I had no idea that at the age of seven my parents would die.
I had no idea that their death would thrust me into a world full of blood and death.
I had no idea the boy I met there would become a part of me.
I had no idea this path that started with a car accident 17 years ago would end with me shot and running from him.“You were made for this life.” Those words are a truth spoken by the people who trained me, taught me, created me. And I was created. Crafted to be an image of perfection and beauty, all designed to hide the killer they created. The deadly little thing on the inside no one saw coming. Marcus was my everything, and I was his. Raised together, what one did, the other followed. Unfortunately, time and ego, obligations, and love would ruin it all for us. A bond neither of us thought would ever break shattered with a hail of bullets.
“Listen to your instincts.” They tried to teach me this lesson, but where Marcus was concerned, I never learned it. My love for him, our history together, our life? My life? All of it broke something in me.
But then I met Jake, and he pieced things back together in me, things I thought my dark little life had irreparably destroyed. I would have walked away for him, left it all behind, but you don’t become what I am or how good I am without making a few enemies along the way.
I tried. I really tried. But unfortunately, I have to DNF this one at 80% although I felt I would since 20% but kept trying.
I was confused about the timeline. The changes happened without any preamble nor indication, and the flow between scenes and moments wasn't as smooth as I would like to have in the books I read.
There were a lot of repetitions and added details that I personally didn't see the point for, and unfortunately, I didn't stick around long enough to be able to learn how they make sense.
Ultimately, something was missing for me to connect to the story and characters as much as I would have liked to.
I have received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Say sike right now was my immediate reaction to the end of this book. I’m still processing what just happened and will be back with my review…
Ok, now that I’ve had time to process that ending…
✨Childhood best friends, to lovers, to enemies ✨Dark Mafia romance ✨Deception ✨Found Family ✨Slow burns between the childhood friends ✨He falls first and hard ✨MMC with dom vibes
Our seriously bada** FMC Ava immediately draws you in, the book literally starts with Marcus, who we later find out is her childhood best friend and lover, trying to unalive her. She is injured and runs to her now lover Jake, who we assume is just a doctor. Heartbreaking reality sets in and she is forced to leave Jake behind…or so we think.
As Ava is driving to safety she tells us her story about where it all began, where things went wrong with Marcus, and how she ended up as who she is today. The development in the characters was fantastic. The way Ava handles the trauma of her past is so relatable. We are told the story of how Ava met Marcus, the ranch where they grew up and were taught a particular set of skills, and where things all went wrong.
I love how this book went from the present, to the past and then back to the present again. It really helped you understand the characters and how they became who they are now. When we jump back to the present someone from Ava’s past may have been deceiving her all along. He also however may be the key to Ava learning to love.
The spice in this book was immaculate, between the two love interests, this however is not a love triangle. There was a shoe scene in here that phewww, it was hot! Jake is giving all the Dom vibes, and Marcus is a man obsessed!
The ending…sigh…I have still not recovered! The author had me absolutely falling in love with a particular character, and then…that’s all I’m going to tell you, you’ll just have to read it to find out.
The way I have never needed a second book more than this! The emotional damage the ending has ensued has me reeling.
this book was awesome I gave it 4 ⭐️stars 3.5 🌶️ After losing her family & him being given away by his dad Marcus and Ava get sent to the ranch to basically be trained to be assassins , they become best friends then lovers then real enemies when he tries to kill her
I devoured this book I felt it was well written kept me wanting to know more did a good job of building the foundation I love a strong fmc and Ava was that all the way , it gave me & Mrs smith vibes before Marcus betrayed her I’m glad Ava had her team to fall back on when everything went to hell I 10/10 recommended and cannot wait untill the next book
Full disclosure: B. Mackenzie is one of my best friends, so this review might be a little biased—but if you know me, you know I’m honest to a fault. And let me tell you, Mackenzie’s indie debut deserves every bit of praise it’s received so far! She knows how to tell a story, and I cannot wait to witness her development as a writer further into the series. As of today, you can dive into Little Fury on Kindle Unlimited, or grab the ebook or paperback on Amazon.
Little Fury is a relentless cat-and-mouse game, complete with a brooding doctor, spicy Irishmen, an unwavering heroine, loads of spice (including some unforgettable shower scenes) 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️, dark satirical violence, and a love story that’s so turbulent you’ll find yourself alternating between swoons and screams.
Ava, the FMC, is a force to be reckoned with—she’s a sassy, steel-willed survivor whose razor-sharp inner dialogue is a treat. She thinks she’s hilarious, and I would have to agree.
The Spotify playlist adds the perfect vibe to Ava’s story, making it feel immersive. The chapter headers featuring her childhood stuffed animals are a clever nod to her softer side, even amidst the brutality. Ava’s calm in the face of trauma shows how well she’s molded into a “deadly little thing,” using satire as her armor. And at Harry’s ranch, Ava sharpens her edge…and meets Marcus.
Marcus’s development is a wild ride. Raised as a mafia pawn, his first real affection comes when Ava offers him a stuffed animal. Their bond is deep but dangerously toxic, mixing love with obsession. Ava loves him but never compromises her independence—and I love her for that.
Little Fury thrives on its found-family element, amplified by Harry’s fatherly presence and the tough love of a few key female mentors. And then there’s Ava’s lethal hired team—a modern-day Reservoir Dogs squad brimming with sarcasm, loyalty, and deadly intent. (Yes, there’s even a nod to Reservoir Dogs with Steeler’s Wheel playing in the background—it’s that kind of book.)
The twists, reveals, and turns come at breakneck speed, all leading up to a multi-layered, jaw-dropping cliffhanger that’ll leave you reeling. This debut is a brutal, emotional, and downright steamy rollercoaster that doesn’t hold back, and B. Mackenzie proves that no one is safe—not the characters, and definitely not the readers.
If you’re ready for a ruthless ride that challenges your heart and your sense of loyalty, Little Fury is waiting. But brace yourself—this debut will leave you desperate for book two.
I really wanted to enjoy this story! I found the timing and many parts of the story to be difficult to follow at times. The premise of the story is great and I would love to see where the story goes from here. With more editing and a more thoroughly rounded story I truly believe this would be a 5 star read. Many times I was pulled from the story by punctuation and spelling errors as well as sentences that didn't flow or make much sense.
I sincerely hope the author continues to write and tell the stories that are in her head.
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of B. Mackenzie's debut book "Little Fury" so I thought I’d give it some love before the debut. So... let's go!
It's been a couple of days since I finished this book and let me tell you the most important thing about it. It lingers. It sticks with you when you put it down to do something else with your day and it doesn't stop poking inside your brain. And now, I have this book living rent-free in my head since I finished it!
Little Fury is the first book in The Deadly Little Thing Trilogy and it is a spicy mafia romance set in both the present and past. It follows Ava (Little Fury) and the dark twisted world that she has accepted as her own. She is strong, sarcastic and calls everyone out on their bullsh-. Including her own...
I was instantly pulled into the plot within the first few pages. It throws us right into action and has us needing to know what's going on right away.
I generally don't like spending a lot of time in the past tense when reading and prefer a story to move forward - especially if it leaves on a cliffhanger before bouncing back. So, I did struggle a bit with that. However, it was easy to fall back into the present once we got there and I was happy to have the backstory of Ava growing up. And I appreciated that we didn't keep going back and forth between the two timelines. We met important people from her past that we needed to know for the present. Some we loved, some we didn't. Some we loved but also felt very conflicted by them. I don't want to go into much detail because I don't want to spoil anything! But my jaw dropped...multiple times.
I have no idea where our lovely author is going with the plot. And I am here for it! But also...I am suspicious and not sure if I should trust her... lol! <3
Anyways! If you're looking for a strong FMC instead of a damsel in distress, spicy men with a compass that only points to what you desire most (think Cptn Jack Sparrow) and a different take on the mafia romance genre - give this a shot! I will buy a physical copy of this book when it's available and will continue the series as it goes on.
I have just finished reading Little Fury and I have alot to say. First and foremost I absolutely engrossed by the plot and the subsequent characters you meet along the way. I enjoyed the backstory of these two kids forced into a world due to circumstances above their control. The bond they create is pure and relatable. However, Ava has always operated in a somewhat disconnected way and her ability to compartmentalise all aspects of her life forces Marcus into a box. Their journey begins at the ranch where they are taken in following the death of a parent/parents. Things are fairly normal for a long while that is until the kids reach the age of 12 and inevitable training begins. Harry their guardian is the main man at the ranch his words goes, but having raised these two since they were 7 he is in ways the only father figure they have come to know. I loved the variety of personalities that work alongside Harry and you can see where Ava's sarcastic nature was nurtured. I enjoyed that for a period of the book I didn't hate Marcus, in fact quite the opposite I felt his pain, his longing, his desires but eventually I understood his hate. Ava's character is strong and fiery with skills honed to perfection. I liked the addition to her training with Miss Bennett it's noteworthy that woman have to rely on instinct where their gut tells them they are in danger. If I am leaving constructive observations or feedback - there are elements of the writing style that is quite stop, start. It often spoon feeds information at times rather allowing a reader to fill in the blanks. Elements like the constant song drops whilst I understand their intent could have been done in a way that creates a setting without listing the song name and artist each time. There are several editing errors where words are missing or structure is incomplete. However that being said the story is strong, the characters are intriguing, the Spice is nice and ticks all the right boxes, and the cliffhanger has left me absolutely desperate for the next installment of this series. So whilst yes there are flaws overall the book is a great read and one I would highly recommend.
Wow ! From the moment I opened this book I couldn’t put it down!Finished it in one day! Loved the characters and the storyline. The full world building and story was absolutely brilliant! This is the first time I have read this authors work. I will be looking at the rest of her books now:)5 star read I would give it more if I could!This is a must read for those who enjoy an action packed mafia romance. You'll love it!
I went into that book without expectations, and I was happily surprised. The book started with us smack right in the middle of the action, which I appreciated. It set the tone for the entire book and made you know what you were in for.
I would have loved it if the backstory of how we got to that point in the 1st chapter was told, not in one bulk, but like segments between flashes of where she's at right now during her escape. I believe this would have kept us engaged and kept the pace of the book because it just felt a little bit slow, or rather slower, when we got to that backstory.
I loved the reveal of Jake's character, who he was and what he does. I did not see that coming, which is new for me.
I love the music choices. It's a character of its own in this book. Like, honestly, some of the songs just play in my head with the scenes written with them, and it's just magnificent. Whenever I listen to the song, I remember the book, I remember the scene, I remember the emotions, just wonderful.
Personally, when I write, most of my creative writing is with music in the background. I feel it helps connect the reader to the scene, and it is a good bridge for the emotions that you want to heighten. So that was amazing to experience.
I'm searching high and low for the second book because that cliffhanger is gonna be the death of me if I don't get my hands on it like right now.
And Liam at the end of that book is just.... God! Like that scene between Declan and Liam and her after she decides to go back to work. So few words are said by Liam, but conveys so so so much.
I wanted to like it. The begining was promising, I though I found what I was looking for (dark themes, complicated love, mafia, plot developing slower, getting to know the characters), but at the end I decided that it was a "no" for me. At this point, my only interest would be just knowing how everything ended, but not reading through whole two more books.
Mafia/assasin theme was just the background, the details we got about that world were on a shallow level just to understand why the characters were the way they were. The author just told us, that Marcus is from mafia world and Ava is good at what she is doing, but there were no actual scenes in their work field. While the spice scenes were detailed, the bussines in Marcus and Avas work fields was just "taken care of".
The main focus in this book was spice and with few male characters (not at the same time:)), so at this point it is actualy not clear who is the main love interest or if the female lead will end with one. Then there is focus on inner conflicts, feelings and also making connection with characters and it does touch you. The high rating really gave me hope that this book is what I was looking for and am happy for people who loved it, but I wanted more, probably more in plot, in details of it.
I truly loved the story told in this book. My heart was broken so many times throughout it. I can’t wait to experience book 2 and see how everything plays out. I actually cried at the ending and need to know what happens next
Mafia Romance at its finest! Little Fury is the perfect mix of danger, sizzling romance, and heart-pounding action—I was hooked from the first page.
The chemistry between the FMC and her romantic partner(s) was electric, set against the backdrop of high-stakes Mafia drama—earning a solid four chili pepper spice rating.
Brooke writes intense, gripping scenes with ruthless characters, leaving you on the edge of your seat. I was completely sucked into this world, and the twists had me gasping!
I’ve never cared for Mafia Romances prior to reading this but I’m a huge fan now! October 21st can’t come fast enough because the world needs this book in their hands.
I really enjoyed this book! It had a badass fmc who was basically raised to become an assassin, some involvement with the mafia and past lovers and just overall a really good plot and the spice in this was something else 🥵
This book was so f***ing amazing. The set up was unique, the FMC was as badass as they come and the ending broke me. Assassins, crime families, ultimate betrayal and just the right amount of spice. I will be counting the days till book 2
Holy cow! Ok this is my first book review so bear with me. I had the honor to read this Arc book called Little Fury by B. Mackenzie is an impressively and raw book that grips you from the start. I even love the song playlist! With engaging and emotional storytelling, Mackenzie skillfully explores profound deep emotional themes of love, pain, and survival. The main character’s journey through trauma and self-discovery feels incredibly real, and the balance between darkness and hope is handled remarkably sensitivity. Plus, there are plenty of spicy scenes that add another layer to the story!
Mackenzie’s bold writing and compelling characters make this an unforgettable read. I seriously have so many questions! The story will stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page. I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys deep, emotional narratives.
This was a great read! The plot and the characters were super well done.
You root for Ava throughout the entirety of the book and the supporting characters were the cherry on top of this book. I loved Harry and his dynamic with all of the characters, and Ava’s friendships and kind nature towards everyone made it so that the overall story was never too dark since there were always underlying sprinkles of comedic relief (which can sometimes happen in mafia romance novels).
Marcus is an interesting character and I still haven’t decided if I fully like or dislike him, but therapy would be great for him along with several years of self reflection 😂
The flow of conversation and banter between Ava and every character was top tier and not awkward at any point. This book did an excellent job with that especially.
Matt, Caden and Ben were a solid group for Ava and I cannot wait to read more in the next book about what is in store for them, the Campbell’s and Beth. The twists were good and well done. The dual timelines were done well too, the transitioning between them were easy to follow and you weren’t flashing back and forth to the point where it got hard to keep track of. Hopefully we get to see even more banter between Ava and the Irishmen in the next book(s).
The only reason I rated this 4 stars instead of 5 is because there are several grammatical issues throughout the book which took away from the enjoyment overall when you couldn’t figure out what the sentence was trying to say without re-reading several times.
Let me just say, Little Fury (The Deadly Little Thing Trilogy) is EVERYTHING! Ava, the FMC, is an absolute badass, and I connected with her on such a deep level. The way she handles trauma? Wow, it hit close to home. She’s been through a lot from a young age, but her journey to a life-changing Ranch sets the stage for everything to come.
Then there’s Marcus—best friend, turned into "something", turned enemy. He’s the perfect mix of sexy, scary, and dangerously irresistible. His intensity will keep you hooked! And let me tell you, I am obsessed with Jake. OBSESSED!!! His dominant side is everything I love—so well-written and oh so satisfying. The spice? Trust me, you will be left satisfied. SA-TIS-FIED!
Ava’s entire team is fantastic, but Harry completely stole my heart. The father-daughter bond he shares with Ava is so warm and touching—it made me feel all the feels. And the ending? Prepare yourself... you will be begging for the next book.
B. Mackenzie is amazing writing. Her storytelling in Little Fury is gripping, emotional, and beyond satisfying. If you’re looking for a book with fierce characters, incredible spice, and an unforgettable journey, do yourself a favor and pick this one up! You’ll be in for a wild ride.
Thank you to the author for a free copy of this book!
My overall impression of this book is positive, although I feel it could use a couple more rounds of edits to really shine. What I did enjoy were the characters and learning about the experiences they went through together, and with some more polish I think this could be a really good, well-rounded story.
To be fair, some punctuation and grammar issues may have been worked out before the full release, but for me in its current state the reading experience was a bit difficult. Some punctuation errors and confusing sentence structure now and again did pull me out of the story. There was too much unimportant detail at times as well, which creates drag. I also found the overall chronology of the storytelling a little awkwardly done with the present versus past. My personal preference would be having the first few chapters condensed into one longer prologue as a teaser, followed by the rest of the story that started from ground zero.
Overall, I really think there is something here and I hope the author continues their writing journey! Kudos for doing the thing and writing a book!!!
I received this book for free from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Little Fury is an intense, gripping dark romance that had me hooked from the very first page. The balance between action, suspense, and romance keeps you turning the pages.
The protagonist, is a compelling character—strong, skilled, and emotionally complex. I love a good FMC that is morally grey and she wears that crown well. Her internal struggles as she navigates her feelings for a man who she has to leave behind. There is some really good plot twists that I enjoyed since I didn't see them coming!
The darker elements of the story are well-written, and while the romance is intense and steamy, it never overshadows the action-packed plot. If you’re into dark romance with a lot of heart, this book is definitely worth reading. It has just the right balance of grit and emotion. I'm left with many questions but that is okay since I know there are more books in this series to come.
I would give this book 5 stars. The pacing was strong and the characters well-developed, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and can't wait for the second book in the series!
This series is going in my all time favs list because it is just that good. I would give this more than 5 stars if I could. The story line, emotional rollercoaster—anger, sadness, happiness—details, character developments, just everything about this book was amazing. Oh and you can’t forget the spicy scenes. Whew! I loved it all!
In the beginning I was a little lost on what was happening but the more I read the more I fell in love with the book! I love Ava and how she talks to herself, she is hilarious. I’ve cried laughing. And then you have Marcus. I don’t know what to feel about him. I love him but don’t at the same time, because I can understand where he comes from but it doesn’t make anything he does right. Ooooo and then there’s Jake/Declan!!!!! Eeeek. He’s such an alpha, im in love with it. His dom side and his sweet side just mixes so well. And then all the rest of the gang, Harry, Beth, Sebastian, Wes, Parker, Theo, Carter, Ben, Matt, Caden and ofc Liam and Thomas-the scots. I loved all the characters. This book was just amazing all together.
Ava is an absolute badass of an FMC, and I connected with her instantly. The way she works through trauma felt real and hit close to home. Her journey... especially after ending up at the ranch... sets the tone for everything that follows and pulled me in fast.
Marcus… best friend turned __ (read the book to find out) he is sexy, scary, and completely unhinged in the best way. And Jake? Yeah. I’m obsessed. His dominant side was written perfectly and gave me exactly what I wanted. Ava’s entire team is great, but Harry completely stole my heart. The father-daughter bond between him and Ava was emotional and grounding in the best way.
The spice absolutely delivers, and that ending? Rude. You will immediately want the next book.
B. Mackenzie is one of my favorite indie authors and knows how to write characters that stick with you, and this book was a wild ride from start to finish.
This book had me from the very beginning. “I’m going to die in this room wearing this tight fucking pencil skirt complete with slit and my favorite Louboutin black stilettos. This outfit, while hot as fuck is going to get me killed”. Eva is orphaned when her parents were killed in an accident. Harry, who owns a “special” ranch, in Montana, takes in Eva, and Marcus, whose father didn’t want him after his mother died, in as his own children. At a very early age they are trained and raised by the employees of the ranch. They are training to be assassins. Marcus and Eva, grow up as best friends, coworkers, later become lovers, and the hunters become the hunted. Full of action, & spice, this thriller book will keep you on your toes, and want to plunge forward to find out what happens next. 5⭐️ and 4🌶️ I can’t wait for the next book!
Ava Comma The fmc is a badass Hitman(woman) lol in the beginning of the story, it starts with a lot of action and leads into the main story, which is a flashback to explain the history behind the action-packed beginning. there are so many little random things throughout the story, but the author really rolls it all together nicely while getting you excited for the second book in the end. it has a bit of a cliffhanger! and the spice was spicing! just the right amount, just enough to make the story believable. I definitely love that Ava is the kind of woman who can't resist an Irish accent! LOL, there isn't one specific MMC. the author sprinkles a few options for us in there. LOL, more of a "not committed young female enjoying her life" kind of vibe.
Man, this one really caught me off guard in the best way. It starts off intense and just keeps pulling you in deeper without feeling rushed. The story’s got that perfect mix of danger, emotion, and a little bit of heartbreak that sticks with you even after you’re done.
The main girl is seriously one of my favorite parts. She’s strong, smart, and you can tell everything she’s been through shaped her, but she never loses herself. And the two guys? Let’s just say there’s tension, and you’ll have opinions about both of them.
It’s got action, spice, and some surprisingly soft moments that sneak up on you. it’s gripping, well-written, and just hits all the right emotional beats without overdoing it.