Sunrise Malice

The Alliance #3

by B.B. Hamel

I made a list of all my darkest fantasies.
It was a meaningless joke—
Right up until my arranged husband found it.
Now it’s his mission to check off Every. Single. Box….

The first time I meet my arranged husband, it’s a total nightmare.

His family is caught in a bloody civil war, and now is the worst time imaginable to get involved with a wicked man like him.

Julien Moreau might be gorgeous and built like a professional athlete, but he’s a vicious mafia lord and only cares about taking what he wants.

And just because I have the wrong parents, Julien thinks our match won’t work.

He takes one look at me and someone else.

I’m ready to walk away from this monster of a mistake, when he stumbles across the one list he was never, ever supposed to see.

Julien reads over all my filthy fantasies and everything about him changes.

Now he's down on one knee with my hands locked in his, and he you are going to be my wife, and I am going to make all your darkest desires come true.

Oh, absolutely not.

Am I seriously going to risk everything and marry this psychopath?

Genres: Mafia Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Smut, BDSM, Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance

371 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2024

About the author

I'm a long time reader, writer, and lover of Romance! Writing is my dream and my passion, and I want to share my stories with you.

I live in the Philadelphia area with my husband and two dogs.

Website: http://www.bbhamel.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bbhamelwriter

Check out my mailing list for updates, giveaways, and more! http://bbhamel.com/signup

Reviews

[Milica's Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ♥

[Serialbookstarter:Marla]

The H is a strong,sexy,French mafia boss until his Grandfather comes to town then he’s a weak beta and that’s a turn off in a mafia romance. This should have been good but it was mamby pamby. I got bored when Grand Pere’ came to town and emasculated the H. I skimmed to the end but really didn’t care.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Reason to Agree -
Brianne only agreed to an arranged marriage so she could escape the hell at home, but her first meeting with Julien didn’t inspire her to accept being married to him, as she felt he was an a$$hole. Julien didn’t care who he married on the condition that she was part of the Irish mafia family, as he was only looking for a marriage alliance. Even though getting married wasn’t a priority for Julien, he was really looking forward to their union after unexpectedly discovering Brianne’s secret.

Unfortunately, not everyone was happy about the union between Brianne and Julien, which led to passive aggressive interactions with some family members. However, after an attack on Brianne, which left a family member of The Alliance seriously injured, the tension within the family escalated to a point of bloodshed. Fortunately, Brianne and Julien escaped relatively unharmed and took action to neutralise the threats. As luck would have it, Brianne and Julien finally acknowledged their feelings for each other, so they could work together towards the happily ever after they didn’t expect.

Wow oh Wow! I started reading this book last night when I was in bed, hoping to read a few pages and fall asleep, but the next time I raised my head was when the dawn light was coming though the window at seven this morning. The story went from zero to kinky in chapter one, the escalated to feisty, then fired up to action-packed, before rounding it off to a well worth happy ending. If you are looking for your next exciting story to read, then grab a copy of this book now and you won’t be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lemon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot: 3.5/5 • Smut: 3/5 ————-> an arranged marriage between an Irish girl and a French mafia king. Takes a lot of twists and turns, some self loathing, and a lot of fun fights but they come out on top. Smut was mid. 😐

[Emily]

I’m in deep and this is a cry for help

[Astraycat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow romance with a lot violence.

[Beverly McCall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunrise Malice is an entertaining mafia romance penned by B.B. Hamel that chronicles the romantic journey of Brianna and Julien. Destiny brings them together in the city of Chicago. She is an ostracized member of an Irish Mafia family. He is a leading figure of a French Mafia family setting up a franchise in Chicago. To find out how their romantic journey unfolds, you must read this book.

I find BB Hamel’s writing style easy to follow. Hamel’s characters are likeable and multi-dimensional. The storyline is enjoyable with a perfect blend of drama, romance, and suspense. This is a captivating romance with several respectfully written steamy bedroom scenes. The plot is well thought out. I liked Hamel’s use of a two-prong plot line. One follows Brianna and Julien’s romantic journey. The other is the intrigue behind the Julien’s relentless need for revenge for cruel actions of his adopted grandfather. The result is a riveting romantic suspense story. Nicely done, Ms. Hamel.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be careful what your dark desires wish for

Sunrise Malice is a dark and twisted, but sexy flippin' hot romance with Mafia, family, a secret list of desires, and an arranged marriage like no other. The story is about Brianne Campbell and Julien Moreau. He is in need of a wife and she just wants to get away from her family. His grandfather is starting a war that Julien will have to figure out how to stop but at the same time she is about to become his obsession. This is one wild read that is dark, delicious and of so spicy hot.

[Vee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars

Tropes : marriage in convenience, arranged marriage, mafia romance, J/P H, touch her and 💀
Ending : HEA
Triggers : violence, gore, abuse, torture, 💀, murder
Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Angst : 🔥🔥🔥/5
OM/OW drama : OW (slightly mentioned and she was supposed to be H’s fiancée that the grandpa wanted him to marry)
Intimacy details: virgin h, no condom, rough sex, oral
Standalone/Series : part of an interconnected series

Hero : Julien Moreau (early 30s)
Heroine: Brianne Moreau (22)

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunrise Malice is a full-length standalone novel with no cheating or cliffhanger and complete with a happily-ever-after. A brilliantly crafted story with complex individuals and a fascinating storyline that captures the reader attention from the start and keeps you rooted and turning the pages the until. This is an interconnected story from part of a series with characters from previous books making appearance and contributing to the story. This is Brianne and Julien story which is told from a dual point of view. Hang on to your kindle and prepare yourself for this tantalizing rollercoaster ride of tension, angst and adventure. A fast paced, thrilling, twisted and gripping read. An unputdownable and addictive read. This book demands to be read and screamed escape from the everyday life and gave that something extra that you craved and never knew that you needed. This A heart-stirring emotions and cravings as you follow these characters as they navigate through treachery, enemies and falls for each other.
A dark mafia romance, billionaire romance, touch-her-and-die romance, organize crime story, romantic suspense story, women's crime fiction story, protective alpha hero story, crime thriller story, arranged marriage story, general romance, forced proximity story, contemporary romance, marriage-of-convenience romance, curvy female story, fake marriage story, steamy romance, hate-to-love vibes story, enemies-to-lovers romance, age gap trope story, taboo romance, off-limits relationship, forbidden relationship, virgin heroine story with mob war, suspense, anger, danger, survival, resilience, lies, deception, betrayal, hatred, obsession, possessiveness, family drama, fear, revenge, retaliation, spice revelations, twists and turns, passion, threats, attacks, acceptance, action packed, blood and gore, mistreatment, physical, emotional, psychological, mental, verbal abuse, strength, violence, enemies, bloodshed, trauma, grief, loss, insecurities, power play, voyeurism, kinks, alliance and love.
Julien Moreau is a thirty-five year old French mafia mob boss in Chicago from the French Syndicate. He moved to America to expand the Moreau Family. Julien was a street kid who you to pick pockets in the street of Marseille with his best friend Jean. He was adopted by Pascal Moreau his adoptive grandfather, who got him tutors and molded him into the man who he is today. Julien came to America to get away from Pascal because he doesn't respect him and he also wanted to make a name for himself. Pascal is the richest man in France. Pascal had arranged a marriage for Julien to Collette Fournier back home. But he disobeyed his grandfather and as secure and alliance with the Ronan Group through a marriage proposal so his grandfather flew to America a place in which he despise in order to meet his wife, and he told him that if he doesn't approve of her that he would have to get a divorce and marry the Collette bitch. Julien invited Brianne over to his home to meet his grandfather and ask her to pretend that they were already married and for the one night of her faking it he would give her five thousand dollars before she leaves. However, when she came face-to-face with the old man he was throwing insults at Julien and her the entire time. Pascal was a controlling, narcissist and nasty piece of work towards his grandson and Brianne to the point where she sympathize with him until she remembered how he treated her initially.
Brianne Campbell is a twenty-two year old who has had rough upbringing riddle with physical, emotional, psychological and verbal abuse by an alcoholic father and monstrous brother. Brianne brother, Cormac was deep into The Hayes Group but he's now decease which she's thankful for. Unfortunately, her family name is now more than stain due to her deceased sibling, which means she have to deal with a whole lot of stares and insults from The Hayes Group members who holds a grudge. Ronan Hayes is the head of the organization. The Hayes Group is one of the largest Irish crime organizations in Chicago. Ronan Hayes came to Brianne with a proposition. Ronan thinks it might be a good opportunity to make amends and rehabilitate her family standing. The head of a powerful French crime family is looking for a wife, and since she's single and her brother basically tried to tear The Hayes Group apart by causing a violent rebellion a few months ago. Because Ronan was brokering the deal between her future husband who she's as not met at the time she and Kim was allowed to go the bar.
They were at a grand opening of a bar known as Bloody Strike that features very illegal underground boxing matches. Brianne as always have little self control so she has never had sex before and is getting married in an arrangement marriage. She's was having apprehension about sex and her best friend Kim came up with an idea to help her ease the tension. Kim is well experienced and kinky and tells her to write down a list of things that she wants out of sex in her phone notes to ease her mind as the waits to meet her future husband. When she saw Ronan walking towards them she was shocked because she thought her husband would be old and wrinkly. When Ronan introduced Julien Kim Hayes then Brianne he was upset that Ronan wasn't giving him someone from his organization because that's what he requested, and started to frown because he was specific in what he wanted when he went to him with the deal. Brianne was very interested in dissecting him inside and out when she saw him walking her way. But after she saw his face and heard what he said she shrunk backwards and was mortified because of his indifference.
Brianne can't get over the fact that she was second choice, so when Julien came up to her and asks for her phone so that they could exchange numbers she didn't want to give him her phone. Kim talking about her notes as she walked away. So when she gave him her phone he went to her notes with her dirty list. He screen shot the list and typed his number and a simple message that states he looked forward to checking off all her filthy little boxes, mon minou then walked away. Every single filthy entry, and for the second time that night she found herself mortified. She wasn't sure if she wanted to go through with the wedding but after another bad experience with her dad she agreed. The two went to the court house and got married. Pascal is not happy with how Julien is running his operation and believe that he has not accomplished much in the six years that he's been here. He believes that it could be better if he starts a with a former ally of his Dusan Petrovic who he has a truce with. Petrovic is the head of the Serbian mob. He stays on his side of town and so does Julien. Pascal doesn't understand how things are run in America and explained to him that it's different from France. Petrovic has a good territory and a large customer base that Pascal believes is ripe for the picking so he started a war behind Julien's back after he told him no the previous night.
Julien was talking to Brianne after they got married when he was interrupted by his second in command Jean tells him that Pascal has started a war. He took Brianne back to her house because he believes that she would be safer there while he go deal with his grandfather. Julien can't look weak so he can't let Petrovic knows that he wasn't the one who started the war. Pascal war could potentially fracture the new alliance and Julien form with Ronan and draws him into the war. Julien was so pissed he went driving to clear his head and found himself at Brianne house. He meets her drunkard dad and found her scrubbing the tub, and it was then that he saw the bruises all over her head and was livid. He became possessive and protective and almost beat him to death for putting his hand on her and threatened him. Julien finally saw why she agreed to the arrangement.
Brianne thought that the marriage would be forever but when Julien say two years she started fretting because she didn't have anywhere to go or any money. She she agreed to the two years on one condition that she would be financially compensated. Brianne is unhappy and feels like a prisoner in Julien's penthouse because of the war and rebels and she gets kidnap you find Julien ripping the city apart to get back his wife. They never thought that they would fall in love and Julien tells Brianne that she was going to be his wife and he was going to make all her darkest desires come true. Their chemistry was electrifying, erotic and sensual. The war was brutal, bloody and violent.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright so I really enjoyed one !!!! I actually came across this on my kindle books to read since I was looking for mafia and I was definitely not disappointed 🙂‍↔️🙂‍↔️

This was such a fast paced read and I was invested in the plot !!! I loved both Julien and Brianne and I LOVED how much she grew as a character 🥹 AND JULIEN UGHH the mouth on this man 10/10 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨 definitely will be read more books by this author !!!

4 ★
🌶️🌶️🌶️

*arranged marrige
*found family
*French/Irish mafia
*obsessed MMC
*my wife
*touch her and die

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

SUNRISE MALICE is the third instalment in BB Hamel’s contemporary, adult DARK MAFIA ROMANCE set in the author’s Bianco Family world. This is French mobster Julien Moreau, and Brianne Campbell’s story line. SUNRISE MALICE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory story and cohesion.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Julien and Brianne) and one chapter from Pascal, SUNRISE MALICE focuses on the arranged marriage between our story line couple. As the head of the French mob in Chicago, Julien Moreau needs an in with the Hayes Group, headed by Ronan Hayes, and Ronan is offering Brianne Campbell, a young woman whose family is connected to Ronan’s organization but Julien is hoping for someone closer to the top, and reluctantly accepts Brianne’s hand in marriage, a marriage predicated upon business and nothing more. The arrival of Julien’s ‘grandfather’ Pascal Moreau threatens not only Julien’s hard fought position within the criminal underworld of Chicago but his growing relationship with our story line heroine.

The world building follows several pathways including Julien and Brianne’s struggling relationship; a fight for control of power; a war Julien and the Russian Mafia; and the numerous attempts on the lives of our story line couple.

The relationship between Julien and Brianne is an arranged marriage, a marriage Julien needs to stake a claim with the Hayes Group but from the outset Julien struggles to accept Brianne as his future bride, forcing Brianne to reconsider her decision going forward. The $ex scenes are passionate and provocative.

We are introduced to Julien’s ‘grandfather’ and the head of the Moreau Crime family Pascal Moreau; Brianne’s best friend and Ronan’s cousin Kim Hayes; Julien’s second in command Jean; as well as the return of Ronan and Valentina.

SUNRISE MALICE is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, dysfunctional family dynamics, acceptance and love.The character driven premise is dark and dramatic; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are charismatic and determined.

copy supplied for review

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brianne Campbell is soon to be married to a stranger. She is 22 and has never been with a man before intimately. Her best friend Kim Hayes knows that Brianne loves to make lists. She makes her write a list of all the stuff she has never done but wants to try in the bedroom. They are at the grand opening of a bar that features illegal, underground boxing matches called Bloody strike. The party is being thrown by the Hayes family which is one of the larger Irish crime organizations in Chicago. Ronan Hayes, the head of the family, is speaking with Brianne’s future husband.

Ronan Hayes came to Brianne with a proposition because she is single and her brother Cormac basically tried to tear down the Hayes Family by causing a rebellion a few months ago. The head of a powerful French crime family is looking for a wife. Ronan thinks it would be a good opportunity to rehabilitate Brianne’s family’s status in the Hayes Group.

Julien Moreau is handsome. He is upset because he wanted a wife that was directly from the Hayes organization. He wants a wife that is more connected. Brianne is mortified that this good looking man does not want her. Brianne walks away upset but Kim stops her. Julien comes over to Brianne and asks to exchange phone numbers. Brianne has her own reasons for wanting this marriage, so she gives Julien her phone. When putting in his number, he finds Brianne’s list. He sends it to his phone and promises Brianne that he will help her check off everything on the list.

These two had a rough start but I was rooting for them. I liked Brianne and was happy Julien got his story told.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[TheReaderVert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Promises, Promises

I've gone back and forth with this book. The very concept is one of my fav tropes marriage of convenience and their meet cute was anything but. With the blurb spurring me on and the killer beginning I was excited for the ride. However this is a marriage of convenience with a slow burn. 🙄 Ugh wasn't expecting that. So the romance stalls out until 60%. I almost DNF a few times but pressed on. Finally around 62% the romance kicks off and the burn heats up. I was glad with the last 40%. I thought it was a strong ending for our Frenchie and tough Irish girl. But honestly the scroll to the epilogue was ok. I did enjoy it but there was promise of a bonus scene for our Frenchie and Irish Rose. What we got was an unnecessary scene with Kim before the events of the epilogue. It felt pointless. I hated that I gave my email address for a newsletter just to get it. It offered nothing towards their romance and it left a sour taste after a solid ending.

The overall book was strongly written with maturity but bland. It was exciting to see Mafia from a different lense (the French and the Irish with Serbian tossed in). But the smex scenes didn't quite go far enough especially based on the promises. It was alright and I was fine with it but I could see expectation for more. The slow burn drawn out story just didn't have enough there to justify it's slowness. And the ending just arrives but satisfaction was elusive.

I might check out these characters again or maybe not. Time will tell

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suddenly, Julien found himself up against a rock and a hard place. Everything he had fought for and conquered was at stake, including his life and that of his own. Intense and exciting scenes kept me impressed by the strength with which the story developed, with a power struggle that seemed to have only one solution. I found the twists and turns that the plot took and Julien's internal conflicts very interesting. Brianne, another victim of the power struggle, didn't see a way to escape the yoke that held her down, but would she be willing to submit once? Although she didn't have as leading a role as other heroines, I liked what Brianne represented in Julien's life, which was what he had needed for a long time. Enjoyed how both Julien and Brianne were breaking down barriers to make their relationship work. We visited old allies and enemies, and I was struck by how the exchanges and negotiations were carried out. I think it is not an easy task to recreate complicated and conflicting situations that catch the reader's attention and with an outcome that makes us think and form our own judgment, and this Frenchman really made me think. These stories, which the author handles in a very interesting way, are getting better and better. Lots of action, suspense, strong emotions, violence, intrigue, alliances, betrayal, romance and passion.

[Anni Barkla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely devoured this brilliant blood thirsty mafia read. There may be some triggers for some readers. I’ve read all of B.B’s Bianco crime family books, and this was another awesome addition leading on from there. This is about ML, Julian Moreau, the hunky head of a French crime family & his FL, Brianne Campbell. An option of an arranged Marriage, organised between Ronan Hayes, head of the Irish Hayes Group ( who married Valentina Santaro) & Julian, was left in Brianne’s Lap/ Hands along with a spicy to do list😉 Without spoiling the story, there is a short appearance from Simon, Don Bianco. I just love how B.B. ties all the books together so seamlessly.

Each of B.B’s books is like taking a wild journey, from the fearless, protective handsome mafia male leads, to their gutsy, take no rubbish women. I love the bonds they have, their friends, as well as the dark/action side. This book was no different, It written so perfectly that it just draws you in for the ride and you keep turning pages to find out what’s next. HEA, spice, heat, friendship, loyalty, romance and chemistry. B.B Thanks again 🫶🏻🫶🏻 Loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J.p · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another instalment of a dark mafia romance, each book is a standalone but interconnected with the Bianco family, we met Julien in Ronan and Valentinas story when in order to form an alliance with the Hayes industry Julien asked for an arranged marriage with a member of said family, enter Brianne not a Hayes but connected to them for years, for her own reasons she agrees to the marriage. This continues to be a dangerous, dark world. Enemies are still amongst them as Julien’s adopted grandfather started a war against the Serbs just for power and control, he’s a cruel heartless man, so when lives are in danger Julien and Brianne realise that their feelings are becoming real. Brianne is young, naive and because of all the put downs she received from her family is very insecure about herself but Julien brings out the best of her and vice versa. A book full of excitement, danger, drama, violence but also great friendships, steamy too happy to follow Brianne accomplish her list. Good to catch up with past characters too. Look forward to more from this author, maybe Jean or Kim (she’s a hoot)

[SassyCM · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was actually a hard review to write because I've absolutely LOVED this entire series so far which makes me feel even worse for having to say that I was really disappointed reading Sunrise Malice.

All the other books had these strong willed, take no prisoners, kick-butt FMCs with complex personalities, but Brianne? I couldn't see her as anything other than an immature and unreasonable young girl with not much substance that really likes to act like a brat.

If I didn't like this entire series so much and wanted to see what happens next I might've stopped reading, I was so annoyed by her. Even Julien didn't quite reach the same level of ... Well everything, the other MMCs had. But then, he is French soo ... ;)

I want to make clear that the book is definitely well written but in my opinion Julien and Brianne's story just lacked a lot of the oomph and grit the other books had.

I will still absolutely continue reading everything that BB Hamel writes because I will not be put off by one story where I didn't vibe with the FMC when all the other books so far have been great.

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am seriously addicted to this storyline! This continues from Ronan and Vals's story, and the problems they are facing in Chicago, with the territories.

Julien has very good reasons for asking Ronan to facilitate a bride for him, and to link himself with the Irish family, for strength. Brielle is not exactly upset, being arranged with Julien, but as the story unfurls, we realize maybe she "went from the fry pan into the fire", and her new situation is even more dangerous than she expected. She finds herself deeply attracted to her new husband, and all the steamy chemistry between them. Ooh, so hot! So, maybe not so bad ... *wink*

It is to your advantage to know the stories that have come before this, for storyline continuity, and character references. I enjoyed all the drama, betrayals, conflicts and retributions between the families. I gladly lose myself in these pages, and recommend you do the same. It's everything we love about this author's creativity!!

I was fortunate to receive a complimentary copy, (thank you) and voluntarily leave my review.

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brianne Campbell never wanted an arranged marriage, but her brother's betrayal has left her with few choices in escaping the life she has endured since his death. Julien Moreau is the grandson of a powerful French criminal organization, he needs a wife that his grandfather did not choose for him, and a stronger tie to Chicago's powerful Irish mafia. While the beautiful Brianne may not be related by blood to head of the Hayes Group her list of dirty fantasies has him sold on marrying her. Unfortunately, Julien's grandfather pays a surprise visit which just might kill them all.
Wow, there is a lot of violence and bloodshed in this book with unexpected twists in the plot that made this an engrossing read and hard to put down. The characters are all fascinating and engaging with realistic and sometimes downright scary personalities that had me questioning what was coming next. Lots of steam and a happily ever after make this a must-read book that I recommend to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Rebecca Unsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunrise Malice is the third book in this mafia series and while it can be read as a standalone easily enough, I recommend reading the other books in the series as you get the backstories of other characters.
This story features Brianne and Julien. Julien is a French mob boss and needs to marry. He wants to marry someone who his grandfather hasn't chosen and someone from a powerful irish mafia family to help form a stronger tie to another family.
Brianne never wanted an arranged marriage, but she sees it as an escape from her current life. Julien's grandfather decides to visit from france and causes all sorts of trouble.

Another great story, its well written and I couldn't put it down. I loved Brianne she's been through so much and has come out stronger. Despite the way they started their marriage they end up with a HEA after fighting for it. If you enjoy mafia stories with twists and a HEA I recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dorrita Winch · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Enemies To Marriage Mafia Romance: The Alliance Series book 3.
Oh my goodness! This is the perfect book!! Seriously! We have the beautiful, innocent and abused MFC, Brianne Campbell, looking for a way of escape.
And our handsome, Crime boss, heavily tattooed, athletic Frenchman and MMC, Julien Moreau.
Who’s never wanted attachments.
All until he meets and has an agreement for an arranged marriage to Brianne.
He’s instantly jealous, possessive and protective of his mon minou, ma femme “my pussycat, my wife” ❤️. And he makes her realize everything her father said, was not true. That she was more than enough. That she’s beautiful, smart, sexy, strong, worthy of so much love and more.
He was a shell of a man before Brianne. She completed him. Made him happy and whole for the first time in his life.
It’s a Mafia love story at its best, with all the war, blood spilt, murders, alliances and coups, but with a happy ending for Brianne and Julien. Oh and with an added tattoo on his muscled chest.😁
A fantastic book that I could not put down! Haven’t read one so good in a while.❤️❤️❤️

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd story in the Bianco Mafia World with an arranged marriage. When Julian who’s part of the French syndicate helps Ronan of the Irish mob with a issue he in return is offered an arranged marriage as long as it’s mutual, Brianne is given an opportunity to get away from the sins of her brother and father. Their 1st meeting didn’t go well where each feels slighted making their negotiations interesting. When Julian tricks Brianne and discovers her bucket list that are on his agenda to achieving! With an agreement to a quick business deal/marriage Julian needs Brianne’s support dealing with the his grandfather’s surprise visit. Decisions are made behind Julian’s back by his grandfather starting a war with previous alliance over power and money. Julian has no other option but to follow through or look weak. The danger reaches Brianne and her cousin putting them directly in the crossfire. How Julian and Ronan come together to protect and eliminate danger shows Brianne what’s important…family and love! I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

An arranged marriage of convenience that is anything but!
I fell in love with Brianne when her best friend/cousin gets her to make up a list of fantasies to take her mind off meeting her arranged fiancé for the first time at her cousin’s fight club/bar. The meetup leaves a lot to be desired for Brianne, but Julien still gets her phone to add his cell to her contacts and something else to keep the dynamics between the two edgy throughout the story. As Julien’s reason for wanting a wife from the Shay group is revealed, his grandpere does about anything to make his displeasure known and causes a whole lot of chaos for Julien. As Brianne works with Julien and her cousin to find a way out of the mess they are in, the danger seemingly explodes around them. As a light at the end of the tunnel appears, decisions are made that can’t be undone and hopefully will bring about a necessary peace between the different fractions. I loved how Julien ensures the threat from his grandpere is diminished at the end!

[Rozebudzz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brianna and Julien

Brianna is being physically abused by her father and is looking for a marriage to save her from the beatings. Julien needs a wife to keep his adoptive grandfather from marrying him off. These two reluctantly agree to a 2 yr marriage of convenience. They don’t pretend to even like each other but they agree to be civil and pretend that their affection is real.

I love the growth that Brianna experiences in the book. She was always smart but inexperienced and Julien opens up so much of the world for her. He listens to her advice and protects and nurtures her, treating her like she’s important. Julien isn’t pleasant to her at first but he slowly softens. There’s betrayal, angst, high emotions, and hurt feelings. Julian’s grandfather is incredibly toxic. They deal with all of it and more to get to their HEA. This is dual POV, lots of heat and a beautiful couple who scratch and claw their way to their well deserved HEA.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I love the banter between Brianne and Julien so much. I love that he’s witty and fun to be around, unlike most mafia romance books where the MMC is a total jerk for most of the book.

I love how their relationship grows so smoothly and that Julien includes Brianne in his work, again, unlike most mafia books.

Brianne starts to get a little irritating with her self loathing but glad it doesn’t go too far.

I would give 3.5 chili peppers 🌶️🌶️🌶️ because it’s hot BUT could be more detailed and kinky, At least that’s what I love. They do bang a lot once they do though. It isn’t overkill because of not always being fully detailed though!

This one does go VERY into his work. Which also loses half a star for me because it’s a lot and there’s a lot of names and families so I got a little overwhelmed during some of it . But it does tie together well at the end. I love that Julien is SO dedicated to Brianne from the beginning and I love the ending.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a surprising dark Mafia story with marriage that started in a unique way. Julian needed a wife that came with ties to the Irish Mafia but when he was introduced to Brianne, he did not feel that she caried the weight he needed. Well surprise, because when she decides that Julian is just the escape from her life that she needs, suddenly she becomes a more interesting prospect (with the help of an interesting list she created). There are the usual wars and fighting between the different nationalities of Mafia factions. There were many instances where I was certain Brianna would have lost Julian to the violence that I was on pins and needles hoping they lived to get their HEA. There were some surprises at the end so you will need to read to find out what happens.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashkenia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pass

H: Julien Moreau
h: Brianne Campbell
I really wanted to like this story but I just couldn't get into it. I stop at 49% (pg 182). Julien doesn't want to follow his adoptive grandfather who took him in while Julien was homeless. He taught him everything he knows with physical abuse. Now grown he still can't stand up to him which in my eyes makes him weak. Julien came to America and started the Moreau Crime Family. His grandfather comes and he doesn't like the fact that his grandson is not doing what he wants him to do so he starts a war with another small crime family. This goes back and forth between those 2 crime families. Brianne is trying to run away from her own abused father (blah blah blah) I just couldn't take it anymore. I don't think Julien is a good, strong crime boss & Brianne is just plain dumb. I just didn't like the story at all.

[Vonn Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about Julien, the local French mob boss that asked Ronan from the last book for a favor. An arranged marriage to someone from Ronans, Irish mob boss, circle to form an alliance.

What he doesn’t expect is Brianne, sister of Cormac who betrayed Ronan in the last book and she has nothing to do with the mob.

She made a list of things she’d like to try out with her new husband. No love, just a 2 year marriage to get her out of the house and away from her abusive father, maybe some money too…but did Julien have to be so good looking? But then he opens his mouth and out comes an a-hole with a French accent.

We see more of the group from the last two books and again there is an internal issue with the French mob and Julien needs help from Ronan. There is an age gap, Brianne is 22 and Julien (I think) 35. The blurb mentions the list and you’d think it’s a big part of the story, but it’s only mentioned a few times throughout.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Monique Salm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sunrise Malice was my first book by BB Hamel. I checked on Amazon if this book is part of a series before I started reading. Unfortunately nothing showed up. While reading at some points I had the feeling that something is missing, part of the backstory. It seems there are two other books. It is not necessary to read them first, but I would recommend it.

Please be also careful if you have some triggers. It´s a bloody story, full of violence and abuse.

The story is about betrayal, hatered, lots of fights, rival groups, arranged marriage, an uncertain FMC and a husband who backs her up. But also chemistry between MC, best friends and loyalty.

This book is well written and wasn´t boring at any point.