with him and understand him and seeing him as much more than a criminal, as someone who walks in shades of gray.

And once they introduce sex to their relationship, it's...well, it's all over. They're heading for a collision course that Isaac isn't even aware of. But man, the chemistry is SO good. I was riveted with these two once they truly started interacting. They're falling for each other against both of their better judgments.

The ending actually didn't end as I thought it would, and I was surprised what I expected to happen, didn't. I'll leave at that to avoid spoilers, but just know that it doesn't end how you might think this will end.

But now I have to go and dive into the second installment immediately, to see how these two get through it all, what with Dallas being an agent. How will they get their HEA? I'm excited to see.

Onto the next! 😍

[Sazzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oooo this was so good!!!! Totally fell in love with this the second I started it and couldn't put it down. I was actually annoyed with myself because I couldn't stay awake any longer to keep reading it!!!! Livid 😂

On to book 2 I go with soooo much excitement in me!! I can't wait!!!

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

[Lisa Tobleman]

DNF at 30%
Look, I love me a good film noir style novel. And it’s been hit or miss for me with mafia romances lately. This one was too much internal monologuing. Half the story to this point was sort of flowery prose better suited to a regency novel than something involving crime and mafia business. I also prefer if you are writing a story about someone in the mob they not be conflicted about being in the mob. Be bad, be a criminal. But the main guy has had two meltdowns already (like full panic attacks) and a weird party, and thought about a Lot of stuff. I just couldn’t get into it, moving on.

[Brandi McTier · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Special Agent Dallas Bradley, going undercover is nothing new. But when he’s tasked to infiltrate the Thoreau family, he’s in way over his head.

Isaac Thoreau runs Las Vegas. After he spent 9 years in prison, he’s back running the show.

A new position opens up after one of Isaac’s men is arrested, so Dallas applies for the job as a way to get in. Although Isaac is ruthless when running his businesses, Dallas sees a side of him he wasn’t expecting; a softer, more human side. But as things keep going wrong since Dallas’ arrival, questions and accusations are being thrown around.

The chemistry between these two characters leaves you wanting more. The push and pull of them had me on the edge of my seat. This is an amazing book about what loyalty means to different people and their struggle trying to figure out where the lines are. I can’t wait for the second one!.

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

[ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

there is a LOT of heavy topics mentioned throughout the story (which i wasn't expecting) and a little bit of it is on page, while a bit of it is mentioned in passing. i don't know if i would have read this if i knew what the topics were going to be.

it was more of a mafia story than a romance and it was VERY slow burn. the way it ended i was very shocked because i thought it would be wrapped up more, not expecting there to be a sequel, so i am intrigued to see how the sequel goes.

[Brooklyn L. Wolves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book it was beautifully written and the character development was amazing.

[Isabel Torres]

DNF @20%

[Érica´s chapters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this one but i think I ain’t coming back for the other

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

[Hijinx Abound]

A person is not “a military”. This authors writing choices do not work for me.

[Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic romantic suspense, I'm super engaged with the secrets between Isaac and Dallas and I can't wait to read the second book!

[Nans · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book!

Loved Isaac and Dallas (Hawk) the tension and chemistry insane. I know once they unveil and reveal everything it’s about to be fireworks!

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When I swing the door open, Isaac stands there. Again. He's all dark hair and extra-rich chocolate eyes framed by long lashes. A storm dressed as a man. Black slacks, white shirt, wrist wrapped with a Rolex."

Isaac is book 1 in the Light & Shadow duet by the fabulous N.N. Britt and whilst it is predominantly Isaac's book, it is written in dual POV chapters shared between Isaac and Dallas. Natalia writes so beautifully, and creates such wonderfully complex, layered, broken characters you just lose yourself in the story. Watch out for some tough, dark themes. Thankfully book 2 in the duet Dallas is out on 26 September, so you don't have long to wait for their conclusion!

What To Expect:

❥ MM mafia/cop romance
❥ dual POV
❥ opposites attract
❥ dark themes
❥ slow burn
❥ steamy
❥ angsty
❥ first times
❥ found family
❥ duet (cliff hanger)

Love, love, love!🖤

[Adeselna · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

“Isaac” is the first book on this duet m/m mafia. Dallas is an honorable man, he has served his country and currently helping the law by putting away criminals for life. Isaac is the worst of all the criminals. He killed his father, stabbed him thirty times and he needs to be locked out. Dallas goes undercover as Hawk, one of his security guards at the nightclub to find evidence to put Isaac away for good, but Hawk and Isaac start developing feelings for one another and Hawk feels like he is losing sense of who he is.

“Isaac” is a dual POV book, the story is told both by Isaac and Hawk, but the main focus is on Isaac, this is after all the first book and the author has decided to focus on him. We get a glimpse of Isaac’s childhood trauma, how he was treated by his father and how prison changed who he was as a person. Isaac reminded me a lot of Al Capone. One time ordering hits and finishing deals with criminals and on the next day going after other mafia members because they did something so nasty even Isaac, the most terrible of all criminals, was disgusted. While we know that Hawk should be the ethical one, Isaac does a lot of good, throughout the book Isaac and Hawk shift a little. Isaac starts as the most dangerous of all the criminals but throughout the book, we see Isaac becoming more vulnerable, struggling to keep his head in the game, since he keeps wanting to do some good when he is with Hawk. Hawk, on the other hand, starts as a law enforcer, the good guy and when his passion for Isaac is matched, Hawk’s personality shifts to something darker.

The whole book is seen through very different characters with different backgrounds that affect how they both perceive each other’s relation. Isaac is a crime boss, he lives in a man’s world where being in a relationship with someone from the same gender can be seen as bad, weak. He even tries to suppress a lot of his emotions to keep his ruthless status. Hawk does not struggle with his sexuality, he is very aware that he is attracted to Isaac, but he fights against the ethics of being involved with a man he is supposed to help arrest. Through the course of their relationship, Isaac, who is resistant to trusting others, finds that with Hawk he can be his true self and he can soften. Hawk, however, becomes his character. N. N. Britt does one chapter title very well to convey this image of self-image that is getting lost. Is Dallas becoming Hawk or has Hawk always been Dallas?

Hawk struggles a lot with who he is. Who is actually talking to the reader - the law enforcer or the man who is able to be honest with himself and actually enjoys being part of Isaac’s world? Was he only playing a part at the beginning or as soon as Isaac’s feelings for him are clear, Hawk and Dallas are the same person?

“Isaac” is a fast-paced m/m mafia dark romance with a lot of hot scenes, but it was this conflict of personality that left me wanting to read the second book, to see what becomes of Hawk/Dallas and his war within.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good mafia romance that’s finished in the 2nd book

Rating: 3.75🌈

Im a fan of the dark mafia romance trope, including a sub group where one of the main characters is an undercover agent and the other is the mafia boss or something similar. So when I ran across an author I hadn’t read before and this series with a great cover, I had to check it out.

I normally have an issue with stories where the law enforcement officers or their agencies don’t come across as being particularly realistic. Especially when the agent is undercover and there’s intelligence and support staff involved. Having a writer take this element and treat it carelessly usually takes me out of the narrative.

But N. N. Britt chooses to go a different route from the beginning and state upfront that her goal isn’t a “gritty authenticity” but instead a love story about “passion, betrayal, and redemption.” She’s not incorporating real basic law enforcement protocols here, let that be understood. The author is letting the reader know that upfront. So don’t go looking for any. She also places her trigger warnings in the description, which I like.

So a reader is well informed before they read the book. No looking for something that the author never said you should expect to find. And don’t.

What I did find was a good story. Dramatic, half a tale actually, about a two men starting towards a relationship in a highly dangerous situation and unstable world.

Britt sets it up as the undercover agent gets his assignment with a minimum of intelligence and time frame to get in and get the job done.
Special Agent Dallas Bradley has his doubts but accepts the job and his target. And becomes Hawk.

His target is the recently released from prison, Isaac Thoreau, the son of a notorious crime boss. His crime? That involves the fact his father is no longer the crime boss but he is.

Isaac had a brutal, abusive relationship with his father that’s revealed in past memories throughout the story. A new mafia boss in an unsettled state, Isaac is someone whose layers are constantly being peeled off. The two person perspective narrative helps create the complex connection/relationship that’s building between them.

The hellhounds, the bodyguards surrounding Isaac, are memorable in their own right, especially Jeremy. He helps cut into some of the more overly descriptive passages and wordy thought processes of Hawk/Dallas with his concise statements and ill-concealed dislike for the agent in disguise.

To read the book you have to “go with the flow “ narratively speaking and not look at the mafia, law enforcement, or legal systems for any realistic scenarios. Like Britt said, it’s not there. There’s plenty of emotional moments, action sequences, and doubts of self awareness to make the storylines work.

Britt does get overly descriptive and sometimes makes the passages a bit repetitive in the wordings chosen but she’s telling a passionate love story, one that will have its end in the second book, Dallas.

I enjoyed this, it’s entertaining but not so dark that it feels realistic or that dramatic as much happens “off the page “. I’m definitely heading to the next book to see how the characters and plot plays out.

Great cover.

Cover Design by Sarah Kil

Light & Shadow series:
Isaac #1
Dallas #2
Forbidden #3 - different set of characters

[Emmi (bookish_redpanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Format: 📱 eBook 📱 (ARC)
Check TWs before reading.

This is my first read by Britt, and I have to say, I really enjoy her writing style, and the story she's weaved in these pages. What caught my attention instantly was that this is a story of an FBI agent undercover, infiltrating a known crime ring to bring down its leader. But what developed was a story of hurt and heartache; of questions and trust (or lack thereof); of lust and other emotions.

Isaac in himself is such a flawed character, and I know there's so much more to him that we haven't been privy to. We get little teasers and tastes of what has happened in his past - and I weirdly loved that the past was written in 3rd person perspective - and we see him go on a journey from a man disliking of touch, to one who will do anything to feel Hawk near.

Hawk. Special Agent Dallas Bradley. Another character that had me hooked to his story as he slowly lost himself in his undercover persona. I loved reading as he tried so hard to keep Dallas and Hawk separate, but knew it was a matter of time before those lines blurred, and Isaac was pivotal in blurring those lines.

I loved the subplot that was weaved throughout the book, too. There are a lot of characters playing their roles in this wider narrative, and I'm eager to find out what truly is going on in Vegas. This book is the perfect mix of dark MM romance, mafia/gang elements, edge of your seat action and suspense that keeps you reading and turning the pages.

Whilst I feel a lot happened in this first book, I definitely feel there is more development - a combination of plot, character and emotion - to come. Britt has set up the start to an amazing duet, and I absolutely cannot wait to sink my teeth into Dallas to see where the story of these two men takes us.

Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.

[୨୧ Chanel ୨୧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/5 stars. Why the hell is nobody talking about this!?! This is hands down one of the best romance books I've ever read. GIVE THIS AUTHOR AN AWARD! PLEASE I'm never going to recover if this doesn't go the way I need it to go. Isaac my sweet baby needs to be protected at all costs, get behind me babe, I won't let them hurt you!! Even though he's a damn mob boss lol STILL! He needs protection. This was so good and so well written I just had to buy the physical copies of BOTH, I'm so lucky that I started this series two days before the next book releases, I don't know what I would do with myself. Dallas please don't hurt my baby.

Anyways I loved the characters (PLEASE GIVE JEREMY A BOOK, he obviously needs a boyfriend so he can get out of Daasic's business, love you Jer and you're right he is a cop lol) and the relationship between Dallas and Isaac; I love a good, steady, slow burn. This was a bit faster than most slow burns but I still feel like its steady because they don't yet really reach the level of 'loving' each other in book one (I feel like), its largely lust still with hints of something more bubbling underneath. I want to so badly see how their relationship will blossom. I'm so sad the next book is only around 200ish pages, I could read 900 of these two if I was allowed!

I think though what really got me with this book is the topic of trust after such a traumatic upbringing for Isaac. And it's as the reader knowing what he went through and knowing what Dallas is doing or feels he has to do, without knowing how much damage it's really about to do to Isaac.....Oh it hurts, watching Isaac finally be able to trust again and feel safe, feel something he never had anywhere or in anyone....please. My heart. I won't say anymore this will be 30 pages long.

Thank you for writing this and sharing it with us!

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received an ARC for this book)

Trigger Warnings include:
mafia/mob involvement and violence including shootings on page, under age human trafficking, mentions of spousal abuse and the sexual assault/rape of a child on page

I'm not big into world building, but if you wanna split up a dark romance into multiple books to get me all the nitty gritty details of a crime boss falling for the undercover FBI agent in his ranks, I will be happy to devour that any day! And devour this I did! This introduction into Isaac and Hawk's world was every bit of perfection I needed it to be! Isaac is a bad man with a soft heart and weak stomach, and I instantly had a soft spot for him! That poor man is down BAD for Hawk, and he doesn't even realize it! But when he does?! I'm obsessed that we got to enjoy the slow burn of Isaac and Hawk battling with themselves over their obvious attraction to each other! Being vulnerable is new for both of them, and this is not the time for it! And their battle for dominance?! And THEN the submitting?! LORD!!! Bursting at the seems READY to read book two!!

My Favorite Quotes:
• “This was real. I meant it."
• “Looking at me won’t fix this shit.” "Well, if anything, at least I can derive some visual pleasure from looking at you when you’re this close.”
• “Your touch. You know what it does? It doesn't repulse me. It's a g!ddamn revelation."
• “Look at me. I want to see you when you come. F!cking look at me. And don’t you dare to close your eyes. You get it?"
• “As long as you're here with me, safe and protected.”
• “I’m not going anywhere.”
• “We’re not supposed to be doing this.” "No, but we are and you’re going to make me feel f!cking good.”
• “Did anyone ever tell you you’re a sexy little thing?" "People have called me many names. But not that." "Do you like it?" "I do. When you say it."
• “I just can’t seem to stay away."
• “I need you to make me feel better.”
• “If I can have you kneeling for me for the rest of your life, I would.”
• “You like when I own your cock like this? Admit it."
• “I'm not looking to weaken you. I want to unravel you—layer by layer—until all that's left is sensation."
• “Every filthy thought I have begins and ends with you."

7/10 Dirty Birdy
4/10 Dark Romance
5/10 Forbidden Romance
4/10 Forced Proximity
7/10 Mafia Romance
6/10 Slow Burn
4/10 Workplace

This is my review for Dallas

[Emma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isaac: MM Mafia Romance by N. N. Britt is a gripping, fast-paced journey into the dark, seductive underworld of Las Vegas, where love and danger walk hand in hand. From the very first page, I was hooked by the intense chemistry between Isaac, the hardened son of a crime boss, and Dallas, the determined special agent posing as the mysterious Hawk.

The story is a masterful blend of passion, power, and betrayal. Isaac’s return to the criminal empire he’s destined to rule is fraught with tension, and the unexpected attraction to Hawk adds a layer of complexity that makes this book impossible to put down. The author expertly weaves in twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, questioning the motives of every character.

The emotional depth in the relationship between Isaac and Dallas is palpable. Their connection is raw and intense, a forbidden love story that plays out in the shadowy corners of Sin City. As the lines between duty and desire blur, the stakes get higher, and the danger more real.

Isaac is more than just a mafia romance; it's a tale of two men fighting against their instincts and the world around them. The Vegas setting adds a layer of glitz and grime that perfectly complements the dark, sexy vibe of the story. If you're looking for a book that delivers passion, heat, and heart-stopping suspense, this is the one.

An unforgettable read that left me craving more, Isaac: MM Mafia Romance is a must-read for fans of the genre. Five stars all the way!.

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

[B. C. Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Isaac" is book one of two in N.N. Britt's Light and Shadow duet and I couldn't wait to see what she would do with this new-to-her genre- a darker, edgier romance set in Las Vegas' criminal underworld. It's playing out just as I hoped with intrigue, betrayals, suspenseful thrills and adrenaline fueled chills spilling over into every heart pounding chapter. I am already addicted.

From the moment they meet, the slow burning smolder is like a beating pulse between the two main characters (yikes)- undercover special agent Dallas Bradley, aka Cody "Hawk" Smith and his target, the enigmatic boss of his family's underworld operations, Isaac "Blade" Thoreau, in this gritty dual POV MM romance.

I read "Isaac" until my eyes were burning and I couldn't keep them open a minute longer. These characters are raw, broken and fierce, each with strong convictions about the lives they lead. Watching Isaac's emotional scars unravel and come to the surface, while worrying whether Hawk/Dallas will make it out of this mission with his life intact had me on edge. Will this unpredictable, complicated and dangerous world get the best of him? Gah...I couldn't get enough of this story!

"In this moment, I realize that I'm not just playing with fire- I'm already burning...."

I knew there had to be a cliffhanger, but, praise the book goddesses, the conclusion of the Light and Shadow duet, "Dallas", will be coming soon, and it's bound to punch a few holes in my heart before it ends.

*I read an early copy of this book and this review contains my honest and freely given thoughts about it.

[S.M. Harshell · Rating 5 out of 5]

ISAAC is the first book in the Light & Shadow series. This a dark mafia read, It cannot be read as a standalone. There are trigger warnings that should be considered before jumping into this one if certain topics are hard for you to read.

Isaac Thoreau spent nine years in prison for killing his crime boss father. He is working to take back was is his. He lives to protect the men that work for him and those he sees as his responsibility. When a newly hired security guard has Isaac's head spinning and him feeling things he didn't think were possible he vows to not let himself get distracted but Hawk has a hold on him that no one ever has.

Dallas Bradley is a special agent. His mission is to become Cody "Hawk" Smith, and be a part of the Hellhounds and take down Thoreau. What he doesn't expect is to fall under a spell when he's close to Isaac. The lines start to blur for Dallas of what's right and wrong and who he really is. He knows he can't fight the attraction that has sparked between Hawk and Isaac and when the two men give in to that chemistry it's explosive.

This is my first time reading this author and I am not disappointed. It was so well done. I fell so deep into this book I didn't want to come out. The dark vibe, the suspense, the chemistry, the fear of Dallas being found out. I didn't want it to end but I couldn't read fast enough because I needed to see what was going to happen next! I can't wait to jump into Dallas to get the conclusion of this story!

I was given a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Ends not so much on a cliffhanger but with questions about both their futures)

Dallas, undercover name Hawk, is tasked with taking down mob boss Isaac Thoreau. A job he’s more than qualified for. Isaac has taken over his family empire after going to jail for murdering his father. A job he’s also qualified for. Too bad both men’s insecurities and doubts are putting their futures in jeopardy. Learning that Isaac isn’t the totally bad guy he seems, Hawk’s sense of right and wrong is becoming jumbled with the feelings he’s developing for him. Isaac desperately wants to put the ghosts from his past to rest but it’s impossible to do. He knows Hawk is a mistake but he’s unable to separate himself from the feelings he’s experiencing.

I liked that two very strong men were so vulnerable. Not only to each other but too their chosen paths. I thought the blurred lines were well done. Their need to do the right thing at war with their need for each other.

A lot of emotion made the story feel heavy. While there’s an explanation for Isaac being the way he is, there wasn’t much about Hawk’s past. I thought that Hawk’s persona took on more of Dallas the closer he got to Isaac. Background stuff kept the book moving forward but that also felt like an interruption to their story.

I liked the book but holes in the story kept it from being really good for me. I realize that the second book should take care of that so I decided to give it 4 stars instead of 3.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.

[Amy Voce · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥️ “𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚗 𝙸𝚜𝚊𝚊𝚌'𝚜 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚒𝚜𝚗'𝚝 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚋𝚕𝚞𝚛𝚛𝚎𝚍—𝚒𝚝'𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚜𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚍𝚛𝚊𝚠𝚗 𝚒𝚗 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚐𝚛𝚊𝚢 𝙸 𝚌𝚊𝚗'𝚝 𝚚𝚞𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚑𝚎𝚗𝚍.”

“𝙼𝚢 𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚒𝚜 𝚌𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚛-𝚌𝚞𝚝; 𝚐𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎, 𝚋𝚞𝚒𝚕𝚍 𝚊 𝚌𝚊𝚜𝚎. 𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚜𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚌𝚛𝚘𝚜𝚜 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚖𝚎 𝚍𝚎𝚏𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚒𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚕𝚊𝚠 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚎𝚛.” ♠️

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♠️ “𝙸𝚜𝚊𝚊𝚌 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚞, 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚐𝚞𝚗𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚎, 𝚊𝚕𝚜𝚘 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚜 𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚐𝚞𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚒𝚊𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍.”

“𝙶𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚠𝚎 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚢 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘 𝚒𝚗 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎'𝚜 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢,” ♥️

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♥️ “𝚃𝚘 𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚎 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚊𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚊𝚜𝚝, 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚖𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚋𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎.” ♠️

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This book! I am such a fan of N.N. Britt's writing, and always fall so hard for her characters, complex and intriguing as they are. I enjoyed that the crime underbelly of Las Vegas played as the backdrop for our Secret Agent Dallas Bradley (AKA Cody “Hawk” Smith) and Hellhounds, gang leader Isaac Thoreau. It was the perfect place for a love story where two lives are poles apart, one on the good side of the law and the other on the bad. Hawk and Isaac's story is dangerous and forbidden. Against all odds, there is this unbreakable—if not puzzling—connection, like an invisible tether that keeps them orbiting each other, never far from their course of mutual desire.

Loyalties are tested, and suspicions are high in the city of sin. And I don't know about Dallas, but I would walk through fire to reach Isaac and save him from the depths of his own personal hell. Jumping straight into book two as I desperately need their happy ending.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isaac" is the first book in a m/m mafia duet that explores a complex relationship between Dallas, an honorable law enforcer, and Isaac, a notorious criminal. Dallas, operating undercover as Hawk, infiltrates Isaac’s nightclub to gather evidence to imprison him for the brutal murder of his father. However, as Hawk and Isaac develop feelings for each other, Hawk begins to struggle with his sense of identity and purpose. We delve into Isaac’s troubled past, including his abusive upbringing and the transformative impact of prison. His character is reminiscent of historical crime figures like Al Capone, known for his ruthless dealings and occasional acts of unexpected moral judgment. Throughout the book, Isaac evolves from a feared crime boss into a more vulnerable individual, torn between his dark past and the genuine connection he feels with Hawk.

Hawk, initially portrayed as the ethical law enforcer, finds himself increasingly drawn to Isaac, which complicates his professional and personal boundaries. As their relationship deepens, Hawk's character shifts, revealing a darker side that clashes with his initial role as a protector. The novel explores themes of identity and self-perception, questioning whether Hawk is losing himself in his undercover role or if he was always a part of this darker persona. The book is very emotional and once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the edge of my seat
Wow, this book had me on the edge of my seat. I had an uneasy feeling reading this book. I got totally lost in the story about Dallas who is a special agent and he goes undercover to join the hellhounds in the hopes that he would recover information that would take down Isaac Thoreau. So he’s cover is Cody Smith, but everybody calls him Hawk.
Isaac had already been in prison for killing his father, but ever since he’s been released, he’s taken over Las Vegas criminal world.
Isaac has been through a lot to get where he is now people look up to him, thinking he has all the answers, but the more you read the more you learn. There is so much more to Isaac than illegal activities. And I will be honest and say I like Isaac, I don’t like the second in command Jeremy, but Isaac shows that he has morals. The attraction between Isaac and hawk is invigorating it is electric, but these two men just fight it. I’ve got to admit I cannot wait for the second book in the series called Dallas. Honestly, I have no idea how the second book is gonna go, there is just so many ways. My heart was in my mouth for most of this book just thinking that he is going to do something to get him recognised as a cop and Jeremy has never Liked Hawk so he is constantly on his back. I cannot wait .

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

[Joyffree · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Would you spill blood for someone who doesn't give two shits about you or would you spill it for someone who'll take care of you for the rest of your life like you are family?"

It took a few chapters for me to get into the story
It felt a tad chaotic in the beginning.
Once I got past the initial few chapters I had a pretty solid foundation for the story
as well as introductions to the major players and their roles

At this point, I was hooked

"Sometimes it feels like we're all just trying to hold on to something. Family, loyalty, love..."

This the first book in the duet mostly from Isaac's perspective though we also get Dallas' perspective
This was a slow build, high-tension read
Packed with suspense, twists, betrayals, as well as some graphic violence.
The tension between our couple - worth the wait

"And when you realize you've let someone down, someone who relied on you, it's hard to shake that guilt"

Dallas goes undercover in Isaac's organization with the intent of bringing them down
However, he did not foresee how important Isaac would become to him nor did he foresee that the dossier he was given was missing some very important pieces

Now he must make a choice

Black and White or slightly Grey

This is a duet. The story continues in the second book from Dallas' perspective

[Jarrod Murrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isaac Thoreau, the leader of a Vegas criminal organisation, has found himself on the FBIs radar.

Enter Dallas Bradley, tasked with going undercover as Hawk to infiltrate Isaac’s gang and bring them down.

As Hawk gets closer to Isaac and starts to become a bigger part of the gang, he starts to realise there’s more to Isaac than he initially thought.

The more he gets to know Isaac, both physically and emotionally, he starts to wonder if he is on the right side of this fight.

I chose to review these books as one, not just because I read them back to back, but because it almost didn’t make sense to treat them separately since the second picks up when the first ends.

I’ll admit that these books follow some typical tropes, law official turns bad, misunderstood criminal, and a forbidden love. But it kind of works, and that’s down to the characters. Isaac’s complexities and his backstory help you to really see why Dallas starts to question his role as an undercover agent.

Part of me wishes that Dallas got the same treatment, but we do get to learn a little bit about him.

This is a slow burn, at least for the first book. So slow that I wondered if we would ever get to the spice, but we got there in the end 😂

Overall, this was a good duo to read, but I would recommend reading them back to back rather than separately

[Ethen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh wow. Where do I start?

It was a real slow start with all the world-building and laying down the foundation.
I had a feeling that sometimes we got lost in unnecessities, or we did not get enough focus on much more needed details:

It would have been interesting to learn how Isaac built his empire from prison.

I wish there was more introduction to Dallas' aka Hawk's past. While we got a handful of details and memories and flashbacks from the past from Isaac's POV, there were little to no details from Dallas's POV. I feel like things were mentioned on the surface, and we could not dive into the memories like in Isaac's POV. (So initially, before reading book 2 I thought we'd get those details and memories since the books are named Isaac and Dallas, but nope.)

I feel like there were ups and downs but it was much needed to the character development of Dallas, and the story really started to pick up after the first half.

I feel like there was a strange mood to this book, whether it was the set-up or the writing style, like I could smell the dwell and the cigarette smoke in the air while reading it and it did take some time, but I'd kinda grown into it.

Each chapter is named after one of the 2 MCs, depending on which POV we'll read and I liked the little detail; as the Dallas chapters slowly turn into Hawk over time as we dive deeper into the grey area.