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Maceo Dillinger is the second eldest son of the Dillinger clan. Being a part of his family organization means Maceo is no stranger to danger, but he as a secret that might just cost him his life. He’s taken on an unapproved caseload and has brought his girlfriend Sharina Gladden along for the ride.
His already dangerous world turns treacherous when Maceo finds himself as a target. The time for keeping secrets is over as escalating threats become increasingly deadly. Maceo is forced to come clean and rely on his family to ensure both his and Sharina’s survival.
When the world gets dark, sometimes you need more than bulletproof vests and backup plans. With Maceo and Sharina living on borrowed time, every second has to count. Who will survive and who will meet a most tragic demise?
His already dangerous world turns treacherous when Maceo finds himself as a target. The time for keeping secrets is over as escalating threats become increasingly deadly. Maceo is forced to come clean and rely on his family to ensure both his and Sharina’s survival.
When the world gets dark, sometimes you need more than bulletproof vests and backup plans. With Maceo and Sharina living on borrowed time, every second has to count. Who will survive and who will meet a most tragic demise?
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2025
1132 people are currently reading
643 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Brown
52 books1,815 followersKimberly Brown is a South Carolina born and raised author of contemporary/urban romance. She strives to create stories that readers can visualize in their heads as the pages turn. Writing has been a part of her journey since a young age but really became a focal point during her high school years. With the support of her classmates, she began sharing her love of words with others. In 2019 she took her first step towards becoming a serious writer with self-publishing. August of 2021, she made her BLP debut with “Pretty Caged Bird” and is continuing to grow her catalog. With a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a pending masters in Mental Health Counseling, Kimberly loves to incorporate mental health into her writings as she feels it is not talked about or address enough within the African American community.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
February 17, 2025
Shar and Maceo were a true representation of Drunk In Love while in their Bonnie & Clyde era. She was his rider and he was her hitta. These two were the very definition of love, loyalty, devotion, and family over everything. “You know what our family motto is, Charity? ‘Revenge is an act of passion; vengeance is an act of justice.’ Today, justice is mine.” Oh, Charity. She FAFO how the Dillingers get down and didn't live to tell the tale. Mace’s story is exactly what I expected. It was funny, dark, gritty, exciting, and it gave exactly what it was suppose to give. Now that we got a lil preview of Mia’s love interest, I’m uber excited for her story. Titan is with the shyts and he don’t mind pullin’ his gat out on Deuce, Devin or Kerrion. My guy stands on business and he ain’t never scared. I'm keepin' my fingers crossed Mia’s story is next cause, it’s gon’ be good and messy. 😏
February 12, 2025
This was good, but not as good as the first one. I think the storyline for this one was a little better lol but I don’t want no more kidnapping the rest of this series cus ain’t no way that after Salima’s incident Shar was able to be snatched up. I feel like we did spend just a tad too much time doing mundane things with the couple before we got to the actual action. The fact that they let Charity make it so long was kinda wack especially when the Sr. Stanley was talking cash sh*t “I know everything I’m everywhere yadda yadda” but twice some BS done happened and you wasn’t locked in. I love Mr.Gladden down lmaoo and I’m happy he wasn’t scared to put them paws on folks about his baby.
July 1, 2025
All I can say is... yes. I will be continuing this series, thank you.
July 11, 2025
This was action-packed, and the humor made it better, especially with all the dark moments. I’m really enjoying the Dillinger family!
May 12, 2025
3.5 stars 🌟🌟🌟
April 22, 2025
I love the characters I just am not a fan of how their story was told and that they were already together at the start of the book. Most of the relationship was already in progress from book one so we missed out on seeing them fall in love and instead we were given snippets of moments via flashbacks so it was hard to believe it because we didn’t experience it if that makes sense.
I love this family and this series so far but the outside plot in this one I think overshadowed the romance. Edited for Smokes book tho.
I love this family and this series so far but the outside plot in this one I think overshadowed the romance. Edited for Smokes book tho.
May 26, 2025
I’m sorry this was a hell no for me. This was boring as hell and long for no reason . I heard smoke was the best and I kinna wanna read it but this was a waste. Maceo was cool but him and Sharina was stupid as hell. How you a regular ass bitch just decide to go get into some shit for a nigha self esteem issues. Then you get ur ass kidnapped because I wanna go take ur birth control out knowing a bitch trying to kill you??? Seriously??? Like u biig dummy!!! Like everything about them was boring and dumb…. I just couldn’t get into their story. Seem like they was all sex and nothing more. I just can’t get with it. 🤷🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🙄….
April 30, 2025
I came in pondering WHY Maceo is not Main character material. He may not be my bookbae, but this book, this storyline, This family was completely worth the read.
Second in command and couldn't see all these 🚩🚩🚩, But crying cause you want your own thing.
Maceo had my annoyance on 10! Like watching WYT people in a horror movie like "the killer is in the house"! Lol!
The villain? Chef kiss! Charity villained, like a villain never villained before! She was a BEAST!!
I love that I got to see this couple sort of bond in the previous book. Since their relationship was a bit caught up in the struggle of this turf war in this book.
Sharina and Maceo had to fight for those little moments together, and so it made them so much more precious for them and me as a reader.Sh She was his rider and he was her roller. qi can't say enough!
This book brought all the action and angst that the previous book didnt and that is saying a lot because I loved me some Deuce!
📚Genre: urban romance/ Crime Fam
🔥Spice Level: 🔥🔥
⚠️Possible Triggers: Kidnapping Murder Human Trafficking Hematolagnia (Blood Fetish)
I said what I said and as always: don't take my word for it. Read the book, form your own opinions, and support your authors! 🫶🏿📖👏🏾
Second in command and couldn't see all these 🚩🚩🚩, But crying cause you want your own thing.
Maceo had my annoyance on 10! Like watching WYT people in a horror movie like "the killer is in the house"! Lol!
The villain? Chef kiss! Charity villained, like a villain never villained before! She was a BEAST!!
I love that I got to see this couple sort of bond in the previous book. Since their relationship was a bit caught up in the struggle of this turf war in this book.
Sharina and Maceo had to fight for those little moments together, and so it made them so much more precious for them and me as a reader.Sh She was his rider and he was her roller. qi can't say enough!
This book brought all the action and angst that the previous book didnt and that is saying a lot because I loved me some Deuce!
📚Genre: urban romance/ Crime Fam
🔥Spice Level: 🔥🔥
⚠️Possible Triggers: Kidnapping Murder Human Trafficking Hematolagnia (Blood Fetish)
I said what I said and as always: don't take my word for it. Read the book, form your own opinions, and support your authors! 🫶🏿📖👏🏾
September 6, 2025
Updating my rating to 4.75 stars! I haven't stopped thinking about it since I read it.
4 stars even! Lots of spicy scenes, a little predictable, a tiny bit sad, but very good! I like that this started with them already in a relationship and working up from there! Definitely not a book to read in public though, I spent most of my commute checking to see if anyone could hear the audiobook playing because the spicy scenes were so explicit. They had me blushing and everything
4 stars even! Lots of spicy scenes, a little predictable, a tiny bit sad, but very good! I like that this started with them already in a relationship and working up from there! Definitely not a book to read in public though, I spent most of my commute checking to see if anyone could hear the audiobook playing because the spicy scenes were so explicit. They had me blushing and everything
February 11, 2025
Chaper 24/25 was twist I wasn't expecting. She did her thing with this book.
February 17, 2025
Shar and Maceo
These two were crazy in love. I knew they would have an intensity to them when I read Deuce's book, but they exceeded expectations. Charity/Quinn, that is what you call a real psychopath! The Dillingers, The Gladdens, and everybody made this book complete. I think I can already see where Mia and Jaeda's book may be heading and I'm excited... Especially for our girl Jaeda to find her equal. Mr. Stanley and Mr. Paul having a whole fight was the light that whole situation needed!😳
These two were crazy in love. I knew they would have an intensity to them when I read Deuce's book, but they exceeded expectations. Charity/Quinn, that is what you call a real psychopath! The Dillingers, The Gladdens, and everybody made this book complete. I think I can already see where Mia and Jaeda's book may be heading and I'm excited... Especially for our girl Jaeda to find her equal. Mr. Stanley and Mr. Paul having a whole fight was the light that whole situation needed!😳
March 24, 2025
This was a nice addition to this series. Maceo’s love for Shar was undeniable, and they were definitely on their Bonnie & Clyde ish. Maceo’s insecurities leading to his reckless decision which put his family in danger had me putting my book down a few times. When Shar tried warning and he wasn’t listening was frustrating and had me punching the air, because Maceo, please! I enjoyed the sibling banter between Maceo, Smoke, and Deja. It was hilarious. Especially when they went to see about her friend in her room, I hollered. Now Charity, she worked on my nerves! It took too long for her to get what she deserved, but when fate finally knocked on her door, I was here for it.
See the full review on my blog.
See the full review on my blog.
October 6, 2025
wow.
Because I thought I already knew Maceo and Shar’s relationship from Book 1, I didn’t expect this book to be as emotional, suspenseful, fun, dark and and romantic as it was. Understanding Maceo’s motivation for wanting to take trafficking rescue jobs to be seen and valued and Shar wanting to feel empowered after being unable to intervene in her cousin’s kidnapping in the previous book made this feel more emotionally-grounded. As a main couple, they were well-matched with Shar’s love language being getting gifts and Maceo’s being giving them.
I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would and even though Smoke has the next book and to be honest nobody reading this cares about Smoke (we all want Jaeda), reading this has convinced me that Smoke’s book will be a revelation and I can’t wait to check it out.
Because I thought I already knew Maceo and Shar’s relationship from Book 1, I didn’t expect this book to be as emotional, suspenseful, fun, dark and and romantic as it was. Understanding Maceo’s motivation for wanting to take trafficking rescue jobs to be seen and valued and Shar wanting to feel empowered after being unable to intervene in her cousin’s kidnapping in the previous book made this feel more emotionally-grounded. As a main couple, they were well-matched with Shar’s love language being getting gifts and Maceo’s being giving them.
I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would and even though Smoke has the next book and to be honest nobody reading this cares about Smoke (we all want Jaeda), reading this has convinced me that Smoke’s book will be a revelation and I can’t wait to check it out.
March 2, 2025
This is easily a 5-star book but I have it 4 because Maceo was my least favourite character and I didn't like the flashbacks and repetitiveness. Other than that I loved the plot twist and the action filled parts and the ending was satisfactory. I'm excited to read more books in the series. I hope Mia gets her book. I'm curious about her and Titan 👀
June 24, 2025
3.25⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
First, I would like to say that the drama in this book was very unnecessary. I get that the author had to have a plot, but I really thought it was just annoying. I love the chemistry between the FMC and the MMC, but I felt like it was very surface-level. We really didn’t get a lot of one-on-one interactions with them. And I just knew that there was going to be a surprise pregnancy, but there wasn’t because their sexual chemistry is off the charts 🤭The villain of the story was literally sick in the head, and the whole book was focused basically on her. I liked that a lot of the minor characters stood out, and with reading the first book in this book, we were continuing to get to know them better.
Friends to lovers✔️
Found family✔️
secret marriage ✔️
kidnapping ✔️
rescue missions ✔️
First, I would like to say that the drama in this book was very unnecessary. I get that the author had to have a plot, but I really thought it was just annoying. I love the chemistry between the FMC and the MMC, but I felt like it was very surface-level. We really didn’t get a lot of one-on-one interactions with them. And I just knew that there was going to be a surprise pregnancy, but there wasn’t because their sexual chemistry is off the charts 🤭The villain of the story was literally sick in the head, and the whole book was focused basically on her. I liked that a lot of the minor characters stood out, and with reading the first book in this book, we were continuing to get to know them better.
Friends to lovers✔️
Found family✔️
secret marriage ✔️
kidnapping ✔️
rescue missions ✔️
November 29, 2025
I didn’t really like this one. Although there was action, it dragged for me. No matter how much the author tried to convince us, Maceo rushed and took that step because they were in danger. Funny enough, Maceo kind of felt like the odd man out and he’s the only one of his brothers without a nickname. I hated that Charity got a POV. Everything should’ve been revealed from Maceo or Shar’s POV. Especially because the scene was repeated in the next POV. I feel like the whole marriage thing was overdone. It didn’t matter if they were married or not. It was over the top. As dark as this book went, Charity would’ve actually marked Shar up.
Jaeda and Mia would be Deja’s ‘sisters’ not aunts.
Jaeda and Mia would be Deja’s ‘sisters’ not aunts.
March 31, 2025
3.5 ⭐
Sharina and Maceo are crazy in love and honestly just damn crazy, but it works for them. In this book they are a year or so into their relationship so we're seeing a couple already in love and really working through the dynamics of everything else in their lives.
Sharina is a ride or die...in the truest sense because baby girl almost died behind Maceo's ass. Maceo is working through what he sees as his place in his family and trying to keep both he and Sharina safe.
Lots of violence and lots of heat. Decent read but not my fav book by Ms. Brown.
Sharina and Maceo are crazy in love and honestly just damn crazy, but it works for them. In this book they are a year or so into their relationship so we're seeing a couple already in love and really working through the dynamics of everything else in their lives.
Sharina is a ride or die...in the truest sense because baby girl almost died behind Maceo's ass. Maceo is working through what he sees as his place in his family and trying to keep both he and Sharina safe.
Lots of violence and lots of heat. Decent read but not my fav book by Ms. Brown.
February 10, 2025
We got action
Deuce set the tone but Maceo brought even more mayhem. That second born syndrome is real. Honey the mayhem going on in this book had my nerves so bad I had to keep stopping LOL. Baby they go action in this book LOL. Sharina didn’t play about her man either. I’m loving this family. I’m not sure how many other siblings will have books but baby I’m one clicking every time one drops. Outstanding!!
Deuce set the tone but Maceo brought even more mayhem. That second born syndrome is real. Honey the mayhem going on in this book had my nerves so bad I had to keep stopping LOL. Baby they go action in this book LOL. Sharina didn’t play about her man either. I’m loving this family. I’m not sure how many other siblings will have books but baby I’m one clicking every time one drops. Outstanding!!
March 21, 2025
Enjoyed this one much more than the first. This felt like we got to learn more about their organization and the family than the first book. There was a twist in the book that I wasn’t expecting that definitely took me by surprise.
Looking forward to seeing where this series goes .. hopefully we get books for other family members.
Looking forward to seeing where this series goes .. hopefully we get books for other family members.
June 18, 2025
Audiobook 🎧 This is a smooth 3.5/3.75
I enjoyed the premise of Maceo and Shar on their ‘03 Bonnie and Clyde tip. They were running the streets together like some vigilantes in Gotham City. It was just soooo aggravating knowing that Maceo was trying to run things and got duped. Men should listen more!
Loved the family coming together— on to Smoke and Jaedas books next!
I enjoyed the premise of Maceo and Shar on their ‘03 Bonnie and Clyde tip. They were running the streets together like some vigilantes in Gotham City. It was just soooo aggravating knowing that Maceo was trying to run things and got duped. Men should listen more!
Loved the family coming together— on to Smoke and Jaedas books next!
February 18, 2025
I was super excited for Kimberly Brown's The Dillinger Chronicles series and book 1, Deuce, started the series off with a BANG! I thoroughly enjoyed it. So when I found out that book 2, Maceo, about Deuce's brother and second-in-command of The Dillinger Family's crime organization, of course I wanted to read it. Maceo picks up where Deuce left off and we get to learn more about Maceo and his girlfriend, Sharina, who's the best friend of the FMC from Deuce, Salima.
There are many similarities between Maceo and Deuce and Sharina and Salima, so I wasn't completely enamored by the characters or their story.
All in all, the book only really got me excited for the books coming about Jaeda and Mia/Titan. It's my understanding Smoke's story is next. Ugh. I'm going to keep reading the series because I am a fan of Kimberly Brown's books and there's always a possibility that she'll change things up in a way that I find super impressive, plus I really want to know more about the Dillinger sisters.
I recommend Maceo to anyone who likes crime family fiction and is OK with a smidge of romance and spice.
Final Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Spice Rating: 2.5/5 stars
Content Warnings:
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Torture and Trafficking
There are many similarities between Maceo and Deuce and Sharina and Salima, so I wasn't completely enamored by the characters or their story.
All in all, the book only really got me excited for the books coming about Jaeda and Mia/Titan. It's my understanding Smoke's story is next. Ugh. I'm going to keep reading the series because I am a fan of Kimberly Brown's books and there's always a possibility that she'll change things up in a way that I find super impressive, plus I really want to know more about the Dillinger sisters.
I recommend Maceo to anyone who likes crime family fiction and is OK with a smidge of romance and spice.
Final Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Spice Rating: 2.5/5 stars
Content Warnings:
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Torture and Trafficking
March 27, 2025
Enjoyed Maceo!
Maceo and Shar gave me anxiety! Whew this was a ride! As I was reading I was thinking one thing would happen then the opposite would happen or twist that I didn’t see coming happened. I enjoyed this one!
Maceo and Shar gave me anxiety! Whew this was a ride! As I was reading I was thinking one thing would happen then the opposite would happen or twist that I didn’t see coming happened. I enjoyed this one!
November 26, 2025
After listening to Deuce and Maceo I definitely need to explore more of Kimberly Brown's catalog. I am hooked on the Dillingers. Their stories give me everything I want from an urban, mafia family romance. I love that the women are just as kick a$$ as the men.
January 2, 2026
I was not expecting the thrill that came with this book. Maceo and Shar really had me stressed with the secrets and the way they were moving. I honestly think Mia's book should be next. I dont even remember Smoke being in this book or having a love interest.
February 24, 2025
Absolutely loved!! Rtc!!
December 6, 2025
Not my fav and kinda boring tbh
October 21, 2025
Enjoyed the action! It was also nice to see Maceo fall in love. Deuce was my fav thus far, Now I'm starting Smoke hope it's just as good!
September 8, 2025
Much like Deuce, Maceo played no games when it came to his woman. This book was crash-out core at its finest. Maceo and Shar’s dad going head-to-head in that tussle was probably my favorite part of the book, just pure comedy. I really love the Dillinger family as a whole. They’re literally a family of professional vigilantes, committing crimes for the greater good. I’m looking forward to reading Smoke and Jadea’s book next.
February 11, 2025
Now that was a time
And say a time was had was not even enough. Everything about this book was freaking perfection. If you loved deuce then you're definitely gonna love Maceo. him and Sharina, Now that's couple goals Real ass bunny and Clyde duo. I literally love their love, I also like Sharina's friendship with Jaeda, A relationship in understanding of each other was a beautiful thing to see. When I tell you I don't even know which sibling I'm more excited for cause I really want to get smoke's book but I'm very interested in seeing what the f*** is going on with Mia and Titan, I know that s*** is about to be crazy wild. Now with Jada's book I really want the best for that girl she deserves a love like no other so if her book is all sweet and bubble gum and roses I'm okay with that but I feel like some b****** need to be knocked on this s*** too or a couple of pew pew shoot outs. Cause my girl don't play about her family when she needs to log in she locked in hard. Cause her and mia had me cracking up with their WWE tagged in on charity/Quinn's a**. They literally beat the s*** out of her disrespectfullyRespectfully so. Honestly that chick was wild mad crazy it's especially what she did the old boy in the dining room like Can I say gave me such the ick... All in all I enjoyed this book down bad I laughed my heart hurt I was left on edge, This was a great follow-up to deuce. And it really showcase how Salima and Sharina's relationship is like locked in cause both done been kidnapped now. Yes I wonder what's going to happen between miss Maddie and Papa Dillenger.
And say a time was had was not even enough. Everything about this book was freaking perfection. If you loved deuce then you're definitely gonna love Maceo. him and Sharina, Now that's couple goals Real ass bunny and Clyde duo. I literally love their love, I also like Sharina's friendship with Jaeda, A relationship in understanding of each other was a beautiful thing to see. When I tell you I don't even know which sibling I'm more excited for cause I really want to get smoke's book but I'm very interested in seeing what the f*** is going on with Mia and Titan, I know that s*** is about to be crazy wild. Now with Jada's book I really want the best for that girl she deserves a love like no other so if her book is all sweet and bubble gum and roses I'm okay with that but I feel like some b****** need to be knocked on this s*** too or a couple of pew pew shoot outs. Cause my girl don't play about her family when she needs to log in she locked in hard. Cause her and mia had me cracking up with their WWE tagged in on charity/Quinn's a**. They literally beat the s*** out of her disrespectfullyRespectfully so. Honestly that chick was wild mad crazy it's especially what she did the old boy in the dining room like Can I say gave me such the ick... All in all I enjoyed this book down bad I laughed my heart hurt I was left on edge, This was a great follow-up to deuce. And it really showcase how Salima and Sharina's relationship is like locked in cause both done been kidnapped now. Yes I wonder what's going to happen between miss Maddie and Papa Dillenger.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews