Surrogate To An Unhinged Mafia Boss

by Brickhouse

A debt too deep. A deal too dangerous. A man too ruthless to resist.Aurmoni Sinclair wasn’t looking for a savior—especially not one as merciless, wealthy, and sinfully untouchable as Bankston DeLuca. Her nightclub was her freedom, but drowning in debt left her with no way out. So when Houston’s most feared underboss offers her an impossible choice—marry him, carry his child, and in return, her debts disappear—she should have run.

But Bankston doesn’t ask twice. He takes. And now? She belongs to him.

Bankston never wanted a wife. Never wanted a child. But he wanted power. And in his world, power comes with a legacy. To claim his rightful throne, he needs an heir—and a woman who knows how to obey.

Aurmoni? She’s not that woman. She’s a fighter. She challenges him at every turn, refusing to bend, refusing to break. She’s his biggest complication. His greatest temptation.

And if she thinks she can resist him? She’s dead wrong.

In the streets, love is weakness. But when enemies close in and blood spills in the name of revenge, Bankston will face a

Let her go?

Or keep his most dangerous possession… forever.

She was never meant to be more than a contract.
But neither was obsession.

Genres: Urban

Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2025

Reviews

[Lia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so disappointed with this one. I had high expectations based off the reviews. The concept was amazing but the execution was disappointing. The writing style was very anticlimactic. It gave the impression the story was developing but it really wasn't. We barely learnt anything about the characters. And Bankston was supposed to be a scary villain and he really wasnt. It was contradictory and there was too much telling and not enough showing. I won't be reading part 2. It's such a shame.😩

[Courtney Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for part 2

At first I really believed Neari was genuine but he's so sneaky and I just cannot feel bad for him in any way. I don't know how to feel about Aria still because she was willingly feeding him information about her family when all she needs to do is get her life together and stop doing drugs to try and burry her pain. I really feel like Moni is going to bring something to this family that they desperately need and I can't put my finger on it but something else is going on with their mom other than her being sick.

[Brownskinnedreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out all over the place for me but the story eventually even became out. I think the only reason I continued to read is because the characters kept my attention and I’m glad I did. These people are all out of their minds and now I really want to know who is actually moving the chess pieces around.

[Linsey Porter · Rating 3 out of 5]

????????

Huh? The whole story took place off page and I’m so confused. One minute they’re talking about something then the next sentence it’s five weeks later…There was zero love in this story which at this point I’m not sure was the point. There was absolutely nothing endangering about either of the male leads… If living a slightly more comfortable lifestyle, but compromising everything about yourself equals love this Mori got it 🤨 Also, every single women in the book was dumb… what about a supposed kingpin says let me tell random men his business? For these to be some supposed dangerous real men they got played by absolutely everyone and got absolutely nothing done.

[Ashanti Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️. First time reading form the author. Club owner Aurmoni owes a pretty big debt to the wrong person. That person is future Don Bankson Deluca and now he’s come to collect in the form of wedding bells and a baby carriage. Both find out they might’ve bit off more than they can chew.

This book stressed me out. None of the fmcs listened. They all raised hell. Like you know these men crazy af why you testing them over and over again. Now cuz you don’t listen you connecting to the wrong people. This ends on a cliffhanger and iish is about to hit the fan. Bankston is a certified crashout and I can’t wait for book 2.

[DaphaBelle Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐️ &🌶️🌶️/5. I love a good urban romance and this one didn’t disappoint, much. I love an unhinged MMC, I just wish the FMC would just a stronger backbone. The story itself was solid and kept me hooked for the most part, though it did start to drag toward the end. Honestly, it could’ve been 50–75 pages shorter.

Overall? A good read with strong vibes, a little long-winded, but definitely worth picking up if you like your romance with a side of mafia drama.

[Nikia Franklin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid 3⭐️

This was my introduction to Brickhouse, and I’ve got to say—it pulled me in. The concept? Fire. The execution? Solid, but not without its cracks. There were moments the story dipped, like it was missing just a bit of the madness or depth I was hoping for—but somehow, it still kept me locked in.

The pacing and plot have real potential, and the characters carried enough intensity to make me stick around. There’s something brewing here—I can feel it. Hoping Book 2 doesn’t just simmer… I need it to explode.

[Ashanti Joi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ma’am!!

I knew you were going to do this to me. Have me hooked like a dope fiend and just walk away. Loving how this story is shaping out. How the characters are connected, not too sure on aria yet but we shall see. Please don’t make us wait too long.. and keep them coming ms. House

[Yolanda Knight- Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

mafia Boss

This story was good from beginning to end Moni wasn’t your typical girl and didn’t take directions form any one including Bankston, Moni borrowed money from the wrong person and payback isn’t with money!!!

[Nicara Brantley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wtf!?

OMMMGGGG! I need more! Shit has really hit the fan and I'm on edge...I need to find out happens next.

[Earthfairy.reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25
This book did not have to be as long as it was.

I think I was stuck on the insta-love part. Usually I'm into insta love, but this one did nothing for me. The two main characters had no chemistry. Honestly, I kept reading for Lena and Dante (the chemistry between them seemed more authentic and natural but still a lil unreal lol). And what happened to the ex-boyfriend? we didn't hear shit else from him once his trying to be captain save a hoe backfired. I did enjoy the writer's way of describing certain things (I have a feeling she writes poetry.) Anyway, how about a shot every time someone is smoking a cigar? I promise you, you will be drunk by the time you finish this book. I'm rambling BUT, there was about 3 dudes who were trying to wear a cape and save the main character, and for the life of me I could not figure out why. It was like she was Bella from Twilight. (iykyk)
Maybe I'm a hater but I just did not understand the hype for Aurmoni Sinclaire.

[Ashley]

Dnf @ 40%

[SndyNYC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surrogate To An Unhinged Mafia Boss

Lena is not a friend! How could she ever think that she was; she was riding along for a free ride … Auromuni, wasn’t that smart either bcuz Neari was using her and she couldn’t see that. Dante needs his own book because he trying to save everyone, I think he would be better off with Aria! Too many N words and individuals just not having street smarts or common sense. Reading next book to get closure 🧐🧐

[Breeana · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book by the author!

I cannot stand Lena or Aria, they are the worst with friends and family like them who needs enemies. Lena's hate for Bankston was unwarranted like it was giving jealous until Dante came into the picture but I digress. Aurmoni and Bankston are so good together, I got a feeling they're going to be the dream team of the Black Flame Mafia.

[Bookzamillionpt2cuzilost · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 ONE. MILLION. STARS. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Listen… Surrogate to an Unhinged Mafia Boss had me in a chokehold from page one 😭🔥. Aurmóni? That girl is stubborn, fiery, and absolutely refuses to fold—even when she’s standing toe-to-toe with Bankston freakin’ DeLuca, the man who does NOT ask twice. And Bankston? Whew. That man is ruthless, possessive, commanding, and so unhinged that every time he stepped on the page I was simultaneously clutching my pearls and fanning myself.

The tension? Off. The. Charts. ⚡️ The banter, the push-pull, the way he wanted power but she became his weakness—it was giving mafia madness and messy obsession in the best way possible. Add in betrayals, enemies lurking in the shadows, blood spilled for revenge, and a love that’s more war than peace, and you’ve got a story that does not let you breathe.

And the side characters?? Lord. Lena messy, Aria lowkey a wildcard, Moni fighting for her life, and every single betrayal had me screaming. 🤯 The streets ain’t safe, and neither is my heart after finishing this.

Brickhouse delivered DRAMA, DANGER, and DESIRE wrapped in barbed wire and silk sheets. This wasn’t just a read—it was a whole chaotic, unhinged ride and I loved every damn second. 💋🔥

💯/10 recommend if you want your mafia romance dark, dangerous, and downright addictive.

✨ Final verdict: Bankston DeLuca can ruin my life any day. ✨


Total Book Experience 10/10

Plot/Storyline (structure)10/10
Writing (Errors) 10/10
Characters 10/10
Again-able 10/10
Emotion 10/10
Book Cover 10/10
Visual/ Illustratable 10/10
Addictiveness 10/10
Threshold quality 10/10
Unique 10/10





If you’re wondering whether or not you should read… THE ANSWER IS YES‼️‼️

[Keyerra Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I truly hate to rate this book so low, after it was so hyped up. But this book was just OK. The constant overuse of the words: dangerous, power, control, wealth - were draining. The dialogue became repetitive. I believed the women were dumb. While Aurmoni and Aria, finally got ahold of their senses, it took way too long to come to an understanding. Aria, you are THE SISTER and you are cackling and running your mouth to THE ENEMY??? Was the coke that good??? Because that truly makes no sense. That ignorant display of chaos at the gala? Girl. Cmon now. Aurmoni was really testing too many boundaries in the new world she was living in. Like I said, she finally got it together, but goodness. Think a little bit. Lena - 0/10. Would NOT recommend. Disliked her from the jump and ALL of her actions proved my disliking to be 100% correct. You selling out your own best friend? Someone you consider a sister? Lmao I pray in book 2 she gets what she deserves. Still not sure why Dante is still dealing with her, knowing Bankston is eventually going to get in his ass too. Bankston! I liked him. Lmao as crazy as he is, he has been following orders, but let shit be known up front. Folks really been playing with him. He does have a soft side with Aurmoni, so I love that for him. I don't too much care for Dante. He does too much. Him and Lena can kick rocks forreal. He ain't the soldier he claims to be. Neari. lmao chile - I guess he has been doing what he needs to do in the name of revenge. Can't even be mad at him. Going back to Lena. She went countless times behind Aurmoni's back to do shit and that is crazy as hell to me. I just cannot get with her as a person. Lemme check the reviews for book 2, cause book 1 really pissed me off.

[Victoria Parkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 45%. I really wanted to finish this book but I can’t keep pushing myself to read something I’m not enjoying.

Pros: it seemed like there was a very intricate story line brewing which would have been interesting to see through.

Cons:
1. The logic and story line didn’t make sense sometimes. How could at the end of a chapter, a character drove off and did their own thing but in the following chapter, it seems like the character just continued in that scene without the reader knowing, EVEN THOUGH WE JUST SAW HIM LEAVE?? Puzzling
2. I have no issues with AI, whatsoever, I think it’s a told that can help folks perfect their craft but I couldn’t help but see tell tails signs of it consistently showing up. The sentence structures, the lack of a story truly flowing, the consistent questions in between a characters line of thinking… it was excessive. An example of the latter is “But for him? That was trouble” OR “but for me? Damn” OR “and did I care? Hell yeah” … these aren’t verbatim quotes but you get the gist
3. The character development seemed inconsistent with the story being told at us (there were some moments I would’ve enjoyed reading through moments as opposed to it being told to me). I saw this primarily with the main character and her best friend.

Anyways so much more but again I couldn’t even make it to 50% also don’t want to do too much in my review. I feel bad for the poor rating because I’m sure the story itself was good. However the story telling wasn’t the greatest and I almost wonder if the author’s editor failed her by not elevating the quality of writing.

[Tiffany Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Ok Now

This book left me captivated from start to finish. All the drama lies and deceit was well worth it to get to that cliffhanger. Bankston DeLuca is a very powerful man that’s apart of a very powerful mafia family where loyalty to the mafia is above all else even human life. His obligation to the mafia already cost him a wife bc his father “The Don” Giovanni DeLuca told her the truth and was very outright with it. Samira takes her life and that leaves Bankston without a wife and a soon to be heir to the DeLuca Family. Pressed by his father Bankston finds Aurmoni. Aurmoni is a beautiful young woman with a business that’s drowning in debt and to pay that off she’s sold to the highest bidder who happens to be Bankston. Her best friend Lena with whom she runs her club have been friends for many years are are inseparable. Aurmoni isn’t too fond of being with Bankston and the feeling is mutual but they have an agreement that’s ironclad until it becomes all too real for both of them with feelings involved. Emeric Aurmoni’s ex even tries to help her get out of the contract after Lena goes to him on behalf of her friend. Neari was definitely playing all sides involved and it finally came out but after Lena was used as a pawn against her best friend. Dante, Bankston’s right hand became close to Lena and they start a romance that they can’t stop but not without some obstacles in their way one being Aria DeLuca. Bankaton’s stepsister. If you wanna know all of the juicy details pick up this 5 star read by Brickhouse I promise you won’t be disappointed at all.

[Salene Whyte (thee_book_connoisseur_) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gritty, Addictive Romance with Power, Passion, and Betrayal

This book was an absolutely thrilling read! It was my first by Brickhouse, and I loved every moment of it. The story was engaging, gritty, and kept me hooked from start to finish.

Though the relationship between Bankston and Aurmoni is far from conventional, I enjoyed how their dynamic evolved. Aurmoni’s initial resistance, her fiery spirit, and the eventual shift in their relationship were compelling to witness. I especially liked how quickly Bankston fell for her, even when he tried to fight it. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their push-and-pull dynamic added depth to the story.

The supporting characters brought even more layers to the plot. Dante, in particular, stood out—his presence added richness to the narrative, and I couldn’t get enough of him. On the other hand, Lena? She’s as grimy as they come. Honestly, with a friend like her, who needs enemies? She betrayed Aurmoni not once but twice, all while pretending it was for her benefit when, in reality, she was looking out for herself. Her actions—consorting with the enemy and selling out her supposed best friend—were infuriating. I was mad at her the entire time, and quite frankly, she deserves whatever comes her way. The fact that Moni still wants to protect her shows just how loyal she is, even when Lena doesn’t deserve it.

Overall, Surrogate to a Mafia Boss was a fantastic read. The mix of power, passion, and betrayal made for an addictive story, and I am definitely looking forward to Book 2!

[Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setup

We get the rundown of who's who in this book and the roles they play. There's Bankston DeLuca - trying to take over as capo for the Black Flame Mafia from his father Giovanni. There's Dante Reyes, bf of Banks, right hand, and hitta. Then there's Armouni. Her debt has been purchased by Banks and he wants her as his wife and to produce an heir because of course marriage and babies go hand in hand with the position of BIG BOSS. There's also Lena, Mouni's bestie since 1st grade. There's also Ari, Bank's sister and Naeri...the latter is trying to take down the DeLuca's empire. This story is complex and what we see on the surface seems to be only a smidge of what's really going on. The bottom line is, nothing comes before BFM or goes against it. Right now, they are dealing with outside forces as well as secrets on the inside too. What's going to happen when the truth comes out? I'm not sure about Ari...she's got me scratching my head because why did everything happen as Mouni was arriving at her house? What all has she told Naeri? There are a lot of unanswered questions and I just realized that there are 3 more books and one unreleased...why is this author playing in my face. Nah frfr I should have done my homework before I went in guns blazing because I was intrigued with the title I went in blind. I'm going forth to read more because I gotta know.🤷🏽‍♀️ S/N, Bankston has yet to show me he's really about that life...where's the ruthless mafia man? Ok, yeah this was more of a tangent than a review, but Happy Reading Y'all!💋

[LaTanya Garry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

This is probably one of the first book that started off with me not liking almost none of the characters. At first I thought Aria was a spoiled, entitled, alcoholic coke head and Bankston was a cold hearted, arrogant, demented asshole. Neari is a snake and he's playing a game that he won't win. Revenge is clouding his judgement when he have a daughter that can and will be used as bait eventually. Giovanni is a heartless, cold, calculating piece of s**t. Which explains why Aria is a broken lost young woman. Who have always felt unseen, unheard, and thrown to the wayside and Bankston is the way he is because it is learned behavior. He was taught that in order to be able to sit at the head of the table and take over for their father Giovanni once he retires. He had to become heartless and emotionally unavailable. Bankston had to be deadly, cold hearted, and arrogant. That's how Giovanni wanted him to be. I felt sorry for Aurmoni once she realized her life wasn't her own after failing to pay a loan trying to save her club. Especially when she realizes what Bankston wants from her. Marriage and a baby. Something that wasn't in the plans for neither one of them. However Aurmoni have no clue it's deeper than those two things Bankston is requesting . As Aurmoni best friend. Lena should've respected her wishes when she said she wasn't asking her ex Emeric for the money to get out of debt. What neither lady knew was even if Aurmoni would've came up with the money. It wouldn't have mattered because Bankston had orders from his father to go after Aurmoni. Lena going behind Aurmoni back to talk to Emeric and asked for his help was wrong. Emeric was still in love with Aurmoni although she broke his heart year's prior and it also put his life in danger. Lena was also wrong as hell to take money from Neari to give him information about Aurmoni and Bankston relationship. I know she thought she was helping Aurmoni but Lena put herself, Emeric, Aurmoni, and even Dante life in danger dealing with Neari. Neari had a hidden agenda. He wanted revenge on Bankston and Giovanni. Getting close to Aria and Aurmoni as well as Lena was his way in until it backfired and he threw Lena under the bus. When Dante first pursued Lena. He told her to stay out of Bankston and Aurmoni business. Lena should've taken heed being that Dante and Bankston are best friends and Dante work for Bankston. Now Dante have to hide Lena betrayal hoping Bankston or Giovanni doesn't find out. Once I saw Angel Torres was in this book. I knew his brother Hades had to be hiding in the shadows somewhere. Angel thought Neari was his friend. When in truth. He is a pawn in Neari game. However I believe it was set-up to make Neari and the Deluca family go at war with each other. For some reason I think Javier is behind everything. One hit that went wrong. Have Dante, Bankston, and Giovanni in a war with the Torres family. This is about to be a deadly war because both sides are unhinged. Now Aurmoni is kidnapped and so is Neari daughter. They're in the hands of Hades Torres and that damn dog. A man that don't have a f**k to give. Everything is not what it seems though.

[Unique Renee · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 45%

I really didn’t want to but I spent most of what I did read utterly confused. I was intrigued by the story line but at the same time it all just felt so confusing!! What was happening? Was Lena a snake or really trying to help? Did Moni like Bankston or not? Was she supposed to be a street smart girl or what? I couldn’t define her. Aria kept popping in and out. Who was the actual problem? Neari or Bankstons dad? Nothing was clear really. It was all over the place.

And my gosh the writing.. it was not the best. The overuse of words and phrases (I noticed this about several authors, not just this one) but it’s like writers have lost their creativity? Do we not know how to communicate the character being surprised or speechless without saying their breath ‘hitched’? Do we not have a more creative way to say they left without saying “and just like that, he was gone”. I understand what’s being communicated but it’s just too easy, borderline boring and cringey.

I really wanted this to work but I just couldn’t see past some of these things.

[Julia a · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fucking crazy. I can’t lie—I was skeptical at first, mainly because it wasn’t one of those unrealistic mafia books. But once this book got interesting, around the 10% mark, my ass was glued to my seat on the plane reading for hours. Actually, it did start off intriguing, but i thought abt DNF it since, I thought it was heading toward being one of those badly written stories. once I was hooked though, I was HOOKED. For about 15 pages, I mistakenly thought it was just two POVs because I didn't notice the names at the top of each chapter, so I was confused until I ran it back and realized we were getting both of the main couples' perspectives. Lena was so sassy—I loved her character until the drama started, and I there was some clear character development for others. I was also surprised when three more perspectives came up, so it was really fun. But I did wish at times that the couples would get their own book instead of being mixed up.

[Brianka Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

No words. Actually I do have a few. I feel like Bankston was doing to much throughout the first half of the book. Like how you mad she’s upset you making her do this? And then Aurmoni should’ve just said to hell with that bar. Like that was never an option in her mind which is crazy.
Ok and not too much on Lena. I do think she had very good intentions. Especially since Aurmoni was giving mixed signals. Had she been outright and said she wanted to be with that man, Lena wouldn’t have been feeding information.
Also all of them were dum when it came to Neari. If y’all knew the families had beef, why’re yall chatting with this nigga especially if him and Bankston stayed getting into it.
The only person who didn’t deserve being in the mix was Emeric. And he should’ve dipped after the first knock out.
Can’t wait til Part 2 though!

[Cris Criss · Rating 4 out of 5]

It gets messy QUICK!

Aurmoni owns a jumping lil night spot, but staying afloat has been difficult. Poor thing borrowed from the wrong one and now she has to see him to pay off the debt. She just doesn’t know what he’s going to ask for.

Bankston is next in line to sit on the throne as Don, but in order to do that he has to pry it from his father, Giovanni’s cold hands. In the meantime, he must get a wife and heir. What better way to do that than to cash in on a debt from the beautiful Aurmoni. Only he wasn’t banking on her making him feel things he thought he wan’t capable of feeling.

Dante is Bank’s righthand man. His enforcer. Working to make deals go through and keeping them all safe he finds himself with his eyes and heart laser focused on Lena, Moni’s best friend. The only thing standing is his way is a couple secrets.

[Patricia Mccraw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect

This book was way better than I thought!! I read a sample beforehand and was hooked!! Bankston was a menace to society lol but he stood on business when those feelings got involved! Lena Lena, Lena! I didn't know how to feel about her because she seemed like a great friend but to do what she did I didn't like how she went about it for her own reasons and ended up getting them all played and possibly in danger if the truth comes out. I like how Dante puts her in her place and they fit each other but now there's a lot going on! Moni, I really hope she is alright and Bankston gets her away from that situation safely. I can't wait to see what happens next!!

[Bridgett Pitre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first series by BrickHouse, and I am so glad I started here! I was about to dive into Warlock, but her suggestion to start with this series was on point. Let me tell you—this isn’t for the faint of heart. The writing immediately pulled me in, captivating my imagination with every scene. I never had to guess at what was happening because everything was crafted so clearly and vividly.

The character development was flawless, and every detail of the plot felt intentional and perfectly executed. I loved how well-rounded the characters were and how the tension and drama kept me hooked from start to finish. I’m obsessed with this series—I’d even watch it as a movie if given the chance! Now, I can’t wait to start Warlock and hope it turns into another epic series.

[vanessa t brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

This author is gifted. I heard about this series in a FB group. I had never even heard of this author. Well she's good. The writing is a step above some of those other urban books out here. Plot, storyline, character development, sex scenes, were all on point. The twists and turns, the betrayals, the allies and the deep history its all there. Initially I didn't like Bankston's sister but when her and Moni bonded I started liking her. Neari seems cool, like him and Bankston could've been friends. Who knows though. Giovanni the head of the Black Flame Mafia, is ruthless and a terrible father and a questionable husband. Well se bow everything turns out in part two.

[Taylor Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but some issues with the story

now this book was actually good i just feel like some things could have been done better. First, the description of the characters could have been explained better. All i got was the men were 6foot and the women were thick... like ok. Second, the spice in the book was not it. Not saying a book needs spice to be good, but if you're going to build us up for it and gives us nothing then i don't want it. Thirdly, it said Aria was Bankston's younger stepsister but how if his dad is still married to his mom? Other than that the book and overall plot was really good.

[Erika Tennille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok urban romance girlies...this one is a must read. There are five books in this completed series and this first one has already snatched me by my hair and yanked me down the street. If you love a good messy, mafia read with a lot of crime, backstabbing and suspense you will love this. This is a forced marriage/ baby contract/ forced proximity/ enemies to lovers. I loved every second of this book and read it from cover to back in one day. I literally couldn't stop...the book ended with a cliffhanger that had me immediately diving into book two. I gave this book 4 stars.

📌 Would I recommend this book? Yes
📌 Would I read it again? Yes