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Mafia Rose #5
Root
Blood doesn’t determine family—
Loyalty does.
Sacrifice does.
Nikolai Wilder has done all that for me and more. He’s earned the name Wilder. Me? I’m not sure I even want it.
I was born into a family of crime, of war and death. I’m supposed to lead it, too, but I’m not that kind of man. I just want to live freely, without responsibility or fear. Unfortunately for me, that’s impossible.
Over the years, I’ve learned that lesson the hard way.
When an innocent night out on ally territory turns into an all-out brawl with new enemies, I’m left to my own devices—no Nikolai, no Tony. I can usually handle anything myself, but when a sexy, foul-mouthed bartender named Jess gets in the middle of the crossfire, I’m forced to find a way to save our asses and stop a full-out war.
Things start to get complicated fast, including my feelings for Jess. She’s trouble personified, but the more time I spend with her, the clearer it becomes that her brand of trouble is exactly the kind I crave.
Love may be the one mess I can’t dig my way out of.
This series is a dark age gap mafia romance. It contains situations and themes that some readers might find offensive and/or triggering.
Loyalty does.
Sacrifice does.
Nikolai Wilder has done all that for me and more. He’s earned the name Wilder. Me? I’m not sure I even want it.
I was born into a family of crime, of war and death. I’m supposed to lead it, too, but I’m not that kind of man. I just want to live freely, without responsibility or fear. Unfortunately for me, that’s impossible.
Over the years, I’ve learned that lesson the hard way.
When an innocent night out on ally territory turns into an all-out brawl with new enemies, I’m left to my own devices—no Nikolai, no Tony. I can usually handle anything myself, but when a sexy, foul-mouthed bartender named Jess gets in the middle of the crossfire, I’m forced to find a way to save our asses and stop a full-out war.
Things start to get complicated fast, including my feelings for Jess. She’s trouble personified, but the more time I spend with her, the clearer it becomes that her brand of trouble is exactly the kind I crave.
Love may be the one mess I can’t dig my way out of.
This series is a dark age gap mafia romance. It contains situations and themes that some readers might find offensive and/or triggering.
405 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2024
15 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
October 1, 2024
This is my first Brooke book but it definitely won’t be the last. It was so so so good and I was hooked from the very first chapter. It was quite entertaining to say the least. I LOVE Rush, but I think I may love Jess just as much. Rush was so effortlessly cool and sexy. And Jess? Well I knew she was gonna be the showstopper from the moment we met her. She was hot and sassy, but also closed off. I could definitely relate to her not trusting people and putting up walls. I was the same way when I was in high school and my early college years. I adore the relationship between Rush and Nikolai. They go from being hilarious, to serious, to having those semi-sweet moments and I love them all. I really love seeing them tease each other and even when Rush tries to be emotional with him knowing it makes him uncomfortable.
Favorite scenes timeeee:
R: “C’mon, I’ll feed you before we do the tour. I’m betting Mia’s got cookies and they’re the best.”
J: “Are you five, Rush?”
R: “When it comes to cookies, I'm always and forever five.”
________________________
R: “Fuck.”
A buzzing hits the air and he pulls out his phone, laughing.
R: “I mean…fuck, seems like Rush has got it.”
J: “One of your whores?”
R: “You're my only one,” he says, tugging me half off the sofa to kiss my hand. R: “And if you weren't, you'd be my favorite.”
________________________
R: “So you thought you'd betray us?”
J: “What would you do, tables turned? I didn't know you and it was you rich fucks or my brother. And I have to choose my brother.”
Just turns and stalks off, then she comes back and there are tears on her face as she shoves me.
J: “You're so fucking dangerous, Rush. Because now I know you, how the fuck do I throw you under the bus? I can't. And I don't know what to do.”
R: “Yeah, well, me either. Because I fucking like you too, Jess. I want to help you. And I will. If you trust me.”
________________________
Rose: “We went away for business, to talk, and…I have this. I found it out there. What do you think?”
She passes me the box, and I open it, pulling back the black tissue paper. I don't know what I expect, but… I stare at the piece of plastic.
R: “Holy fucking shit. But…”
Rose: “One in 1 million, apparently. He knows somethings up, and…what if…”
R: “Oh, he will.”
Rose: “You think?”
R: “Nikolai's big and bad but oh yeah, he wants this.”
Rose: “Me, too.” She gets up, right as the door opens and Nikolai stands there. He looks at me, then her, and finally the box.
I get up and kiss her cheek, then saunter past him. “Old man.”
“Fucker.”
________________________
N: “You, Rush, are one of the few things I care about,” Nikolai says softly. “Your girl’s lucky I'm warm and soft today.”
This is warm and soft?
N: “You live for two reasons. One, Rush’s an idiot and I think he just might love you. And two, you were willing to die for your brother and for him.”
J: “I had to save my brother, and I had to make sure Rush didn't get hurt.”
R: “I’m Rush, I'm always okay.”
N: “You're always an idiot,” Nikolai says, flicking an amused glance at his nephew.
________________________
R: “You guys got a shower in?” He asks, not turning as he said his towel down in a deliberately dropped heap on the floor of his bedroom suite.
R: “Not together, because that would be weird. Weird and wrong.”
I bite back my laugh. Oh, fuck, I'm going to miss him .
________________________
J: “I could have lost you, Rush.” I squeeze him tight.
J: “And I don't want a world where you're not in it.”
________________________
The silence stretches longer and I hear liquid hit glass. He's gonna have a drink and wish the ground could open and eat him because that's preferable to emotions, but too fucking bad.
He has to get used to this all over again. Luckily, he's got me and Rose to remind him he's human. And old. I half-smile.
R: “I mean, you raised me right, dude, and I'm pretty fucking great.”
N: “Want me to list all the shit you've done that should've earned you a bullet?” Then he sighs.
N: “I did so pretty well, Rush. Now, are you going to talk to me or go get that damn troublemaker?”
R: “Going. I love you, too.”
N: “Fucker.”
________________________
J: “Maybe I want to go.”
R: “Yeah? I don't believe you.”
J: “You're supposed to let me go. And then if I want, I'll come back.”
R: “Will you?”
Her eyes narrow.
J: “No.”
R: “Then I'm not letting you go. I saved you.”
So?
I grab her, turn her, and walk her back until she hits the door. Then, I cage her in.
R: “So? You're scared of a happy ending.”
She blinks rapidly, and her gaze darts everywhere but at me.
J: “No, I'm not. I'm realistic. There is no happy ending. Not for you and me. You need a female Rush. Someone with long hair, someone not tattooed up the ass.”
R: “I've seen your ass, and I'm pretty sure there's no tattoo up there.”
________________________
R: “And if I'm wrong about your feelings…”
She searches my face.
J: “You'll let me go?”
R: “Fuck no, Jessie. I'll badger you until you change your mind.”
She tries not to smile.
J: “There are laws about that.”
R: “Just call me Wild Bill Hitchcock of hearts. I'm a criminal, Jessie, I don't care about laws.”
J: “See? That's utter flirt boy bullshit. What if I get sick of you?”
R: “Flirt boy? I'm moving up in your world. And that’d never happen. I'm a flirt boy, I know how to entertain. I fucking love you.”
J: “No, you don't.”
R: “I know how I feel, Jessie.”
Favorite scenes timeeee:
R: “C’mon, I’ll feed you before we do the tour. I’m betting Mia’s got cookies and they’re the best.”
J: “Are you five, Rush?”
R: “When it comes to cookies, I'm always and forever five.”
________________________
R: “Fuck.”
A buzzing hits the air and he pulls out his phone, laughing.
R: “I mean…fuck, seems like Rush has got it.”
J: “One of your whores?”
R: “You're my only one,” he says, tugging me half off the sofa to kiss my hand. R: “And if you weren't, you'd be my favorite.”
________________________
R: “So you thought you'd betray us?”
J: “What would you do, tables turned? I didn't know you and it was you rich fucks or my brother. And I have to choose my brother.”
Just turns and stalks off, then she comes back and there are tears on her face as she shoves me.
J: “You're so fucking dangerous, Rush. Because now I know you, how the fuck do I throw you under the bus? I can't. And I don't know what to do.”
R: “Yeah, well, me either. Because I fucking like you too, Jess. I want to help you. And I will. If you trust me.”
________________________
Rose: “We went away for business, to talk, and…I have this. I found it out there. What do you think?”
She passes me the box, and I open it, pulling back the black tissue paper. I don't know what I expect, but… I stare at the piece of plastic.
R: “Holy fucking shit. But…”
Rose: “One in 1 million, apparently. He knows somethings up, and…what if…”
R: “Oh, he will.”
Rose: “You think?”
R: “Nikolai's big and bad but oh yeah, he wants this.”
Rose: “Me, too.” She gets up, right as the door opens and Nikolai stands there. He looks at me, then her, and finally the box.
I get up and kiss her cheek, then saunter past him. “Old man.”
“Fucker.”
________________________
N: “You, Rush, are one of the few things I care about,” Nikolai says softly. “Your girl’s lucky I'm warm and soft today.”
This is warm and soft?
N: “You live for two reasons. One, Rush’s an idiot and I think he just might love you. And two, you were willing to die for your brother and for him.”
J: “I had to save my brother, and I had to make sure Rush didn't get hurt.”
R: “I’m Rush, I'm always okay.”
N: “You're always an idiot,” Nikolai says, flicking an amused glance at his nephew.
________________________
R: “You guys got a shower in?” He asks, not turning as he said his towel down in a deliberately dropped heap on the floor of his bedroom suite.
R: “Not together, because that would be weird. Weird and wrong.”
I bite back my laugh. Oh, fuck, I'm going to miss him .
________________________
J: “I could have lost you, Rush.” I squeeze him tight.
J: “And I don't want a world where you're not in it.”
________________________
The silence stretches longer and I hear liquid hit glass. He's gonna have a drink and wish the ground could open and eat him because that's preferable to emotions, but too fucking bad.
He has to get used to this all over again. Luckily, he's got me and Rose to remind him he's human. And old. I half-smile.
R: “I mean, you raised me right, dude, and I'm pretty fucking great.”
N: “Want me to list all the shit you've done that should've earned you a bullet?” Then he sighs.
N: “I did so pretty well, Rush. Now, are you going to talk to me or go get that damn troublemaker?”
R: “Going. I love you, too.”
N: “Fucker.”
________________________
J: “Maybe I want to go.”
R: “Yeah? I don't believe you.”
J: “You're supposed to let me go. And then if I want, I'll come back.”
R: “Will you?”
Her eyes narrow.
J: “No.”
R: “Then I'm not letting you go. I saved you.”
So?
I grab her, turn her, and walk her back until she hits the door. Then, I cage her in.
R: “So? You're scared of a happy ending.”
She blinks rapidly, and her gaze darts everywhere but at me.
J: “No, I'm not. I'm realistic. There is no happy ending. Not for you and me. You need a female Rush. Someone with long hair, someone not tattooed up the ass.”
R: “I've seen your ass, and I'm pretty sure there's no tattoo up there.”
________________________
R: “And if I'm wrong about your feelings…”
She searches my face.
J: “You'll let me go?”
R: “Fuck no, Jessie. I'll badger you until you change your mind.”
She tries not to smile.
J: “There are laws about that.”
R: “Just call me Wild Bill Hitchcock of hearts. I'm a criminal, Jessie, I don't care about laws.”
J: “See? That's utter flirt boy bullshit. What if I get sick of you?”
R: “Flirt boy? I'm moving up in your world. And that’d never happen. I'm a flirt boy, I know how to entertain. I fucking love you.”
J: “No, you don't.”
R: “I know how I feel, Jessie.”
September 7, 2024
This book is fire 🔥
Root was fast paced, spicy, heart wrenching and a simply wonderful read.
Rush and Jess are a hot couple and their chemistry sets the pages and your pants alight. Their flirty banter and deeper feelings through the lies and trickery and war for dominance keeps the book gripping from start to finish.
Jess is a bit of a female dom on a mission that comes in form of disgustingly handsome Rush Rhodes - local playboy extraordinaire with links the mafia. Little does she know theres much more than what meets the eye and maybe she has him wrong and just maybe she cant go through with tearing him down.
Couldnt put it down.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶🌶🌶
Root was fast paced, spicy, heart wrenching and a simply wonderful read.
Rush and Jess are a hot couple and their chemistry sets the pages and your pants alight. Their flirty banter and deeper feelings through the lies and trickery and war for dominance keeps the book gripping from start to finish.
Jess is a bit of a female dom on a mission that comes in form of disgustingly handsome Rush Rhodes - local playboy extraordinaire with links the mafia. Little does she know theres much more than what meets the eye and maybe she has him wrong and just maybe she cant go through with tearing him down.
Couldnt put it down.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶🌶🌶
September 22, 2024
omg, this was fantastic as a novella but Brooke has added some length and it is epic!!! … Rush and Jess have more chemistry and there’s never a dull moment is the mafia life
September 1, 2023
Aahhhhh I just loved this book & couldn’t get enough!! I’ve been soo excited for Rush’s story & oh my gosh I was not disappointed!! The twists & turns had me wanting to know what was going to happen & who was doing what trying to figure everything out!! I need more please!! I absolutely love this series & I can’t wait to read more!! Aahhhh sooo freak’n good!! Must freak’n read!!!🩵🖤
September 10, 2024
Rush Hour
I am so happy we're about to get Rush's story. Rush is Nikolai's younger cousin who he raised after his parents death. This quick novella gives readers some insight of Rush's introduction into the "Life".
Rush is actually the rightful heir to the Mafia kingdom but he was only 9 years old when he lost his parents and Nikolai has been teaching him ever since so that he can take his rightful place when the time comes.
Nikolai is ready to retire. The current events in this novella takes place 5 years after Nikolai and Rose's wedding. Rush knows his time to rule is coming, he's just hoping that he has more time.
Rush has always been the jokester, flirty and at time reckless. When a bar incident results in Rush getting jumped and the bartender he was flirting with gets hurts, he knows he's gonna need Nikolai's help because there are some new players in town and Rush is going to need all the help he can get
On a side note I love that his potential love interest is a bada$$. I can see Jess being another Rose in the making and I am here for it!!!
I am so happy we're about to get Rush's story. Rush is Nikolai's younger cousin who he raised after his parents death. This quick novella gives readers some insight of Rush's introduction into the "Life".
Rush is actually the rightful heir to the Mafia kingdom but he was only 9 years old when he lost his parents and Nikolai has been teaching him ever since so that he can take his rightful place when the time comes.
Nikolai is ready to retire. The current events in this novella takes place 5 years after Nikolai and Rose's wedding. Rush knows his time to rule is coming, he's just hoping that he has more time.
Rush has always been the jokester, flirty and at time reckless. When a bar incident results in Rush getting jumped and the bartender he was flirting with gets hurts, he knows he's gonna need Nikolai's help because there are some new players in town and Rush is going to need all the help he can get
On a side note I love that his potential love interest is a bada$$. I can see Jess being another Rose in the making and I am here for it!!!
September 4, 2024
Root focuses on how the relationship Nikolai started with Rush long before Rose came into their lives. This novella also gave us a taster of what happened briefly after Nikolai & Rose's wedding. I think it was a much needed background for Rush and a great taste if things to come. I'm looking forward to more from Rush in the future.
August 20, 2023
Part of the Mafia Rose series can be read as a standalone but yet part of the family each can be read within an hour or so with a sexy and the women who captures his undivided attention so hang on and double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love (ALL THINGS TO EXPECT FROM THE MAFIA WORLD). By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter! CAN’T SAY YOU WEREN’T WARNED!!!. Beckett sexy as all get out heir to the Wilder Empire known to everyone as Rush, the younger cousin of Nikolai raised by him after his parents were murdered when he was 9 years old, trained to take over, ruthless when needed, becoming someone else to protect himself from the man who killed his family, but all he is has become is a headache to his older cousin or the is how is how is made to feel drugs, and drinking pretty much not caring until someone makes him see another perspective. But we do get the beginning of how this dance started between the two of them we see a much older cousin trying to raise a much younger cousin who turns into a teenager with lots of issues until they meet the girls that make them stop dead in their tracks and death nearly takes one of them away for them to wake up realizing they need one another more than they know so where are they headed?
August 16, 2023
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "ROOT" To short I wanted so much more to this very interesting intriguing intense Mafia story with drama, revenge, angst, growing up, secrets, murder, emotional turmoil, growing pains, twists that made for a great read.
Rush aka Beckett Wilder heir to Wilder Empire but he's only 9yrs. when his parents were murdered his cousin Nikolai needs to train him to take over when old enough, but in school he needs to be Rush Rhodes because the enemy Derek Finnegan was looking for him.
Nikolai had his hands full with Rush growing up partying doing drugs he was ready to walk away from him Kara told Rush to stop being an entitled, arrogant little jerk everything Nikolai foes is for him.
Nikolai ends up with Rose after kidnapping her she's Derek Finnegan daughter Rush loves how much she softens him makes him laugh more he'd like to step back at some point & have a kid.
Rush goes to Bunny Monroe Bar in Smith territory meeting a date he likes the tough bartender with a sassy mouth after his date leaves, a biker Chris comes in she tells him to leave.
I definitely recommend to get this interesting story but need more of Rush & Jess after they were attacked by new gang, arrives at Mansion where Nikolai awaits to clean up his mess once again & save Jess.
I'm hoping there'll be more to come on Rush & Jess & the new gang that's entered the picture.
AWESOME BEGINNING NEED MORE OF "RUSH" 🖤
Rush aka Beckett Wilder heir to Wilder Empire but he's only 9yrs. when his parents were murdered his cousin Nikolai needs to train him to take over when old enough, but in school he needs to be Rush Rhodes because the enemy Derek Finnegan was looking for him.
Nikolai had his hands full with Rush growing up partying doing drugs he was ready to walk away from him Kara told Rush to stop being an entitled, arrogant little jerk everything Nikolai foes is for him.
Nikolai ends up with Rose after kidnapping her she's Derek Finnegan daughter Rush loves how much she softens him makes him laugh more he'd like to step back at some point & have a kid.
Rush goes to Bunny Monroe Bar in Smith territory meeting a date he likes the tough bartender with a sassy mouth after his date leaves, a biker Chris comes in she tells him to leave.
I definitely recommend to get this interesting story but need more of Rush & Jess after they were attacked by new gang, arrives at Mansion where Nikolai awaits to clean up his mess once again & save Jess.
I'm hoping there'll be more to come on Rush & Jess & the new gang that's entered the picture.
AWESOME BEGINNING NEED MORE OF "RUSH" 🖤
August 15, 2023
This was an unexpected novella, one I'm thrilled was available! While reading the Mafia Rose series, I always wondered about Rush. I really wanted more insight into his story and this awesome short story gave me just that! It starts with a nine year old Rush learning the ropes from the already hardened Nicolai. My heart went out to the little boy he was and the lessons he was forced to learn. The author depicted a snotty young boy end teen, which was Rush, so credibly, so authentically, the mom in me wanted to shake some sense into him. I could almost see the pouting, obnoxious, entitled youth before my eyes. But it's a dangerous game he's playing, Nicolai bailing him out time and time again. Thankfully he eventually snaps out of it and sort of becomes more responsible, sort of... Another spectacular messup by Rush nearly has him killed. I enjoyed how the author brought in the past and the present so I got my fix of Niko (don't tell him I called him that!) and Rose. And the introduction of Jess is genius! I love her sassiness and fierceness, she's really my badass kinda gal. But heavens, the ending had my heart pounding! Fast paced and very descriptive, this was another great read! I'm just hoping the author will put me out of my misery, which only another book will solve! I'm desperate to find out what happens with Jess, and Rush, and the gangs....
September 15, 2024
Root by Brooke Harper is book five in the Mafia Rose Series. I’ve read a few other books by this author and I’ve always enjoyed them. This is the first book I’m reading in the series though so it can be read as a standalone but I did get the feeling other characters were mentioned from previous books. But again it was nothing immersion breaking. I read this book quickly as I enjoy a good age gap trope set within a mafia setting. I do suggest checking your trigger warnings to be on the safe side. Rush and Jess were great and I really enjoyed reading their chemistry. Plus another highlight for me was their banter, it was so good! I also liked the switch up of Jess being a DOM. The dynamics in this book is what kept my interest. The writing was well done and it had me feeling so many things… from the steamy parts to the heart crumbling moments. The plot was steady and consistent while also drawing you in. I’m planning to read the prior books to get a more fuller experience in this world. (Again, it’s not needed) Would recommend if you enjoy a good darkish age gap romance.
Final review:
4 out of 5 stars
Final review:
4 out of 5 stars
September 17, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Jess, strong willed, feisty, badass, sexy but doesn’t know it. She has secrets and walls she is just not ready to take down. She has to get her little brother out of the stupid mess he’s found himself in.
Rush, mouthy but can back it up, snarky, funny, independent, is a walking orgasm and he knows it. Has secrets of his own, and is part of a crime family.
Rush meets Jess at the most inopportune time when she comes to his rescue during a bar fight. She kicks ass, but ends up getting hurt trying to defend him.
He of course brings her home to take care of her. Not at all because she’s beautiful and she fights him at every turn making him work for it.
They have instant chemistry the Rush has no problem admitting, but Jess does not want to admit her feelings for him. They are from two completely different worlds. It would never work. Or so she thinks.
The one thing I really loved about this book was that they have the best banter, just bouncing insults and jabs at one another like it’s foreplay. And kinda is. A constant power struggle to see who tops.
I like how it all came together at the end and everyone got their own type of HEA.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Jess, strong willed, feisty, badass, sexy but doesn’t know it. She has secrets and walls she is just not ready to take down. She has to get her little brother out of the stupid mess he’s found himself in.
Rush, mouthy but can back it up, snarky, funny, independent, is a walking orgasm and he knows it. Has secrets of his own, and is part of a crime family.
Rush meets Jess at the most inopportune time when she comes to his rescue during a bar fight. She kicks ass, but ends up getting hurt trying to defend him.
He of course brings her home to take care of her. Not at all because she’s beautiful and she fights him at every turn making him work for it.
They have instant chemistry the Rush has no problem admitting, but Jess does not want to admit her feelings for him. They are from two completely different worlds. It would never work. Or so she thinks.
The one thing I really loved about this book was that they have the best banter, just bouncing insults and jabs at one another like it’s foreplay. And kinda is. A constant power struggle to see who tops.
I like how it all came together at the end and everyone got their own type of HEA.
September 11, 2024
Out on a boring date one night, Rush’s night turns bad and a beautiful bartender jumps in to help him.
It’s been a while since I read this kind of mafia book. I also hadn’t read this author before, so I had no expectations. I really enjoyed the story and couldn’t put it down once I started it. I loved both Jess and Rush. I understood why Jess was doing what she was doing, even though I was yelling at her to let Rush help. I’m assuming the other books, or at least the one before this, is Nikolai and Rose’s story and I HAVE to read it. Nikolai is definitely a character I love to read, especially with the details this author gives on her characters. There were a few small things that bugged me. First, I really don’t like the himbo characterization in books, although the author does a great job in explaining why Rush is the way he is. And two, I have no idea what protocol Rush broke during that night. They kept referencing it, but didn’t say what it was. Aside from that, I loved this book and look forward to reading more from this author. I highly recommend.
It’s been a while since I read this kind of mafia book. I also hadn’t read this author before, so I had no expectations. I really enjoyed the story and couldn’t put it down once I started it. I loved both Jess and Rush. I understood why Jess was doing what she was doing, even though I was yelling at her to let Rush help. I’m assuming the other books, or at least the one before this, is Nikolai and Rose’s story and I HAVE to read it. Nikolai is definitely a character I love to read, especially with the details this author gives on her characters. There were a few small things that bugged me. First, I really don’t like the himbo characterization in books, although the author does a great job in explaining why Rush is the way he is. And two, I have no idea what protocol Rush broke during that night. They kept referencing it, but didn’t say what it was. Aside from that, I loved this book and look forward to reading more from this author. I highly recommend.
August 27, 2023
Root
This is an addition to the Mafia Rose series where finally get to learn more about Rush, Nikolai's younger cousin. Rush was born into this dangerous family and isn't sure he really wants to be a part of the bloodshed and drama that ensues with the name Wilder. He finds himself being dragged back in and now is going to drag Niko back in with him, despite knowing he's trying to get out of this lifestyle.
I'm a little torn on this book. I love Rush and his story, as well as getting to see how he came to be who he is. He has an interesting perspective on the events around him and I thought his story made a great addition to the series.
I hated the dialogue in this book. There was so much, it was unnecessary in so many places and it just didn't flow like a normal conversation would. The author really disappointed me with that aspect of this book since this isn't normally how they write.
Overall rating
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is an addition to the Mafia Rose series where finally get to learn more about Rush, Nikolai's younger cousin. Rush was born into this dangerous family and isn't sure he really wants to be a part of the bloodshed and drama that ensues with the name Wilder. He finds himself being dragged back in and now is going to drag Niko back in with him, despite knowing he's trying to get out of this lifestyle.
I'm a little torn on this book. I love Rush and his story, as well as getting to see how he came to be who he is. He has an interesting perspective on the events around him and I thought his story made a great addition to the series.
I hated the dialogue in this book. There was so much, it was unnecessary in so many places and it just didn't flow like a normal conversation would. The author really disappointed me with that aspect of this book since this isn't normally how they write.
Overall rating
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 18, 2024
We finally get to learn more about Rush and this was well worth the wait! Rush needs someone is quirky and a bit crazy - just like him and Jess fits that description well.
Jess and Rush’s banter is perfection!! The back and forth is everything and they are both so witty! They bring some humor to the story and it helps so much! Jess’s strength is so inspiring - she never gives up and while she has an uber tough exterior, she is vulnerable as well. Their spice is so yummy and I just cannot get enough!!!! They have so much to figure out as they each go through obstacles separate and together. The suspense never stops and works so well within this romance.
This is book 5 of the ‘Mafia Rose' series and can be read as a standalone. The first four books of the series are epic and I do recommend them as well. I absolutely adored ‘Root’ and definitely recommend it to those who enjoy mafia romances.
Jess and Rush’s banter is perfection!! The back and forth is everything and they are both so witty! They bring some humor to the story and it helps so much! Jess’s strength is so inspiring - she never gives up and while she has an uber tough exterior, she is vulnerable as well. Their spice is so yummy and I just cannot get enough!!!! They have so much to figure out as they each go through obstacles separate and together. The suspense never stops and works so well within this romance.
This is book 5 of the ‘Mafia Rose' series and can be read as a standalone. The first four books of the series are epic and I do recommend them as well. I absolutely adored ‘Root’ and definitely recommend it to those who enjoy mafia romances.
September 29, 2024
Rush lost his parents too young and has been raised by Nikolai, ruthless mafia boss, in the world of crime. Rich and handsome, he can have any girl he wants, but his eyes are fixed on Jess - the stabby punk girl working as a bartender who saves his life in an ambush. They are both dragged into chaos, danger, fragile trust, unwanted emotions, and plenty of hot physical contact... and the enemy is watching.
Hot, fast, and furious like the bikes that appear in the story, this book combines all the addictive stuff a reader of dark romance craves. Mafia, crime, MC gang, danger, kink, mind games. I absolutely love Rush for his way of being dangerous, how he pushed Jess out of her armor, and took what he desired. Jess is also one hellcat of a FMC, sassy, mouthy, stabby, and fiercely loyal to those she loves. It was a thrilling ride with these characters.
Hot, fast, and furious like the bikes that appear in the story, this book combines all the addictive stuff a reader of dark romance craves. Mafia, crime, MC gang, danger, kink, mind games. I absolutely love Rush for his way of being dangerous, how he pushed Jess out of her armor, and took what he desired. Jess is also one hellcat of a FMC, sassy, mouthy, stabby, and fiercely loyal to those she loves. It was a thrilling ride with these characters.
August 26, 2023
This is a short story about Rush. He is Nikolai’s cousin. They are from the Mafia Rose series. You get the this one from Rush’s point of view. You get to see Rush as a kid and then as a teenager. Nikolai teaches Rush about the business. He wants Rush to go to school and just be a kid. You get to see all that and what happens. Then flash forward to the present. Rush is out at a bar. There’s an incident. A girl from the bar is involved. Rush needs Nikolai’s help again. He messed up and needs Nikolai to save his butt again. I’m hoping that Rush is going to get his own series. I like him and want to see what happens to him and the girl. If he doesn’t get his own series that’s okay too. Check out all the Mafia Rose books to fall in love with all the characters.
September 26, 2024
Nikolai is not your typical mafia guy. His cousin has been leading in his stead for years and Nikolai has no desire to take over. However, he’s not very sure of his place in the mafia. His playboy, take nothing serious attitude is such a believable mask, nobody would think he’s capable of much.
Jess has fought along side her brother her whole life to survive and she’ll stop at nothing to protect him. Even when she starts to realize she may have another person in her life worth protecting.
The ending is *chefs kiss* and definitely a book worth reading. This is a standalone in a series. You don’t need to read the books prior to understand what’s happening but you’ll definitely see the other characters throughout this book.
Jess has fought along side her brother her whole life to survive and she’ll stop at nothing to protect him. Even when she starts to realize she may have another person in her life worth protecting.
The ending is *chefs kiss* and definitely a book worth reading. This is a standalone in a series. You don’t need to read the books prior to understand what’s happening but you’ll definitely see the other characters throughout this book.
August 18, 2023
Whaaat?? Why did it end right then? How could the author do this to us? I was pleasantly surprised by another Mafia Rose book and was excited to read this, but I didn't realise it would be this short or end at a sort-of cliffhanger. Nevertheless, this was great. I liked the scenes with Dante and definitely want more of that interaction with both Niko and Rush in the next books (because I'm sure the author will be writing an actual ending for Rush's story). Niko had more of a character development in this book than in his actual novels, which made sense because this book had time skips to the present day.
Thanks to Booksprout for a copy.
Thanks to Booksprout for a copy.
August 22, 2023
At 50ish pages this is a short short story but just provides enough to keep you enticed and wanting what I hope will be an introduction to a new series for him!
Root is the side character to Rose and Wilders story, who do crop up in this one, and we get to see different stages of his life over the five chapters and how he’s grown up….ish! He is the rightful heir to the empire, and it looks like Wilder is ready to retire five years after his wedding to Rose. However Rush is not sure he wants it and still manages to cause trouble, and this might just be his most significant one yet! 😄
Looking forward to seeing more Root and Jess!
Root is the side character to Rose and Wilders story, who do crop up in this one, and we get to see different stages of his life over the five chapters and how he’s grown up….ish! He is the rightful heir to the empire, and it looks like Wilder is ready to retire five years after his wedding to Rose. However Rush is not sure he wants it and still manages to cause trouble, and this might just be his most significant one yet! 😄
Looking forward to seeing more Root and Jess!
August 26, 2023
I truly love novella reads such as Root! Not only does it bring readers back into the world, but we get to revisit characters by getting a glimpse into their past or see what is going on in their future. We also sometimes get a bit more from side characters perhaps not expanded on in the original series. That is what we get for in Root as it sets up the next saga in the Mafia Rose world with Nickolai's cousin Rush, the true heir to the mafia kingdom. It is time to see how Rush will handle being a leader, but first he has to deal with new enemies and new romances. I cannot wait to see what is next!
August 27, 2023
Book 5 in Harper's Mafia Rose series and this is a super short / novella read that gives us readers more of Rush (Nikolai's younger cousin) and his introduction into the mafia life. Groomed by Nikolai, Rush is the rightful heir to the empire and is read to take his place and all that entails. This can be read as a standalone, but I love it as a continuation of this series. Rush's love interest looks to be an awesome match for him with a toughness needed to live in this dark world. Deliciously dark and dirty in all the best ways. Well written and captivating, this book has me craving more!
This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
September 2, 2023
Root, the fifth book in the Mafia Rose Series by Brooke Harper was another fabulous addition to this series and a definite must read for anyone that’s been following along with this series so far or anyone that loves a good short and steamy age gap mafia read full of backstory that leaves you utterly captivated!
This story provides a wonderful insight into some beloved characters, as well as some new, and features Rush, Nikolai and a sexy bartender named Jess and I loved being able to see into the past of these well loved characters to get a hint of their past and what helped make them who they are. If you’ve been a fan of this series you need to read this quick short story stat!
This story provides a wonderful insight into some beloved characters, as well as some new, and features Rush, Nikolai and a sexy bartender named Jess and I loved being able to see into the past of these well loved characters to get a hint of their past and what helped make them who they are. If you’ve been a fan of this series you need to read this quick short story stat!
September 10, 2024
MF
Mafia
Touch Her & Unalive
Crossover Characters
Shared Pasts
Found Family
Morally Grey
Bondage
Switch
Root is book five in the Mafia Rose series. It can be read independently of the other books but characters do crossover.
Rush is the nephew of the current mafia Don. The crime syndicate is his birthright but he’s content to allow his family to run things while he pursues other pleasures.
A night out has him crossing paths with a female bartender. Sparks and weapons fly leaving the two in an unlikely alliance.
They both have secrets and trust must be earned in the midst of attacks and intense attraction.
Mafia
Touch Her & Unalive
Crossover Characters
Shared Pasts
Found Family
Morally Grey
Bondage
Switch
Root is book five in the Mafia Rose series. It can be read independently of the other books but characters do crossover.
Rush is the nephew of the current mafia Don. The crime syndicate is his birthright but he’s content to allow his family to run things while he pursues other pleasures.
A night out has him crossing paths with a female bartender. Sparks and weapons fly leaving the two in an unlikely alliance.
They both have secrets and trust must be earned in the midst of attacks and intense attraction.
September 21, 2024
Book 5 in Harper's Mafia Rose series and this is a super short / novella read that gives us readers more of Rush (Nikolai's younger cousin) and his introduction into the mafia life. Groomed by Nikolai, Rush is the rightful heir to the empire and is read to take his place and all that entails. This can be read as a standalone, but I love it as a continuation of this series. Rush's love interest looks to be an awesome match for him with a toughness needed to live in this dark world. Deliciously dark and dirty in all the best ways. Well written and captivating, this book has me craving more!
This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
September 22, 2024
Absolutely loved this book. Jess is sassy and full of fire, and wanting to save her brother from a mess he's managed to get himself into. Rush is the heir to a mafia empire, one he doesn't really want to take charge of, and instead he lets Nikolai run the business.
The two characters bounce off each other so well, and their banter is top-notch. They both have secrets that they want to keep to themselves, but they might just find if they tell each other then they could help each other in the end.
Loved every minute of this story and once I started I couldn't stop turning the pages. Can't wait to read more from this author.
The two characters bounce off each other so well, and their banter is top-notch. They both have secrets that they want to keep to themselves, but they might just find if they tell each other then they could help each other in the end.
Loved every minute of this story and once I started I couldn't stop turning the pages. Can't wait to read more from this author.
August 20, 2023
Nikolai was in charge of Rush since his parents had pasted away. it was his cousin. Rush did thinks at age nine that made Nikolai and he would show him his way. Then he got older and started acting up, Nikolai tried setting him straight. As he got older he turned and acted like he could run the business so Nikolai told himto take over. Then things started to get worse, Rush went to Nikolai and told him that this lMafia life wasn't for him.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2023
I was fortunate to receive an ARC copy of this novel, which enabled me to offer an impartial assessment in my review. Upon reading, I found great satisfaction in the exploration of Rush's beginnings within this short story. The narrative was adorned with an abundance of unexpected twists that seamlessly led to a truly astonishing cliffhanger. This meticulously crafted suspense has left me eagerly counting down to the release of the forthcoming book. I am ardently looking forward to delving into the subsequent installment to satiate my curiosity about the unfolding events.
August 24, 2023
This was a fast, action-packed story of Rush and how he finally comes into his own as head of the Wilder Family. His parents were killed when he was 9 years old and his cousin Nikolai has been teaching him and saving him for years. This gives you the background of Rush and Nikolai and what it means to have the responsibility of becoming the boss of the Wilder family. The story is short with lots of action. I hope there is another story of Rush and Jess.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2023
This was a totally unexpected short story but I am pleasantly surprised that we are getting Rush’s story! The glimpses into Rush's history and his anticipated future truly captured my interest. Reconnecting with Nikolai and Rose added an extra layer of enjoyment. While Rush remains an enigma to me at this point, I'm eagerly anticipating further revelations. Jess emanates a strong and formidable aura as a heroine, and it's clear she won't easily yield to Rush. I'm eagerly anticipating the upcoming installments!
August 29, 2023
This short story is a great addition to the Mafia Rose series. The short story focuses on Rush and parts of his life. Rush is the heir to the business that Nikolai is running. He has been through alot with Nikolai and listens to his warning. He heads to a punk bar in ally territory. While chatting with the bartender Jess, she tells him is being watched by to gang members looking for Nikolai or him. He goes to leave and ends up in a fight for his life. Jess gets hurt really bad and he rushes her to his home and seeks Nikolai's help to save her. I hope there is more to this story.
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