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Quinlan Empire #1
Brutal Collateral
I don’t want a wife. I don’t want a prisoner. But she just became both…
Seven years ago, Hadleigh Castille fell into my bed and never left my heart.
Then she disappeared and my hunger for vengeance was born.
My body wasn’t the same after that night.
She left for war, but I lived a daily life of blood and violence for the Irish Mob.
Now, I’ve risen to power in my own right, but to keep my crown I must align with the enemy. When he presents his sister to me as a bride, my heart takes a tumble.
The woman I knew, the siren I never got over isn’t Hadleigh Castille, Navy Lieutenant. She’s the missing Greek Princess, Ava Zervas.
Only, she’s not a princess at all.
She’s tough, brash, mouthy, and hates me more than her brother at the moment.
She’s my weakness, but I’m her downfall.
She thinks I’ll let her go in six months.
She doesn’t know the meaning of obsession and desire.
Until now.
Brutal Collateral is Book 1 in the Brand-New Irish Mafia Series: Quinlan Empire.
Seven years ago, Hadleigh Castille fell into my bed and never left my heart.
Then she disappeared and my hunger for vengeance was born.
My body wasn’t the same after that night.
She left for war, but I lived a daily life of blood and violence for the Irish Mob.
Now, I’ve risen to power in my own right, but to keep my crown I must align with the enemy. When he presents his sister to me as a bride, my heart takes a tumble.
The woman I knew, the siren I never got over isn’t Hadleigh Castille, Navy Lieutenant. She’s the missing Greek Princess, Ava Zervas.
Only, she’s not a princess at all.
She’s tough, brash, mouthy, and hates me more than her brother at the moment.
She’s my weakness, but I’m her downfall.
She thinks I’ll let her go in six months.
She doesn’t know the meaning of obsession and desire.
Until now.
Brutal Collateral is Book 1 in the Brand-New Irish Mafia Series: Quinlan Empire.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2025
1694 people are currently reading
2680 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Garland
58 books741 followersDeborah Garland is a top 45 Amazon Bestselling and a 4x Award-Winning author of emotional, funny, and steamy romances!
She loves pugs, Friday night Cosmos, and that feeling when she publishes a new romance novel.
She lives on the beautiful North Shore of Long Island and in the summer, she escapes to Maine with her very patient husband.
She eats cheap mac and cheese with expensive red wine, her heroes are ALWAYS over six feet tall, and they fall hard, HARD for the girl.
Visit her website --> https://www.deborahgarlandauthor.com/... to join her newsletter and browse her little love stories.
New Releases are always featured, but all books can be read as standalones. Don’t be afraid to jump in. The water’s fine 😊
She loves pugs, Friday night Cosmos, and that feeling when she publishes a new romance novel.
She lives on the beautiful North Shore of Long Island and in the summer, she escapes to Maine with her very patient husband.
She eats cheap mac and cheese with expensive red wine, her heroes are ALWAYS over six feet tall, and they fall hard, HARD for the girl.
Visit her website --> https://www.deborahgarlandauthor.com/... to join her newsletter and browse her little love stories.
New Releases are always featured, but all books can be read as standalones. Don’t be afraid to jump in. The water’s fine 😊
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
June 20, 2025
✯ 𝟑.𝟖𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
I'm honestly astonished, because I wasn't expecting this book to be so amazing. If you're looking for a 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗺𝗮𝗳𝗶𝗮 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 with a STRONG FMC then trust me, this is everything you need.
𝗔𝘃𝗮 𝗭𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘀 has been in military for nearly a decade and this woman is no doormat, rather, she has a backbone of steel. She single handedly killed a bunch of armed captors in order to escape. Her character, personality and the way she carries herself with such high self-esteem and confidence, totally caught me off guard considering majority of the fmcs in mafia books lack backbone. She doesn't hesitate to put the mmc — Irish mafia don at his place. Even he had to constantly watch his back, just to make sure she doesn't kill him. I swear, I'm so down bad for this woman.
𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗻 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗹𝗮𝗻, is a Irish mafia don who's forced into an arranged marriage with a woman who, unbeknownst to him, is the one who abandoned him 7 years ago. His obsession with her throughout those years was everything. The way he looked out for her, cared for her and eliminated anyone who might be a threat to her made me like even more. He wasn't a misogynist unlike majority of the mafia men and I know that's the bare minimum but, as someone who has read many dark mafia romances with misogynistic mmcs’, It was truly refreshing to read about a different personality.
Mafia romances often tend to be repititive in one way or the other, so imagine my surprise, when the storyline of this book turned out to so unique. The writing, the likeable and badass characters and the amazing plot kept me captivated throughout.
However, my main 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘄𝗮𝘀, it took me a long time to get invested in the story, considering the 𝘀𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 in the first 25% of the book. 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆, the author kept adding too much to the plot, and while I was all in for that, I also wanted their relationship development to be the main focus rather than summarising it in the epilogue and focusing just on the plot.
Overall, I still enjoyed it more than i originally anticipated. Also, the audiobook was fantastic. Listening to this book enhanced my experience well above what I could have gained from reading it. The narrators, Joe arden and Lucy rivers, performed an excellent job. If you're looking for a dark mafia romance followed by the tropes of arranged marriage and enemies to lovers, then this one's for you.
I'm honestly astonished, because I wasn't expecting this book to be so amazing. If you're looking for a 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗺𝗮𝗳𝗶𝗮 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 with a STRONG FMC then trust me, this is everything you need.
𝗔𝘃𝗮 𝗭𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘀 has been in military for nearly a decade and this woman is no doormat, rather, she has a backbone of steel. She single handedly killed a bunch of armed captors in order to escape. Her character, personality and the way she carries herself with such high self-esteem and confidence, totally caught me off guard considering majority of the fmcs in mafia books lack backbone. She doesn't hesitate to put the mmc — Irish mafia don at his place. Even he had to constantly watch his back, just to make sure she doesn't kill him. I swear, I'm so down bad for this woman.
𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗻 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗹𝗮𝗻, is a Irish mafia don who's forced into an arranged marriage with a woman who, unbeknownst to him, is the one who abandoned him 7 years ago. His obsession with her throughout those years was everything. The way he looked out for her, cared for her and eliminated anyone who might be a threat to her made me like even more. He wasn't a misogynist unlike majority of the mafia men and I know that's the bare minimum but, as someone who has read many dark mafia romances with misogynistic mmcs’, It was truly refreshing to read about a different personality.
Mafia romances often tend to be repititive in one way or the other, so imagine my surprise, when the storyline of this book turned out to so unique. The writing, the likeable and badass characters and the amazing plot kept me captivated throughout.
However, my main 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘄𝗮𝘀, it took me a long time to get invested in the story, considering the 𝘀𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 in the first 25% of the book. 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆, the author kept adding too much to the plot, and while I was all in for that, I also wanted their relationship development to be the main focus rather than summarising it in the epilogue and focusing just on the plot.
Overall, I still enjoyed it more than i originally anticipated. Also, the audiobook was fantastic. Listening to this book enhanced my experience well above what I could have gained from reading it. The narrators, Joe arden and Lucy rivers, performed an excellent job. If you're looking for a dark mafia romance followed by the tropes of arranged marriage and enemies to lovers, then this one's for you.
Read
June 20, 2025safety info are we surprised at this point ?
FMC
I’ve not really felt like a woman since that Irish security guard fucked the daylights out of me in his motel room all night. I had the perfect cock, the perfect lips in and on my pussy, and the perfect orgasms. I didn’t think it would be possible to match that night. So I never bothered trying.
I keep myself satisfied with toys. And memories.
MMC
I’d fucked plenty of women since then, but no one’s memory is as vivid as hers. She did things to me and made me feel like I never felt before, and I thank fuck I’ll never see her again.
FMC
I’ve not really felt like a woman since that Irish security guard fucked the daylights out of me in his motel room all night. I had the perfect cock, the perfect lips in and on my pussy, and the perfect orgasms. I didn’t think it would be possible to match that night. So I never bothered trying.
I keep myself satisfied with toys. And memories.
MMC
I’d fucked plenty of women since then, but no one’s memory is as vivid as hers. She did things to me and made me feel like I never felt before, and I thank fuck I’ll never see her again.
December 17, 2025
Overall it was okay—started off really strong with great characters, but it dragged on a lot and got kinda boring.
May 24, 2025
Brutal Collateral by Deborah Garland
4/5⭐
3/5🌶️
This book was such a wild ride! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time with all the twists and turns. There was so much action, tension between the main characters, and secrets that kept unfolding throughout the story. Ava is a mafia princess, and when she turns eighteen, her dad decides it's time for her to get married. But her brother has other plans and sends her away to the US military under a new identity. For years, she’s been part of a special team, and then one day, her brother comes back to take her home. He wants her to marry Griffin, the new leader of the Irish mafia in lower Manhattan, as part of a deal.
What’s interesting is that Ava and Griffin met while at the military base and shared an unforgettable night. Even after all those years, they still can’t shake off that connection! So, it’s quite a shock for both when they find out they're meant to marry each other. The chemistry between them is still electric, and Griffin is determined to make Ava his, but Ava, being fiercely independent, isn’t willing to let her guard down.
I loved Ava’s character—she’s such a strong and spirited woman! She knows how to fight and protect herself and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. And Griffin, while he can be a bit ruthless and cold at times, truly respects Ava. He gives her the space she needs and doesn’t push her too hard, but makes it clear that his feelings for her are strong. Their banter and sizzling chemistry make the story a fun read.
This book perfectly balances action, suspense, romance, family drama, and those swoon-worthy moments. I adored how Ava and Griffin complement each other so well. They both have strong personalities but are willing to show their vulnerabilities to one another. Watching their trust and understanding grow throughout the book was such a rewarding experience!
4/5⭐
3/5🌶️
This book was such a wild ride! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time with all the twists and turns. There was so much action, tension between the main characters, and secrets that kept unfolding throughout the story. Ava is a mafia princess, and when she turns eighteen, her dad decides it's time for her to get married. But her brother has other plans and sends her away to the US military under a new identity. For years, she’s been part of a special team, and then one day, her brother comes back to take her home. He wants her to marry Griffin, the new leader of the Irish mafia in lower Manhattan, as part of a deal.
What’s interesting is that Ava and Griffin met while at the military base and shared an unforgettable night. Even after all those years, they still can’t shake off that connection! So, it’s quite a shock for both when they find out they're meant to marry each other. The chemistry between them is still electric, and Griffin is determined to make Ava his, but Ava, being fiercely independent, isn’t willing to let her guard down.
I loved Ava’s character—she’s such a strong and spirited woman! She knows how to fight and protect herself and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. And Griffin, while he can be a bit ruthless and cold at times, truly respects Ava. He gives her the space she needs and doesn’t push her too hard, but makes it clear that his feelings for her are strong. Their banter and sizzling chemistry make the story a fun read.
This book perfectly balances action, suspense, romance, family drama, and those swoon-worthy moments. I adored how Ava and Griffin complement each other so well. They both have strong personalities but are willing to show their vulnerabilities to one another. Watching their trust and understanding grow throughout the book was such a rewarding experience!
September 3, 2025
Another just okay read for me. I found it interesting and the characters were mostly okay but I think I went into expecting something more. We're told the heroine is some badass Navy vet, she's skilled, won awards, and then joined a top-secret group of government assassins basically. Okay, cool. Love that. But then quickly the book took the turn where she was kidnapped, held captive for five months, lost all her strength and we barely got to see any of her skills after that. It made the entire plot feel misleading and like the kidnapping was nothing but a plot device to turn her into another damsel in distress heroine. Do I love a good damsel? Absolutely. But if I go into a book expecting to see the heroine kicking ass and instead we get some glazed over military record with no true depth and that's the entirety of her badass-ness? Then I don't love that.
More than that, the entire plot felt rushed and honestly I never saw that much of a connection. I feel like the characters were always at war with each other but we were somehow supposed to see through that to where they were actually attracted to each other. For me, the veil never lifted. It wasn't terrible and it did keep me reading so it wasn't all bad, but I also can't say I loved it.
More than that, the entire plot felt rushed and honestly I never saw that much of a connection. I feel like the characters were always at war with each other but we were somehow supposed to see through that to where they were actually attracted to each other. For me, the veil never lifted. It wasn't terrible and it did keep me reading so it wasn't all bad, but I also can't say I loved it.
June 7, 2025
Brutal Collateral delivers on the mafia romance, morally grey mmc, and kicka$$ fmc. To secure peace between the Greeks and Irish, Ava Zervas, is forced into an arranged marriage by her brother to the new don of the Irish mafia, Griffin Quinlan. Ava isn’t your typical Greek mafia princess. She served in the Navy for the last 10 years and has been working with an elite team for the CIA. These two were fire from their first meeting 7 years ago when she was training to be a SEAL and had a one night stand. They meet again when Griffin rescues and then informs her he’s the one she’s marrying. Neither want to be married so they come to an agreement that they’ll fake it and she can divorce him after six months. As things do, their feelings change from lust to love. The banter and the antics Ava gets up to is so much fun. Fair warning there is talk of a creepy clown but someone who doesn’t do clowns, it’s not bad. These two couldn’t keep their hands off each other which lead to some hot spice.
Thank you to Deborah Garlandl and The Author Agency for the privilege to read an advanced copy of Brutal Collateral.
🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.
4.5⭐️
3🌶️
📚ARC Review All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads 🐦🔥
Favorite Quotes:
“I thought you hated me.” “Oh, I’ll f*k you like I hate you.” He quirks a grin at me. “Something tells me you’ll like it better that way.”
“I will destroy this tight c*nt and put you back together so you only get off from me. I will make a mess of you with my c*m and clean you up. F*k you like a wh0r£ in my bed and bow at your feet in public as my queen.”
Every day that I wake up next to her is a gift. Literally. The gift of life.
Even if it means fighting more battles, I’ll face them with Griffin head-on. And knife anyone in the heart who tries to take him away from me.
Thank you to Deborah Garlandl and The Author Agency for the privilege to read an advanced copy of Brutal Collateral.
🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.
4.5⭐️
3🌶️
📚ARC Review All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads 🐦🔥
Favorite Quotes:
“I thought you hated me.” “Oh, I’ll f*k you like I hate you.” He quirks a grin at me. “Something tells me you’ll like it better that way.”
“I will destroy this tight c*nt and put you back together so you only get off from me. I will make a mess of you with my c*m and clean you up. F*k you like a wh0r£ in my bed and bow at your feet in public as my queen.”
Every day that I wake up next to her is a gift. Literally. The gift of life.
Even if it means fighting more battles, I’ll face them with Griffin head-on. And knife anyone in the heart who tries to take him away from me.
May 22, 2025
Really loved this one! The premise was unique and the writing was engaging. I loved how strong Ava was and that her husband loves it too. Would def recommend!
July 15, 2025
To be honest I don’t think I finished this book.
And my first review did not get published. I’m starting to wonder if that’s why the stars are higher than it should be.
Overall It was very mediocre and inaccurate.
1. The inaccuracies began within the first chapters. if the book has military characters… do a simple google search on military ranks/ pay grades.
Example: to be an officer in any branch you have to have a bachelors degree, go through officer candidate school or the naval academy. The FMC actually enlisted at 18. (If you enlist you’re not an officer) but somehow she made Lieutenant in two years. Not possible. The rankings as an officer are Ensign, Lieutenant Junior Grade and then lieutenant. You’re telling me she spent less than a year in each rank as a young 18 year old? Then her friend made admiral in six years? Yea… no.
(Navy vet here. Not possible… there is required time before you can rank up)
2. the FMC was on a physical fitness course where there was an attempted “grape” (I think because I used the trigger warning word my original post didn’t get posted)
I am insulted. Yes the blue on blue “grapes” in the military are higher than civilian but she exaggerated the situation to the extreme. It just irritated me. The whole military aspect of the FMC was just trash. Example there was an Attempted SA in public on an active training course… this isn’t possible. There is military protocol ( we call them instructions) to how many instructors per participants. You have eyes on you at all times during any mandatory physical activity. And that’s in general. More instructors for higher demanding exercises… like an intense training course.
3. The writing wasn’t the best, it was all over the place. It was as if the author forced drama. The plot was good but executed in a very unorganized manner. It seem ed The author made it up as she went along.
I found absolutely nothing special about the book… or plot. Other than the inaccuracies it did not leave any sort of impression.
This was basically smut scenes written first then a story was written after…
And my first review did not get published. I’m starting to wonder if that’s why the stars are higher than it should be.
Overall It was very mediocre and inaccurate.
1. The inaccuracies began within the first chapters. if the book has military characters… do a simple google search on military ranks/ pay grades.
Example: to be an officer in any branch you have to have a bachelors degree, go through officer candidate school or the naval academy. The FMC actually enlisted at 18. (If you enlist you’re not an officer) but somehow she made Lieutenant in two years. Not possible. The rankings as an officer are Ensign, Lieutenant Junior Grade and then lieutenant. You’re telling me she spent less than a year in each rank as a young 18 year old? Then her friend made admiral in six years? Yea… no.
(Navy vet here. Not possible… there is required time before you can rank up)
2. the FMC was on a physical fitness course where there was an attempted “grape” (I think because I used the trigger warning word my original post didn’t get posted)
I am insulted. Yes the blue on blue “grapes” in the military are higher than civilian but she exaggerated the situation to the extreme. It just irritated me. The whole military aspect of the FMC was just trash. Example there was an Attempted SA in public on an active training course… this isn’t possible. There is military protocol ( we call them instructions) to how many instructors per participants. You have eyes on you at all times during any mandatory physical activity. And that’s in general. More instructors for higher demanding exercises… like an intense training course.
3. The writing wasn’t the best, it was all over the place. It was as if the author forced drama. The plot was good but executed in a very unorganized manner. It seem ed The author made it up as she went along.
I found absolutely nothing special about the book… or plot. Other than the inaccuracies it did not leave any sort of impression.
This was basically smut scenes written first then a story was written after…
June 9, 2025
Garland is one of my go to authors and I have been patiently waiting for the Quintana empire to start. Getting the opportunity to arc read this was amazing and I loved it.
Ava and Griffin are both badasses who made me laugh. The chemistry, the wit, the way they protect each other, I loved all of it.
I also have a soft spot for a badass FMC and Ava may be my new favourite. With her take no prisoners attitude and ability to kick some butt she definitely wasn’t a girl that needed someone to protect her.
Overall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Ava and Griffin are both badasses who made me laugh. The chemistry, the wit, the way they protect each other, I loved all of it.
I also have a soft spot for a badass FMC and Ava may be my new favourite. With her take no prisoners attitude and ability to kick some butt she definitely wasn’t a girl that needed someone to protect her.
Overall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
May 23, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Brutal Collateral is the first book in the new series about the Quinlan family. I thought this had an interesting setup and was a good introduction to the Quinlan brothers.
Griffin Quinlan and his family worked for the O'Rourke family, but now he has just become the head of the Manhattan Irish mafia. The head of the Greek mafia wants to build an alliance with them for peace and a big money land deal, so he sets up an arranged marriage between griffin and his sister Ava. First, they have to rescue her from the bastard son of the previous head of the Irish mafia.
Griffin is in for a shock when he realizes the spoiled Greek mafia princess is actually the badass Navy Lieutenant he had a one night stand with years ago. Ava was sent into the military by one of her brothers to protect her from being sold off into a marriage by their father and to hone her into a weapon for him. She had tried to become a Navy Seal but had to tap out, and later, she had her own female unit that worked for the CIA. She is forced to come home by her other brother Ares, and she wants nothing to do with this arranged marriage.
Griffin gives Ava an out, but she must stay married to him for 6 months. He never forgot about her and their amazing night, so he couldn't deny their attraction for long. Ava tried to act out like a brat about the wedding, and Griffin was more than happy to put her in her place. They had amazing banter and chemistry. I loved watching Ava be vulnerable for him and finally start to let him into her heart.
I loved all the side characters, and I can't wait to continue the series. I was also intrigued by Ava's coldhearted brother Ares and would love for her brothers to get their own series.
Thank you to Deborah Garland and The Author Agency for providing the ARC.
TW: Attempted SA, forced marriage, and domestic abuse
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Brutal Collateral is the first book in the new series about the Quinlan family. I thought this had an interesting setup and was a good introduction to the Quinlan brothers.
Griffin Quinlan and his family worked for the O'Rourke family, but now he has just become the head of the Manhattan Irish mafia. The head of the Greek mafia wants to build an alliance with them for peace and a big money land deal, so he sets up an arranged marriage between griffin and his sister Ava. First, they have to rescue her from the bastard son of the previous head of the Irish mafia.
Griffin is in for a shock when he realizes the spoiled Greek mafia princess is actually the badass Navy Lieutenant he had a one night stand with years ago. Ava was sent into the military by one of her brothers to protect her from being sold off into a marriage by their father and to hone her into a weapon for him. She had tried to become a Navy Seal but had to tap out, and later, she had her own female unit that worked for the CIA. She is forced to come home by her other brother Ares, and she wants nothing to do with this arranged marriage.
Griffin gives Ava an out, but she must stay married to him for 6 months. He never forgot about her and their amazing night, so he couldn't deny their attraction for long. Ava tried to act out like a brat about the wedding, and Griffin was more than happy to put her in her place. They had amazing banter and chemistry. I loved watching Ava be vulnerable for him and finally start to let him into her heart.
I loved all the side characters, and I can't wait to continue the series. I was also intrigued by Ava's coldhearted brother Ares and would love for her brothers to get their own series.
Thank you to Deborah Garland and The Author Agency for providing the ARC.
TW: Attempted SA, forced marriage, and domestic abuse
June 12, 2025
The couple: Griffin and Ava
Romance trope: mafia; arranged marriage
Series: Quinlan Empire
Length: 399 pages
Plot: Ava is a Greek mafia princess, but on her 18th birthday, her brother signs her up with the Navy. So with a new identity, "Hadleigh" tries to make her way through SEAL training, stopping for a one-night stand with hot independent contractor Griffin. Years later, after her brother has fetched her out of the life she made for herself, she finds herself engaged to a new Irish mob boss, none other than the one-night stand from years ago. She can't quite decide if this should be a real marriage or not though, and neither can he. The mafia world isn't slowing down for them regardless and they'll have to fight both their enemies and their feelings for each other.
Commentary: The couple kept making a big deal out of saying they hated each other, but there was seemingly no reason for them to hate each other? When they met earlier (when they didn't know each other's identities), they liked each other fine (once they cleared up the misunderstanding about Griff being there to murder her). And they were made to marry each other by others, but seemed to understand and had an exit plan. It just seemed like all the squawking about hating each other was just for plot conflict rather than being a true look at their characters, and it was a little annoying.
Next book in the series: Savage Promises
Romance trope: mafia; arranged marriage
Series: Quinlan Empire
Length: 399 pages
Plot: Ava is a Greek mafia princess, but on her 18th birthday, her brother signs her up with the Navy. So with a new identity, "Hadleigh" tries to make her way through SEAL training, stopping for a one-night stand with hot independent contractor Griffin. Years later, after her brother has fetched her out of the life she made for herself, she finds herself engaged to a new Irish mob boss, none other than the one-night stand from years ago. She can't quite decide if this should be a real marriage or not though, and neither can he. The mafia world isn't slowing down for them regardless and they'll have to fight both their enemies and their feelings for each other.
Commentary: The couple kept making a big deal out of saying they hated each other, but there was seemingly no reason for them to hate each other? When they met earlier (when they didn't know each other's identities), they liked each other fine (once they cleared up the misunderstanding about Griff being there to murder her). And they were made to marry each other by others, but seemed to understand and had an exit plan. It just seemed like all the squawking about hating each other was just for plot conflict rather than being a true look at their characters, and it was a little annoying.
Next book in the series: Savage Promises
May 20, 2025
What a start to Quinlan Empire! 🔥
ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖦𝗋𝗂𝖿𝖿𝗂𝗇
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖠𝗏𝖺
4 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
4.5 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘕𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝑁𝑒𝑤 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘. 𝑁𝑒𝑤 𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠. 𝐴𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑸𝒖𝒊𝒏𝒍𝒂𝒏'𝒔.
Gah!! I love the Quinlan family and I honestly can't wait to read all of their books!
Griffin, after years as investigators and protectors to the O'Rourke family, they find themselves starting anew. As the new heads to the lower Manhattan Irish family by bloodline.
Ava, is the princess to the Greek Mafia. Her brother wanted her by his side as his assassin and sent her away to serve in the US military, under a new identity. But after years of hiding she is put in an arranged marriage. Something she makes clear isn't what she wants.
Okay, after reading Astoria Royals I won't lie my expectations were extremely high. But I do understand that this is a new book in a new series, so we are establishing a foundation, new enemies etc. and I loved that part of it.
The relationship between the brothers is amazing.
What I didn't love was the heroine. She was supposed to be this strong character, whose vulnerable side should only be seen by the hero, but she was so damn childish and her behaviour at times. So cringe!!!
....𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑂'𝑅𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑘𝑒𝑠!!!
The narration, by Joe Arden! Perfection. He brought Griffin to life in this book.
Derek Duvall...his narration of the Zervas brothers was amazing.
Lucy Rivers, unfortunately I didn't actually like this narrator at certain parts for Ava, her voice was a bit whiny. But doing the Irish accents...it was on point.
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Cormac!!!! 𝑰 𝑪𝑨𝑵 𝑵𝑶𝑻 𝑾𝑨𝑰𝑭 𝑭𝑶𝑹 𝑻𝑯𝑰𝑺 𝑴𝑨𝑵'𝑺 𝑹𝑬𝑫𝑬𝑴𝑷𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵 𝑩𝑶𝑶𝑲...𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑒.
The Zervas brothers! Do I want to see Ares fall, yes I do.
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 🔪🔪🔪
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️🥵
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧
ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖦𝗋𝗂𝖿𝖿𝗂𝗇
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖠𝗏𝖺
4 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
4.5 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘕𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝑁𝑒𝑤 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘. 𝑁𝑒𝑤 𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠. 𝐴𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑸𝒖𝒊𝒏𝒍𝒂𝒏'𝒔.
Gah!! I love the Quinlan family and I honestly can't wait to read all of their books!
Griffin, after years as investigators and protectors to the O'Rourke family, they find themselves starting anew. As the new heads to the lower Manhattan Irish family by bloodline.
Ava, is the princess to the Greek Mafia. Her brother wanted her by his side as his assassin and sent her away to serve in the US military, under a new identity. But after years of hiding she is put in an arranged marriage. Something she makes clear isn't what she wants.
Okay, after reading Astoria Royals I won't lie my expectations were extremely high. But I do understand that this is a new book in a new series, so we are establishing a foundation, new enemies etc. and I loved that part of it.
The relationship between the brothers is amazing.
What I didn't love was the heroine. She was supposed to be this strong character, whose vulnerable side should only be seen by the hero, but she was so damn childish and her behaviour at times. So cringe!!!
....𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑂'𝑅𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑘𝑒𝑠!!!
The narration, by Joe Arden! Perfection. He brought Griffin to life in this book.
Derek Duvall...his narration of the Zervas brothers was amazing.
Lucy Rivers, unfortunately I didn't actually like this narrator at certain parts for Ava, her voice was a bit whiny. But doing the Irish accents...it was on point.
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Cormac!!!! 𝑰 𝑪𝑨𝑵 𝑵𝑶𝑻 𝑾𝑨𝑰𝑭 𝑭𝑶𝑹 𝑻𝑯𝑰𝑺 𝑴𝑨𝑵'𝑺 𝑹𝑬𝑫𝑬𝑴𝑷𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵 𝑩𝑶𝑶𝑲...𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑒.
The Zervas brothers! Do I want to see Ares fall, yes I do.
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 🔪🔪🔪
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️🥵
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧
December 23, 2025
2 stars
Just, no. So many things. Research is important when you a re writing about things you have no experience with.
Just, no. So many things. Research is important when you a re writing about things you have no experience with.
May 10, 2025
I don't even know what to think about griffin and Ava's story! Umm that ending 🤭. Talk about romantic suspense, Irish mafia, navy seal, revenge, oh my! This book was excellent! Now I can't wait to see where this series takes us. Thank you for this advanced copy Deborah garland and the author agency!
November 10, 2025
It was starting out good and then it take an awful turn
June 30, 2025
I didn't feel this one. . .
not the relationship, not the attraction, not the overall plot, nor the characters. The character development was somewhat lacking, probably because the author was relying on previous books from related series to do the heavy lifting, and I haven't read those books. So, in general, it just felt kind of like a disconnected series of events that didn't engender any real emotion or connection between me and the characters or between the characters themselves. I didn't get the brotherly affection between Griffin, Connor, Ewan, Shane, and Siobhan. I didn't get any real romance between the female and male lead even though the author kept saying they were hot for each other. I didn't get why Griffin didn't just tell Aries to go pound sand even if there was a war going on between the Irish and the Greeks, mostly because it wasn't Griffin's Irish faction the Greeks were killing, it was someone else that the Astoria bunch wasn't really friendly with. Consequently the plot just didn't make sense and since the character development wasn't there to make me feel any connection to any of them at 48% I was just done reading, I didn't care where they go from there and struggled to continue. The kink with the belts and strangling was a complete turn off because I didn't feel the connection between the lead characters and there wasn't enough between them for me to tolerate seeing a character put up with being treated like a piece of meat during sex, nor could I believe she liked it because I just didn't see that in their relationship it was just plopped in out of nowhere that she would trust him to do shit like that. Overall, it was a complete and utter disappointment made worse by the cult angle that also came out of nowhere, too. I mean it was as if that was plopped in trying to change it up a little bit instead of all of the book plots being so similar, but it didn't work and it didn't feather in and it didn't add into the plot it was just like lipstick on a pig -- it didn't fit.
not the relationship, not the attraction, not the overall plot, nor the characters. The character development was somewhat lacking, probably because the author was relying on previous books from related series to do the heavy lifting, and I haven't read those books. So, in general, it just felt kind of like a disconnected series of events that didn't engender any real emotion or connection between me and the characters or between the characters themselves. I didn't get the brotherly affection between Griffin, Connor, Ewan, Shane, and Siobhan. I didn't get any real romance between the female and male lead even though the author kept saying they were hot for each other. I didn't get why Griffin didn't just tell Aries to go pound sand even if there was a war going on between the Irish and the Greeks, mostly because it wasn't Griffin's Irish faction the Greeks were killing, it was someone else that the Astoria bunch wasn't really friendly with. Consequently the plot just didn't make sense and since the character development wasn't there to make me feel any connection to any of them at 48% I was just done reading, I didn't care where they go from there and struggled to continue. The kink with the belts and strangling was a complete turn off because I didn't feel the connection between the lead characters and there wasn't enough between them for me to tolerate seeing a character put up with being treated like a piece of meat during sex, nor could I believe she liked it because I just didn't see that in their relationship it was just plopped in out of nowhere that she would trust him to do shit like that. Overall, it was a complete and utter disappointment made worse by the cult angle that also came out of nowhere, too. I mean it was as if that was plopped in trying to change it up a little bit instead of all of the book plots being so similar, but it didn't work and it didn't feather in and it didn't add into the plot it was just like lipstick on a pig -- it didn't fit.
July 14, 2025
Thank you to Deborah Garland and The Author Agency for a gifted copy of this eBook. These opinions are my own!
I loved this! There's just something about a mafia man and his obsessed ways! MMC Griffin is the Irish mafia boss and FMC Hadleigh/Ava is the missing Greek princess that was actually in the Navy for the last 7 years. They crossed paths at the beginning of her navy career when he wasn't yet the boss and he saved her from an aggressive male counterpart while training. They spent a night together and never forgot each other. always wondering about the one that got away. When they cross paths again it's explosive. And the back and forth banter... all I will say is clowns...
Our FMC is a bada$$ and our MMC is the boss so they both are strong and stubborn minded. Watching their story unfold was chefs kiss! I also listened to the audio while reading and omfg! Definitely worth the listen if you love duet narration because this took it up a notch! Joe Arde, Lucy Rivers and Derek Duvall... yessss!
Here are a couple things I highlighted:
“I thought you hated me.” “Oh, I’ll f*ck you like I hate you.” He quirks a grin at me. “Something tells me you’ll like it better that way.”
“Don’t you dare.” I lie down and turn to shut the lamp. “Good night, you f*cking psycho.”
audio 5 stars
story 4.5 stars
spice 3 chilis
As always, please check your trigger warnings because this has quite a few.
I definitely need more from the Quinlan Empire!
I loved this! There's just something about a mafia man and his obsessed ways! MMC Griffin is the Irish mafia boss and FMC Hadleigh/Ava is the missing Greek princess that was actually in the Navy for the last 7 years. They crossed paths at the beginning of her navy career when he wasn't yet the boss and he saved her from an aggressive male counterpart while training. They spent a night together and never forgot each other. always wondering about the one that got away. When they cross paths again it's explosive. And the back and forth banter... all I will say is clowns...
Our FMC is a bada$$ and our MMC is the boss so they both are strong and stubborn minded. Watching their story unfold was chefs kiss! I also listened to the audio while reading and omfg! Definitely worth the listen if you love duet narration because this took it up a notch! Joe Arde, Lucy Rivers and Derek Duvall... yessss!
Here are a couple things I highlighted:
“I thought you hated me.” “Oh, I’ll f*ck you like I hate you.” He quirks a grin at me. “Something tells me you’ll like it better that way.”
“Don’t you dare.” I lie down and turn to shut the lamp. “Good night, you f*cking psycho.”
audio 5 stars
story 4.5 stars
spice 3 chilis
As always, please check your trigger warnings because this has quite a few.
I definitely need more from the Quinlan Empire!
June 4, 2025
Honestly, i wasn't very impressed. I expected a badass FMC. when in reality, she basically bowed to everyone around her. and the mafia aspect wasn't really there either other than arranged marriages.
I had high hopes for this one. but it just wasn't there for me.
I had high hopes for this one. but it just wasn't there for me.
September 2, 2025
DNF, about 50% of the way in I just realized that I did not give a single crap about any character in this book. Why does it have like 55 side characters who add nothing to the story? Hated it so much. So. Much.
May 20, 2025
This book is so boring! I almost dnf at 60%
May 20, 2025
Rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 3🌶️
Another Hit in Deborah’s Universe!
Every time I read one of Deborah’s books, it feels like stepping back into a wild world full of action and characters you can’t forget—and this one totally lived up to that! I'm all about her universe! 🙌🏼
Ava was such a badass! I don’t usually like feisty FMCs, but somehow, she won me over. She was written so well—strong when she needed to be, a little crazy when the moment called for it, and beautifully vulnerable when it counted. Absolute queen energy!
Griffin? Swoon. He was everything I wanted and more. I was really curious how all the Quinlan’s storylines would come together, and honestly, it was even better than I imagined. And those cameos from other characters in the universe? Chef’s kiss. I was grinning every time one popped up.💕
The plot, the writing, the action, and the romance were all perfectly balanced. Add in the narrators who crushed their performance, and I felt like I was right in the thick of it. Seriously, 10/10 on the audio.
And that epilogue?! Aaaaah. I need Shane’s book like yesterday. 😅
Tropes:
Mafia romance
Arranged Marriage
Military FMC
Spice: 3🌶️
Another Hit in Deborah’s Universe!
Every time I read one of Deborah’s books, it feels like stepping back into a wild world full of action and characters you can’t forget—and this one totally lived up to that! I'm all about her universe! 🙌🏼
Ava was such a badass! I don’t usually like feisty FMCs, but somehow, she won me over. She was written so well—strong when she needed to be, a little crazy when the moment called for it, and beautifully vulnerable when it counted. Absolute queen energy!
Griffin? Swoon. He was everything I wanted and more. I was really curious how all the Quinlan’s storylines would come together, and honestly, it was even better than I imagined. And those cameos from other characters in the universe? Chef’s kiss. I was grinning every time one popped up.💕
The plot, the writing, the action, and the romance were all perfectly balanced. Add in the narrators who crushed their performance, and I felt like I was right in the thick of it. Seriously, 10/10 on the audio.
And that epilogue?! Aaaaah. I need Shane’s book like yesterday. 😅
Tropes:
Mafia romance
Arranged Marriage
Military FMC
Read
October 24, 2025Brutal Collateral by Deborah Garland
♥︎ irish mafia don mmc
♥︎ mafia princess fmc, who’s anything but a princess
♥︎ age gap (10 yrs)
♥︎ marriage of convenience • irish x greek alliance
♥︎ second chance
Griffin Quinlan and his family worked for the O'Rourke family, but now he has just become the head of the Manhattan Irish mafia. Ava is a mafia princess, and when she turns eighteen, her dad decides it's time for her to get married. But her brother has other plans and sends her away to the US military under a new identity. She served in the Navy for the last 10 years and has been working with an elite team for the CIA. Once her brother finds her, he brings her back home. He wants her to marry Griffin, the new leader of the Irish mafia in lower Manhattan, as part of a deal. Ava isn’t your typical Greek mafia princess. (These two were fire from their first meeting 7 years ago when she was training to be a SEAL and had a one night stand.) They meet again when Griffin rescues and then informs her he’s the one she’s marrying. However, the audiobook is where this story truly shines. The narration, performed in duet by Lucy Rivers, Joe Arden, and Derek Duvall, elevates the entire experience. It brings the characters and their world to life in a way that enhances the story's impact
“I thought you hated me.” “Oh, I’ll f*k you like I hate you.” He quirks a grin at me. “Something tells me you’ll like it better that way.”
“I will destroy this tight c*nt and put you back together so you only get off from me. I will make a mess of you with my c*m and clean you up. F*k you like a wh0r£ in my bed and bow at your feet in public as my queen.”
♥︎ irish mafia don mmc
♥︎ mafia princess fmc, who’s anything but a princess
♥︎ age gap (10 yrs)
♥︎ marriage of convenience • irish x greek alliance
♥︎ second chance
Griffin Quinlan and his family worked for the O'Rourke family, but now he has just become the head of the Manhattan Irish mafia. Ava is a mafia princess, and when she turns eighteen, her dad decides it's time for her to get married. But her brother has other plans and sends her away to the US military under a new identity. She served in the Navy for the last 10 years and has been working with an elite team for the CIA. Once her brother finds her, he brings her back home. He wants her to marry Griffin, the new leader of the Irish mafia in lower Manhattan, as part of a deal. Ava isn’t your typical Greek mafia princess. (These two were fire from their first meeting 7 years ago when she was training to be a SEAL and had a one night stand.) They meet again when Griffin rescues and then informs her he’s the one she’s marrying. However, the audiobook is where this story truly shines. The narration, performed in duet by Lucy Rivers, Joe Arden, and Derek Duvall, elevates the entire experience. It brings the characters and their world to life in a way that enhances the story's impact
“I thought you hated me.” “Oh, I’ll f*k you like I hate you.” He quirks a grin at me. “Something tells me you’ll like it better that way.”
“I will destroy this tight c*nt and put you back together so you only get off from me. I will make a mess of you with my c*m and clean you up. F*k you like a wh0r£ in my bed and bow at your feet in public as my queen.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2025
Minus a full star simply bc of how many times he talked about her bush and the nicknames that went along with it — if he loved it so much why did he only eat her 🐱 ONCE? Honestly, I would have elbowed him in the face after he referred to her as “furball” the first time.
On the upside, the audiobook was great lol
𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗟: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘: 🌶️🌶️
𝗛𝗘𝗔: 💖
𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘: Interconnected Standalone
𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: Quinlan Empire #1
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞: Multicast in Duet narration
𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚: M/F
𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗣: 🚫
𝗪𝗛𝗬-𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗦𝗘: 🚫
𝗞!𝗡𝗞𝗦: degradation, breath play
𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
♥︎ mafia romance
♥︎ age gap (10 yrs)
♥︎ marriage of convenience • irish x greek alliance
♥︎ second chance
♥︎ irish mafia don mmc
♥︎ mafia princess fmc, who’s anything but a princess 🔪
♥︎ touch her & 💀
♥︎ slow burn
On the upside, the audiobook was great lol
𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗟: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘: 🌶️🌶️
𝗛𝗘𝗔: 💖
𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘: Interconnected Standalone
𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: Quinlan Empire #1
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞: Multicast in Duet narration
𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚: M/F
𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗣: 🚫
𝗪𝗛𝗬-𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗦𝗘: 🚫
𝗞!𝗡𝗞𝗦: degradation, breath play
𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
♥︎ mafia romance
♥︎ age gap (10 yrs)
♥︎ marriage of convenience • irish x greek alliance
♥︎ second chance
♥︎ irish mafia don mmc
♥︎ mafia princess fmc, who’s anything but a princess 🔪
♥︎ touch her & 💀
♥︎ slow burn
May 13, 2025
ALC REVIEW
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thrilling, Spicy, and Utterly Addictive
This was my first book by Deborah Garland, and it definitely won’t be my last!
If you're into mob romances with a strong, feisty female lead—who also happens to be a former Marine—and a swoony hero who falls completely and hopelessly in love with her, then this one’s for you. The story strikes the perfect balance of angst, suspense, and spice.
And the audiobook? Incredible. Narrated by two of the best voices out there, it brought the story to life in the best possible way. It was an absolute 5-star experience for me.
Huge thanks to Blue Nose Audio and author Deborah Garland for the ALC!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thrilling, Spicy, and Utterly Addictive
This was my first book by Deborah Garland, and it definitely won’t be my last!
If you're into mob romances with a strong, feisty female lead—who also happens to be a former Marine—and a swoony hero who falls completely and hopelessly in love with her, then this one’s for you. The story strikes the perfect balance of angst, suspense, and spice.
And the audiobook? Incredible. Narrated by two of the best voices out there, it brought the story to life in the best possible way. It was an absolute 5-star experience for me.
Huge thanks to Blue Nose Audio and author Deborah Garland for the ALC!
May 19, 2025
A Solid Mafia Romance Elevated by Stellar Narration
"Brutal Collateral" by Deborah Garland offers an okay story with a strong, feisty female lead and a swoony, obsessed hero. If you enjoy mob romances with a balance of angst, suspense, and spice, this might be for you. The plot includes mafia intrigue, Irish and Greek connections, and enough gore to satisfy. Ava and Griffin are down-to-earth characters who protect and serve punishment. The story has some steam and a bit of interference from other women, but Griffin handles it professionally, with no cheating.
However, the audiobook is where this story truly shines. The narration, performed in duet by Lucy Rivers, Joe Arden, and Derek Duvall, elevates the entire experience. It brings the characters and their world to life in a way that enhances the story's impact. While the story itself is good, the audiobook's narration makes it a worthwhile listen.
"Brutal Collateral" by Deborah Garland offers an okay story with a strong, feisty female lead and a swoony, obsessed hero. If you enjoy mob romances with a balance of angst, suspense, and spice, this might be for you. The plot includes mafia intrigue, Irish and Greek connections, and enough gore to satisfy. Ava and Griffin are down-to-earth characters who protect and serve punishment. The story has some steam and a bit of interference from other women, but Griffin handles it professionally, with no cheating.
However, the audiobook is where this story truly shines. The narration, performed in duet by Lucy Rivers, Joe Arden, and Derek Duvall, elevates the entire experience. It brings the characters and their world to life in a way that enhances the story's impact. While the story itself is good, the audiobook's narration makes it a worthwhile listen.
June 13, 2025
Listen I’m here for the vibes. The “touch her and die” vibes. But this one was extra good just because she doesn’t need saving. She is the ex military almost Navy Seal, due to an incident that made her fail, note because she didn’t deserve it. This was sooo good. Griffin fell first and hard. Ava was fighting it but for other reasons, again out of her control. This poor girl, I wanted more for her and I hope she gets it later. I think Griffin sees her. Like sees what’s she is capable of. But of course this is an arranged mafia marriage so some things needed to happen first.
July 7, 2025
This (Irish) Mafia romance made me realise that a lot of the dialogues and thoughts the male protagonist has sounds a lot like what a woman would sound like in her head. I'm not complaining, this was another book where the male lead, Griffin, was head over heels in love, and Ava, the female lead, was bratty and had her own things to deal with. The writing was surprisingly concise and well-written, and the plot was engaging.
May 27, 2025
I usually love these books, hardly any complaints. But man of man, there were a a couple cringe commentary that irked me. When he refers to her a bush as a carpet…… yea not my fav and then it made me like him less. Definitely distracted me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2025
brat
The storyline is good, the spice is high, overall I enjoyed this book. But I’m really interested to know how many times the word Brat is used. I thought about making it into a drinking game and taking a shot every time the word was used
The storyline is good, the spice is high, overall I enjoyed this book. But I’m really interested to know how many times the word Brat is used. I thought about making it into a drinking game and taking a shot every time the word was used
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