This was my first read by this author, and it will not be my last because I'll definitely read Rees's book. I absolutely loved him, and he is a supporting character in the current book, him being the MMC's best friend.
What to expect * Age gap 23 h / 40 something H (based on my calculations) * Both of them have tragic pasts and trauma to overcome * Mafia content / Violence etc., especially when he takes revenge on all those people that wronged him, and once he meets Oriana, he takes revenge on her part as well, so that she will always feel and be safe 😭 * They basically healed each other in the end * There is spice, but it's not overdone, and this worked for these characters and their story. There was a lot happening around them, so really, there wasn't time for more spice, actually * So there's a good balance and mix of plot, action, romance, 🌶
I went through a range of feelings while reading this book. I felt so sad for both main characters 💔, both went through incredible traumatic events 😭. I actually grinned like a maniac while reading some of the revenge scenes! Aaaand I was a little bit pissed and annoyed in the end that it took them more than a month to reunite. Some miscommunication, which I usually hate but somehow was understandable here, since both of them had a lot of fears to overcome and they didn't know how to open up around each other.
I still have a huge question... how did the bad guys break into his house and take her? It was either not explained or it was, and I missed that information 😂. It was a long book and it's possible.
Even so, I AM GREEDY, and I will say I wanted an extra epilogue with them after a few years. They officially become an item at the end of the book (which is fine), and I wanted a few more pages with them together 🥺🥺. I wanted to see a little bit more of how they started to develop feelings for each other, so maybe at least an extra chapter before the existing epilogue? Agh, I hope to read about them in Rees's book, and most probably, they will appear/be mentioned since Rees is Ezra's best friend.
Don't ignore the triggers (violence, SA - not between main characters).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ezra is a complex man. An orphan who ends up with a mentor whose a made man, teaching him everything he knows. After a brutal tragedy, he takes years off of the job. Then he's called back to deal with the wolves, the very same ones that obliterated his life before. Also, the most pathetic wolves I've ever read, no growling, fangs, or claws, just a keen sense of smell. While at one of the wolves' places of business, him and his bestie (Ezra's late wifes twin brother) was getting ready to torch he finds an unconscious captive, our fmc Oriana. She's been through it and goes through it in this book. Thank goodness she's fiesty! There's much bloodshed in this book. Vengeance and betrayal galore! There are funny moments to lighten the mood. Also, make sure to read the triggers before starting! What happens afterward is destiny. Her to heal this broken man, the broken man to heal her.
The emotional journey we go on with these two is so good. It's more plot then smut but the mafia plot is good that's for sure kept me glued to the book
I never expected this book to make my heart hurt. And make me cry. But it also made me smile. I loved these characters and this story so much. When broken souls find each other and heal together...well, that feeds MY soul!
Flipping to the last page of Ezra, it was everything I wanted and more for him & Oriana!! Well, Reese, too but that’s not really saying much – Reese is a package-deal kind of friend. This book was so good – definitely a page-turner. Once you get started, there are mysteries you keep reading to find out the backstory, then there are new developments where you must keep going to find out where it leads… this is a great book by Quell Fox. I have been a small part of the ARC team promoting this book and waiting for our copy to read, and it was worth the wait. Ezra pulled me in from the first broody thought and then the French braid man-bun? Freaking sold.
Now that my tongue is back in my head properly, I’ll mention that Ezra is a story that covers many different emotions from multiple characters – there’s tragedy, devastation, brutality, overwhelming guilt, naivete, dominance, sureness, paranoia, and redemption. If you’re thinking “that’s a lot”, it is but it is so worth it! I won’t spoil which characters experience these emotions, but trust me when I say, as long as it’s not triggering for you, you should be reading this book.
Our two main characters, Ezra and Oriana, come together as a part of a captor/captive scenario. Oriana doesn’t realize it, but she’s lucky Ezra stumbled upon where she was being held captive by a rival group of the mob or else her life would have gone down a completely different (terrible) path. As mentioned before, he’s broody – and for just cause, but you won’t know why immediately – and she is a sassy, smart-mouthed daughter of a mob boss who Ezra assumes has had an entitled life. The verbal volleying these two have between each other is funny and leads to some serious s e x u a l tension that builds quickly. They both find each other attractive but neither actually admits anything because they both have dark pasts that leave them believing they shouldn’t speak up and they have issues with trust and guilt.
Ezra is a hunk and his moody nature had me picturing a cross between an MC member and Jason Momoa. Throw him in a tux and braid the hair on the top of his head – d a m n! While I can’t say enough about how much of a stud he is, he is also a pretty decent person with morals. Morals may need to be read as a loose term here, meaning he has his own personal morals, but they are not going to align with many others’ morals – LOL. He is gnarly when he goes for revenge, and I was living for it. More than 75% through the book, I found Ezra to be sufficiently paranoid for the situation he found himself in, and it was pretty understandable. What I like about Ezra, though, is he is a character who thinks things through – and also talks them out with Reese – and makes solid decisions based on the best way to proceed giving the circumstances presented to him. Essentially, he’s the quintessential BAMF, and I’m pretty sure he’d tell you, even if it is through a grunt or a growl.
While I found Oriana is not completely innocent because of things her father has put her through in the past, she is still actually pretty naïve. Later in the book, I found her to be whiny, but at the same time, she did what she could to survive the situation she found herself in, to survive. I say whiny because in her internal dialogue, while being held captive more than half-way through the book, she starts to doubt the chemistry she shared with Ezra and starts wondering if he set her up, despite also admitting that he has never lied to her and been upfront with anything she’s asked about. I completely understand the self-doubting thoughts the longer she was kept prisoner but some of the whiny thoughts made my eyes want to roll a few times. Overall, I think she’s tough to have endured everything she has gone through, past and present. It takes a strong person to be able to make it through situations like that. Plus, she bakes Ezra his favorite cake. Tell me you wouldn’t go ‘mush’ over this detail, too! (Who doesn’t like red velvet, come on!?)
Reese is a secondary character who is apparently getting his own book next – GIMME MORE REESE! I can confidently say if you read this book, there is nothing you won’t like about Reese. He’s hilarious, always eating, and he’s pretty hot himself but sounds to be the polar opposite of Ezra. Plus, he is as loyal as they get when it comes to supporting Ezra and having his back. I think this is why they gel so well. Well, plus the other reasons that you’ll discover when you read the book, mentioning them here would be a major spoiler.
Plot twists – well, I saw one coming, but I am pretty sure it was a given, so I don’t think the reader was supposed to be shocked by it but the others…man, Quell Fox had me on the fence through a lot of this book, trying to anticipate what was going to happen next. The underdog family is actually more dominant than anyone gave them credit for, hatching a plan to successfully level the playing field between all the mobs going at each other. Another boss has spies deeply embedded in a different mob group. There was a lot going on, but the author did a great job of weaving it all together for the moving pieces to settle in a way that made sense.
I can’t rave enough about this book. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a dark mafia romance, who can handle a bit of brutal justice served after learning of a devastating past of a main character that will wrench your heart right out of your chest. I read it in less than 24 hours and barely went to sleep while reading it, but that was only because I was fearful if I kept reading, I would not retain details of the book! Needless to say, I woke up, got my coffee & bagel, and went right back at it until I got it finished. Ezra’s actions to redeem Oriana in the end were so brutal yet amazingly gnarly, in the best way possible. I was flinching but cheering him on at the same time. I also had some choice words for two of the characters, but I doubt Amazon will approve my review if I share those with you. Lastly, to hear Reese is getting the next book in a month or so – giddy doesn’t describe how I am feeling about it! I haven’t even read Reese’s book yet and I’ve already given two spots on my book boyfriend list to Ezra & Reese.
I rated Ezra 4.5/5 and this is only because there were a few questions or loose ends I wasn’t able to tie up at the end of the book. Maybe these will be explained in Reese’s book? If so, I’d go back and give this 5/5 stars. What I felt I didn’t get an answer to: - What happened to Jackson? - Oriana pouted about Ezra not telling her about her dad but then when they talk, it never came up. I guess she just gave up and decided she didn’t care? - Were the wolves actually “werewolves”? I don’t think I ever read about them shifting or having super abilities, but Ezra did mention once he thought they may have enhanced healing abilities, but this was the extent of it. I found myself wondering why they had to be wolves if there wasn’t anything deeper surrounding those characters/group. - I expected to learn more details explaining Banks’ disappearance and where he ended up. It seemed this was quickly glossed over but I feel like it was a pretty big deal what happened and that kicked off the rocking of Ezra’s world for a second time. - What was the deal with James & Caden with the Deviants? Ezra had quite a bit of doubt surrounding their characters, I thought we’d learn something substantial surrounding these two, given how much Ezra seemed to question it during multiple meetings.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
BookIG: @tequilamockingbirdlady GR profile: mvporter
Do you like dark romance filled with triggers? Read this book. Do you like Mafia romance? Read this book. Do you like characters that will frustrate the hell out of you, but you love them so much, you don’t really care? Read this book. Do you like to read good books? Read this book‼️
I love books that have those moments that you are absolutely hooked into the story, but what’s happening on the page also makes you want to cover your eyes 🙈. This is one of those books. I also laugh at those same moments, so maybe something is wrong with me. I have now read this book twice and I think I loved it more the second time than the first.
I continue to fall more and more in love with Oriana the more time I spend with her. Ezra.. well he’s a broken, scary, sexy man 🥵. Enough said, right? 🤣 But honestly, I was hooked into their story so fast. Oh, did I mention that there are side characters who try their very best to steal the show everytime they appear on the page? Yes, Reese, I’m talking about you (and Oh how I love him😍😍😍).
When I first saw there were paranormal elements, I was unsure what to expect. Calm down, contemporary readers! it will not overpower you into the world of pnr, but it is fun enough to give the story a unique twist 😘.
Overall, this is a fantastic read and I highly recommend it. I have read almost everything this author has written and I would rank this, as quite possibly one of the best 🥰.
Another fantastic read from Fox. This one is different from her other works I've read, in that it definitely focuses more on the mafia element/character development, rather than the romance side of the story.
It's a very complex, emotional story that we embark on with Ezra and Oriana. You definitely feel the whole range of feelings as you dive into their world, with both MC's healing from their respective pasts, and despite it all, they do get their happy ending.
This is definitely a "mafia heavy" mafia book, but was so wonderfully well written. There's also a sneak of the paranormal in here, but not enough to make it a full PNR.
Twists and turns abound, with plenty of emotions, angst and a small sprinkling of steam. It's heart-grippingly addictive, and you just want to read it through until the end.
These are two broken souls who have, through it all, found each other to heal together.
This book is definitely an emotional read. It is not light and fluffy, but it is such a compelling book.
Ezra is working through unbelievable grief over the loss of his wife and daughter 12 years ago. Thoughts of revenge drive him. While looking for information, he finds Oriana, who had been taken by the shifters Ezra is seeking. Initially he plans on using Oriana as a bargaining chip, but that soon loses its appeal. What is it about this green eyed beauty that makes him want to protect her?
Oriana wakes up at Ezra's realizing she has been taken...again. Her father is a big player and his rivals keep taking Oriana. She is tired of being treated this way and stands up for herself. But there is something about Ezra, when he's not being a total jerk, that speaks to her.
But their lifestyle is not an easy one and there are many rivals to contend with.
This book deals with a lot of heavy topics and the TW should absolutely be checked before reading.
Review Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars - Ezra is on a mission when he stumbles upon a hidden gem, an unknown female who must be important or else she would not have been squirreled away so thoroughly. This mystery girl, though, brings up many feelings he though he had buried, and worse, he may not be able to hold onto her as she is a pawn to use in the biggest incoming battle for power. I thought the paranormal aspect, the wolves was a good thread, but I am not sure if it was “gelled” for this story as much as it could have been; not sure what more was needed, though? Just that they seemed as interchangeable as another MC club, say. I enjoyed this story, the emotional struggle Ezra went through denying his feelings out of respect for his loss, but Oriana was what he needed to brighten his future again. Reese was steadfast in his support, with his own feelings clearly owned, and I find myself wanting more of his story and hope for him to have his own HEA.
I absolutely loved this book! It has some pretty heavy things in it. And it made me feel so many emotions, I cried, I laughed, I also wanted to throw my phone at a wall because just arhhh.
The flow of the book made it so easy to read. The character development was beyond amazing I felt like I knew the people in the book.
This is also a mafia book and it definitely lived up to mafia! I loved every part of it
Some of the heavy stuff was so sad and kind of hard to read but it made the story so much better
The almost end had me so mad at both of the MCs but by the end I was smiling and happy!
There is light mention of shifters, that’s not something I normally read but it didn’t affect this book for me at all.
I would definitely recommend anyone this book But please read the trigger warnings first there are some major ones in here!!
In 'Ezra' two lost, broken souls navigate their way through the harsh world of mob families, finding healing and love in unexpected places. True to the darker Quell T. Fox's style, this book is a gripping read that will leave a lasting impact on readers.
Filled with raw emotions, gritty scenes, steamy encounters, and a captivating storyline, with twists and turns 'Ezra' introduces three compelling characters: Ezra, Oriana, and Reese. Each character brings their own unique traits to the story, with Ezra and Oriana standing out as opposites who complement each other in unexpected ways.
Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster, and be sure to have plenty of tissues on hand. 'Ezra' comes highly recommended for readers seeking a riveting and unforgettable read.
This book is a mafia story with all the elements and tropes we expect but with much more plot and less steam(and though I like my books scorching hot....I loved this one way more). Low in woman drama and filled with love, protection, friendship. You will fall in love, swoon, laugh, cry, cheer and yell and get angry and happy.
Two people each with their story but his is really heavy , a big loss that can't go through. And though he is heartless to most , for her he gives all the reassurance she needs to feel safe (and he does everything to keep her safe). They face many problems together and they get their relationship happen and going.
I am privileged to be able to read this book and you all should do. If I'm asked for a must read for 2024, Ezra is the one.
Ezra's mission is totally understandable, but when he and Reese find a woman in the bottom of a pit, his mission changes. He's not sure what his mission is anymore, he feels so many feelings for his thoughts, but Reese keeps reassuring him that "it's ok". (read to find out who Reese is) Ori, this girl has gotten the crap end of the stick in life; seriously Ezra finding her and kidnapping her has been the best thing to happen in her life. And she is KIDNAPPED people! Told you crap end of stick. The developing relationship between these two is not an easy road, you don't even know what kind of relationship this is until the end. I mean we all hope for it to be LOVE but who knows if Ezra can't pull his heart out of the guilt sandwich is keeps eating. Must Read!!!!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
OMG! This was one impressive book to read it was epic, the story was exhilarating and the characters were really sensational. Ezra is an dominant, Alpha, ruthless, revengeful, unforgiven, heartless, violent, male. Oriana (Ori) was kidnapped for a debt owed by her family, this family is cruel, the family is ruthless, kidnappers, they kidnap the girls so they can either sell them or earn money with their bodies. She gets kidnapped about three times and when Ezra kidnapped Oriana he gave her freedom, but she doesn't think Ezra will come and get her.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In a word this book is OUTSTANDING! It has the perfect mix of good and evil, drama and humor, and friendship and romance. The vulnerability of Ezra and Oriana grabbed me right from the beginning. I rode the roller coaster of emotion with this one. I swooned, laughed, cheered and cried. The unexpected twists and turns kept me routing for them until the end. Then add Reese to the mix with his quick whit and ride or die attitude, you have a wonderfully well written story. So for all you Mafia romance lovers out there, put this one on our TBR list. It will be one that you read over and over again.
I would definitely recommend this book - I gave 3 stars because I expected more of the dark romance and spice to be more. I loved the characters and how the story played out, just wish there was more spice - because for the very few scenes in the book - they were HOT and SPICY!! The story moved pretty quickly and it was a fast an easy read. Nothing too dark or sinister for my preferences, although some might find some of the story dark/graphic. I am looking forward to reading another book by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was excited to get this book as an arc reader and it did not disappoint. This is the type of story that I would gravitate toward so reading it came easy and it was a great read. Ezra was loved from the very beginning with a confidence about him that you find from the first time we are introduced to him but then you notice that there is more to him than what meets the eye. Ezra does not let a lot of people in but when he does he shows why it is an honor that it happened. There is talk about wolves and shifters in the story but it is not the main focus of the writing and it is seen more in dialogue than in actual interactions.
When I say this book had a choke hold on me I mean THIS BOOK HAD A CHOKE HOLD ON ME!! This is my first mafia romance I’ve ever read and I am obsessed! The depth of the characters is remarkable! I love how two broken souls found each other and found light in their brokenness. The story was well developed, detailed and emotional! There are lots of triggers but I feel like they didn’t dominate the book, the plot really did shine through. And can I say I’ve never been more obsessed with a side character in my life? Reese, the wingman, the emotional support, the ride or die guy is perfection! Absolutely amazing book and I 10/10 recommend!
Ezra is a slow-burning love story featuring two characters from the mafia milieu with traumatic pasts. The development of their relationship is heartwarming, and the novel is exciting with a well-developed plot and many twists and turns. The deep insights into the emotional world of the characters allowed me to empathize with the novel and kept me captivated. I felt for Ezra and Oriana, experienced grief, heartbreak, and love. My favorite supporting character is Reese, whom I fell deeply in love with and am eager to read more about!
With the amount of triggers that were in Ezra, it was still a damn good book. The story was amazing, the characters had such depth that they just made you think. It was interesting to see two people heal or rather start to heal each other throughout the book. I loved that even though they went through a lot, they ended up having a happy ending. Some parts of the story just pulled at your heart strings, there were some spots where I started crying my eyes out. I received a complimentary ARC from the author for a fair and honest review.
Not my usual reading material, but I received this book as a gift and dove right into this dark mafia romance the author created. Ezra is a broken man who mistakenly kidnaps a mafia princess, and all hell breaks loose. When he realizes he’s falling in love with her, he hesitates because of his past trauma losing his wife and daughter. There are a lot of twists and turns peppered with angst and emotion in this story. Ezra and Oriana are two vulnerable characters that will hook you in at the very beginning and grip you by the throat (and the heart) until the very end.
I absolutely loved Ezra. I absolutely love a good mafia romance, I mean who doesn’t. Mafia men are just so dangerous and loving. There was so much push and pull in this story and I never wanted to put it down. I loved the whole plot and how Ezra had to overcome a very traumatic issue. The way he showed Oriana that he would always protect her was just *sigh* amazing. They overcome some obstacles together and at the end it makes for a great relationship. Thank you for letting me read this early. I loved every minute.
This was my first book by Quell T Fox! A friend of mine suggested her book to me and I’m a big mafia fan! I absolutely adore these two, Ezra and Oriana! Oriana is born into a lifestyle she wants out of. Ezra can help her, but she falls for her captor. Ezra wants out, but knows he can’t. After losing his wife and daughter, he’s on a revenge mission and in the process captures Oriana but doesn’t want her to leave. Oriana is a firecracker and the bickering and banter between the two is intriguing to read! I can’t wait to read more from Quell! Also the spice is pretty great too!
I actually fell in love with Ezra. He was truly devoted to his wife and daughter. Losing them in the most brutal and gruesome way, for 12 years he honored to stay loyal to them. Never realizing that living a nonexistent life was actually breaking his promise to his wife to be happy. He meets Oriana in an unconventional way. Her having no trust in men or her family, she feels safe with Ezra and the two build a bond based on their need to keep distance. But they can’t really stay distanced now can they?
It was indeed a good read with lots of twists and turns.
I truly loved this book so much finished it in less than one day so yes that speaks for itself. It was a bit hard to understand and connect with both MC at the beginning but that changed as it went on. Ezra… even tho he is seen as such a rough tough guy I am so happy that he was learning to be accepting that he deserved happiness, he loved and cared for people in his own way. The only thing I was disappointed about was that there we didn’t see enough of Ezra and Ori together… I liked the plot and everything but I needed more 😭😭😭 Can’t wait to read the next book
An interesting and emotional mafia read. Ezra and Oriana are perfect for each other, healing the other’s hurts and hearts, this couple will make you laugh and cry. Smile at the witty banter, fan yourself from the steam and fall in love right along with these strong characters. But check for triggers, it is dark and gritty with betrayal, vengeance, action and bloodshed giving an edge to this romance. Thank you to the author.
I loved this book! She's a new to me author & can't wait to read more from her. This is Ezra & Oriana's story & they both have one to tell. His family were taken from him & she's been a pawn her whole life because of her father. This book is more storyline than spice & I loved it! There's a lot going on in the background & a lot of stuff comes out. This doesn't end in a cliffy & they get their very much deserved HEA! Highly recommend this book & author!
I enjoyed how the story just jumped right into the chaos. I do love me some trigger happy MMCs. I didn’t really care for the FMCs whiny habits, she seemed annoying in my eyes for a while. It also took me a while to get into it. I had to force myself to keep reading a few times. Overall great storyline and I enjoyed the characters chemistry.
This book takes you on a an emotional rollercoaster with our two mains. Ezra will have you hooked from the first page and I mean claws in and not letting you go. This is a story of two souls they are broken but are drawn to each other and two broken souls can heal.
- dark mafia book - Paranormal elements - Strong scary mmc - Angsty - Twists and turns
Oriana has been kidnapped and would have been burnt alive if not for Ezra and Reece. They, Ezra and Reece are taking out the wolves and Ezra could not stop looking for something. That something is Oriana. Oriana lies to Ezra about her. Now what is going to happen? Great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.