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Las Vegas House of Spades #1
Barristers & Bones
A hot, morally gray mentor who loathes me. A sprawling funeral home. Torture, mayhem, and a hazy Las Vegas wedding I can't remember.
Luna needs to finish an internship to graduate, but staying alive suddenly takes precedence when she's paired with the cold, starkly handsome attorney straight from Hell. Roman Fowler is an infamous partner at the most notorious law firm in Las Vegas, and he’s harboring deadly secrets and looking for retribution. When he forces Luna’s hand, their chemistry explodes, and revenge becomes obsession.
But Luna isn’t a helpless, scared child anymore. The House of Spades is a powerful, violent, oddly close-knit family who adopted her, and they have a hands-on, DIY approach to taking care of “life's little problems.” They're still deciding if Roman is a problem when Luna's past threatens her.
Can they fight the danger and their past demons together? Or will the monsters win for good this time?
-Dark Comedy
-Forced Proximity
-Billionaire
-Dark Romance
Luna needs to finish an internship to graduate, but staying alive suddenly takes precedence when she's paired with the cold, starkly handsome attorney straight from Hell. Roman Fowler is an infamous partner at the most notorious law firm in Las Vegas, and he’s harboring deadly secrets and looking for retribution. When he forces Luna’s hand, their chemistry explodes, and revenge becomes obsession.
But Luna isn’t a helpless, scared child anymore. The House of Spades is a powerful, violent, oddly close-knit family who adopted her, and they have a hands-on, DIY approach to taking care of “life's little problems.” They're still deciding if Roman is a problem when Luna's past threatens her.
Can they fight the danger and their past demons together? Or will the monsters win for good this time?
-Dark Comedy
-Forced Proximity
-Billionaire
-Dark Romance
356 pages, ebook
Published October 15, 2024
47 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
J. L. Brannick
8 books51 followersJ. L. Brannick lives in the desert with her family and fur babies. She works as an attorney, and detoxes by taking long hikes and exploring old Western ghost towns while plotting out her novels. She graduated from law school in Las Vegas, Nevada where she quickly realized that truth can be stranger than fiction. Visit her website to sign up for new releases, updates, and bonus material.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 22, 2024
One of the things that makes a book good for me, is side characters that make me want more. The side characters in this were so good that I actually can't decide who I want the next book to be about, I'm just hoping we get them all.
I really enjoyed this, what's not to love about a mortician and her assistant torturing someone in the morgue whilst wearing bright sparkly wellies!
My only complaint was that I found the ending wrapped up a little quickly given that it was a large part of the reason Roman and Luna ended up together.
I liked that whilst the storyline for the main characters was wrapped up, we had enough breadcrumbs for what's to come in the series
I really enjoyed this, what's not to love about a mortician and her assistant torturing someone in the morgue whilst wearing bright sparkly wellies!
My only complaint was that I found the ending wrapped up a little quickly given that it was a large part of the reason Roman and Luna ended up together.
I liked that whilst the storyline for the main characters was wrapped up, we had enough breadcrumbs for what's to come in the series
October 4, 2024
First of all, the wit and banter is 👌🏻. Super satisfying and sharp. The kind of responses you wish you had thought of at the time, but only think of hours later.
I do think the MMC flipped from dislike to obsessed from one scene to the next, but I legitimately really liked this book and I can’t wait for the next in the series.
Sylvie is my soulmate and I won’t hear a word against it.
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️Random notes from my read: CAN BE CONSIDERED SPOILERY⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
* Klim and Roman’s texts to each other are killing me in the best way. Klim sounds so done with Roman’s crap. Like an exasperated parent
* *snort* Roman’s little breakdown of how their relationship is going to go is so….Roman.
* I’d marry Sylvia so fast. She’s my flavor of crazy
* Alexa vs Ivan. I’d buy tickets to that
* Hey now, you leave Jared alone. He’s the reason you’re alive right now
* Roman is not playing games. He’s 0 to 9000
* lol foot fungus
Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC and allowing me to provide my honest review
I do think the MMC flipped from dislike to obsessed from one scene to the next, but I legitimately really liked this book and I can’t wait for the next in the series.
Sylvie is my soulmate and I won’t hear a word against it.
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️Random notes from my read: CAN BE CONSIDERED SPOILERY⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
* Klim and Roman’s texts to each other are killing me in the best way. Klim sounds so done with Roman’s crap. Like an exasperated parent
* *snort* Roman’s little breakdown of how their relationship is going to go is so….Roman.
* I’d marry Sylvia so fast. She’s my flavor of crazy
* Alexa vs Ivan. I’d buy tickets to that
* Hey now, you leave Jared alone. He’s the reason you’re alive right now
* Roman is not playing games. He’s 0 to 9000
* lol foot fungus
Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC and allowing me to provide my honest review
September 21, 2024
This was completely different than any of her other works and I really hope she keeps going with this🙌🏼🙌🏼
October 30, 2024
Barristers & Bones is a book I will always remember because of its captivating storyline, unforgettable characters, and unique setting. It was the first book I ever read featuring a funeral home and mortuary, and I’ll never forget what the main character, Luna, and her foster sister, Sylvie, did there to take revenge on a man who was threatening Luna. Reading it felt like watching an episode of “Dexter,” which is one of my favorite shows right now. Be prepared: if you start reading this book, you may never look at a funeral home or mortuary the same way again.
This was my first book by author J. L. Brannick, and it certainly won’t be my last. J. L. Brannick hooked me from the very beginning, and I found myself engaged throughout, often laughing out loud. Yes, this book is marketed as a Dark Romance, but it also has Dark Comedy to it. Readers will absolutely love the heroine, especially for the way she skillfully handles the dominant, alpha-hole hero, Roman Fowler. She has definitely earned a spot as one of my favorite heroines of all time.
I’ve mentioned how much I loved the heroine, but I also adored the hero. Roman starts off as a dominating alpha-type (he’ll remain that way, too) who seeks revenge, along with his law partners/friends, but ultimately becomes very protective of Luna, willing to take drastic measures to ensure her safety. He may not be everyone’s favorite character, but for me, he’s definitely mine.
Both characters have pasts that damaged them and both are going to realize how they can heal from their pasts by being with another. I loved the banter between Luna and Roman and how they went from Enemies to Lovers, eventually. =)
This book is not only full of humor, but it’s full of twists and turns. It’s also got a great cast of secondary characters that will intrigue you and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. I need the second book as of yesterday; that’s how much I enjoyed this book and every single character that was introduced.
Overall, this book gets 4.5 stars, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I’m really glad I read this book because I definitely want to check out J. L. Brannick’s other works.
Single/Dual POV: Dual POV.
Standalone or Part of Series: It’s the first book in the law Vegas House of Spades Series.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you’re seeking a dark romance with a full cast of characters that is not only twisted but also filled with humor, then check out this book.
Quotes: His calling me a good, sweet girl made me want to punch him in the face and crawl up his beautiful body all at once.
“I want to fuck you against this wall, then in our bed, and after we eat and sleep for a few hours, take you again on the kitchen table. Then we can talk.” “And I’d like to get paid to drink margaritas and read all day. We don’t always get what we want.”
“Fuck, your slick little pussy always takes my cock so well. Like you were made for me.”
What to Expect:
🖤Dark Romance
💜Enemies to Lovers
🖤Billionaire Romance
💜Forced Proximity
🖤Morally Grey Hero
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Check out all my book reviews at A Book Lovin' Mama's Blog
This was my first book by author J. L. Brannick, and it certainly won’t be my last. J. L. Brannick hooked me from the very beginning, and I found myself engaged throughout, often laughing out loud. Yes, this book is marketed as a Dark Romance, but it also has Dark Comedy to it. Readers will absolutely love the heroine, especially for the way she skillfully handles the dominant, alpha-hole hero, Roman Fowler. She has definitely earned a spot as one of my favorite heroines of all time.
I’ve mentioned how much I loved the heroine, but I also adored the hero. Roman starts off as a dominating alpha-type (he’ll remain that way, too) who seeks revenge, along with his law partners/friends, but ultimately becomes very protective of Luna, willing to take drastic measures to ensure her safety. He may not be everyone’s favorite character, but for me, he’s definitely mine.
Both characters have pasts that damaged them and both are going to realize how they can heal from their pasts by being with another. I loved the banter between Luna and Roman and how they went from Enemies to Lovers, eventually. =)
This book is not only full of humor, but it’s full of twists and turns. It’s also got a great cast of secondary characters that will intrigue you and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. I need the second book as of yesterday; that’s how much I enjoyed this book and every single character that was introduced.
Overall, this book gets 4.5 stars, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I’m really glad I read this book because I definitely want to check out J. L. Brannick’s other works.
Single/Dual POV: Dual POV.
Standalone or Part of Series: It’s the first book in the law Vegas House of Spades Series.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you’re seeking a dark romance with a full cast of characters that is not only twisted but also filled with humor, then check out this book.
Quotes: His calling me a good, sweet girl made me want to punch him in the face and crawl up his beautiful body all at once.
“I want to fuck you against this wall, then in our bed, and after we eat and sleep for a few hours, take you again on the kitchen table. Then we can talk.” “And I’d like to get paid to drink margaritas and read all day. We don’t always get what we want.”
“Fuck, your slick little pussy always takes my cock so well. Like you were made for me.”
What to Expect:
🖤Dark Romance
💜Enemies to Lovers
🖤Billionaire Romance
💜Forced Proximity
🖤Morally Grey Hero
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Check out all my book reviews at A Book Lovin' Mama's Blog
October 18, 2024
This book is freaking amazing! It felt like comimg home to a fun, dysfunctional , crazy family. I wanted to curl up and read the hell out of this unusual start of the House of Spades series, I just know it's going to be one of my all time favourites. Nothing like I have read before, Luna is a sassy, brilliant Law Student who asks lots and lots of questions. Roman her mentor has ulterior motives when she joins his firm for her internship. But like all great loves, she challenges him on every level and things change, they complete one another.
All of the side characters in the book are equally fascinatimg and I can't wait for the next book in the series, I just hope it's not too long. For me 4.5 *, a masterpiece in the art of deliciousness.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
All of the side characters in the book are equally fascinatimg and I can't wait for the next book in the series, I just hope it's not too long. For me 4.5 *, a masterpiece in the art of deliciousness.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 1, 2024
✨I received this as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review✨
If I had to read “you and your questions” one more time. I felt like I was having war flashbacks from reading From Bood and Ash. It was too much. We get it. She’s inquisitive. Shut up about it and move on. No reason to mention it every single time she asks for clarification.
It’s little things like this that authors sometimes do that make the reader seem dumb or like they can’t follow along. It was really annoying.
I was absolutely obsessed with all the side characters in this story. Every single one of them was amazing. I think I liked the side characters more than the main characters, which isn’t great but I’m not mad about it. They were all so fun and weird and creepy, I kind of want them all as my own friends.
Roman’s character development wasn’t as pronounced as I wanted it to be. I really thought that with Luna telling him what she wanted and needed would give him room for growth, but he kind of ended up stagnating out. Luna had absolutely zero character development so I mean I guess I can be happy with the little bit he had.
I do think that Luna and Roman were a good couple to introduce readers to this series, they were just interesting enough to pull you in and get excited for the rest of the series. I think the author did a good job writing side characters but I also think in fleshing out those side characters she forgot to flesh out the main characters. To me, it felt more like telling and not showing when it came to the story. There was a lot of dialogue and not a lot of scene descriptions, which wasn’t entirely helpful as the story tended to jump locations rather frequently.
All in all, if you’re looking for an introductory dark romance, this would be good for you. It’s not as dark as some, but it goes have darker themes. I would like to know more about the camp that the boys went to, I really thought we would get a lot more information about that than we did. Hopefully the author goes into that in later books. I’m really looking forward to reading Xander, Killian, and Sylvie’s books, I do think they will be really good.
If I had to read “you and your questions” one more time. I felt like I was having war flashbacks from reading From Bood and Ash. It was too much. We get it. She’s inquisitive. Shut up about it and move on. No reason to mention it every single time she asks for clarification.
It’s little things like this that authors sometimes do that make the reader seem dumb or like they can’t follow along. It was really annoying.
I was absolutely obsessed with all the side characters in this story. Every single one of them was amazing. I think I liked the side characters more than the main characters, which isn’t great but I’m not mad about it. They were all so fun and weird and creepy, I kind of want them all as my own friends.
Roman’s character development wasn’t as pronounced as I wanted it to be. I really thought that with Luna telling him what she wanted and needed would give him room for growth, but he kind of ended up stagnating out. Luna had absolutely zero character development so I mean I guess I can be happy with the little bit he had.
I do think that Luna and Roman were a good couple to introduce readers to this series, they were just interesting enough to pull you in and get excited for the rest of the series. I think the author did a good job writing side characters but I also think in fleshing out those side characters she forgot to flesh out the main characters. To me, it felt more like telling and not showing when it came to the story. There was a lot of dialogue and not a lot of scene descriptions, which wasn’t entirely helpful as the story tended to jump locations rather frequently.
All in all, if you’re looking for an introductory dark romance, this would be good for you. It’s not as dark as some, but it goes have darker themes. I would like to know more about the camp that the boys went to, I really thought we would get a lot more information about that than we did. Hopefully the author goes into that in later books. I’m really looking forward to reading Xander, Killian, and Sylvie’s books, I do think they will be really good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2024
I don't think i have the amount of words i need, to describe how much i loved this book. It had the right amount of everything in it and it kept me completely hooked from start to end. Definitely read the trigger warnings before reading, because there are a few things that might turn people's stomachs. The mafia vibes it gives was amazing, it showed a lot more than most mafia stories on the fronts they have and how everything is run. I really hope there will be more stories to come, on the other partners and characters that are involved and important to this story. Especially since everyone is a little crazy, but deserves a happy ending.
Luna could never get over her past and it still haunted her to this day, even when she had a new family who protected her from everything but also include her in their business. Though her world gets turned upside down when she's forced to intern under Roman Fowler, a man she hates as soon as she meets him. But maybe in the end she can learn to love him.
Roman is a crazy and possessive man, who tries to not let it show unless he wants something. After getting Luna as his intern he's determined to ruin her, in more ways than one. But when confronted with his own horrible past, maybe he can learn to love her and just ruin her in bed instead.
Can the Spades, the four partners, along with Luna and Alexa work together to brig down some of the biggest people.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Luna could never get over her past and it still haunted her to this day, even when she had a new family who protected her from everything but also include her in their business. Though her world gets turned upside down when she's forced to intern under Roman Fowler, a man she hates as soon as she meets him. But maybe in the end she can learn to love him.
Roman is a crazy and possessive man, who tries to not let it show unless he wants something. After getting Luna as his intern he's determined to ruin her, in more ways than one. But when confronted with his own horrible past, maybe he can learn to love her and just ruin her in bed instead.
Can the Spades, the four partners, along with Luna and Alexa work together to brig down some of the biggest people.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2024
This is a 4.5!
A law firm and a mortuary walk into a bar ...
Dark humour, razor-sharp banter, and a plot full of twists, this book is an absolute gem. Luna’s life is already chaotic enough, living above the Spades' funeral home, run by a family that’s part Addams Family, part organised crime syndicate, with her bestie Sylvia (seriously, where do I sign up for a Sylvia?). Brannick nails the perfect mix of gallows humour and dark absurdity.
Things go from dark to deliciously messy when Luna is forced to intern with Roman, a law firm Partner who’s basically the human embodiment of a caution sign. He’s got a revenge plot centered on Luna’s father, but of course, feelings get in the way, turning his villain act into a complicated dance of attraction and vengeance. Curse those inconvenient emotions!
The banter between Luna and Roman is a non-stop riot. Luna doesn’t hold back, and Roman’s broody, smirky vibe just fuels her fire. They clash, they spark, and it’s deliciously entertaining.
The supporting cast is a quirky, entertaining bunch that adds depth and humour to the chaos. If you’re into romance with a side of murder, mayhem, and morally questionable decisions, this will absolutely hit the spot. Brannick’s writing is clever, wickedly funny, and sets the stage for a series where law, revenge, and death all dance dangerously close together.
A law firm and a mortuary walk into a bar ...
Dark humour, razor-sharp banter, and a plot full of twists, this book is an absolute gem. Luna’s life is already chaotic enough, living above the Spades' funeral home, run by a family that’s part Addams Family, part organised crime syndicate, with her bestie Sylvia (seriously, where do I sign up for a Sylvia?). Brannick nails the perfect mix of gallows humour and dark absurdity.
Things go from dark to deliciously messy when Luna is forced to intern with Roman, a law firm Partner who’s basically the human embodiment of a caution sign. He’s got a revenge plot centered on Luna’s father, but of course, feelings get in the way, turning his villain act into a complicated dance of attraction and vengeance. Curse those inconvenient emotions!
The banter between Luna and Roman is a non-stop riot. Luna doesn’t hold back, and Roman’s broody, smirky vibe just fuels her fire. They clash, they spark, and it’s deliciously entertaining.
The supporting cast is a quirky, entertaining bunch that adds depth and humour to the chaos. If you’re into romance with a side of murder, mayhem, and morally questionable decisions, this will absolutely hit the spot. Brannick’s writing is clever, wickedly funny, and sets the stage for a series where law, revenge, and death all dance dangerously close together.
November 21, 2024
This book! I absolutely loved it! There was not one single thing that I could say that I didn’t like.
I’m a sucker for well written characters. I loved Luna and Sylvie and found their… creativity… disturbingly funny. (Added to my list of reasons why I’m probably headed in the direction of hell.)
I thought the side characters were interesting and layered and I am absolutely thrilled that there will be more books in this series because I want the side characters to get stories too. Roman is perhaps not the easiest character, but I loved him (added to my list of reasons why I obviously need therapy).
I love dark humor and dark romance (would this be classified as a dark rom com? Hmm…) and got to indulge my love for both here. This book is twisted and morally gray. But it was also very funny. It’s hard to pin down, and the author should be applauded for their creativity. A truly enjoyable reading experience that kept me so involved with the story that I had a book hangover afterwards while trying to mentally rejoin the nonfictional world.
Here’s the breakdown:
MMC/FMC- Roman and Luna
Series? Y
Tropes- Enemies to Lovers, Badsass Heroine, Billionaire, Morally Gray, Unusual FMC, Forced Proximity.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’m a sucker for well written characters. I loved Luna and Sylvie and found their… creativity… disturbingly funny. (Added to my list of reasons why I’m probably headed in the direction of hell.)
I thought the side characters were interesting and layered and I am absolutely thrilled that there will be more books in this series because I want the side characters to get stories too. Roman is perhaps not the easiest character, but I loved him (added to my list of reasons why I obviously need therapy).
I love dark humor and dark romance (would this be classified as a dark rom com? Hmm…) and got to indulge my love for both here. This book is twisted and morally gray. But it was also very funny. It’s hard to pin down, and the author should be applauded for their creativity. A truly enjoyable reading experience that kept me so involved with the story that I had a book hangover afterwards while trying to mentally rejoin the nonfictional world.
Here’s the breakdown:
MMC/FMC- Roman and Luna
Series? Y
Tropes- Enemies to Lovers, Badsass Heroine, Billionaire, Morally Gray, Unusual FMC, Forced Proximity.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2025
So, I picked up this book because the synopsis was intriguing, and I thought it would be interesting to read about an unorthodox, semi-criminal family who also ran a mortuary (which, surprisingly, is a topic I’ve never read about before!). I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I liked Luna and her inquisitive, sharp mind from the start (so many questions!!! Lol).The chemistry between her and Roman was *chef’s kiss*. I’m so glad that they got their HEA after everything that they had been through in the past.
Now, I’m REALLY looking forward to Sylvie and Drakos. Actually, between the firm employees, the Spade family, and the various business partners, I hope all of these characters get their own story. The secondary characters are so well-written and have such big personalities that I need to know more about every one of them!!!! I hope this series continues for a while.
I’ll definitely be looking into some more of this author’s work.
Now, I’m REALLY looking forward to Sylvie and Drakos. Actually, between the firm employees, the Spade family, and the various business partners, I hope all of these characters get their own story. The secondary characters are so well-written and have such big personalities that I need to know more about every one of them!!!! I hope this series continues for a while.
I’ll definitely be looking into some more of this author’s work.
October 24, 2024
So happy that I got to read an advanced copy of Barristers & Bones - it did NOT disappoint!! If you're looking for a morally gray spicy romance that is not like all the others, this is it! A mob-boss feel set in Las Vegas, with hunky shady lawyers, a family history of questionable actions, and Luna trying to finish up law school - all while living with her best friend above a mortuary that she sometimes assists with. And Roman…. (insert drool here)….. we all could use a powerful man like him in our lives. <3
The rest of the cast are FANTASTIC as well, with lots of little nuggets laid to support future books, and I can't wait to continue on with their stories!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The rest of the cast are FANTASTIC as well, with lots of little nuggets laid to support future books, and I can't wait to continue on with their stories!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 30, 2024
This book is such a wild ride. It was a completely unexpected journey with characters I didn't know I would end up loving so much. That is the best thing about this story, the character development. They are so unique and nuanced that you really become vested in this story. Set in sin city itself, this one takes off in so many directions and the chemistry between Luna and Roman is so steamy it is crazy. I think the other thing that really sets this book apart for me is the humor. Dark humor and good old fashioned humor. This is not your typical romance book, it is much more than that. This one doesn't fit into the usual format. I can't wait to read future books from this author. There are certainly some characters in this one that you can see spinning off into a new story.
April 13, 2025
Book 1 in the Las Vegas House Of Spades is Barristers And Bones and it's also my first read by this author. I can assure you it won't be my last. Everything about this book is captivating! The storyline completely consuming and what's not to love about these characters. Luna is absolutely fantastic, so is Sylvie. They have their own unique brand of crazy and I freakin love it! I love that Roman doesn't try to stifle Luna and she's free to be her. From start to finish this story engulfed me and carried me along on this wild ride and I enjoyed every second of it! There's as many laugh out loud moments as there are serious moments and I got easily in their lives. Can't wait for what's next!
November 14, 2024
Barristers and Bones is enthralling and immediately pulls you in. This dark romance is well written, fast paced, and incredibly entertaining. The main characters are full of rough histories that unravel slowly to assist the plot. All the characters have unique personalities and easy to fall in love with them and forgive a few of their darker moments. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next in the House of Spades series.
November 19, 2024
Phenomenal Crossovers
Roman and Luna crossing over the funeral industry with the attorney profession was something I will never forget. The banter is top tier. Most memorable wedding probably to date.
In true Luna fashion: What happens with the partners next? What moves can we make in the Water sector? What’s the backstory on the candy?
The way The Firm and The Spades come together to reframe the world we know as Las Vegas has so me so pumped for the next installment of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Roman and Luna crossing over the funeral industry with the attorney profession was something I will never forget. The banter is top tier. Most memorable wedding probably to date.
In true Luna fashion: What happens with the partners next? What moves can we make in the Water sector? What’s the backstory on the candy?
The way The Firm and The Spades come together to reframe the world we know as Las Vegas has so me so pumped for the next installment of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2025
After reading the blurb for this book, I was intrigued, leery and confused. I'm not a fan of dark romance books, but decided to give it a try as I like Brannick as an author. I am so freaking glad that I did, as I absolutely loved this book. I found myself cringing at parts that are overly graphic, laughing out loud with the snarky humor, and falling in love with all the characters. Luna, with her inquisitive nature, was a perfect foil to thwart Roman's revenge. Now onto Book 2, Graveyards & Greed.
October 4, 2024
WOW! Such creepy good fun! I love this author!
We had steam, bad guys, grey area good guys and a protective leading man. The burn was awesome, the attraction between the two was clearly felt by this reader.
What a GREAT start to a new series. The supporting characters are well fleshed out and so much fun!
I can't wait for the next in this series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We had steam, bad guys, grey area good guys and a protective leading man. The burn was awesome, the attraction between the two was clearly felt by this reader.
What a GREAT start to a new series. The supporting characters are well fleshed out and so much fun!
I can't wait for the next in this series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 9, 2024
I don’t know how to rate this. The storyline and characters are a four, but the writing is a three.
I am not sure what it’s missing. The writing felt very tell but not feel, if that makes any sense. Dual POV and first person, yet still weirdly felt 3rd person observational.
I am looking forward to reading the other characters’ stories, and hopefully the author’s writing will mature and develop depth needed to bring the series to a true four or five.
I am not sure what it’s missing. The writing felt very tell but not feel, if that makes any sense. Dual POV and first person, yet still weirdly felt 3rd person observational.
I am looking forward to reading the other characters’ stories, and hopefully the author’s writing will mature and develop depth needed to bring the series to a true four or five.
November 18, 2024
This is book 1 in Brannick's new series. Las Vegas House of Spades. Completely different from her previous books but still wonderfully written and totally captivating. Compelling characters and a unique setting and fantastic storyline that flowed smoothly. I knew this would be different from previous books but no less perfect, I loved it! This is one I won't soon forget and can't wait for more!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 4, 2024
The more I got know every character, the more obsessed I am with thier story. The Mortuary was such a great setting to start this book. This story feels like something I've seen in the news and has a way of sticking with you. I found myself thinking about Roman and his motivations. Luna feels like a person who will endure and thrive in any situation. I felt her loyalty and love for her family was great.
September 20, 2024
Whew! What did I just read?! Loved how different this was with Luna taking care of her own problems-in bloody yellow rubbers. Ha ha! I want to be adopted by the House of Spades. The cousins and esp Fenn are hilarious. Roman goes from hate to obsession, and I loved Luna. Spicy and read the trigger warnings. Viva Las Vegas
November 4, 2024
loved it
This book is refreshing , while it still has all the drama and action, I like that it’s not drawn out. It’s a good love story. He falls first, she falls just as hard. He get to protect the girl, but she can still handle her own messy life. Yellow rubber boot and all. I can’t wait to read the other stories.
This book is refreshing , while it still has all the drama and action, I like that it’s not drawn out. It’s a good love story. He falls first, she falls just as hard. He get to protect the girl, but she can still handle her own messy life. Yellow rubber boot and all. I can’t wait to read the other stories.
November 19, 2024
Barristers and Bones is a captivating, dark romance that'll take you on a wild ride. Filled with witty banter, dark humor, revenge, death, danger and twists that'll give you whiplash! The texts with Roman are fantastic and one of my favorite parts. Both main characters are damaged and Luna challenges Roman. They are great together. Great read!
January 16, 2025
Loved Luna! A character that is comfortable in mind and body, can stand up for herself and not be intimidated. A wonderful, snarky story. Sure, there were some plot holes, but overall, very enjoyable read!
May 16, 2025
With an interesting plot and engaging characters, this book had me hooked. The plot that drives the book is interesting, as well as creative and different. I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.
October 2, 2024
If you want to read a grisly dark romance this book is it. It has romance, dead bodies, BDSM and characters that you love and hate. I will definitely read more from J.L. Brannick.
July 8, 2025
3.5 stars rounded down. It was a good and easy read.
October 14, 2024
This was a fantastic book. I loved all the characters and can't wait for the next book in the "Las Vegas House of Spades series. This was more of a 4.5 for me but the round up to a 5 was based on my willingness to reread the book. Incredible dialogue, so many funny moments.
**"You survived your first shark encounter." "Sharks would be easier-at least they don't pretend they aren't dangerous"
**""I'll scratch a big penis on the right toe of every leather dress shoe you own . So every time you look down , it'll remind you of what a prick you can be."
Found Family.
A morgue..
A law firm..
Traumatic childhood.
Spice 2.5
Read through the Triggers if this is a concern for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
**"You survived your first shark encounter." "Sharks would be easier-at least they don't pretend they aren't dangerous"
**""I'll scratch a big penis on the right toe of every leather dress shoe you own . So every time you look down , it'll remind you of what a prick you can be."
Found Family.
A morgue..
A law firm..
Traumatic childhood.
Spice 2.5
Read through the Triggers if this is a concern for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 18, 2024
Grabs you from the beginning and doesn’t let up! So different in a good way. Luna was likable, smart, and just trying to get through school. The perfect trifecta of top-notch banter, black comedy, and dark romance. The supporting characters are hands-down my favorite.
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