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Salima Navarro, a driven young woman with dreams larger than her current circumstances, takes a job at the upscale Aura nightclub to support herself and her recovering mother. This decision unexpectedly propels her into an unfamiliar world.
Deuce Dillinger, the commanding heir to a powerful family empire, is accustomed to control in all aspects of his life. Upon seeing Salima, he resolves to make her his, despite her initial resistance to his domineering personality and lifestyle.
As their fiery attraction ignites into a passionate affair, Salima finds herself navigating the complexities of Deuce's world, a realm of luxury, family loyalty, and ever-present danger. With rivals threatening their relationship and Salima's safety at stake, can their love withstand the challenge that comes with Deuce's lifestyle? Or will Salima have to choose between the man who sets her heart ablaze and the life she's always known?
Deuce Dillinger, the commanding heir to a powerful family empire, is accustomed to control in all aspects of his life. Upon seeing Salima, he resolves to make her his, despite her initial resistance to his domineering personality and lifestyle.
As their fiery attraction ignites into a passionate affair, Salima finds herself navigating the complexities of Deuce's world, a realm of luxury, family loyalty, and ever-present danger. With rivals threatening their relationship and Salima's safety at stake, can their love withstand the challenge that comes with Deuce's lifestyle? Or will Salima have to choose between the man who sets her heart ablaze and the life she's always known?
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2024
1363 people are currently reading
1139 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Brown
52 books1,791 followersKimberly Brown is a South Carolina born and raised author of contemporary/urban romance. She strives to create stories that readers can visualize in their heads as the pages turn. Writing has been a part of her journey since a young age but really became a focal point during her high school years. With the support of her classmates, she began sharing her love of words with others. In 2019 she took her first step towards becoming a serious writer with self-publishing. August of 2021, she made her BLP debut with “Pretty Caged Bird” and is continuing to grow her catalog. With a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a pending masters in Mental Health Counseling, Kimberly loves to incorporate mental health into her writings as she feels it is not talked about or address enough within the African American community.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 397 reviews
December 18, 2024
Mkay Stanley Deuce Dillinger!!! Talk yo talk and walk that big boy walk! Ayeeeeee!!! I am feeling the Dillinger family and cannot wait to see what the rest of the siblings have in store for us! I am ready! Move over Brady Bunch, there’s a bigger, better BLACKER family in town and we love to see it!
January 7, 2025
3.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐
After three months of being unemployed, Salima finally has a job and sis needs it. The mortgage is due and her savings is damn near drained. Unfortunately for her, she picked the wrong night to start her new job. Some shady shyt is goin’ down at Club Aura and Salima, unknowingly, finds herself right smack dab in the middle of it.
The Dillinger name reigns supreme throughout their city. They’re known for their illegal underground connections as well as their philanthropic donations throughout the inner city. They have the entire police department and most of the politicians in their back pocket. For the right price, Deuce and his family will make any problem go away. Somebody wants Club Aura shut down permanently and the Dillingers are on the job.
Deuce’s story was a great way to kick off this series. He’s the oldest, the most unhinged, and the most entertaining. ‘If there was one thing a muthaf*cka was gon’ do, it was try you. It didn’t matter how many stories they heard about you. It didn’t matter what your reputation was. Ninjas didn’t believe shyt until you showed them who you were. A ninja like me didn’t do much talking when that became the case. If I had to show you who I was, you were gonna feel that shyt, and it was anything but pleasant.’ And, he meant that shyt. Deuce is a hardcore gangsta through and through but, when he meets Salima, my guy wasn’t ready at all. He was not prepared to fall for the female version of himself. Salima had no problem returnin’ that same energy and gettin’ Deuce all the way together and he low key liked that shyt. 😏😏😏😏 I really enjoyed this close knit crime family and I can’t wait to see more from the Dillinger clan.
After three months of being unemployed, Salima finally has a job and sis needs it. The mortgage is due and her savings is damn near drained. Unfortunately for her, she picked the wrong night to start her new job. Some shady shyt is goin’ down at Club Aura and Salima, unknowingly, finds herself right smack dab in the middle of it.
The Dillinger name reigns supreme throughout their city. They’re known for their illegal underground connections as well as their philanthropic donations throughout the inner city. They have the entire police department and most of the politicians in their back pocket. For the right price, Deuce and his family will make any problem go away. Somebody wants Club Aura shut down permanently and the Dillingers are on the job.
Deuce’s story was a great way to kick off this series. He’s the oldest, the most unhinged, and the most entertaining. ‘If there was one thing a muthaf*cka was gon’ do, it was try you. It didn’t matter how many stories they heard about you. It didn’t matter what your reputation was. Ninjas didn’t believe shyt until you showed them who you were. A ninja like me didn’t do much talking when that became the case. If I had to show you who I was, you were gonna feel that shyt, and it was anything but pleasant.’ And, he meant that shyt. Deuce is a hardcore gangsta through and through but, when he meets Salima, my guy wasn’t ready at all. He was not prepared to fall for the female version of himself. Salima had no problem returnin’ that same energy and gettin’ Deuce all the way together and he low key liked that shyt. 😏😏😏😏 I really enjoyed this close knit crime family and I can’t wait to see more from the Dillinger clan.
December 19, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ Deuce did not play; when he wanted something, he would have it, and he wanted Salima. Salima was not interested in games; she was more concerned with her family and independence, as well as making money and staying out of trouble. Without a doubt, Deuce broke down her inaccessible walls. A love connection developed as they both learned a lot from one another.
January 14, 2025
3.5 stars
Stanley, the man that you are 😂
“Who ever heard of a thug named Stanley?”
I really enjoyed reading this but at so points I felt like it was doing too damn much but I ate it all up so 🤷🏾♀️
Looking forward to reading the rest of the Dillinger sibling stories 🤗
Stanley, the man that you are 😂
“Who ever heard of a thug named Stanley?”
I really enjoyed reading this but at so points I felt like it was doing too damn much but I ate it all up so 🤷🏾♀️
Looking forward to reading the rest of the Dillinger sibling stories 🤗
February 4, 2025
Salima x Deuce
Deuce Dillenger knows how to apply pressure. While this book was predictable, I still enjoyed the chase and the action. Deuce and his family own the city. They love each other dearly and are feared by most, except for Salima. Salima says what she means and stands on business—for the most part. When it comes to Stanley “Deuce” Dillenger, she definitely loses all her resolve. She can only stand on business for so long. Overall, this was a fun read. I loved getting to know the savage Dillengers, and I'm already looking forward to the rest of the siblings.
3.6 ⭐️
Deuce Dillenger knows how to apply pressure. While this book was predictable, I still enjoyed the chase and the action. Deuce and his family own the city. They love each other dearly and are feared by most, except for Salima. Salima says what she means and stands on business—for the most part. When it comes to Stanley “Deuce” Dillenger, she definitely loses all her resolve. She can only stand on business for so long. Overall, this was a fun read. I loved getting to know the savage Dillengers, and I'm already looking forward to the rest of the siblings.
3.6 ⭐️
July 1, 2025
This book gives you such a thrill. It's insane, it's good, it's a wild ride.
9/10 would recommend.
9/10 would recommend.
December 28, 2024
Deuce is the first book in a new family series from this author! The Dillinger family is known around town for their connections, both legit and underground. Deuce is the eldest brother and the book starts with him letting you know he does NOT play about his family. Meanwhile, Salima is trying to make ends meet so she can take care of her mom and eventually go back to school. She ends up crossing paths with Deuce several times (the first time not being on the best foot), before they finally realize that they may have something worth exploring.
This was ok. Not my favorite from the author. I'm intrigued on what she's going to do about the other Dillinger siblings!
SN - I say this with every review of her books, she has got to get another editor because the myriad of grammar errors is almost disrespectful to readers. The errors are present in every single book I've read from this author, and I've read SEVERAL. The author does release books rapidly, but I wish she would prioritize quality over quantity.
This was ok. Not my favorite from the author. I'm intrigued on what she's going to do about the other Dillinger siblings!
SN - I say this with every review of her books, she has got to get another editor because the myriad of grammar errors is almost disrespectful to readers. The errors are present in every single book I've read from this author, and I've read SEVERAL. The author does release books rapidly, but I wish she would prioritize quality over quantity.
March 18, 2025
4.5⭐️ kimberly is gonna eat down EVERY TIME
November 20, 2025
Kimberly Brown don’t miss! She knows how to tell a story and get you hooked.
Deuce was so down bad for Salima and I ate it up. This man literally was not coming up off of her and I love just seeing black women being worshipped and treated like Queens.
Also enjoyed how strong Salima character is and how she wasn’t watered down because of who Deuce was.
Will definitely be finishing the series!
Deuce was so down bad for Salima and I ate it up. This man literally was not coming up off of her and I love just seeing black women being worshipped and treated like Queens.
Also enjoyed how strong Salima character is and how she wasn’t watered down because of who Deuce was.
Will definitely be finishing the series!
February 8, 2025
Looking forward to the rest of the Dillingers.
February 24, 2025
3.75 stars
February 17, 2025
3⭐️ and 3🌶️
This was a steamy introduction to the Dillinger family. And while I want ALL the spice, I wanted MORE mafia. The mafia vibes fell quite flat to me.
I think this was a decent introduction to the Dillinger family but I need to know more about their ties to the mafia (does it have a name?), how/why they get these assignments, and are there any other families involved? Or are they just paid under the table by the local govt to “handle” people? Seems a little too “clean” without weapons and drugs.
I was intrigued with the situation at the club that brought Deuce and Salima face to face. But we quickly witnessed the situation and glossed over it to get the MCs together.
Deuce was a man about his word and when he has his eyes set on something, he goes for it. I’m not sure I liked him in the beginning and Salima seemed quite naive at times but that could easily be attributed to her age. I loved her relationship with her mom, his mom, and Shar. And I hope in future books she develops the relationships she started with his sisters.
There was action, kidnapping, and romance and plenty of spice. Hopefully the next book in the series answers some questions from this one.
This was a steamy introduction to the Dillinger family. And while I want ALL the spice, I wanted MORE mafia. The mafia vibes fell quite flat to me.
I think this was a decent introduction to the Dillinger family but I need to know more about their ties to the mafia (does it have a name?), how/why they get these assignments, and are there any other families involved? Or are they just paid under the table by the local govt to “handle” people? Seems a little too “clean” without weapons and drugs.
I was intrigued with the situation at the club that brought Deuce and Salima face to face. But we quickly witnessed the situation and glossed over it to get the MCs together.
Deuce was a man about his word and when he has his eyes set on something, he goes for it. I’m not sure I liked him in the beginning and Salima seemed quite naive at times but that could easily be attributed to her age. I loved her relationship with her mom, his mom, and Shar. And I hope in future books she develops the relationships she started with his sisters.
There was action, kidnapping, and romance and plenty of spice. Hopefully the next book in the series answers some questions from this one.
December 17, 2024
Deuce was something to behold. A sweet toxic man sounds really odd, but Deuce was the epitome of both.
January 12, 2025
dnd, this book should have ended like 5 chapters ago im done 😭
December 16, 2024
Can't lie, I ate this book right on up! I love that we're getting another family series from Ms. Brown! Deuce was a man about action, and I loved everything about it! I saw myself in Salima a lot, a woman who's about family, doesn't play when it comes to what she believes in, and independent. However, it's hard to break out of that shell just for anyone. Deuce or should I say Stanley broke that shell down hard and I was here for it! Love the sibling's interaction with each other, the dad was heavy on Deuce's mom (he knew he messed up big time lol) But I love how she didn't let that stop her from finding her true love! I really hope we either get Maceo or Jaeda's story next!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2024
Normally I write detailed long reviews BUT all I got fa y’all is
D E U C E that’s it. HE was everything and I loved how Salima made him put forth effort and be different. That man was soft for Salima and HER alone. The energy Deuce gives is EVERYTHING. Thank you for ending my 2024 with another great man Miss Brown!
D E U C E that’s it. HE was everything and I loved how Salima made him put forth effort and be different. That man was soft for Salima and HER alone. The energy Deuce gives is EVERYTHING. Thank you for ending my 2024 with another great man Miss Brown!
December 31, 2024
A good start
This was a good introduction to the Dillinger family. I enjoyed Deuce and Salima, but I am definitely more interested in the other siblings books. I did feel like the central conflict in this book was introduced and resolved too quickly but will definitely still be reading the subsequent books.
This was a good introduction to the Dillinger family. I enjoyed Deuce and Salima, but I am definitely more interested in the other siblings books. I did feel like the central conflict in this book was introduced and resolved too quickly but will definitely still be reading the subsequent books.
January 9, 2025
Amazing read
Did I smile and blush the entire book ? Yes I did lol ! This was great read , Deuce was really that guy . But Salima was the star ok , I really loved how she didn’t give him so easily, and although she expressed feelings for him, she also stood on her ground and wanted to be respected. With Salima challenging Deuce , this really opened up mind and broke down his barriers. Deuce was able to realize all along what his mother was saying. He really just needed that one person in his corner, who was going to make him feel loved and soft and emotionally protected.
Did I smile and blush the entire book ? Yes I did lol ! This was great read , Deuce was really that guy . But Salima was the star ok , I really loved how she didn’t give him so easily, and although she expressed feelings for him, she also stood on her ground and wanted to be respected. With Salima challenging Deuce , this really opened up mind and broke down his barriers. Deuce was able to realize all along what his mother was saying. He really just needed that one person in his corner, who was going to make him feel loved and soft and emotionally protected.
November 29, 2025
I’m just a sucker for any family/mobster urban romance atp 😜💕💕💕💕 Deuce and Salima’s lil enemies to lovers trope was pretty cute, funny, and spicy. And I truly loved the no 3rd act break up 🙂↕️🫶🏽 Also really excited to see who the other Dillinger siblings end up with in the other books in this series
August 5, 2025
Throughly enjoyed… loved the banter and Deuce is definitely a man who is used to getting exactly what he wants 😩
December 20, 2024
Great book, needs to be proofread and republished!
**This is a complaint about grammar errors and not the actual story** The only reason this book received 4 stars is because of the copious amount of misspelled words! It was distracting, and I wonder how anyone missed this pre publishing. I have read several books by Kimberly Brown, and I’m lead to believe she didn’t have an editor this go round. Hopefully they’ll be a second edition of this book, where are the spelling issues are caught.**
With that being said, the story of Duece and Salima is wonderful. I love reading books where the man completely dotes on and takes care of all the needs and desires of his woman. Their dynamic is also funny and strong. Can’t wait to read the other stories of siblings.
**This is a complaint about grammar errors and not the actual story** The only reason this book received 4 stars is because of the copious amount of misspelled words! It was distracting, and I wonder how anyone missed this pre publishing. I have read several books by Kimberly Brown, and I’m lead to believe she didn’t have an editor this go round. Hopefully they’ll be a second edition of this book, where are the spelling issues are caught.**
With that being said, the story of Duece and Salima is wonderful. I love reading books where the man completely dotes on and takes care of all the needs and desires of his woman. Their dynamic is also funny and strong. Can’t wait to read the other stories of siblings.
June 9, 2025
3.5 stars
I was really hooked from the beginning on these two characters, I just don’t like how controlling deuce is to salima or even how he was overbearing. And then he tried to force a relationship on her like “you’re my girl” without even asking properly or even he wouldn’t allow her to take a break from them to think. Idk me personally don’t like a controlling man I get they weren’t going to leave each other alone, but let that girl BREATHE.
I was really hooked from the beginning on these two characters, I just don’t like how controlling deuce is to salima or even how he was overbearing. And then he tried to force a relationship on her like “you’re my girl” without even asking properly or even he wouldn’t allow her to take a break from them to think. Idk me personally don’t like a controlling man I get they weren’t going to leave each other alone, but let that girl BREATHE.
December 20, 2025
What a ride.
November 16, 2025
☆☆☆☆☆☆
———
Kimberly Brown DOES NOT MISS!! She is definitely one of my top authors. Deuce and Salima’s love story was soooo good! I loved them down. Their chemistry, banter, and the spice had me hating to put it down and giggling and kicking my feet!
Deuce is going down as one of my top book baes! I just love me a delusional man who doesn’t play about his lady!! The way he showed Salima he stood on his word and how she changed him was so cute to read. That man didn’t care what he said ever!!!
Salima is that GIRLLL! I loved how confident she was and how she handled her business no matter what. She didn’t take nothing from nobody and commanded her respect and knew how she wanted to be treated. Deuce definitely met his match with her!!! The way Duece broke her walls down had me swooningggg!
The family had me laughing out loud the entire book. I loved Shar and Salima’s relationship!! They never played about each other!!! The family dynamic that Duece had with his siblings and parents was another one of my favorite parts of this read.
—-
☞ Found Family
☞ Possessive MMC
☞ Multiple Povs
☞ Opposites Attract
———
Kimberly Brown DOES NOT MISS!! She is definitely one of my top authors. Deuce and Salima’s love story was soooo good! I loved them down. Their chemistry, banter, and the spice had me hating to put it down and giggling and kicking my feet!
Deuce is going down as one of my top book baes! I just love me a delusional man who doesn’t play about his lady!! The way he showed Salima he stood on his word and how she changed him was so cute to read. That man didn’t care what he said ever!!!
Salima is that GIRLLL! I loved how confident she was and how she handled her business no matter what. She didn’t take nothing from nobody and commanded her respect and knew how she wanted to be treated. Deuce definitely met his match with her!!! The way Duece broke her walls down had me swooningggg!
The family had me laughing out loud the entire book. I loved Shar and Salima’s relationship!! They never played about each other!!! The family dynamic that Duece had with his siblings and parents was another one of my favorite parts of this read.
—-
☞ Found Family
☞ Possessive MMC
☞ Multiple Povs
☞ Opposites Attract
December 23, 2024
So freaking good!! Rtc!!
October 5, 2025
I liked it.
This was a fun, banter-filled dark, urban romantic suspense novel featuring Salima, who’s given up everything to care for her widowed mother after a health scare, and kingpin heir, Deuce, who’s brash, reckless with his mouth and gets down exactly like that. I really enjoyed their relationship and how Salima always kept him in check. The plot was exciting enough and the wider Dillinger family were interesting enough as background characters that I’d be interested in reading their stories (especially Jaeda). This was perhaps not the deepest novel ever with the strongest character development, but it was an enjoyable read and I want to read the rest of the series.
This was a fun, banter-filled dark, urban romantic suspense novel featuring Salima, who’s given up everything to care for her widowed mother after a health scare, and kingpin heir, Deuce, who’s brash, reckless with his mouth and gets down exactly like that. I really enjoyed their relationship and how Salima always kept him in check. The plot was exciting enough and the wider Dillinger family were interesting enough as background characters that I’d be interested in reading their stories (especially Jaeda). This was perhaps not the deepest novel ever with the strongest character development, but it was an enjoyable read and I want to read the rest of the series.
December 16, 2024
Stanley the man and only his ladies can get away with calling him Stanley. Toxic BDE in all the right ways!!
November 4, 2025
Deuce is a fool. He wasn’t coming up off Salima though. He was very arrogant but she wasn’t letting talk crazy to her. I’m ready to read his brothers book.
December 21, 2024
Yet another 5 star read from the very talented Kimberly Brown. She writes fast-paced, highly engaging stories that draw you in. With relatable characters and funny banter, it's easy to fall in love with the characters and want the best for each of them. Deuce (The Dillinger Chronicles Book 1) is just as good as every other Kimberly Brown book. Salima Navarro, the FMC, might be one of my favorite female characters that she has ever written, while the MMC, Deuce/Stanley is 100% a certified book bae...I need him IRL NOW! Lol. I highly recommend Deuce to anyone who appreciates a true crime family book. I am looking forward to the next book in The Dillinger Chronicles series.
Note: I listened to the audiobook and the narration is superb. Ja'Air Bush is great as usual, but in my Black narration spaces, the male narrator Myles Washington, gets a ton of flack (unnecessarily in my opinion), however, in Deuce he is *perfection.* He was perfect for this role and I hope he is the narrator for the rest of the The Dillinger Chronicles series.
Spice rating: 2.5/5
Content warnings:
Moderate: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Sexual content, Violence, Kidnapping, and Pregnancy
Minor: Drug use, Sexual violence, Abortion, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Note: I listened to the audiobook and the narration is superb. Ja'Air Bush is great as usual, but in my Black narration spaces, the male narrator Myles Washington, gets a ton of flack (unnecessarily in my opinion), however, in Deuce he is *perfection.* He was perfect for this role and I hope he is the narrator for the rest of the The Dillinger Chronicles series.
Spice rating: 2.5/5
Content warnings:
Moderate: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Sexual content, Violence, Kidnapping, and Pregnancy
Minor: Drug use, Sexual violence, Abortion, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
January 20, 2025
Actually rating this 3.5 ⭐️. It’s a pleasant love story. Deuce and Salina meet at a club. It’s her first day working. He’s there to stop a criminal ring. Now don’t get it twisted Deuce is not working for the police. His family is part of a criminal ring. But while they have several different arms in a variety of criminal activities, they also run several legitimate businesses.
The most important theme in this book is family. The Dillinger family while unorthodox lives for their family, their businesses and their underworld activities. The bond between Salina and her Mother.
The second theme is friendship. The friendship between Salina and Shar. The friendship of the Dillinger siblings.
Then the love story that’s sort of a slow burn. Deuce and Salina take their time, getting to know each other before plunging into a love affair. There is an event, an unplanned pregnancy, marriage and HEA.
Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.
The most important theme in this book is family. The Dillinger family while unorthodox lives for their family, their businesses and their underworld activities. The bond between Salina and her Mother.
The second theme is friendship. The friendship between Salina and Shar. The friendship of the Dillinger siblings.
Then the love story that’s sort of a slow burn. Deuce and Salina take their time, getting to know each other before plunging into a love affair. There is an event, an unplanned pregnancy, marriage and HEA.
Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 397 reviews