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Brax Gallo doesn’t believe in love at first sight. Heck, he doesn’t stay in relationships long enough to develop real feelings for any woman. But one look at the sad girl alone at his bar, checking her phone, and gnawing her lip with worry and he’s absolutely smitten. He knows in that moment; it’s possible to fall hard and fast.
Iris has always been unlucky with love. After being stood up at the altar two years ago, she has no interest in dating. But her friends leave her no choice when they create a dating profile for her and set up a date. She hopes for the best, thinking she’s due for a break. She waits for him. And waits. But when he doesn’t show, she’s reminded that men break her heart every time.
What starts out as a flirty banter leads to something neither of them wanted, but everything they needed.
Iris has always been unlucky with love. After being stood up at the altar two years ago, she has no interest in dating. But her friends leave her no choice when they create a dating profile for her and set up a date. She hopes for the best, thinking she’s due for a break. She waits for him. And waits. But when he doesn’t show, she’s reminded that men break her heart every time.
What starts out as a flirty banter leads to something neither of them wanted, but everything they needed.
300 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2025
687 people are currently reading
5299 people want to read
About the author
Chelle Bliss
135 books8,980 followersChelle Bliss is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. She currently lives in a small town near the Gulf of Mexico, but hates sand. She's a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, and loves everything romance.
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April 1, 2025The Gallos are back!
Read Now: menofinked.com/want
Here's what you can expect in Want:
🍸 Jilted Bride
🍸 Meet Cute
🍸 Alpha Hero
🍸 Heroine in Peril
🍸 Found Family
Read Now: menofinked.com/want
Here's what you can expect in Want:
🍸 Jilted Bride
🍸 Meet Cute
🍸 Alpha Hero
🍸 Heroine in Peril
🍸 Found Family
March 21, 2025
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
❤️🔥meet cute
🖤alpha hero
❤️🔥grumpy x sunshine
🖤found family
❤️🔥family dynamics
🖤steamy
❤️🔥second generation
🖤HEA
Want is book 2 in the second generation series, Men of Inked Sinners from author Chelle Bliss and gives Brax and Iris story and takes us back to the world of Gallo, which I’m always excited about.
Our FMC, Iris is at the Hook and Hustle, waiting on a blind date. He never shows. But she stays anyway. When Iris starts having her space invaded and she is getting some attention by a man whose attention she doesn’t want…Brax steps in.
Brax, our hero is working at his family’s bar, the Hook and Hustle. He meets Iris when he steps in, when a stranger is giving her unwarranted attention and making her a bit uncomfortable. He’s never really wanted a relationship until after being with Iris knows exactly that’s what he wants.
Together Iris and Brax were just so steamy. It was great to see Iris getting her Hea after what her ex did.
The Gallo family books the women are always sassy spitfires, take no prisoner type womb… and the men are these bad ass tattoo bad boy alphas, except for their woman and they turn to mush .
I love the Gallon family books. It always makes me feel like my own family, like the warm fuzzy of going home to a reunion.
I’ve read all the family books to this point and I can’t wait to read more. Thank you to Chelle and her team for this advanced copy.
Tropes:
❤️🔥meet cute
🖤alpha hero
❤️🔥grumpy x sunshine
🖤found family
❤️🔥family dynamics
🖤steamy
❤️🔥second generation
🖤HEA
Want is book 2 in the second generation series, Men of Inked Sinners from author Chelle Bliss and gives Brax and Iris story and takes us back to the world of Gallo, which I’m always excited about.
Our FMC, Iris is at the Hook and Hustle, waiting on a blind date. He never shows. But she stays anyway. When Iris starts having her space invaded and she is getting some attention by a man whose attention she doesn’t want…Brax steps in.
Brax, our hero is working at his family’s bar, the Hook and Hustle. He meets Iris when he steps in, when a stranger is giving her unwarranted attention and making her a bit uncomfortable. He’s never really wanted a relationship until after being with Iris knows exactly that’s what he wants.
Together Iris and Brax were just so steamy. It was great to see Iris getting her Hea after what her ex did.
The Gallo family books the women are always sassy spitfires, take no prisoner type womb… and the men are these bad ass tattoo bad boy alphas, except for their woman and they turn to mush .
I love the Gallon family books. It always makes me feel like my own family, like the warm fuzzy of going home to a reunion.
I’ve read all the family books to this point and I can’t wait to read more. Thank you to Chelle and her team for this advanced copy.
April 5, 2025
Iris and Brax
Brax runs the local bar. One night as he's behind the bar he sees a beautiful woman. He asks her why is she alone. She says I got stood up. Her dating relationship has been very bad. She's not looking for any thing. As she is about to leave her car won't start so she stays at the apartment the bar owns across the street. This is there story. Between her crazy friends, her x boyfriend and the weather they are both in for slot of exci
Brax runs the local bar. One night as he's behind the bar he sees a beautiful woman. He asks her why is she alone. She says I got stood up. Her dating relationship has been very bad. She's not looking for any thing. As she is about to leave her car won't start so she stays at the apartment the bar owns across the street. This is there story. Between her crazy friends, her x boyfriend and the weather they are both in for slot of exci
April 1, 2025
Braxton (Brax) Gallo, is the 2nd generation of the Chicago Gallo Family. His older sister is Tate who is a tattoo artist. Tate is really close with the Florida family - Gigi & PIke, and the tattoo shop down there. Tate owns the tattoo shop across the street from the bar but also works at the bar helping Brax out. Brax runs and manages the Bar Hook & Hustle, which has been in the family for the past 50 yrs. His grandparents live in the apartment above the bar. His step mom - Tilly, runs the bakery next door.
Iris was left at the wedding alter 2 yrs ago. She is finally getting out to date. She agreed to a blind date, meeting at Hook & Hustle, bar, which is the same bar Brax owns and runs. Her blind date no showed. But, she met Brax and talked with him and his sister. Iris is a painter, often working with different types of medium and working to pay her bills. She has a huge online following, so, she is usually good with work, and keeping busy.
Iris's ex Lucas left her at the alter on their wedding day. She hasn't heard from him since, and then out of the blue she gets a call from him, stating that she may be in trouble and to lay low. Brax knows his grandfather can help, and he asks him for it. Iris spends a few nights with Brax. Once they clear the air, Iris know she can trust Brax and his family. We don't really find out much from Iris's side of the family / history.
I did receive a free ARC Copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.
Iris was left at the wedding alter 2 yrs ago. She is finally getting out to date. She agreed to a blind date, meeting at Hook & Hustle, bar, which is the same bar Brax owns and runs. Her blind date no showed. But, she met Brax and talked with him and his sister. Iris is a painter, often working with different types of medium and working to pay her bills. She has a huge online following, so, she is usually good with work, and keeping busy.
Iris's ex Lucas left her at the alter on their wedding day. She hasn't heard from him since, and then out of the blue she gets a call from him, stating that she may be in trouble and to lay low. Brax knows his grandfather can help, and he asks him for it. Iris spends a few nights with Brax. Once they clear the air, Iris know she can trust Brax and his family. We don't really find out much from Iris's side of the family / history.
I did receive a free ARC Copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.
April 1, 2025
I’m so obsessed with the Gallo family and Brax and Iris’s story was another unputdownable book. When Brax first met Iris he knew she was special. Brax and Iris are inseparable but when Iris’s ex comes back into the picture, Brax will do anything to protect her. Another amazing read that had me hooked.
I voluntarily reviewed this arc in exchange for an honest review.
I voluntarily reviewed this arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2025
With every book, there is just something special about these Gallo men. “Want” is a swoony, romantic and heartfelt second generation book that I loved so much.
Brax is now running their family owned bar and has always been a one time guy with any women he meets. But when an attractive woman catches his eye, that changes for him. Iris was at the bar meeting a blind date but was stood up. The two end up chatting and Iris leaves the next day before he can get her number. But her friends convince her to go back to the bar and Brax takes his shot with her.
I just loved Brax and Iris together so much. Brax never saw himself as a relationship kind of guy but Iris is quick to change his mind. He’s genuine, caring and I loved how protective he was of Iris from the first moment he met her. The Gallo men are so great and every generation is raised to be just perfect. Iris is such a sweet woman and doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. She was burned by her ex fiancé and was convinced that she was meant to be single for the rest of her life, she just didn’t want to take that chance again. Their connection was instant and they had amazing chemistry. It was a slow burn to the steamy scenes but worth the wait. They truly got to know each other and built that trust that Iris needed to go any further in the relationship. I loved that she met his family early on and got to soak up that Gallo goodness. The epilogue was so sweet and I loved their happy ending.
Brax is now running their family owned bar and has always been a one time guy with any women he meets. But when an attractive woman catches his eye, that changes for him. Iris was at the bar meeting a blind date but was stood up. The two end up chatting and Iris leaves the next day before he can get her number. But her friends convince her to go back to the bar and Brax takes his shot with her.
I just loved Brax and Iris together so much. Brax never saw himself as a relationship kind of guy but Iris is quick to change his mind. He’s genuine, caring and I loved how protective he was of Iris from the first moment he met her. The Gallo men are so great and every generation is raised to be just perfect. Iris is such a sweet woman and doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. She was burned by her ex fiancé and was convinced that she was meant to be single for the rest of her life, she just didn’t want to take that chance again. Their connection was instant and they had amazing chemistry. It was a slow burn to the steamy scenes but worth the wait. They truly got to know each other and built that trust that Iris needed to go any further in the relationship. I loved that she met his family early on and got to soak up that Gallo goodness. The epilogue was so sweet and I loved their happy ending.
April 15, 2025
5 Star Review Want (Men of Inked Sinners #2) by Chelle Bliss
Audio/eBook:
From the moment Brax Gallo set eyes on Iris while working at the family bar, Hook and Hustle he felt a connection.
I really loved Brax, he was totally swoon worthy. He is my idea of a book boyfriend, caring, protective, a man with a heart.
I felt for Iris, after being jilted at the altar, her friends have finally convinced her to take a chance on dating again. Of course this doesn’t work out but then she meets Brax.
From the first to the last paragraph , I was invested in the story that Ms. Bliss wove. Their journey was rocky but what a journey it was.
Want is everything I look for in a romance story. It was emotional, passionate and witty with characters whose story you cannot help but be drawn into.
The narration by Lance Greenfield and Kirsten Leigh brought the characters to life for me. Their voices were easy to listen too and they brought all the passion, drama, romance and humour to their performances.
Audio/eBook:
From the moment Brax Gallo set eyes on Iris while working at the family bar, Hook and Hustle he felt a connection.
I really loved Brax, he was totally swoon worthy. He is my idea of a book boyfriend, caring, protective, a man with a heart.
I felt for Iris, after being jilted at the altar, her friends have finally convinced her to take a chance on dating again. Of course this doesn’t work out but then she meets Brax.
From the first to the last paragraph , I was invested in the story that Ms. Bliss wove. Their journey was rocky but what a journey it was.
Want is everything I look for in a romance story. It was emotional, passionate and witty with characters whose story you cannot help but be drawn into.
The narration by Lance Greenfield and Kirsten Leigh brought the characters to life for me. Their voices were easy to listen too and they brought all the passion, drama, romance and humour to their performances.
March 14, 2025
Want🙌
Iris is at the Hook and Hustle, waiting on a blind date to arrive, that her friends organised. Brax is attending bar and notices Iris. When a man tries to hit on her and doesn’t appear to read her body language and disinterest, Brax steps in❣️
Iris was an interesting character and it was weird to think of Brax all grown up🥹 But as usual, I loved getting to know more of these Gallos and I’m looking forward to the next story. I received an advanced copy and willingly leave my honest review❤️🩹
Iris is at the Hook and Hustle, waiting on a blind date to arrive, that her friends organised. Brax is attending bar and notices Iris. When a man tries to hit on her and doesn’t appear to read her body language and disinterest, Brax steps in❣️
Iris was an interesting character and it was weird to think of Brax all grown up🥹 But as usual, I loved getting to know more of these Gallos and I’m looking forward to the next story. I received an advanced copy and willingly leave my honest review❤️🩹
April 1, 2025
I wrote this review for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner.
In Men of Inked Sinners book two, the story about Brax and Iris, and what a terrific story it is too. The beginning hooked me in quickly and the entire book held my interest until the end.
Brax is a great character, I enjoyed his self-honesty and desire to stop being a player and think about his future more seriously. He has a fabulous sense of humour and is a gentleman to boot. Iris’ character is a sweetheart who now has trust issues and who could blame her after that ex-fiancé of hers! Her two best friends are a hoot as they encourage Iris to get back into the dating game.
Alongside the swoony romance, yes it’s a quick-to-fall love story that ticks all of the boxes, there is a pesky ex-fiancé issue that creates quite a stir. Nino, Brax’s grandfather, comes to the rescue as all supportive relatives do.
Great humour is not confined just to Brax, there is so much great fun banter between different characters and terrific one-liners, the more sarcastic the funnier too, you can’t help but laugh out loud.
This book is like a breath of fresh air, relaxing and so enjoyable.
April 15, 2025
5 Star Review Want (Men of Inked Sinners #2) by Chelle Bliss
Audio/eBook:
From the moment Brax Gallo set eyes on Iris while working at the family bar, Hook and Hustle he felt a connection.
I really loved Brax, he was totally swoon worthy. He is my idea of a book boyfriend, caring, protective, a man with a heart.
I felt for Iris, after being jilted at the altar, her friends have finally convinced her to take a chance on dating again. Of course this doesn’t work out but then she meets Brax.
From the first to the last paragraph , I was invested in the story that Ms. Bliss wove. Their journey was rocky but what a journey it was.
Want is everything I look for in a romance story. It was emotional, passionate and witty with characters whose story you cannot help but be drawn into.
The narration by Lance Greenfield and Kirsten Leigh brought the characters to life for me. Their voices were easy to listen too and they brought all the passion, drama, romance and humour to their performances.
Audio/eBook:
From the moment Brax Gallo set eyes on Iris while working at the family bar, Hook and Hustle he felt a connection.
I really loved Brax, he was totally swoon worthy. He is my idea of a book boyfriend, caring, protective, a man with a heart.
I felt for Iris, after being jilted at the altar, her friends have finally convinced her to take a chance on dating again. Of course this doesn’t work out but then she meets Brax.
From the first to the last paragraph , I was invested in the story that Ms. Bliss wove. Their journey was rocky but what a journey it was.
Want is everything I look for in a romance story. It was emotional, passionate and witty with characters whose story you cannot help but be drawn into.
The narration by Lance Greenfield and Kirsten Leigh brought the characters to life for me. Their voices were easy to listen too and they brought all the passion, drama, romance and humour to their performances.
June 17, 2025
5 Star Review Want (Men of Inked Sinners #2) by Chelle Bliss
Audio/eBook:
From the moment Brax Gallo set eyes on Iris while working at the family bar, Hook and Hustle he felt a connection.
I really loved Brax, he was totally swoon worthy. He is my idea of a book boyfriend, caring, protective, a man with a heart.
I felt for Iris, after being jilted at the altar, her friends have finally convinced her to take a chance on dating again. Of course this doesn’t work out but then she meets Brax.
From the first to the last paragraph , I was invested in the story that Ms. Bliss wove. Their journey was rocky but what a journey it was.
Want is everything I look for in a romance story. It was emotional, passionate and witty with characters whose story you cannot help but be drawn into.
The narration by Lance Greenfield and Kirsten Leigh brought the characters to life for me. Their voices were easy to listen too and they brought all the passion, drama, romance and humour to their performances.
Audio/eBook:
From the moment Brax Gallo set eyes on Iris while working at the family bar, Hook and Hustle he felt a connection.
I really loved Brax, he was totally swoon worthy. He is my idea of a book boyfriend, caring, protective, a man with a heart.
I felt for Iris, after being jilted at the altar, her friends have finally convinced her to take a chance on dating again. Of course this doesn’t work out but then she meets Brax.
From the first to the last paragraph , I was invested in the story that Ms. Bliss wove. Their journey was rocky but what a journey it was.
Want is everything I look for in a romance story. It was emotional, passionate and witty with characters whose story you cannot help but be drawn into.
The narration by Lance Greenfield and Kirsten Leigh brought the characters to life for me. Their voices were easy to listen too and they brought all the passion, drama, romance and humour to their performances.
April 18, 2025
WANT, Men of Inked Sinners Book 2 by Chelle Bliss
Chelle Bliss always has the ability to have her books seem like a visit with favorite friends! She is one talented lady! This is Brax and Iris’ story. They have an attraction from the start. There is plenty of witty banter, heart, and chemistry. This is 5 stars.
I listened to the audio version of this story and Lance Greenfield and Kirsten Leigh do an excellent job with the narration.
Chelle Bliss always has the ability to have her books seem like a visit with favorite friends! She is one talented lady! This is Brax and Iris’ story. They have an attraction from the start. There is plenty of witty banter, heart, and chemistry. This is 5 stars.
I listened to the audio version of this story and Lance Greenfield and Kirsten Leigh do an excellent job with the narration.
Read
January 29, 2026DNF @ 52% I feel so duped that I bought this book when it was a KU read. It started out so well in the sample then it became so cheesy with a corny plot. Some gangster is after her bc of her former fiancé from 2yrs prior? And of course the H’s family just so happens to know the gangster and can protect her? EYE ROLL*YAWN*CRINGE
1.5 *don’t be duped by the sample* stars!!!!!!
1.5 *don’t be duped by the sample* stars!!!!!!
July 13, 2025
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
March 31, 2025
🫦 I want to fall in love with a guy with tats…and a piercing…who knows a guy who knows a guy; that’s going to protect and cherish me. That’s Brax Gallo
📚Review~ Want (Men of Inked Sinners Book 2)
🖋Author~ Chelle Bliss
🖋Genre: Men of Inked Sinners, Alpha Male Romance, Contemporary Romance
⭐️Rating 5/5
💖 Brax and Iris 💖
I’ve been a longtime fan of Chelle Bliss and the Gallo family. I love the way the Gallo family instantly welcomes Iris into their midst. Brax is so patient and understanding, putting Iris and her fears before his own desires. He is everything that Iris’s former fiancé is not. And thank goodness! Because he is open with his feelings even while Iris is afraid to make herself that vulnerable again.
Even while dealing with the devastating betrayal of the man she thought she loved sends Iris into a self-imposed dry-spell, her two friends are wickedly sweet and so much fun! Their banter and positive influence are the reason Brax and Iris unexpectedly meet.
🎨 “It’s time to stop grieving what could’ve been and start getting excited about what will be.”
Want is a slow-burn of attraction, love, and patience. A true demonstration of how love can selflessly flourish. Another fantastic addition to the expansive Gallo family. And, Brax wants to share it all with Iris…forever… the neighborhood bar with its good-natured regulars, old Irish gangsters, and a fantastic Italian grandmother whose eggplant parm is the absolute best.
🫦 Highlights:
🦖 I really like Brax. Even though his name sounds like a dinosaur, Braxasaurus-Rex has my belly flipping out of lust, not fear.
🎨 Finding your forever isn’t always easy. Hell, it doesn’t happen for everyone. But I have a feeling my future is next to me, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her there.
🦖 We’ve dealt with men like Malakai our entire lives, and all that matters is that you are safe from here on out.
Follow me: @ravenblackbird74
https://linktr.ee/ravenblackbird74
#writer #editor #review #books #bookstagrammers #bookreviewer #reader #MustRead #bookclub #bookish #booklover #bookworm #readers #currentlyreading #readersofinstagram #brokenwingbookreviews #ravenblackbird74 #booktok #ChelleBliss #Want #MenofInkedSinners #AlphaMaleRomance #ContemporaryRomance
📚Review~ Want (Men of Inked Sinners Book 2)
🖋Author~ Chelle Bliss
🖋Genre: Men of Inked Sinners, Alpha Male Romance, Contemporary Romance
⭐️Rating 5/5
💖 Brax and Iris 💖
I’ve been a longtime fan of Chelle Bliss and the Gallo family. I love the way the Gallo family instantly welcomes Iris into their midst. Brax is so patient and understanding, putting Iris and her fears before his own desires. He is everything that Iris’s former fiancé is not. And thank goodness! Because he is open with his feelings even while Iris is afraid to make herself that vulnerable again.
Even while dealing with the devastating betrayal of the man she thought she loved sends Iris into a self-imposed dry-spell, her two friends are wickedly sweet and so much fun! Their banter and positive influence are the reason Brax and Iris unexpectedly meet.
🎨 “It’s time to stop grieving what could’ve been and start getting excited about what will be.”
Want is a slow-burn of attraction, love, and patience. A true demonstration of how love can selflessly flourish. Another fantastic addition to the expansive Gallo family. And, Brax wants to share it all with Iris…forever… the neighborhood bar with its good-natured regulars, old Irish gangsters, and a fantastic Italian grandmother whose eggplant parm is the absolute best.
🫦 Highlights:
🦖 I really like Brax. Even though his name sounds like a dinosaur, Braxasaurus-Rex has my belly flipping out of lust, not fear.
🎨 Finding your forever isn’t always easy. Hell, it doesn’t happen for everyone. But I have a feeling my future is next to me, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her there.
🦖 We’ve dealt with men like Malakai our entire lives, and all that matters is that you are safe from here on out.
Follow me: @ravenblackbird74
https://linktr.ee/ravenblackbird74
#writer #editor #review #books #bookstagrammers #bookreviewer #reader #MustRead #bookclub #bookish #booklover #bookworm #readers #currentlyreading #readersofinstagram #brokenwingbookreviews #ravenblackbird74 #booktok #ChelleBliss #Want #MenofInkedSinners #AlphaMaleRomance #ContemporaryRomance
April 5, 2025
After a string of DNF reads, *Want* by Chelle Bliss swooped in like a warm hug on a cold day—and what a perfect choice it turned out to be. As someone who’s read and enjoyed a few books from the original Gallo Brothers series, I was beyond excited to dive into this spin-off. The moment I saw it featured Santino (Tino) and Betty’s extended family, I was all in.
The story kicks off with Brax, who’s working behind the bar when Iris walks in, having just been stood up on a blind date. Cue the snowstorm of the century—classic Chicago vibes—and a very generous offer from Brax’s sister Tate to let Iris crash in the apartment above her tattoo shop. What starts as a night of awkward but cute proximity soon becomes the beginning of something real between Brax and Iris.
Iris, however, comes with baggage. Her ex not only broke her heart, but also left her with a dangerous mess—he owes some very bad people a lot of money. As feelings start to build between Brax and Iris, so does the tension. Can Brax keep Iris safe and show her that she’s worthy of the love he’s ready to give? And will Iris let herself fall again, especially when the threat of her past is still very present?
What made *Want* such a standout for me was the blend of warmth, family loyalty, sizzling chemistry, and just enough drama to keep the pages turning. It had the same charm and heart that made me love the original Gallo series, but also gave me those feel-good, fresh-start vibes that make romance so addictive.
If you're a fan of series like *The Edens* by Devney Perry, *The DiMarcos* by Jennifer Hanks, or *The Lancasters* by Monica Murphy, then you'll absolutely love what Chelle Bliss is building here with the Chicago-based Gallos. It’s got that same sense of found family, steamy slow-burn romance, and enough personality to make you want to binge the whole series.
*Want* has completely rekindled my love for the Men of Inked world, and I can’t wait to dive back into the stories of the siblings, cousins, and all the Gallos that make this fictional family one worth obsessing over.
The story kicks off with Brax, who’s working behind the bar when Iris walks in, having just been stood up on a blind date. Cue the snowstorm of the century—classic Chicago vibes—and a very generous offer from Brax’s sister Tate to let Iris crash in the apartment above her tattoo shop. What starts as a night of awkward but cute proximity soon becomes the beginning of something real between Brax and Iris.
Iris, however, comes with baggage. Her ex not only broke her heart, but also left her with a dangerous mess—he owes some very bad people a lot of money. As feelings start to build between Brax and Iris, so does the tension. Can Brax keep Iris safe and show her that she’s worthy of the love he’s ready to give? And will Iris let herself fall again, especially when the threat of her past is still very present?
What made *Want* such a standout for me was the blend of warmth, family loyalty, sizzling chemistry, and just enough drama to keep the pages turning. It had the same charm and heart that made me love the original Gallo series, but also gave me those feel-good, fresh-start vibes that make romance so addictive.
If you're a fan of series like *The Edens* by Devney Perry, *The DiMarcos* by Jennifer Hanks, or *The Lancasters* by Monica Murphy, then you'll absolutely love what Chelle Bliss is building here with the Chicago-based Gallos. It’s got that same sense of found family, steamy slow-burn romance, and enough personality to make you want to binge the whole series.
*Want* has completely rekindled my love for the Men of Inked world, and I can’t wait to dive back into the stories of the siblings, cousins, and all the Gallos that make this fictional family one worth obsessing over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
June 21, 2025Rated: 1/5
What I liked:
💖 It started off strong. I liked when MMC shoos away the creep at the bar in the beginning.
What I didn’t:
✋ FMC acted like a literal child and everyone around her treated her like one too.
✋ As soon as MMC gets into the picture, he starts policing FMC's alcohol intake because drinking makes her sleep walk (?) and despite her being a grown ass woman who's lived her whole life with this sleepwalking condition and the awareness that drinking makes it worse (or at least a good enough part of her life with that second part), he immediately decides he needs to 'pointedly look at her' or 'gruffly correct her' every time she mentions drinking. This happens literally so many times so it wasn't like a 'one time thing' it was like a regular bit by the end
✋ What was the point of the Malakai thing? Like they kept speaking about how dangerous he was and how he "wouldn't take no for an answer" and would always hold things over their heads but he literally appears once and that's it. They way the characters spoke, I fully expected him to kidnap FMC in the last third
✋ Too many characters Jesus Christ I couldn't remember half of them or what their relationship with one another was
✋ "Will it hurt me?"
Characters:
MMC: Braxton Gallo
FMC: Iris
Nicknames: Baby, Sweetheart
Children: 2 little girls and 2 babies (at the end)
Pets: None that I can remember
POV: Alternating first person
Pace: Uber Fast
Type: Second in a series of standalones
Cliffhanger?: No
Setting: Chicago
🚨Trigger warning list below could have potential spoilers, depending on your definition of ‘spoiler’
Tropes:
📚 Bartender MMC
📚 Artist FMC
📚 Sworn off relationships FMC
📚 Mafia-adjacent
📚 Tattooed MMC
Spice:
🐱: sex
🍑: n/a
🍆: pierced, blowjob, handjob
🌶 Light praise kink
🌶 Dry humping
🌶 "Fuck it" moment
🌶 Big 🍆 MMC
🌶 "Use Me"
Triggers:
⚠️ Misogyny (huge discussion about how it feels to be a woman followed by women putting down other women who like to have sex because they aren't 'wife material')
⚠️ Violence
⚠️ Pregnancy (not FMC)
What I liked:
💖 It started off strong. I liked when MMC shoos away the creep at the bar in the beginning.
What I didn’t:
✋ FMC acted like a literal child and everyone around her treated her like one too.
✋ As soon as MMC gets into the picture, he starts policing FMC's alcohol intake because drinking makes her sleep walk (?) and despite her being a grown ass woman who's lived her whole life with this sleepwalking condition and the awareness that drinking makes it worse (or at least a good enough part of her life with that second part), he immediately decides he needs to 'pointedly look at her' or 'gruffly correct her' every time she mentions drinking. This happens literally so many times so it wasn't like a 'one time thing' it was like a regular bit by the end
✋ What was the point of the Malakai thing? Like they kept speaking about how dangerous he was and how he "wouldn't take no for an answer" and would always hold things over their heads but he literally appears once and that's it. They way the characters spoke, I fully expected him to kidnap FMC in the last third
✋ Too many characters Jesus Christ I couldn't remember half of them or what their relationship with one another was
✋ "Will it hurt me?"
Characters:
MMC: Braxton Gallo
FMC: Iris
Nicknames: Baby, Sweetheart
Children: 2 little girls and 2 babies (at the end)
Pets: None that I can remember
POV: Alternating first person
Pace: Uber Fast
Type: Second in a series of standalones
Cliffhanger?: No
Setting: Chicago
🚨Trigger warning list below could have potential spoilers, depending on your definition of ‘spoiler’
Tropes:
📚 Bartender MMC
📚 Artist FMC
📚 Sworn off relationships FMC
📚 Mafia-adjacent
📚 Tattooed MMC
Spice:
🐱: sex
🍑: n/a
🍆: pierced, blowjob, handjob
🌶 Light praise kink
🌶 Dry humping
🌶 "Fuck it" moment
🌶 Big 🍆 MMC
🌶 "Use Me"
Triggers:
⚠️ Misogyny (huge discussion about how it feels to be a woman followed by women putting down other women who like to have sex because they aren't 'wife material')
⚠️ Violence
⚠️ Pregnancy (not FMC)
April 5, 2025
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.
This is the story of Brax and Iris. If you have been reading the Gallo family series then you are going to know who all these characters are and who is related, who knows who and how. I don't want to go into the history of the characters in case someone hasn't started the series. If you haven't you really should. Brax is a man who doesn't do love. He isn't even sure he would know what love he. He is more a go out with them have a great time and move on before anyone develops any sort of feelings kind of guy. But when he met Iris he knew that she was special. She has been engaged before. But, that relationship ended badly and she has put herself one a self imposed no men rule. He betrayed her in the worst way she imposed the no men rule, but thank goodness she has two friends that help her make it through this mess. Thanks to them she meets Brax. This man, oh my, he is going to steal your heart. He is so patient and kind to Iris. Putting her needs before the serious desires that he is holding onto. I love the way that he wasn't afraid to show her that not all men are the man she thought she loved. He was open about his feelings and laid it all on the line at times with her. Something he has never done with anyone in his life before. When her ex comes back into the picture Brax will do anything to protect her. This book is sweet and romantic.. Nerve wracking at times. A slow burn of a romance that you do not want to miss.
This is the story of Brax and Iris. If you have been reading the Gallo family series then you are going to know who all these characters are and who is related, who knows who and how. I don't want to go into the history of the characters in case someone hasn't started the series. If you haven't you really should. Brax is a man who doesn't do love. He isn't even sure he would know what love he. He is more a go out with them have a great time and move on before anyone develops any sort of feelings kind of guy. But when he met Iris he knew that she was special. She has been engaged before. But, that relationship ended badly and she has put herself one a self imposed no men rule. He betrayed her in the worst way she imposed the no men rule, but thank goodness she has two friends that help her make it through this mess. Thanks to them she meets Brax. This man, oh my, he is going to steal your heart. He is so patient and kind to Iris. Putting her needs before the serious desires that he is holding onto. I love the way that he wasn't afraid to show her that not all men are the man she thought she loved. He was open about his feelings and laid it all on the line at times with her. Something he has never done with anyone in his life before. When her ex comes back into the picture Brax will do anything to protect her. This book is sweet and romantic.. Nerve wracking at times. A slow burn of a romance that you do not want to miss.
April 19, 2025
Want
Men of Inked Sinners #2
By Chelle Bliss
Narrated by Lance Greenfield, Kirsten Leigh
Chelle Bliss knows her way to my heart. Her men are the swooniest around and this book is no exception. Iris is in the right place at the right time. At the bar, and when hit on, Brax is is there to protect her. Now with the storm dumping snow at a crazy rate, the Gallo family is there to help, offering her a place to stay, and from there the story begins. It's full of witty banter, building passion and the one family I know I can come and stay with anytime. Tattoo shop, family dinner, snow and love, I could not stop this listen. Bring me to this extended family anytime.
Lance Greenfield and Kirsten Leigh narrate this wonderful book and as always, this team is amazing. Greenfield is Brax, just enough alpha and softness to make it easy to fall for him. Leigh is Iris and she couldn't be better. Her inflections bring out all the emotional turmoil Iris has. I love these two whenever they are together and this one has my heart.
Men of Inked Sinners #2
By Chelle Bliss
Narrated by Lance Greenfield, Kirsten Leigh
Chelle Bliss knows her way to my heart. Her men are the swooniest around and this book is no exception. Iris is in the right place at the right time. At the bar, and when hit on, Brax is is there to protect her. Now with the storm dumping snow at a crazy rate, the Gallo family is there to help, offering her a place to stay, and from there the story begins. It's full of witty banter, building passion and the one family I know I can come and stay with anytime. Tattoo shop, family dinner, snow and love, I could not stop this listen. Bring me to this extended family anytime.
Lance Greenfield and Kirsten Leigh narrate this wonderful book and as always, this team is amazing. Greenfield is Brax, just enough alpha and softness to make it easy to fall for him. Leigh is Iris and she couldn't be better. Her inflections bring out all the emotional turmoil Iris has. I love these two whenever they are together and this one has my heart.
March 19, 2025
Want is the second book in the Men of Inked Sinners series and this book touches your heart and soul with such a need. Brax is drawn to Iris the moment he lays eyes on her and as much as Iris is attracted to him her walls are up due to the pain love has brought her before. With Brax wanting what his sister and his parents have, Iris just might be the person he has been hoping for. The chemistry between these two is electric and the heat that radiates between them can be felt deep under your skin. Brax will steal your breath in the way that he cares and treats her and that nothing will stand in his way to protect her. Their story has a little drama, action and suspense to it to keep you on your toes. The witty banter between the side characters including Iris's friends and Brax's family brings a little lightness and entertainment to this storyline. Another beautiful love story in the Gallo world that has us all wanting what they have.
March 26, 2025
Love Love the second generation of Southside Gallos! Brax (Tate's brother) loves women, just not relationships. He wants want he parents have, but doesn't think its in the cards for him. One night his is world is turned upside down when he spies a beautiful woman at bar looking so sad. Iris has been hurt badly in the past and has given up on men, trusting only her best friends. Her best friends are the reason she is sitting alone at a bar, confirming her thoughts that men are not worth it, when the most handsome man notices her. The chemistry is there, but is she willing to put herself out there again? Is the flirty bartender more than the playboy he seems? Brax is determined to make Iris his, he just has to convince her, and he'll do whatever it takes...no matter who he has to face. Throw in a nosy and opinionated extended family and sassy best friends and you have a recipe for a love story you won't forget!
June 30, 2025
Brax & Iris: triggers- gambling, loan sharks. this book was just okay for me. it went a little too fast so I didn't really get a connection between the characters. it's an insta romance definitely but there's not a lot of time where the main characters are one on one developing. someone was always there. I absolutely love the Gallo's but I feel like because the Miami Gallo's have such a bigger series connection with several of them set in the same area, it's easier to connect to them. I feel like these Gallo's are new even though technically they aren't. the OG Southside series is shorter than the OG men of inked because there are more kids to get through. so I'm going this series creates more and adds to this side of the Gallo family tree. and yes I felt more connected to Crave because Tate was introduced in one of the Heatwave books.
March 22, 2025
I enjoyed reading this story!!!! Starts with Brax working at the family bar Hook & Hustle and that is where he meets Iris. Iris is there because her friends set her up on a blind date who never showed. Brax and Iris end up talking and when she wants to leave he walks her to her car but the car doesn't start so Brax tells here that he has a place she can stay the night . I was drawn in to find out what is happening with them and when Iris ex texts her how they deal with that. Love reading how Brax is with is family in Chapter 5 you can feel the love that they have for each other and laughs. Chelle stories are filled with family that loves and stands by each other and always there for each other. I look forward to the next book in this series Need.
April 2, 2025
What I always love when stepping into a book about the Gallo clan is the sense of family and whether they live in Florida or Chicago that family theme is always present and Want, book two in the Men of Inked Sinners series is no exception.
This is Brax and Iris’ story and these two found something special right from the start. Brax is the owner of the bar and the bartender which keeps him in the know about what is happening in his neighborhood. So when Iris shows up in his bar he feels the need to protect her especially when her ex brings danger to her doorstop all bets are off and the Gallo’s do what they do best, bring people they care about into their fold and keep the safe and cared for.
This is Brax and Iris’ story and these two found something special right from the start. Brax is the owner of the bar and the bartender which keeps him in the know about what is happening in his neighborhood. So when Iris shows up in his bar he feels the need to protect her especially when her ex brings danger to her doorstop all bets are off and the Gallo’s do what they do best, bring people they care about into their fold and keep the safe and cared for.
April 18, 2025
**audio review**
From the first page till the last this book had me entertained. Brax is swoon worthy with his heart of gold. The way he was there for Iris from the jump was book boyfriend worthy in itself. Not to mention he has tats and a piercing to me that’s even sexier. Iris was at the right place at the right time and that Gallo family is the one you want to be a part of.
Lance Greenfield and Kirsten Leigh were a great combination and perfect narrators for Brax and Iris. This audio was very enjoyable.
Brax and Iris have instant chemistry. They have a connection that even Brax can’t deny. From the start he was all in. Iris and Brax were a cute couple and I loved them together. This story was filled with romance, passion and very little angst. Everything I enjoy in a good romance.
From the first page till the last this book had me entertained. Brax is swoon worthy with his heart of gold. The way he was there for Iris from the jump was book boyfriend worthy in itself. Not to mention he has tats and a piercing to me that’s even sexier. Iris was at the right place at the right time and that Gallo family is the one you want to be a part of.
Lance Greenfield and Kirsten Leigh were a great combination and perfect narrators for Brax and Iris. This audio was very enjoyable.
Brax and Iris have instant chemistry. They have a connection that even Brax can’t deny. From the start he was all in. Iris and Brax were a cute couple and I loved them together. This story was filled with romance, passion and very little angst. Everything I enjoy in a good romance.
April 1, 2025
This is the second book in this amazing series and this is Brax and Iris’s story.
Brax is sweet and protective, but he does not believe in love at first sight, while Iris is unlucky in love after being jilted at the altar. From the moment that Brax spots a sad Iris sitting at a bar, he is instantly smitten.
This is a well written, easy to read, with found family, friendships, emotions, engaging and realistic characters, drama, action, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and endearing, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Brax is sweet and protective, but he does not believe in love at first sight, while Iris is unlucky in love after being jilted at the altar. From the moment that Brax spots a sad Iris sitting at a bar, he is instantly smitten.
This is a well written, easy to read, with found family, friendships, emotions, engaging and realistic characters, drama, action, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and endearing, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
April 1, 2025
4.5⭐️
Want is the second book in the Men of Inked Sinner series and features Brax Gallo. It sees us returning to the Hook & Hustle bar, Chicago. It’s second generation Southside! And it has the perfect amount of steam and drama that see Brax and Iris get together…
Brax Gallo is a great guy, he’s getting serious about his future, about changing his ways and seems like he’s closer to settling down than he thought… He says he wants to settle down then a beautiful and available woman falls in his lap. His family is nosy and opinionated on everything, and they all love Iris for him, even before anything’s happened between them. Nothing is private, but it never has been., because this is how the Gallo’s roll…
Want is the second book in the Men of Inked Sinner series and features Brax Gallo. It sees us returning to the Hook & Hustle bar, Chicago. It’s second generation Southside! And it has the perfect amount of steam and drama that see Brax and Iris get together…
Brax Gallo is a great guy, he’s getting serious about his future, about changing his ways and seems like he’s closer to settling down than he thought… He says he wants to settle down then a beautiful and available woman falls in his lap. His family is nosy and opinionated on everything, and they all love Iris for him, even before anything’s happened between them. Nothing is private, but it never has been., because this is how the Gallo’s roll…
April 1, 2025
Brax Gallo doesn’t believe in love—until he sees Iris, a heartbroken woman stood up on a blind date. Drawn to her sadness, he can’t help but step in. Iris, still reeling from past heartbreak, isn’t looking for romance, but Brax’s charm proves hard to resist. What begins as playful banter turns into something unexpected—something they both desperately need.
Want is a steamy, grumpy-sunshine romance featuring found family, commitment fears, and an alpha hero, its page turning from the start and I loved it.
Want is a steamy, grumpy-sunshine romance featuring found family, commitment fears, and an alpha hero, its page turning from the start and I loved it.
April 2, 2025
Iris is just going on a blind date so her friends will leave her alone. She is stood up but ends up talking to the bartender, Brax. Her car breaks down and his family becomes her saviors. They help her through her crisis and they all get on Brax for not getting her number. But once again her friends convince her to go back to the bar. This leads to them dating and Braz and his family saves her again due to the trouble her ex put her in. Nice romance and you know the Gallo's will never leave a lady in distress.
April 7, 2025
This is Brax and Iris's love story. They both thought they needed a story. Yet, they both Wanted love . A blind date that went so right for these two. Iris was sitting alone waiting and waiting for a date that never shows. Brax sees her at the end of the bar. Needing to see her smile they start up flirting. Brax dosent believe in love at first sight but he feels it with Iris. With mother nature and family lots and lots of Gallos help these two really find their connection. More and more they find love in each other's lives. Finding something they needed and WANTED.
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