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A sexy-as-sin, standalone ex-mafia romance about a secret society of brothers, Bratva princes, who escaped hell, but now each must find his queen, no matter how forbidden she may be.
The Belles & Bratva Beasts
Seven kings bound to seven queens; this is our tradition. A second king for each queen, each wife, should the first husband die protecting her; this is our vow. We escaped the Bratva, but this tradition we share won’t die.
Until now. I will not share her.
NASH
You know the saying, “Better the devil you know than the one you don’t?"
Oh, Vale knows me. She just doesn’t know I’m the devil.
I’m her best friend’s father.
I’m the evil man who’s loved her all along. Just ask her violent ex-boyfriend. Oh wait ... you can’t.
No. One. Hurts who I love.
No. One. Touches my queen.
VALE
Nash holds me hostage to protect me? How’s that working for him? I’ll snark at him until he wishes for death.
He is not my father.
No. We share a forbidden secret. One night, when I was eighteen.
But now we share a man hunting us. One of his brothers’ many enemies.
The only way I can survive? If Nash is my king.
The only way Nash is my king? If I accept one of his brothers, too.
This book can be read as a standalone, but the timeline of the Belles & Bratva Beasts is as
Nash
Axel
Sire
(A Surprise Brother)
(Another Surprise)
The Queen
The Belles & Bratva Beasts
Seven kings bound to seven queens; this is our tradition. A second king for each queen, each wife, should the first husband die protecting her; this is our vow. We escaped the Bratva, but this tradition we share won’t die.
Until now. I will not share her.
NASH
You know the saying, “Better the devil you know than the one you don’t?"
Oh, Vale knows me. She just doesn’t know I’m the devil.
I’m her best friend’s father.
I’m the evil man who’s loved her all along. Just ask her violent ex-boyfriend. Oh wait ... you can’t.
No. One. Hurts who I love.
No. One. Touches my queen.
VALE
Nash holds me hostage to protect me? How’s that working for him? I’ll snark at him until he wishes for death.
He is not my father.
No. We share a forbidden secret. One night, when I was eighteen.
But now we share a man hunting us. One of his brothers’ many enemies.
The only way I can survive? If Nash is my king.
The only way Nash is my king? If I accept one of his brothers, too.
This book can be read as a standalone, but the timeline of the Belles & Bratva Beasts is as
Nash
Axel
Sire
(A Surprise Brother)
(Another Surprise)
The Queen
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2025
646 people are currently reading
2011 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Finley
24 books683 followersKelly Finley is an author of contemporary romances featuring bada** women and grown-a** men.
She lives in the Carolinas with her husband and family. A rebel with many causes, she fancies black leather, dirty jokes, and smart mouths.
Thrilled by a flipped script, she gives us steamy, sexy heroines who are often missing, particularly from suspense and military romance. Her books feature heat we almost can't handle & shameless characters we champion and love.
She's most likely at her keyboard right now, putting the next heroine on the page.
She lives in the Carolinas with her husband and family. A rebel with many causes, she fancies black leather, dirty jokes, and smart mouths.
Thrilled by a flipped script, she gives us steamy, sexy heroines who are often missing, particularly from suspense and military romance. Her books feature heat we almost can't handle & shameless characters we champion and love.
She's most likely at her keyboard right now, putting the next heroine on the page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews
December 24, 2025
wtf 🤣 was 🤣 this 🤣 oml 🤣 i 🤣 can’t 🤣 stop 🤣 laughing. 🤣
this whole ritual of seven kings fucking each others wives and them having to HAVE second husband is beyond funny. this made me feel hella icky lmao. JUST NO.
this whole thing was a fucking shit show but damn i laughed harder than a hyena. 🤣
this whole ritual of seven kings fucking each others wives and them having to HAVE second husband is beyond funny. this made me feel hella icky lmao. JUST NO.
this whole thing was a fucking shit show but damn i laughed harder than a hyena. 🤣
May 25, 2025
Nash and Vale were so sexyyyyy! I can't wait to continue this series!
March 26, 2025
Tropes:
Mafia Romance
Secret Society with Taboo Traditions
Best Friend's Dad
Age gap (16 yrs)
Forced Proximity
5⭐
4🌶️
I'm sorry but did I just LOVE an age gap romance. Yes, yes I absolutely did. Kelly took one of my least favorite tropes & made me love it
Vale & Nash were everything. Nash is the most possessive and has met his match with Vale. Her snark & take no shit personality was perfection for him. This book has some of the absolute best banter imaginable.
This is the first in the Belles & Bravata series and this book needs no notes. Not only does it have such a unique world in terms of their secret society of brothers, their traditions with two kings & one queen, but in typical Kelly fashion some of the most panty melting spice.
This is an MF Romance but there are group scenes so you are warned. There is a mirror scene & a sex swing incident that is hotter than HOT.
I cannot wait to continue this series & quite literally need it like yesterday
Mafia Romance
Secret Society with Taboo Traditions
Best Friend's Dad
Age gap (16 yrs)
Forced Proximity
5⭐
4🌶️
I'm sorry but did I just LOVE an age gap romance. Yes, yes I absolutely did. Kelly took one of my least favorite tropes & made me love it
Vale & Nash were everything. Nash is the most possessive and has met his match with Vale. Her snark & take no shit personality was perfection for him. This book has some of the absolute best banter imaginable.
This is the first in the Belles & Bravata series and this book needs no notes. Not only does it have such a unique world in terms of their secret society of brothers, their traditions with two kings & one queen, but in typical Kelly fashion some of the most panty melting spice.
This is an MF Romance but there are group scenes so you are warned. There is a mirror scene & a sex swing incident that is hotter than HOT.
I cannot wait to continue this series & quite literally need it like yesterday
April 5, 2025
4/5 ⭐️
4/5 🌶️
WHEWWWW. Two things you can for sure count on in Kelly’s books? They’re spicy as hell & the banter is immaculate.
🖤 Ex-Mafia
⚜️ Secret Society
🖤 Best Friend’s Dad
⚜️ Age Gap
🖤 Forced Proximity
⚜️ Primal Play
🖤 Daddy K*nk
⚜️ Taboo Traditions
🖤 Forbidden Initiation
4/5 🌶️
WHEWWWW. Two things you can for sure count on in Kelly’s books? They’re spicy as hell & the banter is immaculate.
🖤 Ex-Mafia
⚜️ Secret Society
🖤 Best Friend’s Dad
⚜️ Age Gap
🖤 Forced Proximity
⚜️ Primal Play
🖤 Daddy K*nk
⚜️ Taboo Traditions
🖤 Forbidden Initiation
March 22, 2025
Boy, do I appreciate a man who likes to *EAT*, and Nash was certainly a very hungry man. If you’ve read any of Kelly Finley’s other books, you know that she has no qualms about including ALL.THE.SPICE and Nash was no exception. The best part though is that there was actual plot involved, too. This wasn’t just smut for the sake of smut, the sexy stuff was entwined with the storyline and was actually relevant. And hot. Very hot. Can’t forget that. So hot. I am an unapologetic slut for a morally gray older man, and I’m not sorry about it.
Nash and Vale have been thirsting after each other for years. He’s her best friend’s father, and he’s hiding some very dangerous secrets. She’s a sex-positive, slightly damaged twenty-something, trying to “get her kiss back” (she’s also the manager of Delta’s, which you might remember from Halloween for Six).
The banter! Vale is a first-class smart-ass, and some of her one-liners were brilliant. The way she had some of the macho “not-mafia-mafia” men taken aback was gold. Nash was able to give it right back to her, which only elevated their chemistry. Their relationship was full of tension and intimacy and conflict.
The 7 kings subplot is badass, and I am dying to continue the rest of the series.
Nash and Vale have been thirsting after each other for years. He’s her best friend’s father, and he’s hiding some very dangerous secrets. She’s a sex-positive, slightly damaged twenty-something, trying to “get her kiss back” (she’s also the manager of Delta’s, which you might remember from Halloween for Six).
The banter! Vale is a first-class smart-ass, and some of her one-liners were brilliant. The way she had some of the macho “not-mafia-mafia” men taken aback was gold. Nash was able to give it right back to her, which only elevated their chemistry. Their relationship was full of tension and intimacy and conflict.
The 7 kings subplot is badass, and I am dying to continue the rest of the series.
December 2, 2025
I’m sorry, I really can’t take seriously grown up men calling themselves kings and putting up thrones on a third floor of an adult shop.
The ridiculousness of it made me laugh way too hard.
Honestly, everything that came with that was just too far-fetched for me. The whole ritual sounded like a fancy excuse for incest-coded orgies.
You absolutely can take a vow to protect someone without having to f*ck them. It didn’t feel hot. It felt sad how Nash was forcing himself to go through something (twice, if we consider his “second king” gig!) he didn’t want to, just because he felt pressured by his so-called family.
I’m kinda astounded Kelly Finley would write something that doesn’t celebrate an excited consent, but a twisted kind of a coercion.
That being said, the plot itself and all the secrets sound intriguing enough to get me hooked on the drama, so I’ll give the second book a chance.
But if that excerpt from Alex’s book implied what I think it implied, I’ll end up dropping the series in disgust.
EDIT: I did end up dropping the series after the second book. I’m honestly disappointed Kelly Finley would write a series like that.
The ridiculousness of it made me laugh way too hard.
Honestly, everything that came with that was just too far-fetched for me. The whole ritual sounded like a fancy excuse for incest-coded orgies.
You absolutely can take a vow to protect someone without having to f*ck them. It didn’t feel hot. It felt sad how Nash was forcing himself to go through something (twice, if we consider his “second king” gig!) he didn’t want to, just because he felt pressured by his so-called family.
I’m kinda astounded Kelly Finley would write something that doesn’t celebrate an excited consent, but a twisted kind of a coercion.
That being said, the plot itself and all the secrets sound intriguing enough to get me hooked on the drama, so I’ll give the second book a chance.
But if that excerpt from Alex’s book implied what I think it implied, I’ll end up dropping the series in disgust.
EDIT: I did end up dropping the series after the second book. I’m honestly disappointed Kelly Finley would write a series like that.
April 18, 2025
Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK
This was the first book I've read by Kelly Finley so I don't know if any of the others by her connect to this story. Though I think at least two do from my brief researching. That being said, I felt like this didn't work as a first book in a series. Maybe if I had read the others I'd have some more answers, or maybe not. But as it was, there were a few too many things that I didn't feel got the explanation they deserved and it made me feel like I had started in the middle of an ongoing series. Especially with some of the mentions of other characters and their relationship where it really made me feel like I was missing part of the information or that I was already supposed to know it.
Overall, there were more good parts than bad for me and I do think I'll come back to the series for the next book. I may go back and try to read some of the books I think connect to this one, like the twin sisters book, also. I liked the spice level of it and the characters were intriguing so that was at least enough to keep me entertained.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
This was the first book I've read by Kelly Finley so I don't know if any of the others by her connect to this story. Though I think at least two do from my brief researching. That being said, I felt like this didn't work as a first book in a series. Maybe if I had read the others I'd have some more answers, or maybe not. But as it was, there were a few too many things that I didn't feel got the explanation they deserved and it made me feel like I had started in the middle of an ongoing series. Especially with some of the mentions of other characters and their relationship where it really made me feel like I was missing part of the information or that I was already supposed to know it.
Overall, there were more good parts than bad for me and I do think I'll come back to the series for the next book. I may go back and try to read some of the books I think connect to this one, like the twin sisters book, also. I liked the spice level of it and the characters were intriguing so that was at least enough to keep me entertained.
December 8, 2025
It was very hot, depraved, erotic and sexy. To be honest, I didn't expect much from this book. But my expectations were not fulfilled. Everything turned out to be much better. The characters are lively, funny, and the sexual tension went through the roof throughout the book. The chemistry between them is just insane. I fell in love with this couple. The plot is filled with secrets, intrigue, fun and a bit of drama. The secondary characters are also on top. You will like them so much that you will also want to read books about them and learn the following secrets. If you want to expand your reading boundaries, then this book will help you.
May 15, 2025
✨Ｎａｓｈ✨
"𝘚𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 '𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦' 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘴𝘩𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱, 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦."
I am now an official member of the @kellyfinleybooks fan club because THIS BOOK 😮💨 I was in the worst slump ever and 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙧...Nash & Vale were the cure. This book had me hooked from start to finish. I ATE IT UP. Vale (the FMC) is so fucking funny! The banter between her & Nash (the MMC) and even Vale and the other kings was so great. The secret society and taboo aspect of this series is insane in the best way. And the initiation….so hot. It was everything I didn’t know I needed. No notes. 5 stars. I already can’t wait for Axel!!
"𝘚𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 '𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦' 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘴𝘩𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱, 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦."
I am now an official member of the @kellyfinleybooks fan club because THIS BOOK 😮💨 I was in the worst slump ever and 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙧...Nash & Vale were the cure. This book had me hooked from start to finish. I ATE IT UP. Vale (the FMC) is so fucking funny! The banter between her & Nash (the MMC) and even Vale and the other kings was so great. The secret society and taboo aspect of this series is insane in the best way. And the initiation….so hot. It was everything I didn’t know I needed. No notes. 5 stars. I already can’t wait for Axel!!
March 25, 2025
BETA/ARC REVIEW: I’m always impressed with Kelly’s writing and her intricately woven storylines. Although this book starts a new series, many familiar faces pop up from the Queen of Spice’s world. That’s not to say you have to read her entire backlog to enjoy this one. Just know if you see someone on the page with a name, there’s a high probability they have a book you can read!
Nash + Vale are two of my favorite MC’s I’ve ever read. He is SO possessive. She is SO snarky (in the best way). I love them both for who they are individually + I love them together. These two have both survived some trauma + they’ve both been hiding their feelings for way too long. Of course the spice is fucking delicious, but the plot is so strong too. This story makes me giddy with joy!
I can’t wait to get to the rest of the brother’s stories. And just know my persistence paid off. WE ARE GETTING A JACE STORY 🙌🏻 I’ve loved him since we first saw him mentioned in Shameless Play. He’s an angel bb through + through.
Tropes:
Ex-mafia
Secret society
Age-gap
Best friend’s dad
Nash + Vale are two of my favorite MC’s I’ve ever read. He is SO possessive. She is SO snarky (in the best way). I love them both for who they are individually + I love them together. These two have both survived some trauma + they’ve both been hiding their feelings for way too long. Of course the spice is fucking delicious, but the plot is so strong too. This story makes me giddy with joy!
I can’t wait to get to the rest of the brother’s stories. And just know my persistence paid off. WE ARE GETTING A JACE STORY 🙌🏻 I’ve loved him since we first saw him mentioned in Shameless Play. He’s an angel bb through + through.
Tropes:
Ex-mafia
Secret society
Age-gap
Best friend’s dad
July 10, 2025
*Nash* by Kelly Finley
Belles and Bratva Beasts #1
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
11+ spicy scenes! Taboo, unique, well written!
Oh, Nash, this one was a ride. I was told to read it, so I read it, and it didn’t disappoint in the spice department! It was a very interesting read that I’m happy I picked up, but it was slightly outside my normal realm. It’s mafia-adjacent, or as Vale would call it, “mafia not-mafia.”
So, Nash is Vale’s best friend’s dad. Vale and Nash are super attracted to each other, they pretty much always have been, but they know it would break his daughter’s heart if they got together, so neither has done a thing about it or led on to any sort of interest.
But basically, Vale is Nash’s queen, and his brothers—the Kings—are part of this Robin Hood-style mafia. They kill the people who do bad things. She now needs protection because she witnessed him doing just that, and someone’s out to get them. So they’re having to stay together, and she’s under the protection of the Kings. But she’s not yet fully queen. If you’re not following me, that’s okay, because I don’t know that I always followed it either. Basically, these seven men initiate a queen (someone they want to marry and love), but each queen also has to have a second King who also has to “initiate” her…wink wink. It’s a bit of a dark romance with lots of spice and a brotherhood of s*exy men who don’t hook up with each other but share women.
Want to know where all the spice takes place?
Find me on Instagram Whereisthespice
Belles and Bratva Beasts #1
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
11+ spicy scenes! Taboo, unique, well written!
Oh, Nash, this one was a ride. I was told to read it, so I read it, and it didn’t disappoint in the spice department! It was a very interesting read that I’m happy I picked up, but it was slightly outside my normal realm. It’s mafia-adjacent, or as Vale would call it, “mafia not-mafia.”
So, Nash is Vale’s best friend’s dad. Vale and Nash are super attracted to each other, they pretty much always have been, but they know it would break his daughter’s heart if they got together, so neither has done a thing about it or led on to any sort of interest.
But basically, Vale is Nash’s queen, and his brothers—the Kings—are part of this Robin Hood-style mafia. They kill the people who do bad things. She now needs protection because she witnessed him doing just that, and someone’s out to get them. So they’re having to stay together, and she’s under the protection of the Kings. But she’s not yet fully queen. If you’re not following me, that’s okay, because I don’t know that I always followed it either. Basically, these seven men initiate a queen (someone they want to marry and love), but each queen also has to have a second King who also has to “initiate” her…wink wink. It’s a bit of a dark romance with lots of spice and a brotherhood of s*exy men who don’t hook up with each other but share women.
Want to know where all the spice takes place?
Find me on Instagram Whereisthespice
March 28, 2025
WOWWWW. This book was hottttt. That was like a spicy action flick just kept me coming back for more.
Read this book if you love age gap, mafia, daddy k*nk and forbidden love because it has all of those in SPADES.
Nash and Vale had the funniest banter and their push and pull?! Ooo boy it made for some serious sexual tension.
They deny their connection for years because Nash is Vale’s bffs daddy and obviously that’s a huge no no. But danger comes knocking & he has to protect her and there’s only one bed…all know what happens when there’s only ONE BED *wink wink.
As a mafia romance lover, I felt like this one was solid. The action kept me on my toes & Nash is an animal when someone threatens his people.
I ate this book up. The spice was immaculate and the witty one liners Vale kept dishing had me rolling. Highly recommend you read this book!
4⭐️| 4 🌶️
•mafia romance
•age gap (14ish years)
•best friends dad
•daddy k*nk
•SPICE
•forbidden
Read this book if you love age gap, mafia, daddy k*nk and forbidden love because it has all of those in SPADES.
Nash and Vale had the funniest banter and their push and pull?! Ooo boy it made for some serious sexual tension.
They deny their connection for years because Nash is Vale’s bffs daddy and obviously that’s a huge no no. But danger comes knocking & he has to protect her and there’s only one bed…all know what happens when there’s only ONE BED *wink wink.
As a mafia romance lover, I felt like this one was solid. The action kept me on my toes & Nash is an animal when someone threatens his people.
I ate this book up. The spice was immaculate and the witty one liners Vale kept dishing had me rolling. Highly recommend you read this book!
4⭐️| 4 🌶️
•mafia romance
•age gap (14ish years)
•best friends dad
•daddy k*nk
•SPICE
•forbidden
April 18, 2025
Dnf around 50%. Heroine annoying the plot was missing and to be honest it was whole so meh
March 25, 2025
5 ⭐️ | 4 🌶️
WOW 🤯 If you have not had the pleasure of reading a Kelly Finley book yet, let this be your first. While I haven’t read a ton of mafia books, this one is truly unique.
From Kelly’s unique brand of hilarious banter, to the incredibly memorable spice, and all of the heart warming moments sprinkled throughout, I was hooked from page 1.
🖤 Ex-mafia
⚜️ Secret society
🖤 Best friend’s dad
⚜️ Taboo
🖤 Age gap
⚜️ Daddy k!nk
🖤 Group scenes
Vale was one of the most fun FMC’s I’ve read in a while. She’s like a peppy, sex positive Wednesday Addams! The bickering back and forth between the two MCs was amazing, and all the ways vale came up with to get under Nash’s skin had me laughing so hard. Even passing commentary was hilarious, and Kelly Finley is so gifted in this way.
The taboo aspects of this story were perfection! The tension was so strong and Nash and vale were fighting their connection. I loved seeing the inner turmoil and how it was different for each character. When they finally gave in and let go, it was EXPLOSIVE!
And there’s a reason Kelly is known as the Queen of spice. Wooweee. Between the daddy k!nk, the primal play and the 💦 pants moment, I was done for. And the spice is so memorable!!! These scenes will be living rent free in my noggin that’s for sure🥵.
We also got cameos from some of our favorite characters from the Kelly-verse! The group scenes were not only super steamy, but also incredibly heartwarming. The queens & kings subplot is so intriguing to me and I love the belles & bratvas take & society that’s happening here.
Thank you so much to Kelly Finley for the opportunity to arc read Nash. I cannot wait to see where the rest of the series takes us! 🖤
WOW 🤯 If you have not had the pleasure of reading a Kelly Finley book yet, let this be your first. While I haven’t read a ton of mafia books, this one is truly unique.
From Kelly’s unique brand of hilarious banter, to the incredibly memorable spice, and all of the heart warming moments sprinkled throughout, I was hooked from page 1.
🖤 Ex-mafia
⚜️ Secret society
🖤 Best friend’s dad
⚜️ Taboo
🖤 Age gap
⚜️ Daddy k!nk
🖤 Group scenes
Vale was one of the most fun FMC’s I’ve read in a while. She’s like a peppy, sex positive Wednesday Addams! The bickering back and forth between the two MCs was amazing, and all the ways vale came up with to get under Nash’s skin had me laughing so hard. Even passing commentary was hilarious, and Kelly Finley is so gifted in this way.
The taboo aspects of this story were perfection! The tension was so strong and Nash and vale were fighting their connection. I loved seeing the inner turmoil and how it was different for each character. When they finally gave in and let go, it was EXPLOSIVE!
And there’s a reason Kelly is known as the Queen of spice. Wooweee. Between the daddy k!nk, the primal play and the 💦 pants moment, I was done for. And the spice is so memorable!!! These scenes will be living rent free in my noggin that’s for sure🥵.
We also got cameos from some of our favorite characters from the Kelly-verse! The group scenes were not only super steamy, but also incredibly heartwarming. The queens & kings subplot is so intriguing to me and I love the belles & bratvas take & society that’s happening here.
Thank you so much to Kelly Finley for the opportunity to arc read Nash. I cannot wait to see where the rest of the series takes us! 🖤
March 25, 2025
4
Nash is a best friend's father, age gap romance with a dark energy. Nash definitely has an "I'll kill for you" vibe when it comes to his daughter and her best friend, Vale, who has been pining for him for years, as he has loved her from afar, as well.
The evolution of the love and trust between Nash and Vale is compelling to read (especially when it came to the initiation into the "mafia-not-mafia" secret society.) That being said, the hint of taboo is a constant undercurrent of their relationship and I was 100% here for it!
As the personality of all the side characters begin to reveal themselves, and all the pieces began falling into place, I became more and more intrigued. I wanted to simultaneously SAVOR each chapter, as well as KNOW what was going on (bc I knew it was going to EPIC.)
While I didn't always love Vale's snark or her verbose inner monologues, I did appreciate her character growth knowing Nash would be there to support his fierce, independent Queen whenever she would need it. This is a MUST READ if you're a fan of "Alpha-hole except for her feisty independence with a smidge of taboo and pining."
Oh, and Axel? Who's that girl??
Nash is a best friend's father, age gap romance with a dark energy. Nash definitely has an "I'll kill for you" vibe when it comes to his daughter and her best friend, Vale, who has been pining for him for years, as he has loved her from afar, as well.
The evolution of the love and trust between Nash and Vale is compelling to read (especially when it came to the initiation into the "mafia-not-mafia" secret society.) That being said, the hint of taboo is a constant undercurrent of their relationship and I was 100% here for it!
As the personality of all the side characters begin to reveal themselves, and all the pieces began falling into place, I became more and more intrigued. I wanted to simultaneously SAVOR each chapter, as well as KNOW what was going on (bc I knew it was going to EPIC.)
While I didn't always love Vale's snark or her verbose inner monologues, I did appreciate her character growth knowing Nash would be there to support his fierce, independent Queen whenever she would need it. This is a MUST READ if you're a fan of "Alpha-hole except for her feisty independence with a smidge of taboo and pining."
Oh, and Axel? Who's that girl??
March 30, 2025
I don’t even know where to begin with this because this 100% in my top 10 of 2025!!
Nash seems like your typical doting dad but behind his polo and khakis hides a deep dark secret…well, several deep dark secrets. One is that he’s Bratva only assumes this nerd persona so people don’t suspect anything and two, he’s deeply in love with his daughter’s best friend Vale. Alena and Vale have been friends since they were little. Alena’s mom was killed in Iraq and Nash had to grow up REAL quick and become the parent she deserved and stop being a dumb teen. So that’s what he became, not just to Alena, but to Vale and her twin sister Blair. Vale and Alena could not be MORE opposite and every single thing they do and I truly think that is the biggest part of why their friendship last and is so important. Elena works as a park Ranger and she loves what she does. She’s also very shy and long confrontational. Vale is a real life Wednesday Addams. She’s currently working in their towns local sex store while going to school to get her PhD. in sex studies.
The story starts at Vales 21st birthday where all the girls are out partying and they run into her abusive ex-boyfriend Chad. However, lurking in the shadows and unbeknown to them as always is Nash. So when he spots Chad drugging Vales drink, he steps in to take action in his own way. Fast forward a couple years and Alena is now engaged and they’re celebrating her engagement party, when Vale is trying to leave Nash offers to drive her home. However, on the ride home, Nash discovered that he’s being followed by a car that he saw outside of a meeting with his brothers previously. Reaching out to his brothers he make sure that Elena is secured and advises them that him and Vale are in danger and going into hiding. Which leads Vale to discover that Mr. Allen the accountant and dorky dad is simply a persona. She refuses to go to a safe house so they go back to her apartment when she tells Nash that he can leave. He objects and says he’ll sleep on the floor.
The ever sassy mouthed Vale takes a HUGE objection to this because not only is he deeply in love with her, she’s deeply in love with him but because of Alena they’ll never act on it……or will they?
Nash and Vale keep up appearances at the sex shop until Vale starts putting two and two together and realizes that Jace the security guard is also working with Nash. She starts questioning everything about his life and he slowly opens up about what he really does. Then they discuss what happened when Vale was 18 and caught Nash in a “situation”, a situation that also turned into a situation for Vale. The tension finally boils over and the two begin secretly schmexing it up. While they have these intimate moments, Vale still continues to question ALL of Nash’s life and Nash answers as much and as best as he can.
Shortly after, Nash reminds Vale for the billionth time that he would kill for her in the same way he would for Alena but he loves her……differently than he loves Alena.
Nash and his brothers have been tracking and dangerous group of child traffickers and discover that they are in fact the people who tried to run them off the bridge after the engagement party. When they discover their “boss” will be competing in a golf tournament they decide to enter, well Vale decides to enter, you see…..Vale is the child of a golf pro and also a pro herself. So while Nash refuses he eventually and begrudgingly allows her to enter, provided he’s with her the entire time. Vale enters and decides to play into his ego and “play like a girl” for the first few holes and then decides as he increases the bet, to show him what she’s got.
The brothers end up capturing Turner and Vale and Nash seem to ease back into normalcy as much as they can.
One of the biggest things I loved about Nash was that in between the moments of chaos where they’re being chased or their in the middle of Schmack time there’s these endearing heartwarming conversations where they both let their guard down. Vale tells Nash about things she’s often kept inside, things she never thought she would ever let anyone know, like what happened with Chad. Although to some extent Nash already knew (surprise surprise).
When Turner escapes Vale and Nash have to go back into hiding and that’s when feelings and future talks become bigger conversations.
As the book progresses we see the conflict between Nash and Vale be it sexual tension or the fact that he’s hiding things from her and more importantly Alena, we learn more about his “brothers” and what the Bratva truly entails to be his Queen, something Vale truly wants to be and Nash’s jealousy won’t allow based on traditions.
We learn that many of the people who have been in Alena and Vale’s every day life are actually there to protect them. While the sentiment is sweet, Vale is pissed at all the lying that’s been going on and begs Nash to tell Alena EVERYTHING…..and he does, which breaks both Vale and Alena’s hearts in different ways. While Nash keeps his distance for both of them, Turner decides to make his reappearance and tries to assault Alena, Vale hears him and deters him from Alena so that she can attack. Vale gets him to where her golf clubs are and knocks him out but it’s not enough……so when he gets up again to attack, he’s quickly down again at the hands of Nash shooting him.
Let me just tell you i ate this story up!!! It kept me on the edge of my seat the ENTIRE time. The spice and the plot were just *chefs kiss*! The banter, the side characters, the history……it was such an amazingly well rounded story!
Thank you Kelly Finley for an ARC of this book for my honest review.
Nash seems like your typical doting dad but behind his polo and khakis hides a deep dark secret…well, several deep dark secrets. One is that he’s Bratva only assumes this nerd persona so people don’t suspect anything and two, he’s deeply in love with his daughter’s best friend Vale. Alena and Vale have been friends since they were little. Alena’s mom was killed in Iraq and Nash had to grow up REAL quick and become the parent she deserved and stop being a dumb teen. So that’s what he became, not just to Alena, but to Vale and her twin sister Blair. Vale and Alena could not be MORE opposite and every single thing they do and I truly think that is the biggest part of why their friendship last and is so important. Elena works as a park Ranger and she loves what she does. She’s also very shy and long confrontational. Vale is a real life Wednesday Addams. She’s currently working in their towns local sex store while going to school to get her PhD. in sex studies.
The story starts at Vales 21st birthday where all the girls are out partying and they run into her abusive ex-boyfriend Chad. However, lurking in the shadows and unbeknown to them as always is Nash. So when he spots Chad drugging Vales drink, he steps in to take action in his own way. Fast forward a couple years and Alena is now engaged and they’re celebrating her engagement party, when Vale is trying to leave Nash offers to drive her home. However, on the ride home, Nash discovered that he’s being followed by a car that he saw outside of a meeting with his brothers previously. Reaching out to his brothers he make sure that Elena is secured and advises them that him and Vale are in danger and going into hiding. Which leads Vale to discover that Mr. Allen the accountant and dorky dad is simply a persona. She refuses to go to a safe house so they go back to her apartment when she tells Nash that he can leave. He objects and says he’ll sleep on the floor.
The ever sassy mouthed Vale takes a HUGE objection to this because not only is he deeply in love with her, she’s deeply in love with him but because of Alena they’ll never act on it……or will they?
Nash and Vale keep up appearances at the sex shop until Vale starts putting two and two together and realizes that Jace the security guard is also working with Nash. She starts questioning everything about his life and he slowly opens up about what he really does. Then they discuss what happened when Vale was 18 and caught Nash in a “situation”, a situation that also turned into a situation for Vale. The tension finally boils over and the two begin secretly schmexing it up. While they have these intimate moments, Vale still continues to question ALL of Nash’s life and Nash answers as much and as best as he can.
Shortly after, Nash reminds Vale for the billionth time that he would kill for her in the same way he would for Alena but he loves her……differently than he loves Alena.
Nash and his brothers have been tracking and dangerous group of child traffickers and discover that they are in fact the people who tried to run them off the bridge after the engagement party. When they discover their “boss” will be competing in a golf tournament they decide to enter, well Vale decides to enter, you see…..Vale is the child of a golf pro and also a pro herself. So while Nash refuses he eventually and begrudgingly allows her to enter, provided he’s with her the entire time. Vale enters and decides to play into his ego and “play like a girl” for the first few holes and then decides as he increases the bet, to show him what she’s got.
The brothers end up capturing Turner and Vale and Nash seem to ease back into normalcy as much as they can.
One of the biggest things I loved about Nash was that in between the moments of chaos where they’re being chased or their in the middle of Schmack time there’s these endearing heartwarming conversations where they both let their guard down. Vale tells Nash about things she’s often kept inside, things she never thought she would ever let anyone know, like what happened with Chad. Although to some extent Nash already knew (surprise surprise).
When Turner escapes Vale and Nash have to go back into hiding and that’s when feelings and future talks become bigger conversations.
As the book progresses we see the conflict between Nash and Vale be it sexual tension or the fact that he’s hiding things from her and more importantly Alena, we learn more about his “brothers” and what the Bratva truly entails to be his Queen, something Vale truly wants to be and Nash’s jealousy won’t allow based on traditions.
We learn that many of the people who have been in Alena and Vale’s every day life are actually there to protect them. While the sentiment is sweet, Vale is pissed at all the lying that’s been going on and begs Nash to tell Alena EVERYTHING…..and he does, which breaks both Vale and Alena’s hearts in different ways. While Nash keeps his distance for both of them, Turner decides to make his reappearance and tries to assault Alena, Vale hears him and deters him from Alena so that she can attack. Vale gets him to where her golf clubs are and knocks him out but it’s not enough……so when he gets up again to attack, he’s quickly down again at the hands of Nash shooting him.
Let me just tell you i ate this story up!!! It kept me on the edge of my seat the ENTIRE time. The spice and the plot were just *chefs kiss*! The banter, the side characters, the history……it was such an amazingly well rounded story!
Thank you Kelly Finley for an ARC of this book for my honest review.
April 17, 2025
DNF @29% I don’t really get the hype around this book. It was just blah to me.
Read
April 18, 2025Soooo umm was I entertained? Yes, but did I necessarily enjoy it, not really?
Also them calling each other king and queen was way too millennial cringe for me
No rating
Also them calling each other king and queen was way too millennial cringe for me
No rating
November 7, 2025
Spice: 4
Tropes:
best friend's dad
age gap
forced proximity
one bed
touch her and die
secret society
single dad
Dual POV
Trigger Warnings:
assault survivor
murder
parental loss
human trafficking
Nash, Nash, Nash. I'm going to be honest, I read Axel (book 2) first and while I enjoyed your character in that book, I had no idea I would fall in love with you like I did. Dare I say I love you more than Axel? I think I do lol. I love mafia men. There's something about men covered in tattoos with a "touch her and die" attitude... well not attitude, it truly is their way of life, and I'm definitely here for it.
Nash has been in love with his adult daughter's best friend for a decade. He's never acted on it, for his daughter's sake, but when Nash is compromised (they've been after human traffickers) while in the presence of Vale, his secret love, they're thrown into sharing an apartment until the target has been caught. Things definitely get complicated as Vale also has been secretly in love with Nash since she was a teenager. Now they're forced in a studio apartment, working together, and one bed for the foreseeable future. That's going to make keeping hands to oneself.... difficult.
I loved this book. It was full of sexual tension, secrets, bad men, sexy men, hot and heavy scenes, and stressful moments. I couldn't put this one down. The banter between Nash and Vale was top notch. Vale is freaking hilarious! I wish my mouth was a quick with a comeback as hers is. She had no filter, even when it came to her best friend's dad and it cracked me up! I loved the tension between them, especially as they both tried so hard not to cross lines for the sake of Nash's daughter, as they were afraid of hurting her with their relationship. But the heart knows what it wants and that was for Nash to make Vale his Queen.
My heart did break for Alena at the end of this book. I can't wait for her book. Also, Nash and Axel timelines cross and I love that. You could probably tandem read them if you wanted to get wild! Start with Nash though. I just love Kelly's writing and these Bratva Kings and their queens!
Tropes:
best friend's dad
age gap
forced proximity
one bed
touch her and die
secret society
single dad
Dual POV
Trigger Warnings:
assault survivor
murder
parental loss
human trafficking
Nash, Nash, Nash. I'm going to be honest, I read Axel (book 2) first and while I enjoyed your character in that book, I had no idea I would fall in love with you like I did. Dare I say I love you more than Axel? I think I do lol. I love mafia men. There's something about men covered in tattoos with a "touch her and die" attitude... well not attitude, it truly is their way of life, and I'm definitely here for it.
Nash has been in love with his adult daughter's best friend for a decade. He's never acted on it, for his daughter's sake, but when Nash is compromised (they've been after human traffickers) while in the presence of Vale, his secret love, they're thrown into sharing an apartment until the target has been caught. Things definitely get complicated as Vale also has been secretly in love with Nash since she was a teenager. Now they're forced in a studio apartment, working together, and one bed for the foreseeable future. That's going to make keeping hands to oneself.... difficult.
I loved this book. It was full of sexual tension, secrets, bad men, sexy men, hot and heavy scenes, and stressful moments. I couldn't put this one down. The banter between Nash and Vale was top notch. Vale is freaking hilarious! I wish my mouth was a quick with a comeback as hers is. She had no filter, even when it came to her best friend's dad and it cracked me up! I loved the tension between them, especially as they both tried so hard not to cross lines for the sake of Nash's daughter, as they were afraid of hurting her with their relationship. But the heart knows what it wants and that was for Nash to make Vale his Queen.
My heart did break for Alena at the end of this book. I can't wait for her book. Also, Nash and Axel timelines cross and I love that. You could probably tandem read them if you wanted to get wild! Start with Nash though. I just love Kelly's writing and these Bratva Kings and their queens!
March 30, 2025
Nothing like finding out that the man you've been obsessing about for the past several years and the father of your best friend, is not exactly who you thought you knew. He's by far more dangerous and far more enticing than Vale imagined in the wildest of her fantasies. And now, thanks to him, her safe bubble has exploded and for her ensured protection, Vale may have to do things... such unimaginably devious and unadulterated things in order to be his... to be his Queen.
Nash wants Vale to himself, but knows that that may be impossible, just as daunting it would be should he get even more entangled with her. But the pull is too strong to resist, can he keep her safe and, at the same time, prevent his daughter, Alena, from getting hurt too? It is a hard struggle to be a good father to Alena, when he wants to be a DILF to Vale.
Vale definitely has a snarky mouth on her. Her wit and "smartassery" comebacks are unending -- she talks incessantly! But she is a fighter and she will take crap from no one. She will not back down, not from him, not from his brothers, and not from the beast as he is evoked... and the thrill is a turn on for her. She has a sort of resiliency and matter-of-factness (delivered with much impertinence) that is admirable, yet reckless... and it drives Nash crazy in more ways than one. She's so smart too, she acts a little immature most times, but she knows her stuff... especially when it comes to pleasure.
But with so many secrets to keep, will that lead to inevitable heartbreak?
Look no further if you want a thrilling mafia-esque SPICY SPICY dark romance. The steam will make you blush.
TROPES:
Mafia Romance . Age Gap . Best Friend’s Dad . Forced Proximity . Secret Society . Brotherhood
Micro Tropes:
Not-mafia-mafia . Yes, Daddy . No kissing rule . Taboo initiation . A forbidden black door . Kings share queens . He’ll gnash a neck for her
4 🌟 eARC review.
Nash wants Vale to himself, but knows that that may be impossible, just as daunting it would be should he get even more entangled with her. But the pull is too strong to resist, can he keep her safe and, at the same time, prevent his daughter, Alena, from getting hurt too? It is a hard struggle to be a good father to Alena, when he wants to be a DILF to Vale.
Vale definitely has a snarky mouth on her. Her wit and "smartassery" comebacks are unending -- she talks incessantly! But she is a fighter and she will take crap from no one. She will not back down, not from him, not from his brothers, and not from the beast as he is evoked... and the thrill is a turn on for her. She has a sort of resiliency and matter-of-factness (delivered with much impertinence) that is admirable, yet reckless... and it drives Nash crazy in more ways than one. She's so smart too, she acts a little immature most times, but she knows her stuff... especially when it comes to pleasure.
But with so many secrets to keep, will that lead to inevitable heartbreak?
Look no further if you want a thrilling mafia-esque SPICY SPICY dark romance. The steam will make you blush.
TROPES:
Mafia Romance . Age Gap . Best Friend’s Dad . Forced Proximity . Secret Society . Brotherhood
Micro Tropes:
Not-mafia-mafia . Yes, Daddy . No kissing rule . Taboo initiation . A forbidden black door . Kings share queens . He’ll gnash a neck for her
4 🌟 eARC review.
March 25, 2025
Phew this book was all sorts of unhinged and spicy goodness and I truly believe my mind is absolutely cooked, and I know I share this with some amazing book besties (I see you Thorunn and Merrit). I have never read Kelly before, simply because my TBR is the Mt Everest of impossibility, but having this as an ARC and being part of Kelly's Team has meant an opportunity to feast on her words.
This is Book 1 in a new series and hold on to your thrones, pray to the gods and hope one of these Bratva Beasts chooses you because, they can pick me NOW! This tested my moral compass (okay I never had one) and made me ever more excited to read more (maybe in the meantime I need to deep dive into my TBR's). This is the story of Nash, bought into this world of brothers as a teenager, and has been there thru some dark times. And, he has wanted his daughter best friend since she was 18. Vale too, has desired Nash for as long, but the forbidden nature of this attraction has stopped her acting on those feelings, but Nash as always been there for her, taking care of her.
Vale and Nash, amongst the simmering tension and attraction have banter that just adds to this, and Vale's take no prisoners attitude is a testament to her strong character (and how she is a perfect match to Nash, the Queen to the King). The society means that the Kings have to choose Queens, but those Queens also have a second King and this tests our extremely overly possessive, alpha to the max Nash. Vale being the sex positive woman that she is, with Nash, their coupling is HOT AF. In amongst the chaos, the banter, there is tenderness, healing, hope and the twists and turns in this book keep you clued to the book with every turn of the page. I cannot wait for the rest of the books in this series. I loved it, and fly my unhinged/cooked flag proudly.
This is Book 1 in a new series and hold on to your thrones, pray to the gods and hope one of these Bratva Beasts chooses you because, they can pick me NOW! This tested my moral compass (okay I never had one) and made me ever more excited to read more (maybe in the meantime I need to deep dive into my TBR's). This is the story of Nash, bought into this world of brothers as a teenager, and has been there thru some dark times. And, he has wanted his daughter best friend since she was 18. Vale too, has desired Nash for as long, but the forbidden nature of this attraction has stopped her acting on those feelings, but Nash as always been there for her, taking care of her.
Vale and Nash, amongst the simmering tension and attraction have banter that just adds to this, and Vale's take no prisoners attitude is a testament to her strong character (and how she is a perfect match to Nash, the Queen to the King). The society means that the Kings have to choose Queens, but those Queens also have a second King and this tests our extremely overly possessive, alpha to the max Nash. Vale being the sex positive woman that she is, with Nash, their coupling is HOT AF. In amongst the chaos, the banter, there is tenderness, healing, hope and the twists and turns in this book keep you clued to the book with every turn of the page. I cannot wait for the rest of the books in this series. I loved it, and fly my unhinged/cooked flag proudly.
March 25, 2025
NASH by Kelly Finley - ARC Review
5 ⭐️
3.5 🌶️
Mafia romance girlies, pls gather round.
I cannot begin to even explain how much I thoroughly enjoyed and DEVOURED this arc.
This is my first book I’ve read by Kelly, and now I’ve added every Kelly book to my TBR. The writing, the PLOT, the spice, the tension, the ANGST, the forbidden romance, the dark desires, all of it, made for an absolute stellar, 5 star read. 😮💨
NASH is a standalone ex-mafia romance surrounding the man himself, Nash, and his daughter’s best friend, Vale. These two have had the gooey eyes for each since Vale was of age, unbeknownst to the both of them. When Nash’s secret life starts bleeding into his normal, these two are stuck together to avoid the danger that lurks around them. Throw in the ways of a secret society and spice that will leave you gasping for air, this book is set to rock your world. *cackles mischievously*
Vale is such a badass heroine. She’s fierce, she’s unapologetically sex-positive, she’s confident and outspoken and this woman’s snark? Sensational. Comedic genius. I could read it again just for Vale’s smart-ass comments alone.
“𝐎𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐠𝐨𝐝,” 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐤, “𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐧.”
Nash is effortlessly delicious. He’s protective, obsessive and lethal. Accountant by day, King by night, this man had me biting my fist and calling for help more times than I can count.
“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐈 𝐚𝐦.”
Together? Nash and Vale are HOT 🔥
The mix of a secret society of ex-bratva Kings & Queens, ‘rituals’ that require a second King (yes, you read correctly) and molten spice, will leave you hotter than the Sahara desert.
“𝐔𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐈 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐬𝐡. 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐦, 𝐈 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭; 𝐈 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧.”
The overall storyline and character development was amazing, it had you glued to the spot, wanting more and more. I cannot wait to dive deeper into the Belles and Bratva world! 😍
Tropes:
👑 Ex-Mafia
🔪 Secret Society
👑 Best Friend's Dad
🔪 Age Gap
👑 Forced Proximity
🔪 Primal Play
👑 Daddy k*nk
🔪 Taboo Traditions
Thank you to Kelly for allowing me to be apart of your ARC team in exchange for an honest review!
5 ⭐️
3.5 🌶️
Mafia romance girlies, pls gather round.
I cannot begin to even explain how much I thoroughly enjoyed and DEVOURED this arc.
This is my first book I’ve read by Kelly, and now I’ve added every Kelly book to my TBR. The writing, the PLOT, the spice, the tension, the ANGST, the forbidden romance, the dark desires, all of it, made for an absolute stellar, 5 star read. 😮💨
NASH is a standalone ex-mafia romance surrounding the man himself, Nash, and his daughter’s best friend, Vale. These two have had the gooey eyes for each since Vale was of age, unbeknownst to the both of them. When Nash’s secret life starts bleeding into his normal, these two are stuck together to avoid the danger that lurks around them. Throw in the ways of a secret society and spice that will leave you gasping for air, this book is set to rock your world. *cackles mischievously*
Vale is such a badass heroine. She’s fierce, she’s unapologetically sex-positive, she’s confident and outspoken and this woman’s snark? Sensational. Comedic genius. I could read it again just for Vale’s smart-ass comments alone.
“𝐎𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐠𝐨𝐝,” 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐤, “𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐧.”
Nash is effortlessly delicious. He’s protective, obsessive and lethal. Accountant by day, King by night, this man had me biting my fist and calling for help more times than I can count.
“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐈 𝐚𝐦.”
Together? Nash and Vale are HOT 🔥
The mix of a secret society of ex-bratva Kings & Queens, ‘rituals’ that require a second King (yes, you read correctly) and molten spice, will leave you hotter than the Sahara desert.
“𝐔𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐈 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐬𝐡. 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐦, 𝐈 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭; 𝐈 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧.”
The overall storyline and character development was amazing, it had you glued to the spot, wanting more and more. I cannot wait to dive deeper into the Belles and Bratva world! 😍
Tropes:
👑 Ex-Mafia
🔪 Secret Society
👑 Best Friend's Dad
🔪 Age Gap
👑 Forced Proximity
🔪 Primal Play
👑 Daddy k*nk
🔪 Taboo Traditions
Thank you to Kelly for allowing me to be apart of your ARC team in exchange for an honest review!
March 31, 2025
STORY
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
SPICE
🌶️ hot
RECOMMEND
💳 yes
Vale’s quick quips are pretty damn good. There’s two I may have to incorporate into my everyday life:
“I have one nerve left, and you’re dry-humping it.”
“If you think I’m short, you should see my patience.” For context, I’m 5’ even.
The chemistry and tension between Vale and Nash is exceptionally strong and delicious. The spice is so spicy. The backstory is great too, and I can see it getting better and better since it looks like this series is going to be interconnected - I could be wrong though. There was a twist at the end that I figured out earlier, but it didn’t take away from that reveal.
The teaser at the end for the next book, “Axel”, gave away a secret that blew my mind and honestly, I’m looking forward to how that will play out after reading “Nash”.
And, please please please make sure you read Jace’s teaser/sneak peak. 😮💨 I need his book immediately!!!
Make sure you read the Content Advisor if you’re sensitive to certain topics, which will give minor spoilers. If you decide to read “Nash”, enjoy it.
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
SPICE
🌶️ hot
RECOMMEND
💳 yes
Vale’s quick quips are pretty damn good. There’s two I may have to incorporate into my everyday life:
“I have one nerve left, and you’re dry-humping it.”
“If you think I’m short, you should see my patience.” For context, I’m 5’ even.
The chemistry and tension between Vale and Nash is exceptionally strong and delicious. The spice is so spicy. The backstory is great too, and I can see it getting better and better since it looks like this series is going to be interconnected - I could be wrong though. There was a twist at the end that I figured out earlier, but it didn’t take away from that reveal.
The teaser at the end for the next book, “Axel”, gave away a secret that blew my mind and honestly, I’m looking forward to how that will play out after reading “Nash”.
And, please please please make sure you read Jace’s teaser/sneak peak. 😮💨 I need his book immediately!!!
Make sure you read the Content Advisor if you’re sensitive to certain topics, which will give minor spoilers. If you decide to read “Nash”, enjoy it.
May 7, 2025
🔥7👑👑🌶️🥵
Nash
By Kelly Finley
“Oh, she knows me. She just doesn’t know I’m the devil.”
“Nash Allen is wired into my erotic system in ways I’ll never confess. My nerves get tingly. My skin flushed. Heat blooms everywhere when I’m around him, even though he acts so cold to me now. I don’t know what happened.”
“I’ll never hurt you, Vale, and I’ll kill anyone who does.”
This one sucked me in from the very beginning! Nash and Vale’s story has so many twist and turns! And learning about Nash’s true identity and his family and how far they go for the ones they love. I couldn’t put this one down! It has everything! Heat, love, romance, action, family, secrets and loyalty. So freaking good and I can’t wait for the next one to come out and learn Axels story!
Tropes:
Age Gap
Best Friend’s Dad
Forced Proximity
Secret Society
Spice starts at: 21%🔥
Spice: 4/4🌶️
Stars: 5/5⭐️
Available on Kindle Unlimited
Nash
By Kelly Finley
“Oh, she knows me. She just doesn’t know I’m the devil.”
“Nash Allen is wired into my erotic system in ways I’ll never confess. My nerves get tingly. My skin flushed. Heat blooms everywhere when I’m around him, even though he acts so cold to me now. I don’t know what happened.”
“I’ll never hurt you, Vale, and I’ll kill anyone who does.”
This one sucked me in from the very beginning! Nash and Vale’s story has so many twist and turns! And learning about Nash’s true identity and his family and how far they go for the ones they love. I couldn’t put this one down! It has everything! Heat, love, romance, action, family, secrets and loyalty. So freaking good and I can’t wait for the next one to come out and learn Axels story!
Tropes:
Age Gap
Best Friend’s Dad
Forced Proximity
Secret Society
Spice starts at: 21%🔥
Spice: 4/4🌶️
Stars: 5/5⭐️
Available on Kindle Unlimited
March 15, 2025
“𝐈 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐞’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐈’𝐝 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡.”
Kelly, babe, I am beyond blown away. I love your work, always have. But this one. Wow. These two were just absolutely everything. The we shouldn’t but we want to, ahhhh.
Vale just shot up on the list of my favorite FMCs. She’s feisty, powerful, relatable, regardless of the trauma she’s endured. Nash is another level of man. He’s one of those all consuming types, but it’s not like she doesn’t want that. 😏 “𝐌𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧”
The Seven Kings & their stories… it’s going to be a wild adventure, I highly suggest you dive in. You also see some familiar faces from past books, which is also very fun. If you haven’t read Kelly before, you definitely SHOULD! 🤭
I cannot wait for the next one hehehe :insert gimme GIF:
Kelly, babe, I am beyond blown away. I love your work, always have. But this one. Wow. These two were just absolutely everything. The we shouldn’t but we want to, ahhhh.
Vale just shot up on the list of my favorite FMCs. She’s feisty, powerful, relatable, regardless of the trauma she’s endured. Nash is another level of man. He’s one of those all consuming types, but it’s not like she doesn’t want that. 😏 “𝐌𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧”
The Seven Kings & their stories… it’s going to be a wild adventure, I highly suggest you dive in. You also see some familiar faces from past books, which is also very fun. If you haven’t read Kelly before, you definitely SHOULD! 🤭
I cannot wait for the next one hehehe :insert gimme GIF:
April 26, 2025
Nash, Nash, Nash!!! Ooooo that man is something else. Nash gives new meaning to your "Daddy" fantasy/kink!
I cannot express how much I LOVED reading Nash by Kelly Finley. Kelly is an amazing writer that has me captivated from the start.
Nash and Vale are perfection 🤌🏼 Their personalities, their chemistry, their banter. Nash's bossiness, Vale's brattiness is so perfectly balanced.
The spice level of this book is OFF the charts!!! Not thinking much about it I decided to read this at work...good thing I was alone because I would've been getting some looks from the reactions Kelly's writing pulled from me!
I cannot wait for Axel's book 🤭
I cannot express how much I LOVED reading Nash by Kelly Finley. Kelly is an amazing writer that has me captivated from the start.
Nash and Vale are perfection 🤌🏼 Their personalities, their chemistry, their banter. Nash's bossiness, Vale's brattiness is so perfectly balanced.
The spice level of this book is OFF the charts!!! Not thinking much about it I decided to read this at work...good thing I was alone because I would've been getting some looks from the reactions Kelly's writing pulled from me!
I cannot wait for Axel's book 🤭
April 9, 2025
You know that feeling when you jump into a new book and for a minute you’re like wait… where is this going? Then you get a little further in and your brain starts to have tingles? Then you keep reading and all of a sudden you’re messaging your friend and scream texting about the connections you’re making? That’s this book for me.
I had never read a Kelly Finley book until a friend from real life told me she was opening and adding to her ARC team and suggested that since I love reading ARCs and am a big fan of mafia/secret society she’d be right up my alley. Umm, thank you friend because now I have a whole new backlist to add to my TBR and I am INVESTED in this series after book one.
So our MMC Nash and FMC Vale have been in each other’s lives for what seems like forever. Vale grew up with Alena, who is Nash’s daughter. Yes friends, we’re jumping into a best friend’s dad trope and the way I squealed when I realized what was happening.
This book honestly has so many twists and turns and Easter eggs that, to be honest, my brain wants to type things that I know I cannot say! Here’s what I think would not be a spoiler:
Vale and Nash have great chemistry. There’s a good burn, but they combust pretty quickly and we get into the thick of their relationship. Nash is part of the not mafia-mafia as Vale calls it, and really it’s a perfect explanation of who he and his brothers are. There’s a king and queen theme in these books that goes beyond what you’d expect, but Finley fleshes it out pretty nicely throughout this first book. There are a MILLION things I’m still wondering, but that just means I’ll be waiting for the rest of the men to have their books very impatiently 😂
You’ll want to read this book if:
You love mafia, but wish the made men were a little more equal.
You want more of a female presence in your mafia beyond the spice.
You love secret societies.
You are a fan of why choose.
You like your books extra spicy.
You like to be surprised by something happening and aren’t just looking for an HEA (although there will be an HEA).
This book definitely falls into the category of dark, romantic suspense and I’m finding more and more that I really love these types of books. I’m here for an HEA for sure, but sometimes I need a few more twists and turns than the 80% break up and Kelly Finley gives it to us in spades.
I had never read a Kelly Finley book until a friend from real life told me she was opening and adding to her ARC team and suggested that since I love reading ARCs and am a big fan of mafia/secret society she’d be right up my alley. Umm, thank you friend because now I have a whole new backlist to add to my TBR and I am INVESTED in this series after book one.
So our MMC Nash and FMC Vale have been in each other’s lives for what seems like forever. Vale grew up with Alena, who is Nash’s daughter. Yes friends, we’re jumping into a best friend’s dad trope and the way I squealed when I realized what was happening.
This book honestly has so many twists and turns and Easter eggs that, to be honest, my brain wants to type things that I know I cannot say! Here’s what I think would not be a spoiler:
Vale and Nash have great chemistry. There’s a good burn, but they combust pretty quickly and we get into the thick of their relationship. Nash is part of the not mafia-mafia as Vale calls it, and really it’s a perfect explanation of who he and his brothers are. There’s a king and queen theme in these books that goes beyond what you’d expect, but Finley fleshes it out pretty nicely throughout this first book. There are a MILLION things I’m still wondering, but that just means I’ll be waiting for the rest of the men to have their books very impatiently 😂
You’ll want to read this book if:
You love mafia, but wish the made men were a little more equal.
You want more of a female presence in your mafia beyond the spice.
You love secret societies.
You are a fan of why choose.
You like your books extra spicy.
You like to be surprised by something happening and aren’t just looking for an HEA (although there will be an HEA).
This book definitely falls into the category of dark, romantic suspense and I’m finding more and more that I really love these types of books. I’m here for an HEA for sure, but sometimes I need a few more twists and turns than the 80% break up and Kelly Finley gives it to us in spades.
June 28, 2025
READ.THE.DAMN.BOOK ‼️
♾️⭐️
THE MOUTH ON THIS GIRL!! I love it she cracks me up 🤣☠️
A girl named Vale vowed to herself to neverrrr kiss on the lips & the reasons WHY you will understand. Her choice got taken from her.. Vale has always had a crush on her bestfriend father 🥵 She’s going to college to be a s*x therapist and currently working at a s*x shop!!
Nash is everythingggg in a ex mafia man 🥵
He’s such a possessive man over his woman 🤤
Tropes:
•Possessive MMC
•Age Gap
•Daddy kink
•Secret Society
•Best Friend Dad
•Daddy K*nk
•Taboo
Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
♾️⭐️
THE MOUTH ON THIS GIRL!! I love it she cracks me up 🤣☠️
A girl named Vale vowed to herself to neverrrr kiss on the lips & the reasons WHY you will understand. Her choice got taken from her.. Vale has always had a crush on her bestfriend father 🥵 She’s going to college to be a s*x therapist and currently working at a s*x shop!!
Nash is everythingggg in a ex mafia man 🥵
He’s such a possessive man over his woman 🤤
Tropes:
•Possessive MMC
•Age Gap
•Daddy kink
•Secret Society
•Best Friend Dad
•Daddy K*nk
•Taboo
Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
March 19, 2025
Another fantastic read of the Queen of Spice herself! Vale js so infuriatingly lovable and the best possible match for Nash. I loved having their story and also seeing so many connections from other stories come together. Not your typical “mafia” romance because it was so much more! I absolutely cannot wait for more
March 21, 2025
♾️ ⭐️
Get ready to meet your newest Daddy- Nash! The mouth in the man 😮💨
LOVED this so much that I was literally addicted and conflicted- wanting to devour it but also wanting to savor it!!
⚜️ Ex-mafia/ Secret Society
🖤 Age Gap Romance
⚜️ Taboo rituals
🖤 Primal Play
⚜️ Witty banter
🖤 Forced proximity
⚜️ DADDDDDDY Nash!
🖤 HEA
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ SPICY!!!!
Get ready to meet your newest Daddy- Nash! The mouth in the man 😮💨
LOVED this so much that I was literally addicted and conflicted- wanting to devour it but also wanting to savor it!!
⚜️ Ex-mafia/ Secret Society
🖤 Age Gap Romance
⚜️ Taboo rituals
🖤 Primal Play
⚜️ Witty banter
🖤 Forced proximity
⚜️ DADDDDDDY Nash!
🖤 HEA
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ SPICY!!!!
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