Is blood thicker than water? Do loyalties only stay within the confines of the family? Bobby and Tilly’s relationship has dealt with enough hardship. From Bobby’s crutch with drugs, to ease the pain of time, as he thought Tilly’s heart ceased to beat forever. To Tilly’s over-bearing parents moving into town, relentlessly manipulating her to move back home and forget about The Afton Adders. Their relationship was already tested by her near-death experience; will it fortify against the storms that arise? Or will it wither and die?
They find their fate isn’t decided by them, but by another.
- MMF, LGBTQ+ - Why choose? - Gangster/Mafia romance - "Crawl to Me" - Morally Grey - Dark Romancy - She goes from Bubblegum to Blackcat - Peaky Blinder and Dramoine inspired - Knife play - Powering through Judgmental Parents
D.E. Dietz is a preeminent author and nurse, who first began writing during COVID-19 as a coping mechanism to battle the negativity of the pandemic. As she cared for COVID patients, writing became an outlet for her mental health and an inspiration to write her second book about burnout within the medical field. Since then, she has explored different writing genres and created a loyal group of fans who eagerly await her latest releases. With a large imagination and vast inspiration, she continues to push literary boundaries such as modern-day Viking lore, Fragments of Asgard and World War I fiction; Hearts Held by Barbed Wire. (The Afton Adders series).
D.E. Dietz continues to be a nurse. Connect today!
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book, but it exceeded my expectations! The story is so raw and emotional and kept my heart racing. The spicy scenes? Absolutely off the charts! The characters feel genuine, each with their flaws and struggles to face. I appreciated how they leaned on each other for support and healing.
Bobby is a strong and dependable guy. You can tell he would do anything to protect the people he loves. His love for Tilly shines through, and the connection he develops with Marcus is beautiful too. I admired how Tilly becomes a source of hope for him as he fights his addiction.
Then there's Marcus, who’s such a sweet and kind-hearted soul. He longs for love and a sense of belonging, and my heart broke for him when he faced abuse. It was so heartwarming to see him finally find safety and comfort with Tilly and Bobby.
Tilly, meanwhile, is such a resilient woman! She had a tough childhood with controlling parents, but seeing her character growth, especially when she stood up to them, was truly inspiring.
The bond between the three of them is so strong! They help each other heal and always have each other's backs. I loved watching how their relationship evolved and how much they relied on one another. Each character has such depth; they’re relatable and real. And the mix of crime, action, and emotional moments captivated me!
I am thoroughly surprised with how much I loved this book! I’m not one for historical romances or books in general but with this one you can’t even tell! The trio of MC’s is absolutely amazing! Cant wait for book 3!
Dianne ma’am you truly did a spectacular job with this phenomenal book that I absolutely love. I need to read all your beautiful books. You truly have a way of writing that had me trying to guess what was gonna happen next. I just want to point out that I didn’t know what was gonna happen next. This book had so many twist plots that I was riveted and I was all for it.
I truly truly love this beautiful book from start to finish. This beautiful book is about Tilly, Bobby and Marcus. The chemistry between all of them is complete fire. All I’m gonna say about their chemistry is SWEET BABY JESUS. This is beautiful book truly put me in my feels. This beautiful broke my poor heart, made me hot and bothered, laugh hysterically to the point where I couldn’t breathe, made me swoon, and made me feel so many other feelings. Please please please do not sit on this beautiful series because it has everything you ever will want in a book about a fierce love, found family, so much suspense, fierce FMC who takes back control of her life, two MMC‘s who will protect the woman they love and the most hysterical side characters ever.
If you absolutely love, love, love a book about 2 fierce MMC‘s who will burn the whole world down for the love of their life, this book is for you. Thank you, thank you so much, Dianne for writing this spectacular book that I absolutely love. I will be one clicking everything of yours from now on because you had me riveting and laughing hysterically that I have no choice but to do that for you, my beauty. Seriously all of you beautiful people need to get this book on May 26.
✨𝒜𝐿𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨ 🎧Hearts Etched in Glass (The Afton Adders Book 2) 🎙️Allie Rose (Tilly), James Joseph (Bobby), Sean Masters (Marcus)
In this second installment of The Afton Adders, we follow Bobby and Tilly’s relationship after he thought she was lost forever. With Marcus, his childhood friend now protecting Tilly, their dynamic changes as deeper feelings are awakened.
Tropes: 👀Multi POV (duet style narration) ❤️MMF Why choose 🔫Gangster/Mafia romance 🧎🏻"Crawl to Me" 🐈⬛She goes from Bubblegum to Blackcat 🔪Kn!fe play ⚠️Check TW/CW 🌶️: open door
Bobby is earnest, possessive, and a little unhinged. Tilly is resilient and compassionate and longs to feel like she’s enough. Marcus is steadfast and protective and yearns to belong. Can they be the missing pieces for each other?
The cast delivers dynamic and impassioned performances of this trio as they navigate their respective insecurities, perceived flaws, and addictions.
Hearts Etched in Glass is an emotional story of finding oneself and finding healing through total acceptance. I loved the gritty Peaky Blinders undertones woven into this why choose romance.
Huge thanks to the author and @bluenoseaudio for the listening copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Heart Etched In Glass is book two in the Afton Adders series. This book follows Bobby, Tilly, and Marcus. We all love a why choose trope! Bobby and Tilly had an instant love that started in book one. Little did we know Marcus and Bobby had a love that went back years. I loved that the main characters showed how it’s ok to feel broken and showed the different ways their mental health was impacted by their lives, as the other main characters helped them feel whole. The banter between all the characters was top tier. The spice was 1000/10! I also enjoyed that there wasn’t a common “third act breakup”. I was a huge fan of Peaky Blinders and this gives me the same vibes. The background stories behind each of the main characters really grabbed my attention. I can’t wait to see what Baba has in store for the Adders in book 3! Thank you so much Deanne this book was such a great read!
This book had my jaw on the floor only a few chapters in. The things that come out of Tilly's mouth are surprising but oh so good. The spice is between Tilly, Bobby, and Marcus is amazing and will have you needing to fan yourself. Although there are plenty of great spicy scenes, there is still a good mixture of plot, drama, and character development. Tilly and her men each grow as characters throughout this story, working through their self-destructive behaviors and figuring out their new dynamic of all being together. This book had me laughing out loud on several occasions. Bobby especially, had me laughing with him trying to find a religion. His quick prayers were hilarious. This book is a must read in my opinion. A funny, steamy, and overall great story.
This was my first read by this author, and I have to give it a solid 4.5 🌟. I really enjoyed the speech from back in the 1930s. This is a why choose and our FMC, Tilly is strong, sweet, and smart. Meanwhile, our two MMCs: Bobby is a no BS kinda man who just lights things on fire and fumbles the ball a lot, lol. Meanwhile, Marcus ahhh such a sweetheart, who wants to love and be loved while also enacting poetic justice. There's a lot of family drama, fires, spicy moments, acts of vengeance, and as always checks the TWs as there are some touchy subjects. Definitely recommend!
*ARC REVIEW* I was super excited to be chosen for an arc review of this book, and when I tell you SEXYYYYY phew😮💨😮💨 Bobby, Marcus and Tilly have such a beautiful relationship and dynamic. The power plays between all 3 is smoldering hot! Also I’m partial to Baba, I think I want her as my grandma
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
wow wow this bookn2 was amazing yiu thought book 1 was amazing u have to check to out book 2 and till Bobby and Marcus just wow till is bad ass and Bobby is Bobby and Marcus makes them complete and the revenge on those people who hurt her.
What did I just read?! I had no idea what to expect with this book but did it ever take me on a wild (and hot) ride!! 🥵
We dive deeper into Tilly, Bobby and Marcus’ relationship and let me tell you, the MMF is *chef’s kiss*! This was significantly spicier than Hearts Held by Barbed Wire and I am here for it!
We watch Tilly grow and really become her own person, I was rooting for her the whole time and she became such a spunky bad ass! And Bobby, oh Bobby 🫠 I’ve loved his character since the first book and he holds a special place in my heart. This book, we really see him take control of situations, but with his typical (and usually hilarious) Bobby fashion.
Then there’s Marcus. Oh Marcus, my heart. The beginning of his story crushed me, but watching him come into his own once he learned he could be loved and accepted for who he is made the pain worth it.
The book was such an easy read and I just love the characters so much (especially Biscuit!). The love, chaos and suspense combined makes it hard to put down. D.E. Deitz just loves to keep us on our toes!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Who doesn’t love a good why chose MMF romance? Even better when the MMCs remind you of the show Peaky Blinders.
Bobby is the wild card of the family. But he will always protect the ones he loves to the ends of the world. When he found out that his relationship with Tilly was missing something, he found the solution.
Oh how I loved Tilly! A FMC who had no problem controlling her men but growed so much through her childhood trauma and self discovery. Also the way she protects her men! Damn girl!
Marcus. Our sweet, naughty boy that just wanted to be loved. I loved seeing his transformation within the couple and how the relationship grew.
Such a fun read. My first historical romance and first from D.E Dietz. You are a badass with your writing.
Format: Audiobook Narrators: Allie Rose, James Joseph, and Sean Masters Genre: Dark Romance
📖- 4 🎙️- 4 🌶️- 3
🖤MMF 🖤Why Choose 🖤Dark Mafia Romance 🖤Roaring 20' Era
CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS
Audiobook Non-Spoiler Review 🎧 Hearts Etched in Glass is a dark romance that tells the love story of Tilly, Bobby, and eventually Marcus. I enjoyed the quick witted British humor the most from this story. Bobby literally had me laughing out loud with his antics and insults. Each character seemed to struggle with their own demons and insecurities, but to watch them overcome them, really showed the growth of their character.
Performed in duet by Allie Rose, James Joseph, and Sean Masters, I found myself really enjoying not only the audio, but the book. The time era in which this story takes place is one of my all-time favorites, so getting lost in the roaring twenties was a fascinating journey.
This story is full of passion and spice. The relationship between Tilly, Bobby, and Marcus is romantic, sultry, and intense. Their chemistry is beautiful and intoxicating. You can really feel the love they have for each other regardless of their flaws. Even through their struggles, they really showed care and support for each other. Let’s not forget about Baba. She was such a strong and fearless badass as always. This is such a beautiful story full of vulnerabilities, passion, and love. I can’t wait for the next book!
Ok so Tilly is a great FMC!!! Sh went from cute bubblegum to I will to protect my men!!! You get 'em!!! Let me just say her parents suck Ô!!! Bobby went a little off the deep end but having Tilly and Marcusnin his life has literally saved him!!! They really are his guiding light! Marcus, he just needs to be loved and controlled within reason! Like crawling (not kidding)!!! Man she puts them in the knees ALOT!!! Loved it too Shorter read but has everything you could want!!! • MMF - Why Choose • Gangster/Mafia Romance • "Crawl to me" • Morally Grey Characters • Dark Romance • FMC goes from Bubblegum to Black Cat • Knife Play • Peaky Blinder x Dramoine Inspired • Powering through Judgemental Parents
Thank you Luna Literary and Deanna for allowing me this ARC!!! Loved it 😍
The way I was hot and bothered by Tilly, Bobby AND Marcus is crazy! This beautiful love story pulled at my heart strings in more than one way. The situation with Tilly made Bobby completely unhinged. Now they are trying to figure out things life..after death. Marcus is the missing piece to their already strong bond. Marcus needed both Tilly and Bobby to finally feel accepted… and boy do they accept him!? 🥵
I am literally foaming at the mouth Kennth’s story!
MMF, Why-Choose, “Crawl to me”, “Good Boy”, HEA, gangster romance, found family, 1st person, multi-person POV
Honestly this book got me out of a book slump. I got an ARC copy of this book, but even if I didn’t, I would read this over and over and recommend to anyone.
The amount of growth I saw in the FMC was truly ✨AMAZING✨🤌🏻 the steam was easily a 4.5/5! Definitely a perk in my eyes 😜 the men?! CRAWL TO ME?! SIGN ME UPPPP PLS!!! These men will do anything for the FMC, and who doesn’t love that? 😩 over all, this book was amazing and I loved it!!! Deanna you DID THAT 😍👏🏻🫶🏻
“Better not come round again! Or you’ll get buttered by Biscuit!”
Wow!!! Book is set in 1935 with a Peaky Blinders vibe! Poor Bobby… the man goes through it but he got his happy ending! Well they all did hehe! Spice is 🚀 and lots of it! An MMF story with the fmc Tilly who is struggling with really crappy parents and their want to control her life! The other mmc has his own battles with hisself and his own parents! A beautiful love story of acceptance and creating your own family! Looking forward to Kenneth’s story!
I love that it’s set in 1920/30’s and I loved that Tilly really grew in to such a strong character, from being controlled during her childhood from rigid parents (especially considering the setting timeline-you can tell it was difficult). Then how the relationship evolved, not only the codependency (honestly in a good way), Bobby navigating addiction and using Tilly as a beacon of light. All the characters were perfection, the crime and action, and the scenes. Wow.
Short and spicy MMF!! I did not read book one prior to starting my ARC and was able to keep up without any problems! The story starts quickly and you are immediately tossed into the love story!
Love these characters and how much love the Adder family has for their own!
This is a dark, why choose, ⚔️ romance with Peaky Blinders vibe, gritty, intense, emotional, and so addicting. The dynamic between the three main characters? Pure chaos and chemistry in the best way. It’s messy, raw, and somehow still soft when it counts. Tilly, Bobby, and Marcus find what they need in each other and they complete each other. The way they love and grow together had me feeling everything.
If you like fast pace, tension, trauma bonding, and spicy why choose that hits you right in the heart, READ THIS.
The voice acting was spot on and amazing! Multicast in duet narration, Allie Rose as Tilly, James Joseph as Bobby, and Sean Masters as Marcus. All three voice actors nailed this performance!
I love a book that makes me question my dark side! Does the fact that I enjoyed this so much mean that I'm twisted? Or was it just that good!! This is the second book of the Afton Adders family. I love the Peaky Blinders-esque vibe of this series. Apparently, I have a thing for gangsters? I loved the first book, and this book is even better! The characters are multi-faceted, and the growth from their individual traumas is so satisfying. I found myself laughing, cheering, tearing up, and yelling out loud throughout the entire story. Seriously, Never. A. Dull. Moment. And I loved it!!! I'll definitely be recommending this to others while I try to patiently wait for book three!
Thank you to Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to Hearts Etched in Glass prior to release! Honestly at this point if D.E Dietz writes it, you can absolutely expect me to read and love it. If you thought Hearts Wrapped in Barbed Wire was a crazy wild ride, grab into your Cowboy hats because Hearts Etched in Glass is ever wilder in all the best way possible.
I fell in love with Bobby and Tilly in book one, and now that Marcus is in the mix I love them even more. The way they each take care of each other in their own way and work together to protect their girl builds up to a perfect crescendo of lust and passion that explodes off the page, literally lol. I really enjoyed following Tilly's development from the shy quiet perfect daughter that her overly controlling parents molded to an explosive strong woman who lives her life the way she wants and puts her happiness first finally.
This was a great story of revenge, healing, and finding strength. I enjoyed every second, especially Bobby and his damn cowboy dream. I still can't get over those horses and their names lmao. 🤣 If you love a fun MMF relationship with the perfect HEA, Revenge on evil Ex's and parents, historical settings and classic gangster/family business with a little dash to crazy than this is absolutely the series for you!! I can't wait for the series to continue with #3!
Favorite Highlights:
"Her aura draws you in and wraps its arms around your soul. Making you feel loved, making you feel like you are the only person on this planet."
“He is beauty. He is grace. He will f**k you with his face.”
“You belong with me, always have and always will. You will listen. You belong with us.” "Do you Understand."
“You will bear witness that I am no longer yours. I am not your daughter anymore. I am an Adder now.”
This was such an interesting read. For fans of Peaky Blinders- you will enjoy this. It is dark and emotional.
Tilly, the FMC, starts out sweet but turns feral in the best way. I really love the dynamic between Bobby and Marcus. Marcus' story is heartbreaking and seeing Tilly and Bobby love him was perfect.
They say the scars of the past can ride with you for your entire life. so when it comes to those scars as you get older how do you move past them? How do you not let them taint your life?
This book delivered more than I was expecting in the way of an emotional rollercoaster. You feel for each of the main characters in this story. Each is battling something in their own way and they're also each looking for something and that something is love and acceptance.
When you meet Tilly, Bobby and Marcus, you will fall in love with each one of them for various reasons. If you want a book that is full of depth, passion, and twists every time you turn around, then this is the book for you.
The character development and the overall story was really a great read. When I want to stay up to read more pages, that's when I know a book has hit my soul.
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into Hearts Etched in Glass, but wow—this historical romance delivered more than I bargained for. It’s gritty, emotional, and full of beautifully messy characters who feel intensely real.
What stood out to me the most was the portrayal of the “softer” brother. Watching him evolve—hardened by circumstances but held together by the fierce support of the FMC and their shared lover, Marcus—was honestly one of my favorite parts. The dynamic between the trio is intense in the best way, full of passion, loyalty, and struggle.
And then there's Baba. If you’ve read Hearts Held by Barbed Wire, you already know she’s a force. But this book took my love for her to the next level. She’s such a badass—sharp, fearless, and the glue to the Afton Adders.
If you’re into Peaky Blinders vibes, strong dark romance, and don’t mind a bit of blood with your love stories, I’d definitely recommend this one. It’s the kind of book that lingers with you—equal parts heartache and heat.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 Regular and/or moderately explicit sex scenes
Steamy and Spice chapters down below.
Peep the trigger warnings prior to reading.
📝 Notes: Multiple POV (Bobby, Tilly, & Marcus) MMF Poly Romance Why choose? Morally Grey/Black MCs Mafia Romance Historical Romance Dark Romance Emotional and Healing Post WW1 era Dom/Sub Kinks
I was given the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book, which I am grateful to be a part of. So here’s my honest review.
This book is the second of the series. You technically can read this book before the first, but it makes the most sense to read the first so you don’t miss out on crucial information and you can really get the full emotional experience. But do you.
In the first book we were left with so much emotions and the twist at the end! So this is a continuation of that. Hence why it’s best to read in order.
Love the playlist that goes with the chapters. It provides the ambience for the scene that you read. The illustration is a lovely touch too.
There’s spice right off the bat. The entire book is spicier than the first. The scenes are so good. Also not just the spice between the MCs, but the chemistry between all three is palpable. I loved how there was no hesitation to be together and just pouring of love and passion. With all the hate and drama going around, their love was the balance. I loved the first book, but this one might just be my favorite.
Baba is a beast. Love her character. “Dick rubbing party around the bonfire” 🤣 Baba is so hilarious. She’s also so devious. I would not want to be on her bad side. (Can we get her story? I bet it would be unhinged and exciting.)
Biscuit is such a funny and lovable character. I’m glad we got to see him in this book again.
I love how the family is supportive of their relationship and nonjudgmental. They’re so protective of their own and the community they take care of.
Overall the book was amazing. It’s pretty fast paced. I’m currently on holiday so was only able to read when I could. It was funny, steamy and spicy, chaotic, unhinged, emotional and heartwarming. I would’ve wanted more interactions with them together outside of the spice, other than that, loved the book.
So excited for the next book already. Looks like enemies to lovers, my favorite.♥️♥️
Overall Thoughts: After the ending from Hearts wrapped in barbed wire, I had to know what happened with Bobby and Tillie and this book delivered on their story. I went into this one a bit blind again, only really knowing what happened in book 1 and who the main characters were in this book, but it didn’t click for me until I started listening that this was a MMF throuple. The way these characters come together and fight not only their own battles, but fight for and with each other for the life they want, while remaining true to each other is really poetic. Sean and James were amazing in this book. James did an amazing job as the jokester Bobby, and Sean was the perfect level-headed Marcus, a best friend and so much more. Tillie’s voice didn’t always hit the mark for me, but Allie’s portrayal as Baba we so convincing, I thought she was a little old lady. This is a really great series and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
Narration: Duet narration, first-person present tense, multiple POV, few flashbacks.
Tropes: 1920s (post WWI), MMF, magic, @busive parents, m@fia, touch her and unalive, anxiety, PTSD, nurse, funny grandmother, they save each other, feelings of unworthiness, drug use, voyeurism, group activities, violence, revenge, check TWs
Overall: 4
Spice: 3
Humor: 2.5
Drama: 3.5
Darkness: 3.5
Narration: 4
Spoilers if you have not listened to/read book 1
Tillie is back. Back from the dead, and while Bobby is grateful to have the love of his life back, the turmoil he went through when he thought she was dead, has left him reeling, and turning to drugs as a coping mechanism.
Bobby is trying to claw his way back to be the man he knows he needs to be for Tillie, but with work he needs to do for the Afton Adders, he is pulled away, which is where he has Marcus step in to keep watch over Tillie and keep her safe.
Marcus loves his best friend, but even more than that he is in love with him, and his girl. He can’t believe that either of them, let alone both of them want to be with him and could love a broken man they way they do. He is willing to do whatever it takes to prove to them both, that he is worthy of their love and devotion.