Driftwood Daffodil

by T.L. Hodel

One night, one deal, and one bullet changed everything.


My name is Novalee Ford and I'm the torn petals blowing in the breeze.

My name is Giovanni Mancini and I'm the broken stem of a wilted flower.

Together we are the daffodil that stands strong in the shadows.

Genres: Dark Romance, Contemporary, Dark, High School, Enemies To Lovers

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2025

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book 2 repeat.

I was so excited for this book! Who killed Gio’s mom? What was gonna happen with Carissa? Does Gio find out who Atlas really was? What was with Romeo and Cesare wanting Gio and Nova to get married? We were left with questions, right?!

And basically none of them were answered. Mayyybe this person killed his mom. It looks that way, but it’s literally “I found her necklace. He probably killed her.” It felt like nothing got pulled together at the end.

Their relationship was basically the same the entire time as well. They loved each other, but we saw that maybe three times in 3 books…? It just didn’t feel real. I loved Nova’s spunk in book 1. In book 2, it was like okay girl, not everything has to be SO MUCH. And in this book, I found it to just be mostly obnoxious.

I wanted more with Kato. I wanted their relationship to blossom. I wanted Nova to still fight but mature a little, maybe. I just wanted so much more than I got from book 3. Overall, if you liked book 2, you may like book 3 because it’s basically just the same book.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Driftwood Daffodil is book 3 in the Louisiana Made Men series. This is the conclusion of the trilogy and picks up where the 2nd book left off. Humorous, steamy, secrets exposed, some things left unfinished and a HFN ending.
TW: violence, profanity, tobacco and alcohol use, references to childhood trauma and loss, off page rape of sister, taboo relationship, bullying, attempted murder, throat necklace, dominate, controlling, gay relationship, murder, torture, guns, knives, knife play, spanking, bondage, anal and biting.


Everyone seems to be getting along and Gio is finding out more things about his dirty brother and Uncle.

Nova is still trying to keep everyone happy and gives some karma back with a beat down of a child groomer.

Then when a bullet is fired at her and she survives but an innocent friend dies everything changes.

[booksandbubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with the Louisiana made men series and devoured nova and Gio’s story in less than 48hrs. These two had serious hate vibes going on based on their previous history (involving their siblings) and we get some bully moments but also some great hate to love emotion! The chemistry between these two was off the charts and I loved seeing Gio fall head over heels. He was obsessed with her and gave off all the touch her and die vibes! Nova was such a free spirit and I loved that she always pushed back with Gio and kept him on his toes. I also really loved the cast of characters and the fact that there was so much mystery packed in with the romance. I can’t wait for more books in this world!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book, the 3rd installment of TL's Louisiana Made Men Series. It had everything you want in a fun, fast-paced mafia romance.


If you are looking for a super fun, spunky FMC who tosses one-liners around and absolutely takes no crap from anyone, then you will absolutely LOVE Nova! She is such a spitfire and has me completely cackling from beginning to end.

Gio was an amazing mmc, who took the enemies to lovers trope from typical to an absolute inferno rather quickly. By the end, this man totally won my heart.

I don't post spoilers but this book just made me want more! I can't wait for the next in the series!!!! There are some very interesting and curious things happening in the plot and I am dying to find out what is going on!!!

Highly recommend for a fun and spicy mafia read!!!

[L I N D S A Y · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️; an echo of Book #2 —- and still all the same unanswered questions.

[Brooke Torrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, this trilogy was everything I love in dark bully romances and this third one was the cherry on top of this trilogy sundae. T.L. Hodel has created a dark and delicious world of mystery, suspense, and drama. I loved, loved, loved this book. I devoured this book as soon as I got it.

I thought that Nova and Gio were perfect for each other. I loved their banter, quick wit, and push and pull they had through this whole series and how their feelings for each other grew. I thought that this book was exciting and page-turning. I enjoyed the Nova fight scene; I have reread this several times laughing and fist-pumping. I laughed and cried a few times while reading this book. I can't wait to see what comes next in this series.

[Spicybooksandmystery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm obsessed with this series and trilogy about Gio and Nova. I'm so sad that their part is "over". This 3:e book could easily been 500+ pages because I didn't what their story to end, only thing I would have liked is to see more of Novas vulnerable side. She didn't really get all of her closure about her mom or that her family more or less left her. Gio is everything she needs though, someone that cares about her and her well-being. I also think Gio needs Nova because she makes him let up a little about being so serious all the time, maybe making him a bit more human.

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚ARC Review📚

Genre: Mafia Romance
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
Burn: Medium

Tropes: Mafia, Revenge, Bully, Enemies to lovers, Emotional scars, Blackmail.

This is book 3 in the Louisiana Made Men Series.

Check Trigger Warnings.

We return with the final book in the Driftwood Daffodil trilogy!

Gio and Nova have completely consumed me over the past few months, and I was dying to finish their story. Let me just say—it was everything I hoped for and more!

From page one, this book had me hooked. Nova is still the same smart-mouthed, bratty spitfire we’ve come to know and love, and Gio remains our grumpy, jealous, and fiercely protective hero. The chemistry between these two? Hotter than ever! 🥵 And let me tell you—the spice was off the charts in this book!

I absolutely loved watching each character grow throughout the series, and by the end, they had truly come into their own.

Tara does a phenomenal job of keeping you on your toes. Just when you think you’ve figured something out, she steps in like, “Nah, girl, you sure as f** did not!” This final book had my emotions all over the place—from laughing out loud to wanting to throw my Kindle, from heartbreak and sadness to happiness and everything in between. She wraps up Gio and Nova’s story beautifully while still leaving a few unanswered questions, breadcrumbing us toward the next part of the series. And I cannot wait to get my hands on that story!

I highly recommend this series if you love mafia romance, bully romance, and enemies-to-lovers tropes—especially if you enjoy books that make you laugh out loud!

Thank you so much Tara for the ARC!

[Deborah Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy sheets on fire! Giovanni and Novalee certainly turned up the heat for the last installment of their love/hate story. When these two didn't have me holding my sides with laughter at their idea of romance, they were busy heating up the sheets or tearing into each other. Their tempers were explosive and passionate, fiery and feisty. Nova's mischievous antics kept me in stitches. I don't believe I've ever laughed so hard in the middle of serious situations like I did with this sassy southern girl. Gio's tough guy persona is a sticking point, but not necessarily in the worst of ways. It plays into Nova's untried side and leads to some interesting confrontations. Two hot-headed teenagers trying to find their way through the last year of high school lead to steamy hijinks as they deny their feelings and fight the inevitable. Gio's family enterprise caused many uncomfortable encounters, as the town wasn't supposed to be aware of who they truly were. Gotta love the Family connections.

I loved Gio and Nova so much that I didn't want their journey to end, but their HEA was so richly deserved.

I highly recommend this dark high school mafia romance. Enemies-to-lovers is my favourite trope, and Gio and Nova took it to the nth degree. The author has already released all three books in Giovanni and Novalee's trilogy, so readers don't have to deal with wild cliffhangers. I'm eagerly anticipating more of these characters and their stories as the series progresses.

[Kricketland · Rating 5 out of 5]

TITLE: Driftwood Daffodil 3
GENRE: Dark Romance
AUTHOR: T.L. Hodel
TROPE: Mafia, Enemies-to-Lovers
TYPE: Series (Louisiana Made Men Book 3)
POV: Dual POV
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 5

⚠️ Check trigger warnings; this dark content is for +18 readers

What I liked:
✔️ Novalee’s feistiness
✔️ Memphis (best BFF ever)
✔️ Banter
✔️ Dark & Spicy
✔️ Revenge
✔️ Touch her and 💀

What I didn’t like:
❌ The teasers at the end left me curious about the next book 🥲

Novalee and Gio’s story continues with the third installment in the Louisiana Made Men series, quickly pulling me back into their world. Novalee (Nova) continues to be the, at times, clumsy, smart-mouthed, and fearless FMC that I have enjoyed throughout this series. Gio has every reason in the world to hate Nova’s brother, but his plans to take revenge on Nova become blurred over time when the love/hate chemistry between Novalee and Gio starts to feel a lot more real than either of them expected.

The storyline flowed well at a good pace, and I thoroughly enjoyed the banter, especially the firey Novalee and her one-liners and don’t give-a-crap attitude. Driftwood Daffodil was a well-written enemies-to-lovers mafia read that was entertaining from beginning to end. I am giving book three in the series a rating of 4.5 / 5 stars.

[KH · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book in T.L. Hodel's Driftwood Daffodil trilogy is a vivid explosion of humor, drama, and romance, making it an absolute must read! It delivered everything fans crave in a spirited enemies to lovers romance, add in the mafia? WOWZA!

One of the book’s standout characters is the fiery lead female, Nova. She’s filled with sassy sarcasm. Her ability to toss out one-liners with perfect timing had me laughing out loud throughout much of the book. Nova's wit and strength make her a character that readers can't help but love.

On the other side of this dynamic duo is the male main character, Gio. His character development added depth and even a little intrigue to the story. There are many layers to his character and this definitely aids in the intensity of the their relationship. Their chemistry is an inferno of emotions that kept me glued to the pages.

The story is sprinkled with curious twists and turns and left me anxious to learn what lies ahead in the Louisiana Man Men series. I think it’s safe to say that nothing is as it seems and I cannot wait to see what secrets are revealed. Highly recommend!!!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will we finally get the answers we need about Nova and Gio? Or will we walk away with more questions? This is the final book in Nova and Gio’s story and oh how the adventure continues with these two. We start off where we left off with a dinner coming up with Gio’s uncle and him remembering things from the past. And Nova is meeting unfortunately with someone she does not know. And a favorite line is of “GD anonymous”. Nova of course kept up with misfortunes and her amazing banter both with herself and others, the way she has me laughing the whole book. We do get a little bit more of where Nova got some of her stubbornness from Hello Kato. There was an amazing interaction between the siblings. Not to mention a fight scene with Nova and someone that was chef’s kiss. The was I love Vova I can’t wait for more snippets of her in the rest of the series. Did we get all our answers no. Did we get several yes. Do we have more questions also yes. I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series more Atlee and his story. And for sure the rest of the story between Cesare and Veda. T.L. you out did yourself.

[Ashley Jensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a lot more criticism about this one than I did the first two.

1. There was a weird abundance of question marks, a lot of which could have been periods. It made the inflection of the dialogue awkward at times.

2. Nova mentions that she doesn't know what "gattina" means, but Gio tells her in the second book.

3. The pacing was all wonky and there are SO many things that haven't been tied up and dealt with. We don't know why Cindy introduced Simon to Nova. We don't know for sure what happened to Gio's mom. We don't know what happened to Veda or why she kept her baby. We don't know what there is going on with the Ford family and why they wanted Nova to marry into their family. We don't know the plan or what happened to Carissa. There were simply too many things mentioned once and never mentioned again, too many loose ends. Some of these definitely should have been wrapped up.

4. I figured the story of the voodoo island and daffodils was going to be an important part of the storyline because it's the TITLE, but alas there wasn't.

5. Them being in HS is still insanely unrealistic. College would have been at least the tiniest more believable.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶.𝟓


🖤Hate to Love
🖤Touch her & 💀
🖤Strong FMC
🖤Mafia
🖤Somnophilia
🖤Punishment
🖤Dubcon/Noncon

This is book 3 in the Louisiana Made Men Series.

After 3 books, Novalee is still my fictional soulmate! I totally envy this girl, and her complete lack of self preservation is utterly fascinating. Her stubbornness & sarcasm is unmatched and I need H.O.R.E to be put on a bumper sticker and T-shirt (please @tarahodel make this happen)!!
Without giving away spoilers, in this book we continue the frustrating and hilarious relationship between Gio and Nova, while uncovering some secrets and leaving us with more questions. While I'm sad that this is the end of Gio & Nova’s main story, I'm excited for the continuation of the series!

Thank you @tarahodel for the opportunity to read this book🖤🖤🖤

[Carolyn Kasenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far one of my favorite series that I have ever read. The author has an amazing way of getting you to relate to the craziness that goes on with her characters.

Nova is one of the funniest characters I have ever read. I have said this in other reviews but I did not expect to laugh as much as I did while reading a dark romance. Her banter with EVERYONE was top tier. I loved it! She also met her match when it came to comebacks with Atlee. I could read a whole book with those two going back and forth.

Gio’s development was great and I loved that he could finally recognize his true feelings.

While reading, I was laughing so much I did not expect to be heartbroken and cry. But again, the author was able to draw out all the emotions from me.

I cannot wait to continue onto the next chapter.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was enjoying this up until the gunpoint at the diner scene. It was just happening way too late in the story for it to have a satisfying follow through. Like at the point, it was pretty much a given that Nova and Gio were in love with one another—but I would have still liked to see things tied more neatly and more of them actually being together without fighting what was between them the whole time.

None of the mysteries that have been built up since the first book were actually answered. Instead, the end of story is used to allude to the next couple (which I did not expect at all wtf). Like I’m sorry, but I want the questions that were brought up about Gio or Nova to be answered in the series about them two specifically. Not be baited into reading the next series. If the premise is interesting enough, then none of this should be necessary anyway!!!

[Laura Reads Too Much · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're back for Gio and Novas 3rd book (books 1 and 2 need to be read first!) and I have to say I really enjoyed it!

Nova is one of my all-time favourite female characters! The randomness of her thoughts are just hilarious, seriously this girls mind's is one of thee most craziest, sarcastic, doesnt-give-a-hoot and will do whatever she wants, whenever she wants and she'll smile about it! It's not vindictiveness or nastiness, she just genuinely doesn't care what people think of her and I love her so hard for that!!

Then we have Gio, the one who started of forcing himself into Novas life as a way of revenge - we'll talk about a turnaround!!

These two are excellent characters, we got answers but there's many other questions so I'm excited for what comes next! 4.75

[Brianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first two books of this series. I ate it up!! This one missed the mark a bit for me and I actually had a harder time getting through it. I still loved it and the ending with the soft conclusion with Gio and Nova. Ugh SWOON! But it just didn’t feel like enough after the chaos of their love series, and felt rushed to conclude. Additionally, I LOVED Nova in the first two- this book I found her almost annoying and tedious. It was too much. The constant “I make bad decisions and don’t think ever before I speak” theme was exhausting, even for her. More often than not it just felt off brand to the entire plot of this 3rd book. Without spoilers- the entire family dinner threw me off completely. Will I recommend the series to others?? Yup! Will I read the next one?? Absolutely.

[Shelly Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm obsessed with Novalee. I mean the guys are great too. Gio is delicious. Atlee is hilarious. Darry is a mystery. Memphis I adore. And Chuck...oh Chuck.

Immediately we are picking up where we left off. The amazing banter with Nova is never ending. I seriously love her. Think rom com but a little darker. It's refreshing. I honestly laughed out loud so many times. But we FINALLY see Gio and Nova stop being so stubborn. And it's perfection.

I love this series and can't wait to get stories from the rest of them. Hodel you better make up for what you did ma'am! I was NOT ok at that one point. You know what you did.

Go read this series. (but maybe read the content warnings first just in case).

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Louisiana Made Men series wraps up the spectacular journey of Gio and Nova. This has been one heckuva journey and one I won't anything soon forget! These characters have embedded themselves firmly into my favorites list and I'll absolutely tell anyone their story is an absolute must read! This series creates a huge range of emotions. At times it was very raw and heartfelt and others I laughed myself silly. It's the perfect balance of plot, spicy times, humor and darkness. I absolutely LOVE the characters, all of them and I really hope this isn't the end of them. From book 1 all the way through to book 3 this series is consistent, entertaining, consuming and an absolute blast to read!

[Charlene Alana Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading anything by this author and it won't be my last. I absolutely loved this trilogy! That much so I ran through all 3 books, one after another. I couldn't put it down, but adulting made me!! It's such a crazy rollercoaster ride that has twists and turns. I was hooked from the first word.

It's packed with action, drama, revenge, passion, suspense, humour, and loads more. I absolutely loved nova, she's a funny girl. There was times that the book made me laugh so much.

The trilogy is dark, intriguing, nutty, hilarious and very interesting. The characters, storyline and plot where wonderfully written. Their journey was just captivating. They cliffhangers will get you.

I can't wait to read more from this author, highly recommend reading..

[Riya]

This book was such a waste of time. There is no plot development whatsoever. Nova is still bratty and annoying, Veda is still frightened of her own shadow, Maw Maw is still throwing slippers at everybody, while Atlee is having sex with anything in a skirt. All Gio and Nova do is fight and have sex while many questions remain unanswered. Who killed Gio’s mother? What exactly happened to Veda and who was involved? Why was Simon targeting Nova? What happens to Carissa? What is Cesare and Romeo’s secret? What is Nova’s past? Really frustrated to find so much missing information after reading 3 books. Nova’s inner monologue was never ending and repetitive. This series could have easily been concluded as a duet.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down, lived up to the first two books in the series. Gio and Nova found their way to each other with the best banter, a lot of OTT MMC moments and absolutely unhinged Nova.
It does have some graphic moments towards the end but I enjoyed the full force in which Gio let go of his anger and control in the name of Nova. The totality of their story is a bumpy ride to self discovery for both of them and I think the author really allows the characters room to figure out how and why they feel the way they do.
To sum it up, in the words of Nova, and come full circle,
“We were in a room full of cops and the only person I trusted was a criminal.”

[Catreena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must be read in order.

Way to leave us hanging 😭🤣

I was looking forward to reading this, thinking that we'd get the answers we were waiting for. It's like baby steps, or one step forward and two steps back. What a way to keep us glued and curious to see how things play out.

Who killed Gio's Mum? Does Gio find out who Atlas really was? What would become of Carissa? Does Nova uncover hidden memories from her childhood? Do we find out other hidden secrets?

The banter between Nova and Atlee *chefs kiss* they're like bickering cousins/best friends. Between them all the dark humour is great.

Now to wait for what's coming next........

[Jenn M · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Conclusion!!!




These books had me on the edge of my seat from the first page of the first book until the end of the last . . . .AND that snippet about Cesare’s book has my wanting more!


I loved how this author stayed true to her characters, even as they became more and more aware of their love for one another. I loved watching the relationships of all the minor characters grow and develop as well. And I loved the heat and chemistry between Gio and Nova. It was off the charts. 


This author has become a 1 click author for me. Every book I have read from her leaves a lasting impression and hard book hangovers! Loved this read!

[TINA WILLIAMS · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fast paced, dark and crazy story is a true page turner. Nova and Gio are one complicated duo. I loved their banter and the chemistry is off the charts. Nova is a wild child and at times exasperating but Gio handles her like a pro. This story moves quickly and so many questions are answered but there are still so many plans in the works leaving you wanting more. That ending had me shaking my head. I didn’t see that coming. This is a well written story and I can’t wait for more in this universe.

[Valarie Gentry · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Awe!!!

T.L. Hodel's Driftwood Daffodil 3 is a really emotional and raw story about love, pain, and redemption. Novalee Ford and Giovanni Mancini, who are both broken but still strong, form a bond that's symbolized by the daffodil that stays strong. Hodel's poetic writing and deep character development are really impressive, delivering a story filled with heartbreak, hope, and unexpected twists. It's a really powerful ending to the series, so this book is definitely worth reading if you're into emotionally charged romance and survival stories.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this was an entertaining story that kept me giggling throughout. I may have learned a few new one-liners from the spitfire Nova that I need to use! She is one hell of a woman that takes no crap from anyone!

Gio and Nova are so good together, definitely a force to be reckoned with and I could not get enough of these two. I was hooked on their story and could not put the book down until the end.

The interaction (amazing and hilarious), the connection (undeniable), chemistry (phenomenal) and the spice (so freaking HOT).

Absolutely fantastic story from beginning to end.

[Imani Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Novalee will live rent free in my head for a long time. One of my favorite ever female characters. The way I belly laughed at most of her antics.😂🤣 if she had even an ounce of self preservation her and Gio would not have worked, but her general pessimistic, grumpy and argumentative personality made her the star she is. This is definitely a series I will reread. And one I highly recommend. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽💐

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was so much revealed in this book that is a lot to process. I need to know what Ceasar plans and why. Nove and Gio are perfect for each other I am so glad how far they have come. I look forward to knowing more about them but especially getting the answers to all of my questions. These first three books in this series were so good to read. I read one after another within a week. absolutely devoured them.