What do you think?
Rate this book
Broken Boy
Those with the darkest secrets are the best at hiding...
Reese
The second I saw her, I knew she had to be mine.
When my irresistible charm and good looks don't have her falling at my feet, I'm falling even harder for her.
She's anything but simple, and everything I crave.
She's the only thing in the world that makes my darkness go away.
Girls like Josie? They only exist in dreams, and all I've been doing is living in a nightmare.
Josie
Bad men are the only men I've ever known—and Reese Lorenzetti is no different.
He hurts people for a living. He makes them suffer for things out of their control.
But he's also an enigma.
One that won't leave me alone.
I'm certain his boyish smile and quick wit will be the death of me.
Because men like Reese? All they do is cause pain.
Broken Boy is an interconnected standalone dark romance novel with a light mafia theme.
There are dark themes in this book that may not be suitable for all.
Reese
The second I saw her, I knew she had to be mine.
When my irresistible charm and good looks don't have her falling at my feet, I'm falling even harder for her.
She's anything but simple, and everything I crave.
She's the only thing in the world that makes my darkness go away.
Girls like Josie? They only exist in dreams, and all I've been doing is living in a nightmare.
Josie
Bad men are the only men I've ever known—and Reese Lorenzetti is no different.
He hurts people for a living. He makes them suffer for things out of their control.
But he's also an enigma.
One that won't leave me alone.
I'm certain his boyish smile and quick wit will be the death of me.
Because men like Reese? All they do is cause pain.
Broken Boy is an interconnected standalone dark romance novel with a light mafia theme.
There are dark themes in this book that may not be suitable for all.
- GenresDarkMafia RomanceEbooks
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2024
64 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 1, 2024
I have LOVED Reese from the very first second I met him in Ezra's book. He is witty and charming and wonderful 😍. It was easy to fall in love with him rather quickly, so when he got his own book, I jumped at the chance to read it immediately 🤩!
Getting to know Reese was a rollercoaster. He is still witty and charming and wonderful, but he is also human and broken and boy did my heart hurt at times 😭. The more I read, the more time I wanted to spend with him.
I absolutely love Josie, which says a lot because I staked very big claims on Reese 😂. I love their banter. I loved how she made him work for it. I can't imagine anyone (well, except for maybe me 😉 being a better fit. She's his otter 🫠.
When I finished Ezra, I said it was one of the best books Quell T Fox had written. I'm now expanding that to include Reese and say this world she's building, this family is absolutely amazing and ranking as some of my favorite characters 🥰.
Getting to know Reese was a rollercoaster. He is still witty and charming and wonderful, but he is also human and broken and boy did my heart hurt at times 😭. The more I read, the more time I wanted to spend with him.
I absolutely love Josie, which says a lot because I staked very big claims on Reese 😂. I love their banter. I loved how she made him work for it. I can't imagine anyone (well, except for maybe me 😉 being a better fit. She's his otter 🫠.
When I finished Ezra, I said it was one of the best books Quell T Fox had written. I'm now expanding that to include Reese and say this world she's building, this family is absolutely amazing and ranking as some of my favorite characters 🥰.
April 9, 2024
Broken Boy
By Quell Fox
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
I recently had the pleasure of devouring the new release, "Broken Boy" by Quell Fox, and I must say it deserves nothing short of a 5/5 stars rating. As a follow-up to the equally enjoyable "Ezra", this novel has managed to meet and exceed my expectations.
The main male character, Reese, is an absolute gem. He's quirky, witty, and hilarious in his own unique way. From the moment he stumbles upon Josie in a bar where she works as a bartender, he's completely smitten. Their connection is palpable and their chemistry is off the charts.
Fate seems to have a way of bringing people together as Josie is later hired as a nanny for Reese's niece and nephew. Despite their growing connection, Reese grapples with a dark past where his father used him in a truly appalling way. These haunting memories torment him, adding a dark layer to his otherwise cheerful persona.
However, Josie becomes his sanctuary. She calms his anxiety and makes him yearn to be a better man. Reese's affection for Josie is so deep, he lovingly refers to her as his otter, a reference to his patronus from a Harry Potter quiz. This cute, nerdy detail adds a layer of charm to their relationship. Who doesn’t love a HP reference?! This book is full of them.
"Broken Boy" is a brilliant combination of humor, romance, and an exploration of overcoming personal demons. Quell Fox has done a superb job of creating a compelling narrative with engaging characters. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a deeply moving yet light-hearted romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
BookIG: @tequilamockingbirdlady
GR profile: mvporter
By Quell Fox
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
I recently had the pleasure of devouring the new release, "Broken Boy" by Quell Fox, and I must say it deserves nothing short of a 5/5 stars rating. As a follow-up to the equally enjoyable "Ezra", this novel has managed to meet and exceed my expectations.
The main male character, Reese, is an absolute gem. He's quirky, witty, and hilarious in his own unique way. From the moment he stumbles upon Josie in a bar where she works as a bartender, he's completely smitten. Their connection is palpable and their chemistry is off the charts.
Fate seems to have a way of bringing people together as Josie is later hired as a nanny for Reese's niece and nephew. Despite their growing connection, Reese grapples with a dark past where his father used him in a truly appalling way. These haunting memories torment him, adding a dark layer to his otherwise cheerful persona.
However, Josie becomes his sanctuary. She calms his anxiety and makes him yearn to be a better man. Reese's affection for Josie is so deep, he lovingly refers to her as his otter, a reference to his patronus from a Harry Potter quiz. This cute, nerdy detail adds a layer of charm to their relationship. Who doesn’t love a HP reference?! This book is full of them.
"Broken Boy" is a brilliant combination of humor, romance, and an exploration of overcoming personal demons. Quell Fox has done a superb job of creating a compelling narrative with engaging characters. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a deeply moving yet light-hearted romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
BookIG: @tequilamockingbirdlady
GR profile: mvporter
April 5, 2024
A sweet story with a dangerous man!
I have a confession to make. I started reading "Broken Boy" with no idea what it was about. I never go diving into a book blind, so I was super curious to see how this would turn out!
From the very first chapter, the book drew me in. You have a man named Reese who is clearly struggling with demons in his life, but the depth of them aren't fully revealed right away. You're introduced immediately to his best friend, Ezra (who has his own standalone book, but it isn't required to read before this one to understand what's going on) and their quirky relationship. By the second half of the first chapter, he meets Josie working at a bar, and he's wearing heart eyes the moment he sees her.
Reese is essentially a cinnamon roll / golden retriever type of guy, but only for those he loves. He's also deadly, being that he's ex-mafia. Josie is more of a loner, trying to move past her old life. She grew up around bad and dangerous men and certainly doesn't want them around her now if she can help it! She senses right away that Reese is definitely in that latter category, but he makes it so darn hard for her to stay away with how determined he is to make her his. It doesn't help that he's also got a sweet personality, charm, good looks, loyalty, and that he cares so much for his 'family'! They both have secrets they keep from each other, but these two are definitely fated to be together.
This book will make you laugh throughout. It's funny, sweet, romantic, and has just the right amount of darkness to keep it from being a rom-com. I loved it!
I have a confession to make. I started reading "Broken Boy" with no idea what it was about. I never go diving into a book blind, so I was super curious to see how this would turn out!
From the very first chapter, the book drew me in. You have a man named Reese who is clearly struggling with demons in his life, but the depth of them aren't fully revealed right away. You're introduced immediately to his best friend, Ezra (who has his own standalone book, but it isn't required to read before this one to understand what's going on) and their quirky relationship. By the second half of the first chapter, he meets Josie working at a bar, and he's wearing heart eyes the moment he sees her.
Reese is essentially a cinnamon roll / golden retriever type of guy, but only for those he loves. He's also deadly, being that he's ex-mafia. Josie is more of a loner, trying to move past her old life. She grew up around bad and dangerous men and certainly doesn't want them around her now if she can help it! She senses right away that Reese is definitely in that latter category, but he makes it so darn hard for her to stay away with how determined he is to make her his. It doesn't help that he's also got a sweet personality, charm, good looks, loyalty, and that he cares so much for his 'family'! They both have secrets they keep from each other, but these two are definitely fated to be together.
This book will make you laugh throughout. It's funny, sweet, romantic, and has just the right amount of darkness to keep it from being a rom-com. I loved it!
April 1, 2024
What can I say about this book? It rocked my world in more than one ways. I thought I loved Reese from Ezra's book. But reading his story made me love him more, fall in love with him, hurt with him and for him, I laughed, I cried, he made me swoon and curse, he made me wanna hug him tightly foe ever, stay with him and reassure him that all will pass, that he will heal, that he deserves and will have his HEA. Quell T. Fox's magical way of writing made me feel everything that were to feel so intense.
Reese is a witty, funny and lovable person, with many and heavy baggage, with a dark side, he is broken but God knows how much love he has in him. I love his interaction with Ezra's kids.
Josie.... A strong woman with a heavy baggage on her own, but there is no one else more right to make him pull himself toghether and right his life. Their banners....epic!And she have him to work hard to have her and I loved her for that!
I thought Ezra is the "if you have only one book to read in 2024 what must be?", but reading Reese's story....It has to go up there with Ezra. This family, this world that Ezra and Reese are in, it's a wonderful and exquisite and the characters included are my favorites by far.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reese is a witty, funny and lovable person, with many and heavy baggage, with a dark side, he is broken but God knows how much love he has in him. I love his interaction with Ezra's kids.
Josie.... A strong woman with a heavy baggage on her own, but there is no one else more right to make him pull himself toghether and right his life. Their banners....epic!And she have him to work hard to have her and I loved her for that!
I thought Ezra is the "if you have only one book to read in 2024 what must be?", but reading Reese's story....It has to go up there with Ezra. This family, this world that Ezra and Reese are in, it's a wonderful and exquisite and the characters included are my favorites by far.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 13, 2024
- Dark romance
- Protector
- Touch her at your own peril
This book was everything. The MMC Reese is dealing with some past trauma that is heartbreaking. Please make sure to review the CW before reading. The FMC Josie is trying to get her life back on track after her father leaves her with a heavy load to carry.
Josie is a bartender who is down on her luck. She meets Ori, Ezra's wife, who offers her a job as a nanny to their children. The two become friends as well, which only makes things more awkward because of Reese. Josie had met Reese at the bar and he is not shy about expressing his interest in her. However, with all of the baggage she is dealing with, she turns him down, which is a bummer because she is seriously attracted to him.
Reese has been having a difficult time dealing with his past and his thoughts are very dark at times. But when he is near Josie, he feels the clouds lift, thus his nickname of "otter" for her (because she's his Patronus). To prove his devotion, he tries to help Josie with any problem she encounters. She resists him as long as she can, but eventually the two give in to their attraction. But will their secrets come between them?
This book was one I read slowly, to savor. This book is deep and complex and I absolutely fell in love with these characters!
- Protector
- Touch her at your own peril
This book was everything. The MMC Reese is dealing with some past trauma that is heartbreaking. Please make sure to review the CW before reading. The FMC Josie is trying to get her life back on track after her father leaves her with a heavy load to carry.
Josie is a bartender who is down on her luck. She meets Ori, Ezra's wife, who offers her a job as a nanny to their children. The two become friends as well, which only makes things more awkward because of Reese. Josie had met Reese at the bar and he is not shy about expressing his interest in her. However, with all of the baggage she is dealing with, she turns him down, which is a bummer because she is seriously attracted to him.
Reese has been having a difficult time dealing with his past and his thoughts are very dark at times. But when he is near Josie, he feels the clouds lift, thus his nickname of "otter" for her (because she's his Patronus). To prove his devotion, he tries to help Josie with any problem she encounters. She resists him as long as she can, but eventually the two give in to their attraction. But will their secrets come between them?
This book was one I read slowly, to savor. This book is deep and complex and I absolutely fell in love with these characters!
April 6, 2024
If you read Ezra’s story, are you ready for Reese’s? Reese is still a loose cannon five years after getting out of the life of the mafia. Ezra is happy, with two children and his loving wife. Reese devotes his life to them in all ways. Only, he is having problems with his old life interfering with his present. He walks into a local bar…and wham! He sees her…his one and only. He will never be the same!
Josie has a sordid past that requires her to make monetary donations to keep her alive. When she lands a job that could really help her with people, she cannot believe is true, things spiral even more. Reese follows Josie around like a lost puppy. He HAS to have contact with her, interact with her. She has no clue what she truly means to him or what she does for him. Both fighting their pasts, both wanting freedom, they are the answer for each other. With those answers come consequences. Will they be able to fend off their pasts so they can live in the present? It will be a harsh and brutal ride…but love conquers all?!
Josie has a sordid past that requires her to make monetary donations to keep her alive. When she lands a job that could really help her with people, she cannot believe is true, things spiral even more. Reese follows Josie around like a lost puppy. He HAS to have contact with her, interact with her. She has no clue what she truly means to him or what she does for him. Both fighting their pasts, both wanting freedom, they are the answer for each other. With those answers come consequences. Will they be able to fend off their pasts so they can live in the present? It will be a harsh and brutal ride…but love conquers all?!
April 8, 2024
Wow! I loved this book, I hadn’t read the book before this but it didn’t matter as they can be read as standalones and I didn’t feel I was missing anything by not having read it. I absolutely loved Reese and Josie’s story, it was funny, sweet and heartbreaking in places. Both have had a troubled past and are struggling with its consequences but seeing them become everything to each other was perfection. I also loved Reese and Ezra’s bromance and I definitely shed a few tears when Reese finally opened up to him about his past. Such a good story and I can’t wait to go back and read Ezra’s story and look forward to Justin’s book.
April 5, 2024
Reese has a strength that not many people have, nor should they.
No one knows what this man has been through, not even his best friend. That is a lot of emotional damage to keep to yourself, it's no wonder it starts to leak out through nightmares.
Josie is awesome, this is a woman who has the strength of a thousand men; she is also the essence of good that Reese needs.
I loved this story; I loved reading the follow up to not only Reese's story but Ezra and Ori's as well.
These are characters that you will fall in love with and wish to be a part of their unique family.
No one knows what this man has been through, not even his best friend. That is a lot of emotional damage to keep to yourself, it's no wonder it starts to leak out through nightmares.
Josie is awesome, this is a woman who has the strength of a thousand men; she is also the essence of good that Reese needs.
I loved this story; I loved reading the follow up to not only Reese's story but Ezra and Ori's as well.
These are characters that you will fall in love with and wish to be a part of their unique family.
April 6, 2024
We met Reese during Ezra’s story, now it’s time to follow his path to finding love.
This is an emotional roller coaster - you’ll laugh and cry (probably fume and swoon), it’s got great banter, a wonderful found family, humour, romance, steam, action, Mafia drama, a gripping backstory and just the right amount of dark.
Reese certainly had his demons 👹, a lot of them and Josie had her own tragic history but together these two were magic and their HEA was well deserved.
I’m looking forward to more in this awesome series.
Thank you to the author.
This is an emotional roller coaster - you’ll laugh and cry (probably fume and swoon), it’s got great banter, a wonderful found family, humour, romance, steam, action, Mafia drama, a gripping backstory and just the right amount of dark.
Reese certainly had his demons 👹, a lot of them and Josie had her own tragic history but together these two were magic and their HEA was well deserved.
I’m looking forward to more in this awesome series.
Thank you to the author.
April 10, 2024
I loved how Quell continued the Mafia world from Ezra, with Reese's story. Where Ezra was reeling from the loss of his first wife and daughter in his story. Reese was dealing with his childhood trauma in his story the only way he knew how, Mafia style. He also met Josie, the one that could chase away his demons like a patronus Harry Potter style by just being around her. Josie had her own family trauma, as well as the baggage from her father after he passed away. There are nothing but good things about every single one of her books I’ve read and enjoyed.
March 29, 2024
After reading Ezra, I was so looking forward to reading Reese's story. The author did not disappoint in telling his story. I laughed, I cried, I might have cursed a time or two, I swooned and I absolutely fell in love with all of the characters. I felt every emotion the author was trying to convey. She hit the nail on the head with this one. If you haven't started this series, be sure it's at the top of your TBR list. It's well worth the read, you won't want to miss it.
March 30, 2024
I could make a list. On this list, there would be over 50 reasons why I loved this story so much. The most important reason, the one I would mention more than once, would be, simply...Reese. I loved him in Ezra's book, and I couldn't wait to know every possible thing about him. It was so easy to fall in love with his silliness, his devotion, his heart. Parts of this story made MY heart hurt very much, but like so many beautiful endings, it was well worth the painful journey.
April 15, 2024
This is the second book in this series, and this is Reese and Josie’s story.
This is a well written action packed, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, challenges, trauma, heartbreak, secrets, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, haunting, twisted, unpredictable, and steamy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is a well written action packed, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, challenges, trauma, heartbreak, secrets, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, haunting, twisted, unpredictable, and steamy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
March 29, 2024
Reese stole my heart from Ezra. I love this book so much. My heart hurts for Reese and everything he had to overcome. He makes you want to hold him and then be devoured.
I loved Josie and Reese’s story. The book was well written and draws you in immediately. I am so happy that Reese got his happy ending.
I loved Josie and Reese’s story. The book was well written and draws you in immediately. I am so happy that Reese got his happy ending.
April 5, 2024
Reese, our broken boy!! I absolutely adore Reese and couldn't wait for him to get his happily ever after, after he helped Ezra find his way out of the dark. Reese is finally forced to fight his demons. His journey took me through all the emotions; I laughed and cried, swooned and raged!!
I love, love, love this book and I'm so excited to find out more about Justin and his story!!!
I love, love, love this book and I'm so excited to find out more about Justin and his story!!!
March 28, 2024
God they are a perfect pair. Loved the story wish there was more of him talking to her about his trauma but I also get it's hard for him. Angst filled because I just wanted them to kiss so many times in the book lol loved the ending of the book brought a tear to my eye
April 6, 2024
Josie and Reese are at odds with each other. She cannot be his because of a debt owed. She does not want him involved, nor Ezra or Ori, but Reese does not listen. He wants to be her hero. He is so sarcastic and funny, but he has nightmares and panic attacks that only Josie can help him.
April 4, 2024
Deeply emotional story of Reese and Josie both have past trauma and secrets to overcome. But they seem to fix each other. Rollercoaster of emotions. This one really spoke to me....
April 26, 2025
Couldn't put down
Just brilliant from start to finish. One of my favourite books to read. I would highly recommend this book. Fantastic.
Just brilliant from start to finish. One of my favourite books to read. I would highly recommend this book. Fantastic.
May 5, 2025
Amazing story elements and characters. Each chapter had me wanting to come back to read more.
June 25, 2025
I loved this book, I knew Reese’s story would be good and I wasn’t disappointed.
July 9, 2025
It was such a good mafia romance omg, I love Reese, I’m soo excited to read Ezra’s book next
August 13, 2025
4,5⭐️
I love these two so much!! The book was written so good and I never felt like it was to long.
I really enjoyed the way Reese and Josie interacted with each from the beginning.
I love these two so much!! The book was written so good and I never felt like it was to long.
I really enjoyed the way Reese and Josie interacted with each from the beginning.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews