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The Colombo Family Duet #1
Guarding Her Gangster Girl
The last thing I thought I'd be doing in Vegas was protecting some wannabe gangster girl.
But as a rising star in the Consortium, an elite arms-trading organization, I do what I'm told. That's how I find myself gifted as a bodyguard to Brie "Breezy" Colombo, widow of a powerful Mafia Don, after someone takes a shot at her.
Everyone knows she's just a gold-digging trophy wife, her grief as fake as her long blonde hair, her perfect smile, and her…
Well, maybe they’re real.
But as I shadow her through smoky backrooms and the glittering casino she now owns, I discover a Brie Colombo no one else sees—razor-sharp, ambitious, and intoxicatingly complex.
It's my job to keep her alive long enough to sign a lucrative contract with the Consortium on behalf of the Colombo Family. Instead, I find myself drawn into her quest for the truth about who really killed her late husband.
And each heated glance, each brush of her skin against mine, each forbidden moment we share, pulls me deeper into her world.
Soon I'm faced with an impossible stay true to the Consortium and my life's ambitions, or risk everything for the woman who's rewritten every rule I thought I knew.
In Vegas, everything's a gamble…and Brie Colombo might just be the most dangerous bet I've ever made.
Guarding Her Gangster Girl is book one of the Colombo Family Duet, a steamy contemporary Sapphic mafia romance. Reader discretion is advised and content notes are available on the Copyright page.
But as a rising star in the Consortium, an elite arms-trading organization, I do what I'm told. That's how I find myself gifted as a bodyguard to Brie "Breezy" Colombo, widow of a powerful Mafia Don, after someone takes a shot at her.
Everyone knows she's just a gold-digging trophy wife, her grief as fake as her long blonde hair, her perfect smile, and her…
Well, maybe they’re real.
But as I shadow her through smoky backrooms and the glittering casino she now owns, I discover a Brie Colombo no one else sees—razor-sharp, ambitious, and intoxicatingly complex.
It's my job to keep her alive long enough to sign a lucrative contract with the Consortium on behalf of the Colombo Family. Instead, I find myself drawn into her quest for the truth about who really killed her late husband.
And each heated glance, each brush of her skin against mine, each forbidden moment we share, pulls me deeper into her world.
Soon I'm faced with an impossible stay true to the Consortium and my life's ambitions, or risk everything for the woman who's rewritten every rule I thought I knew.
In Vegas, everything's a gamble…and Brie Colombo might just be the most dangerous bet I've ever made.
Guarding Her Gangster Girl is book one of the Colombo Family Duet, a steamy contemporary Sapphic mafia romance. Reader discretion is advised and content notes are available on the Copyright page.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2024
161 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 7, 2025
Absolutely devoured this duet—The Colombo Family series by Persephone Black is a high-octane, high-heat, high-stakes masterpiece that delivers sapphic mob drama with razor-sharp flair and emotional depth. If you've ever wished The Sopranos had a femme fatale at the helm or dreamed of a queer Goodfellas with slow-burn intensity and scorching chemistry—you need to listen to these audiobooks.
From the first moment Nik Kusek is assigned to protect Brie “Breezy” Colombo, the tension snaps tight like a tripwire. Nik is cold, calculated, a weapon wrapped in swagger and muscle, loyal to the ruthless Novak Consortium. Brie, on the other hand, is every bit the shimmering Vegas queen—grieving widow, casino owner, and alleged gold digger with mile-long lashes and ambition sharp enough to slit throats. But don’t be fooled. This isn't a story about surface glitz. Brie is a mastermind hiding in plain sight, and every layer that peels back reveals more brilliance, heartbreak, and raw power.
Mara Vincent and Ada Sinclair absolutely own their performances. They don’t just narrate; they inhabit these characters. You feel every smirk, every whispered threat, every breathless moment when Brie and Nik get just a little too close for safety—and a little too far gone to turn back. Their voices elevate the story from gripping to unforgettable.
What makes this duet explode is the balance between pulse-pounding action and soul-baring intimacy. Car chases through the Vegas strip? Check. Gunfights in smoky underground poker dens? Yep. Slow, hungry glances across crowded casino floors while enemies close in? Oh yes. But it's also about two broken women trying to find something real in a world built on deception and blood.
Book One, Guarding Her Gangster Girl, hooks you with intrigue and forbidden desire. Book Two, Guarding Her Gangster Queen, kicks down the door and demands your heart. Brie stepping into her power as the new head of the Colombo Family is chef’s kiss—iconic, ruthless, radiant. And Nik, watching her unravel everything she thought she believed for the sake of love and loyalty, is pure emotional catharsis.
This is sapphic mafia romance at its finest—fierce femmes, devastating masc energy, found power, and love that feels like a revolution. Persephone Black doesn’t just tell a story; she builds an empire and then sets it on fire.
Sapphic chaos. Vegas glitz. Mafia heat. 10/10 would kill for more.
From the first moment Nik Kusek is assigned to protect Brie “Breezy” Colombo, the tension snaps tight like a tripwire. Nik is cold, calculated, a weapon wrapped in swagger and muscle, loyal to the ruthless Novak Consortium. Brie, on the other hand, is every bit the shimmering Vegas queen—grieving widow, casino owner, and alleged gold digger with mile-long lashes and ambition sharp enough to slit throats. But don’t be fooled. This isn't a story about surface glitz. Brie is a mastermind hiding in plain sight, and every layer that peels back reveals more brilliance, heartbreak, and raw power.
Mara Vincent and Ada Sinclair absolutely own their performances. They don’t just narrate; they inhabit these characters. You feel every smirk, every whispered threat, every breathless moment when Brie and Nik get just a little too close for safety—and a little too far gone to turn back. Their voices elevate the story from gripping to unforgettable.
What makes this duet explode is the balance between pulse-pounding action and soul-baring intimacy. Car chases through the Vegas strip? Check. Gunfights in smoky underground poker dens? Yep. Slow, hungry glances across crowded casino floors while enemies close in? Oh yes. But it's also about two broken women trying to find something real in a world built on deception and blood.
Book One, Guarding Her Gangster Girl, hooks you with intrigue and forbidden desire. Book Two, Guarding Her Gangster Queen, kicks down the door and demands your heart. Brie stepping into her power as the new head of the Colombo Family is chef’s kiss—iconic, ruthless, radiant. And Nik, watching her unravel everything she thought she believed for the sake of love and loyalty, is pure emotional catharsis.
This is sapphic mafia romance at its finest—fierce femmes, devastating masc energy, found power, and love that feels like a revolution. Persephone Black doesn’t just tell a story; she builds an empire and then sets it on fire.
Sapphic chaos. Vegas glitz. Mafia heat. 10/10 would kill for more.
August 21, 2025
The Colombo Family Duet
Another amazing mafia romance duet!
Widowed Brie "Breezy" Colombo teams up with a reluctant Dominika "Nik" Kusek to try and solve her husband's murder. Nik is tasked to be Brie's bodyguard as they dodge hit men, play in mafia politics, and look for any clues that could lead them to a killer.
There was action, mystery, loyalty, betrayal, passion, lots of steam... it was all around awesome! I breezed through both books in one day!
Another amazing mafia romance duet!
Widowed Brie "Breezy" Colombo teams up with a reluctant Dominika "Nik" Kusek to try and solve her husband's murder. Nik is tasked to be Brie's bodyguard as they dodge hit men, play in mafia politics, and look for any clues that could lead them to a killer.
There was action, mystery, loyalty, betrayal, passion, lots of steam... it was all around awesome! I breezed through both books in one day!
November 2, 2024
So grateful the next one comes out soon because I NEED to know what happens!!!
I read this book in 24 hours and that’s not typical for me. I loved every moment of it. You’ll want to read the next one right away too.
I read this book in 24 hours and that’s not typical for me. I loved every moment of it. You’ll want to read the next one right away too.
November 13, 2024
Love these books! Master of the mafioso. Amazing characters, intricate, plot and strong, brilliant, gorgeous female, main characters. I can’t wait till book 2. Brava!!!
August 22, 2025
I’m starting to think bodyguard romances aren’t for me…
Read
April 28, 2025I can confidently say this duology has gone into my list of favourite books!!
I love Nik and Brie SO much, their dynamic is brilliant, and I especially love Brie refusing to let the whole "Wannabe gangster girl" thing go while poor Nik wants to move on.
If you like muscular protective women in suits and beautiful women manipulating men and playing them for fools, please, please pick this duology up.
Did I mention the SMUT? Persephone Black outdoes herself when it comes to raunchy smut scenes.
I love Nik and Brie SO much, their dynamic is brilliant, and I especially love Brie refusing to let the whole "Wannabe gangster girl" thing go while poor Nik wants to move on.
If you like muscular protective women in suits and beautiful women manipulating men and playing them for fools, please, please pick this duology up.
Did I mention the SMUT? Persephone Black outdoes herself when it comes to raunchy smut scenes.
May 21, 2025
Good book
Brie the trailer trash girl that went to show girl then to mob wife, well with a twist. Brie is smart not just a blonde bimbo. She is trying to figure out who killed her husband the Don Colombo. Nik is with the Consortium trying to work her why up and be strong and show loyalty, till she is older to obey Brie and helping her stay alive after someone is trying to take her out. The number one thing you don't do.... Don't get involved... Yep Nik is a goner. Good book can't wait for the next book
Brie the trailer trash girl that went to show girl then to mob wife, well with a twist. Brie is smart not just a blonde bimbo. She is trying to figure out who killed her husband the Don Colombo. Nik is with the Consortium trying to work her why up and be strong and show loyalty, till she is older to obey Brie and helping her stay alive after someone is trying to take her out. The number one thing you don't do.... Don't get involved... Yep Nik is a goner. Good book can't wait for the next book
October 31, 2025
Another great Gangster/Mob novel, with gorgeous women being beautiful, smart and bad-ass.
Persephone Black is an expert in writing these type of novels. And it is great that they all have a connection. Hades (Underworld Duet) makes more than just an appearance - 'donating' one of her bodyguards (Nik Kusek) to save guard Brie Colombo.
Of course their business relationship becomes more personal...
Persephone Black is an expert in writing these type of novels. And it is great that they all have a connection. Hades (Underworld Duet) makes more than just an appearance - 'donating' one of her bodyguards (Nik Kusek) to save guard Brie Colombo.
Of course their business relationship becomes more personal...
October 21, 2024
Entertaining, read the book over one night. Although you can read as a stand-alone, I was thrilled when the Bianchi's and Styx Syndicate members made appearances. The MC is a metaphorical tiger hidden behind gold sheath dresses and nice manners until events unfold that bring out her animal instincts.
Anxiously waiting for the sequel!
Anxiously waiting for the sequel!
October 13, 2025
Guarding Her Gangster Girl
These cliffhangers are killing me! Very good read. I love Black’s ability to setup and build on a plot and storyline. The characters are so deep and continue to hold your interest throughout the book. Definitely worth the read. I can’t wait to read the next one!
These cliffhangers are killing me! Very good read. I love Black’s ability to setup and build on a plot and storyline. The characters are so deep and continue to hold your interest throughout the book. Definitely worth the read. I can’t wait to read the next one!
December 14, 2025
4.25/5
I love Brie's character so much. Most people see her air-headed, only got to where she is in life because of her beauty. But she is so much more than that.. Nik is such a good protector. She knows where her loyalty lies when she gets to know Brie. Their relationship is so good!! I only like Juno and Caitlin's better than theirs among all the Persephone Black books!
I love Brie's character so much. Most people see her air-headed, only got to where she is in life because of her beauty. But she is so much more than that.. Nik is such a good protector. She knows where her loyalty lies when she gets to know Brie. Their relationship is so good!! I only like Juno and Caitlin's better than theirs among all the Persephone Black books!
October 18, 2024
FANTASTIC. 😎
I LOVED THIS. ❤
What an exciting wild ride! This is so captivating and let's not forget the sublime sprinkling of spice. 🌶
I can't wait for the next one, Persephone Black has done it again. 💗
I LOVED THIS. ❤
What an exciting wild ride! This is so captivating and let's not forget the sublime sprinkling of spice. 🌶
I can't wait for the next one, Persephone Black has done it again. 💗
October 21, 2024
Ooooooh i cant wait 😊
The plot thickens , leaving you with a cliffhanger of note. Action, in and out of bed with our new mafia hot ladies. We meet up with previous leading ladies in this sizzling, 🔥 and captivating series. S 5 🌟 all the way
The plot thickens , leaving you with a cliffhanger of note. Action, in and out of bed with our new mafia hot ladies. We meet up with previous leading ladies in this sizzling, 🔥 and captivating series. S 5 🌟 all the way
October 26, 2024
4.5⭐️
At first I was hella confused with the characters just because it’s been a while since the last duo, but quickly got my bearings and it turnt out to be a really good plot.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
At first I was hella confused with the characters just because it’s been a while since the last duo, but quickly got my bearings and it turnt out to be a really good plot.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
October 31, 2024
Almost Perfect
Great story.
Several times Holden is referred to as Hanson.
Loved the BDSM Dom/Sub play, but there should have been a safe word established. Also an agreement for where it ends.
Didn't mind the cliffhanger
Great story.
Several times Holden is referred to as Hanson.
Loved the BDSM Dom/Sub play, but there should have been a safe word established. Also an agreement for where it ends.
Didn't mind the cliffhanger
April 23, 2025
Cliffhanger Oh no
Liked the characters and the plot. Hate cliffhangers. Please put cliffhanger warnings in book synopsis so we know it’s there and can choose to read or not read accordingly. Thanks.
Liked the characters and the plot. Hate cliffhangers. Please put cliffhanger warnings in book synopsis so we know it’s there and can choose to read or not read accordingly. Thanks.
July 10, 2025
Persephone Black strikes again!! Another amazing sapphic mafia book 😍 can’t wait to read book two of this duet!
Written in first person with 2x POV’s. Sapphic Mafia, Forced proximity, Bodyguard. Narrated by Mara Vincent & Ada Sinclair. 4x Spicy Scenes.
Written in first person with 2x POV’s. Sapphic Mafia, Forced proximity, Bodyguard. Narrated by Mara Vincent & Ada Sinclair. 4x Spicy Scenes.
November 26, 2025
4.75 ⭐
I’ve read all of Persephone Black’s books and this is by far my favorite one. The plot, the mystery, the whodunnit, the character development, the romantic buildup, it was all very well written. I finished the second one in this 2 parter and I can’t wait for the next mafia series by Black!
I’ve read all of Persephone Black’s books and this is by far my favorite one. The plot, the mystery, the whodunnit, the character development, the romantic buildup, it was all very well written. I finished the second one in this 2 parter and I can’t wait for the next mafia series by Black!
October 24, 2024
💫3.5 stars💫
November 1, 2024
crazy ride
That was a crazy ride but that’s why I love PB stories. Just ordered book to 2 and I can’t wait what will Breezy will do to get out of her predicament.
That was a crazy ride but that’s why I love PB stories. Just ordered book to 2 and I can’t wait what will Breezy will do to get out of her predicament.
December 6, 2024
Brie is the new Don but no one wants to accept her. Only Nik believes she can do the job. This is part one. Well written with good rhythm.
February 16, 2025
Possibly my favorite book
Amazing story line that keeps you guessing and wanting to read more. Also a great romance. Can't wait to read book 2!
Amazing story line that keeps you guessing and wanting to read more. Also a great romance. Can't wait to read book 2!
March 26, 2025
Wow fantastic storyline
Wow fantastic storyline I loved the main characters and old friends having a part in the story it's a captivating book a must-read congratulations
Wow fantastic storyline I loved the main characters and old friends having a part in the story it's a captivating book a must-read congratulations
April 7, 2025
This one takes you on a ride from start to finish. Another great sapphic mafia romance by Persephone!
April 29, 2025
First in a series so it ends on a cliffhanger. Few clues but who killed the boss leader. Hot romance too
May 9, 2025
good plot lots of spice
This was a quick and easy read. I loved it. The action is consistent and keeps you guessing and has a good amount of spice.
This was a quick and easy read. I loved it. The action is consistent and keeps you guessing and has a good amount of spice.
June 11, 2025
Cliffhanger
Omg getting through this book was a pleasure in more ways than one if you know what I mean
But damn its 2am and I need to read the next one to see what happens next...
Omg getting through this book was a pleasure in more ways than one if you know what I mean
But damn its 2am and I need to read the next one to see what happens next...
September 14, 2025
Took me a little longer than usual to get into this one.. buuuuut it’s gooooood…
September 15, 2025
Oooh, I loved this book. It was wonderful to see Brie in action!
Mafia Casino Queen
Bodyguard
Steamy sexy scenes
Solid plot.
Book 1
Mafia Casino Queen
Bodyguard
Steamy sexy scenes
Solid plot.
Book 1
December 9, 2025
This couple didn’t grab my attention as much as the other ones in this universe, but I’m still curious to see where the second book goes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews