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The Colombo Family Duet #2
Guarding Her Gangster Queen
I fled the Colombo Family as a widow. But I’m coming back as their Queen.I’m done running.
And I’m done having Nik Kusek sacrifice everything for my sake. She’s protected me, killed for me, even turned against her own people…
Now it’s my turn to step up. I’m ready to claim what belongs to the casino, the Family, and the truth about who really killed the old Don.
The problem? Everyone wants me dead.
The Colombos think I'm a traitor. My husband’s killer is still out there, gunning for me. And the Novak Consortium wants me out of the way to pull their deadly operative back into line.
But Nik isn't theirs anymore.
She's mine.
With enemies closing in from all directions, we're playing a deadly game. The stakes have never been higher.
But this time I'm playing for keeps.
***
Guarding Her Gangster Queen is book two of the Colombo Family Duet, a steamy contemporary Sapphic mafia romance. This explosive conclusion features a ruthless bodyguard, a widow turned queen, sizzling heat, and a fight for power that could leave Las Vegas burning.
Reader discretion is advised. Content notes are available on the Copyright page.
Reading
1. Guarding her Gangster Girl
2. Guarding her Gangster Queen
And I’m done having Nik Kusek sacrifice everything for my sake. She’s protected me, killed for me, even turned against her own people…
Now it’s my turn to step up. I’m ready to claim what belongs to the casino, the Family, and the truth about who really killed the old Don.
The problem? Everyone wants me dead.
The Colombos think I'm a traitor. My husband’s killer is still out there, gunning for me. And the Novak Consortium wants me out of the way to pull their deadly operative back into line.
But Nik isn't theirs anymore.
She's mine.
With enemies closing in from all directions, we're playing a deadly game. The stakes have never been higher.
But this time I'm playing for keeps.
***
Guarding Her Gangster Queen is book two of the Colombo Family Duet, a steamy contemporary Sapphic mafia romance. This explosive conclusion features a ruthless bodyguard, a widow turned queen, sizzling heat, and a fight for power that could leave Las Vegas burning.
Reader discretion is advised. Content notes are available on the Copyright page.
Reading
1. Guarding her Gangster Girl
2. Guarding her Gangster Queen
236 pages, Paperback
Published November 20, 2024
77 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 16, 2025
Not my favorite duology by this author, but some are much better than others and I will continue listening to them! She always picks good narrators - which I appreciate.
July 7, 2025
Absolutely devoured this duet—The Colombo Family series by Persephone Black is a high-octane, high-heat, high-stakes masterpiece that delivers sapphic mob drama with razor-sharp flair and emotional depth. If you've ever wished The Sopranos had a femme fatale at the helm or dreamed of a queer Goodfellas with slow-burn intensity and scorching chemistry—you need to listen to these audiobooks.
From the first moment Nik Kusek is assigned to protect Brie “Breezy” Colombo, the tension snaps tight like a tripwire. Nik is cold, calculated, a weapon wrapped in swagger and muscle, loyal to the ruthless Novak Consortium. Brie, on the other hand, is every bit the shimmering Vegas queen—grieving widow, casino owner, and alleged gold digger with mile-long lashes and ambition sharp enough to slit throats. But don’t be fooled. This isn't a story about surface glitz. Brie is a mastermind hiding in plain sight, and every layer that peels back reveals more brilliance, heartbreak, and raw power.
Mara Vincent and Ada Sinclair absolutely own their performances. They don’t just narrate; they inhabit these characters. You feel every smirk, every whispered threat, every breathless moment when Brie and Nik get just a little too close for safety—and a little too far gone to turn back. Their voices elevate the story from gripping to unforgettable.
What makes this duet explode is the balance between pulse-pounding action and soul-baring intimacy. Car chases through the Vegas strip? Check. Gunfights in smoky underground poker dens? Yep. Slow, hungry glances across crowded casino floors while enemies close in? Oh yes. But it's also about two broken women trying to find something real in a world built on deception and blood.
Book One, Guarding Her Gangster Girl, hooks you with intrigue and forbidden desire. Book Two, Guarding Her Gangster Queen, kicks down the door and demands your heart. Brie stepping into her power as the new head of the Colombo Family is chef’s kiss—iconic, ruthless, radiant. And Nik, watching her unravel everything she thought she believed for the sake of love and loyalty, is pure emotional catharsis.
This is sapphic mafia romance at its finest—fierce femmes, devastating masc energy, found power, and love that feels like a revolution. Persephone Black doesn’t just tell a story; she builds an empire and then sets it on fire.
Sapphic chaos. Vegas glitz. Mafia heat. 10/10 would kill for more.
From the first moment Nik Kusek is assigned to protect Brie “Breezy” Colombo, the tension snaps tight like a tripwire. Nik is cold, calculated, a weapon wrapped in swagger and muscle, loyal to the ruthless Novak Consortium. Brie, on the other hand, is every bit the shimmering Vegas queen—grieving widow, casino owner, and alleged gold digger with mile-long lashes and ambition sharp enough to slit throats. But don’t be fooled. This isn't a story about surface glitz. Brie is a mastermind hiding in plain sight, and every layer that peels back reveals more brilliance, heartbreak, and raw power.
Mara Vincent and Ada Sinclair absolutely own their performances. They don’t just narrate; they inhabit these characters. You feel every smirk, every whispered threat, every breathless moment when Brie and Nik get just a little too close for safety—and a little too far gone to turn back. Their voices elevate the story from gripping to unforgettable.
What makes this duet explode is the balance between pulse-pounding action and soul-baring intimacy. Car chases through the Vegas strip? Check. Gunfights in smoky underground poker dens? Yep. Slow, hungry glances across crowded casino floors while enemies close in? Oh yes. But it's also about two broken women trying to find something real in a world built on deception and blood.
Book One, Guarding Her Gangster Girl, hooks you with intrigue and forbidden desire. Book Two, Guarding Her Gangster Queen, kicks down the door and demands your heart. Brie stepping into her power as the new head of the Colombo Family is chef’s kiss—iconic, ruthless, radiant. And Nik, watching her unravel everything she thought she believed for the sake of love and loyalty, is pure emotional catharsis.
This is sapphic mafia romance at its finest—fierce femmes, devastating masc energy, found power, and love that feels like a revolution. Persephone Black doesn’t just tell a story; she builds an empire and then sets it on fire.
Sapphic chaos. Vegas glitz. Mafia heat. 10/10 would kill for more.
July 28, 2025
3.75 🌟
This series was great, as expected of Persephone Black, though it was clear who the killer was by the end of book 1 for me so that was a tad frustrating. Also I was hoping for more depth to the relationship between Brie and Nik, or at least a little more action, but the second half was mostly just a lot of spice. However, I still enjoyed it a lot and sped through so ultimately I’m happy. Onto the next!
This series was great, as expected of Persephone Black, though it was clear who the killer was by the end of book 1 for me so that was a tad frustrating. Also I was hoping for more depth to the relationship between Brie and Nik, or at least a little more action, but the second half was mostly just a lot of spice. However, I still enjoyed it a lot and sped through so ultimately I’m happy. Onto the next!
August 21, 2025
The Colombo Family Duet
Another amazing mafia romance duet!
Widowed Brie "Breezy" Colombo teams up with a reluctant Dominika "Nik" Kusek to try and solve her husband's murder. Nik is tasked to be Brie's bodyguard as they dodge hit men, play in mafia politics, and look for any clues that could lead them to a killer.
There was action, mystery, loyalty, betrayal, passion, lots of steam... it was all around awesome! I breezed through both books in one day!
Another amazing mafia romance duet!
Widowed Brie "Breezy" Colombo teams up with a reluctant Dominika "Nik" Kusek to try and solve her husband's murder. Nik is tasked to be Brie's bodyguard as they dodge hit men, play in mafia politics, and look for any clues that could lead them to a killer.
There was action, mystery, loyalty, betrayal, passion, lots of steam... it was all around awesome! I breezed through both books in one day!
November 24, 2024
Queen Brie
I love Mafia books. And Persephone Black writes some of the very best I have read. You definitely need to read Book 1 first. This picks up, right where one leaves off. The connection between Brie and Nik is deliciously hot. Ms. Black knows how to ramp up the suspense and pull the reader along for the journey. Highly recommend.
I love Mafia books. And Persephone Black writes some of the very best I have read. You definitely need to read Book 1 first. This picks up, right where one leaves off. The connection between Brie and Nik is deliciously hot. Ms. Black knows how to ramp up the suspense and pull the reader along for the journey. Highly recommend.
March 27, 2025
Wow, incredible carry-on
Wow, incredible carry-on. I loved the main characters their connection shined throughout the twists were explosive. Keeping you hooked, I can't wait for more a must-read congratulations
Wow, incredible carry-on. I loved the main characters their connection shined throughout the twists were explosive. Keeping you hooked, I can't wait for more a must-read congratulations
December 2, 2024
fantastic
Such a good storyteller and these characters are very hot. Can’t wait for the next Hot, Intense story. You are the best
Such a good storyteller and these characters are very hot. Can’t wait for the next Hot, Intense story. You are the best
December 5, 2024
Another epic tale! I love every minute of it and didn’t want it to end!
August 22, 2025
I will never get over how awful the book titles of this duet are…like girl be fr the other were not nearly this bad
November 25, 2024
This is not my favorite of Persephone Black's, but I am reminded of why I love her books so much; the writing, the characters, and the plots are just so exquisite! To be fair (and because I want to preen the tiniest bit?) I suspected the killer pretty much from the first time I met them... but I went back and forth many times, so I was still a bit surprised that my feeling turned out in the end. I would definitely recommend this (after the first one in this duet, of course, Guarding her Gangster Girl) and all of Persephone Black's books.
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April 28, 2025I adore this duology, and I mean that. I mean it when I say I got so giddy I couldn't sleep when I got the email announcing the audiobooks.
This duology genuinely had me wondering who the hell Terry's killer was, I kept flitting between all the different possibilities and was so close to pulling out a corkboard and mapping everything out like an old detective film.
I love how in the first book Nik thought of Brie as fake, got irritated at her different personalities, but by the time of this book well and truly respects it and praises her intelligence.
This duo will have you staying up trying to figure everything out, and Persephone Black has to be one of my favourite authors.
This duology genuinely had me wondering who the hell Terry's killer was, I kept flitting between all the different possibilities and was so close to pulling out a corkboard and mapping everything out like an old detective film.
I love how in the first book Nik thought of Brie as fake, got irritated at her different personalities, but by the time of this book well and truly respects it and praises her intelligence.
This duo will have you staying up trying to figure everything out, and Persephone Black has to be one of my favourite authors.
January 18, 2025
Another great story by Persephone Black. I have listened/read all of her books and each one is 5 stars. 10 out of 10! There was a name mistake and accidental repeat of a sentence but was able to enjoy the book still.
You will not be able to put any of her books down until they are finished. I look forward to seeing who the next story is about!
After reading this book, a part of me wants to see a hate to love story for Eva Novak.
You will not be able to put any of her books down until they are finished. I look forward to seeing who the next story is about!
After reading this book, a part of me wants to see a hate to love story for Eva Novak.
December 14, 2025
4.25/5
The bid reveal was predictable but I didn't mind it. I think we all saw it coming. I love to see most people finally could see how smart Brie actually was and chose to support her. And of course Nik had been seeing the true Brie for quite some time already.
You know what you will get with a Persephone Black book because there's formula. Yet, I don't get bored because of the complex characters and the writing. I will keep reading anything she writes.
The bid reveal was predictable but I didn't mind it. I think we all saw it coming. I love to see most people finally could see how smart Brie actually was and chose to support her. And of course Nik had been seeing the true Brie for quite some time already.
You know what you will get with a Persephone Black book because there's formula. Yet, I don't get bored because of the complex characters and the writing. I will keep reading anything she writes.
April 6, 2025
Over the top cheesy relationship between the two main characters, super predictable with the whodunnit, and do we really need a step by step description EVERY SINGLE TIME they have sex?! Also, especially given today’s gun climate, kinda hard to be behind characters whose business success rests on arms shipments.
May 22, 2025
Good book
Breezy is just getting started. She has put herself in harms way and has come up on top. But she needs to fine a will and who has kill the Don her late husband. Nik is by her side to prove she is loyal to Brie. Things get crazy when others want the job of being the Mob boss. Follow long this world of the mob and see how Brie and Nik make things happen
Breezy is just getting started. She has put herself in harms way and has come up on top. But she needs to fine a will and who has kill the Don her late husband. Nik is by her side to prove she is loyal to Brie. Things get crazy when others want the job of being the Mob boss. Follow long this world of the mob and see how Brie and Nik make things happen
July 11, 2025
A great end to a great duet!! Love Persephone’s books. Definitely an instant buy whenever she brings out a new book. If you haven’t read any and love sapphic mafia books with spice, do it!
Written in first person with 2x POV’s. Narrated by Mara Vincent & Ada Sinclair. The Colombo Family Duet book two. Sapphic Mafia, Forced Proximity, Found family, Inheritance, Bodyguard. 5x Spicy Scenes.
Written in first person with 2x POV’s. Narrated by Mara Vincent & Ada Sinclair. The Colombo Family Duet book two. Sapphic Mafia, Forced Proximity, Found family, Inheritance, Bodyguard. 5x Spicy Scenes.
November 22, 2024
Excellent
A great sequel after the cliffhanger of the first book. Will Brie live? How will Nik find her? Who really killed Terry?
There’s sweet spice, thrilling assassination attempts and a bitchy villain. A must read for WLW mafia queen fans
A great sequel after the cliffhanger of the first book. Will Brie live? How will Nik find her? Who really killed Terry?
There’s sweet spice, thrilling assassination attempts and a bitchy villain. A must read for WLW mafia queen fans
November 23, 2024
Another One💥💥💥
This was a great addition to the series. Ms. Black keeps you on edge and routing for the Lioness, a strong woman in what people see as a man's world.I loved the story between Brie and Nik. I can't wait to read what's next from the underworld she has me hooked 😍
This was a great addition to the series. Ms. Black keeps you on edge and routing for the Lioness, a strong woman in what people see as a man's world.I loved the story between Brie and Nik. I can't wait to read what's next from the underworld she has me hooked 😍
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December 3, 2024Mafia style 😉
A 16 year old , traumatized and alone, runs away with blood on her hands. Now 😉, she is faced with all that comes with becoming the next Mafia Queen. A 5🌟 for this series. These ladies are sizzling, 🔥 with steamy moments.
A 16 year old , traumatized and alone, runs away with blood on her hands. Now 😉, she is faced with all that comes with becoming the next Mafia Queen. A 5🌟 for this series. These ladies are sizzling, 🔥 with steamy moments.
June 11, 2025
I knew it
I knew it I knew it I knew it!!!!
From the middle of the last book I knew it! After every chapter I threw the book and yelled "its ...."
So worth the read for the action, the sex, and the love!!
I knew it I knew it I knew it!!!!
From the middle of the last book I knew it! After every chapter I threw the book and yelled "its ...."
So worth the read for the action, the sex, and the love!!
November 23, 2024
love every book!
Keep them coming and cannot wait for the next series! Love every second of every book. Can’t stop reading and re-reading.
Keep them coming and cannot wait for the next series! Love every second of every book. Can’t stop reading and re-reading.
December 3, 2024
Really enjoyed this one, little murder mystery with lesbians🤣😁
December 8, 2024
Extremely interesting and entertaining. Nik and Brie were perfect for each other.
September 26, 2025
I loved this book! Go Brie! Mafia, action packed with great love and characters. This is the 2nd book in the duology.
October 31, 2025
Follow on of 'Guarding her Gangster Girl' - more suspiscion, power plays, smart moves and explosions. Highly recommend all the Gangster books by Persephone Black.
December 12, 2025
My least favorite so far but still good.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews