In the aftermath of devastating betrayal, love doesn't just hurt—it detonates.
Bankston DeLuca never imagined falling deeply for the woman he once despised. Yet, as enemies tighten their deadly grip and trusted loyalties fray at the seams, the woman who became his sanctuary now threatens to be his undoing. Aurmoni is no longer just fighting for her life—she’s battling for her sanity, her future, and an unsettling truth she may not be prepared to confront. Each buried secret and uncovered lie pulls her deeper into the turmoil, making her question the man she risked everything to love. Is surviving him worth the price she'll inevitably pay?
Meanwhile, Giovanni DeLuca, the legendary Mafia boss, spirals dangerously out of control. The loss of the only person capable of softening his ruthless nature sends him plunging into an abyss of darkness so profound, even his own family isn't safe. As the brutal conflict with the Torres Cartel escalates to a deadly climax, the battle raging inside Giovanni proves even more lethal than the enemies outside.
One chilling reality is crystal Nothing will ever be the same.
Book Two in the Surrogate to an Unhinged Mafia Boss series returns, packed with even more betrayal, explosive emotional stakes, and heart-wrenching chaos. If the first installment left you breathless, brace yourself—this gripping African American romance, infused with surrogate mafia love, is guaranteed to captivate your heart and mind until the very last page.
Just like the first book, it was a lot going on, Bankston has fallen in love with Aurmoni and now they’re about to be parents. Dante I actually like him and Lena together. Neari i actually grew to love him but his conniving sister Andrea is a snake. Savant is a straight up demon. Great Job Brickhouse.
Everybody raggedy but Maylynne. Moni not that bad now. But Drea is a horrible sister & thirsty. Savant pissed me off. Mad at Braze about Ze but not yourself? Get it together for your wife and yourself. Grimm is the comedic relief. Gio gonna lose himself and his family. Bella told him. Lena needs therapy and Dante really loves her. Where is the flash drive that Neari had
“The deeper the love, the deadlier the war.” That single line captures the essence of this emotional rollercoaster, and Brickhouse delivered—with grit, grace, and gut-wrenching power.
This second installment picks up right where the chaos left off, throwing us immediately into the aftermath of a brutal kidnapping. From page one, the pacing is relentless. Each twist, betrayal, and unexpected alliance keeps you glued to the story. It’s layered, complex, and intensely personal. This isn’t just mafia drama—it’s psychological warfare, emotional devastation, and the search for redemption all woven into one explosive plot.
Bankston DeLuca surprised me the most. Once a hardened, arrogant man, we see him unravel and rebuild in real time—his heart exposed through his actions, especially when it came to Neari’s daughter. That moment alone spoke volumes about his growth and integrity, even toward someone who had been more enemy than friend. And yet, he’s still battling his own demons, especially with Aurmoni, whose journey in this book is everything. She’s no longer just fighting external threats—she’s fighting for her sanity, her soul, and her right to survive a love that might destroy her.
Let’s talk about Giovanni DeLuca. Whew. Watching him spiral was like watching a beautiful but violent storm. He’s raw, broken, and dangerous—but underneath it all, Brickhouse paints him with such vulnerability that you can’t help but ache for him. The tension between Gio and Bankston—especially over the truth about their mother—is powerful. It forces both men to confront wounds too long buried, and that emotional weight added incredible depth to the story.
Neari’s end? Heartbreaking. That Icarus reference as he approached his downfall was hauntingly poetic. I truly didn’t want him to die. And Drea? She’s cold. Cold-blooded. Offering up your own brother? Nah. She can sit with her karma. As for Savant—he's another emotional timebomb. His grief may be real, but his actions? Ego-driven and reckless.
And let’s not forget that moment when Moni put Lena in her place—chef’s kiss. That showdown had been simmering and Moni handled it perfectly. I'm genuinely curious about what’s next for her and Dante, especially since Gio still has her marked.
All in all, Surrogate to an Unhinged Mafia Boss 2 is masterfully written. It’s a gritty, emotionally raw, and captivating continuation that never lets up. Brickhouse writes with such cinematic flair and heart-wrenching precision that you feel every betrayal, every breakdown, and every flicker of hope. She’s got a pen that doesn’t just tell stories—it carves them into your soul.
Can’t wait for the next one. This series? Top-tier.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Chaos, destruction, betrayal, greed. Javier Torres purposely started a war with the Deluca's. He was always a conniving , heartless, greedy snake who used both of his sons Savant and Angel as pawns to get what he want. I remember their story from the book "Married To Richest Savage In Houston". Ain't s**t changed about Javier but his arrogance and scandalous way's may end badly for him. Giovanni and Bankston Deluca are just as deadly and treacherous. Savant "Hades" Torres thought he was coming out of retirement to get revenge on Neari for killing his first love and stealing from them by kidnapping Neari daughter. However kidnapping Aurmoni too. Created a war with Bankston Deluca. Savant didn't realize his father didn't gaf about nothing except for getting his hands on some of the Deluca'ss product until it was too late. I was glad to see Azeira pop up in this book but she's no match for Aurmoni. Azeira never fit into Savant world. She's not cut out for it. I'm not surprised she's pissed off finding out he let his father talk him out of retirement. I see he might lose Azeira this time around. If he don't lose his life. If Azeira find out the real reason Savant came out of retirement to finish some so call unfinished business. She might kill him before Bankston, Giovanni, or Braze do. Aurmoni didn't fold under pressure. I love how she protected Neari daughter when Savant held them captive. She definitely didn't back down either. The only reason I felt sorry for Neari is because of his daughter Maylynn. She already lost her mother a few years prior but now he put hee in a position to lose him as well plus Neari was a kid when he accidentally shot and killed someone year's ago but he played with fire stealing from the Torres and thinking Angel was his friend. Drea did more harm than good coming back. Yea she somewhat protected Neari and made sure he got Maylynn back but in the end her arrogance got her caught up leading her to snake Neari and changed his daughter life. Drea gotta live with what she did to her own brother and niece. I knew Aria was going to be devastated behind Neari. He was her best friend. The person who made her feel seen and knew her passion. I was glad to see her growth and to see her boss up. Bankston and Aurmoni love story may have been unorthodox and didn't start the way a normal couple would but the bond those two created in the mist of the drama and chaos was something that can't be broken. Dante disappointed somewhat. I understand he fell in love with Lena but he was willing to go toe to toe with Bankston. His best friend over Lena had me feeling some type of way. Lena was a part of the problem when she decided to sell Aurmoni out and thats supposed to be her best friend. Lena was wrong and it showed her disloyal. Giovanni cold hearted, calculating, nonsense. Actually showed a softer side when it came to his wife. Isobella illness brought out the human side of him. Grimm tried to warn Giovanni that hiding what was going on with her wasn't going to go well with Bankston when he finds out his mother was dying and I be damn if he didn't snap. Bankston common sense and respect for Giovanni went out the window when he saw what was going on with his mother. The way this ended. Giovanni is at the point of know return. The Torres got real disrespectful. With Giovanni having nothing to lose, he lost his peace and his heart. All bets are off. Nobody is safe. Not even Lena and Aurmoni.
∞✨ Infinity Stars ✨∞ Because 5️⃣ could NEVER be enough 💯🔥
Brickhouse… you might’ve just claimed a permanent spot on my 🏆📚 favorite authors list with this one. 🙌🏽😭 I don’t hand out infinity stars ⭐️♾️⭐️ lightly, but THIS BOOK earned every single one 💥🔥.
When I say I cried 😭😭😭, I don’t mean a cute little tear 🥲 sliding down my cheek. NO—this book had me boo-hoo ugly crying 😩😭💔 not once, not twice, but THREE whole times 😭😭😭. That’s how deep it cut me 🫀⚔️.
The betrayals? Brutal 💔🔪. The chaos? Next-level 💣🔥. The love? So intense ❤️🔥❤️🔥 it reached right through the pages 📖🤲🏽 and GRABBED me by the soul 🫶🏽😭.
The DeLucas 🖤👑 and everybody tied to them had my heart racing 🏃🏽♀️💨, my stomach in knots 🤢💥, and my chest ACHING 💔💔. Every time I thought I could breathe 😮💨😌, Brickhouse hit me with another twist 🔄😱 that knocked the air right back out of me 🫠🥀.
This wasn’t just a story—it was an EXPERIENCE 🎢🎭🔥. A rollercoaster of pain 💔, passion ❤️🔥, grief 😭, and hope 🌹. The kind of book that keeps you up all night 🌙👀, clutching your Kindle 📱🤲🏽 like it’s gonna protect you from the storm 🌪️ raging on the page.
To the author: THANK YOU 🙏🏽😭💙. You gave me characters I loved 🫶🏽❤️, characters I hated 😡🔥, and moments I’ll never forget 📝💭.
This isn’t 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. This is INFINITY STARS ♾️✨💫🌌🌟. All the stars in the universe ✨💫🌠 and then some 🚀🌍🌙.
Brickhouse, you got me hooked 🎣😮💨. Forever a fan 🖤📚👑.
Quote: “I’ll serve yo’ ass up with rice and gravy.”
I am still in shock after what I went through in this book. Brickhouse, all I can say is smh 😂. I am literally speechless. This is a part 2, so if you haven’t read part 1, please go back and read it. There are some characters that make an appearance that are from another set of books. I didn’t read them and I regret it. So what the hell, just go ahead and read all 4 🤷🏽♀️DISCLAIMER: 95% of the things I read have a trigger warning and I love it. Protect your peace and mental health at all cost!!!
Like all of my reviews, I won’t spoil it for you, but what I can say is, I wrote my final reaction in my journal and it literally says, “Chillllleeee..my heart is racing and my mouth is hanging open(like fr can’t breathe) like what???” LOL..But for real though. This is the continuation of the life that is the Deluca’s. Bankston, our MMC is still in the thick of securing his family, legacy, fiancé, and his business. Our FMC, Aurmoni, has always been strong willed and bold, but everyone can be pushed to the limit. All supporting characters had action packed chapters that just fell into the entire plot seamlessly. You will definitely get a taste of the whole family and all their friends! I will leave the words “The Burn Unit” right here to simmer for you ❤️
This is just an overall well written book. The characters seemed tangible and the way the scenes were written made me feel like I was there. If you don’t like a well written cliffhanger this may not be for you.
You will love this book if you love a deep plot, family drama, secrets being unveiled, and of course this genre Urban Fiction.IYKYK! Again, check your trigger warnings. Happy reading!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice:🌶️ 🌶️🌶️.5(based on my own delu lu scale)
Chaos, drama, and straight-up disrespect. Javier Torres a grimy snake—the level of audacity. Started a war with the Delucas and used his sons, Savant & Angel, like pawns. Triflin’.
Savant came outta retirement thinking he was getting revenge. Instead? Triggered a whole war snatching Neari’s daughter and Aurmoni. Now Bankston Deluca want all the smoke.
Azeira baby girl is not built for this life. And if she finds out why Savant really came back? She might end him before the streets do.
Aurmoni stood ten toes down. Protected Neari’s daughter like a boss. No fear, no folding.
Neari fumbled trusting the Torres, and Drea? Came loud, messy, and ended up snaking her own blood. Whew chiiile'.
Aria? Glowed UP. Bankston & Aurmoni? That ride-or-die love hit different. But Lena? Girl, you foul for selling out your bestie. I would've bopped her too! And Dante choosing her over Bankston? Yeah… we side-eyeing.
Giovanni showed a tiny bit of heart with Isobella’s illness, but when Bankston found out the truth? He lost it. Now Giovanni’s at the point of no return—and with the Torres wildin’?
That ending was a hot, bloody mess—and I LOVED it. Brickhouse did it AGAIN! Nobody’s safe. Not Lena. Not Aurmoni. Not a soul.
I don’t like inconsistencies. I was hoping that the second book explained things more thoroughly, but I was met with more inconsistencies, half-baked motives, explanations, and things that logically made no sense. There was a lot of posturing, which I usually enjoy, but the excessive posturing paired with the inconsistencies irritated my spirit. Also, it seems as if information was added in a “by the way” kind of manner, as if the plot wasn’t planned out before the writing. Also, what is up with Aurmoni falling for practically every man that breathed in her direction? It was tolerable until her feelings sparked for her captor five minutes after he kidnapped her. Is she okay? That brings up another thing. There’s instalove… and then there’s whatever is going on in this series between everybody. There comes a point when I’m reading a book and my irritation outweighs my will to continue reading. I couldn’t suffer through any longer… DNF.
Book 1, I was so so on. I love this writer, but there were a few things that I just couldn’t get into and that’s ok. BUT BOOK 2?!! My, my, my…between Bella, Neari and Malynne I was in a place!
I didn’t want what happened to Neari to happen. Even though he was moving crazy, I wanted him to stay safe and I didn’t want Malynne to suffer. I need Andrea to catch heat…so badly! I need it like air. She is a snake more than her brother.
I’m so proud of Aurmoni and Bankston for seeing it through, for beating the odds. Proud of Ari for finding her footing. Proud of Dante for being his own man and Lena for owning her wrongs.
I’m terrified Giovanni will lose what little tether he has with his son and daughter. Terrified that although he’s come to love Aurmoni, he is unsafe for her.
I cannot wait to see how Braze acts a fool. He’s become my fav. I know a YN just like him. 🤭
I really enjoyed the overall story—there’s a lot of potential here, and the characters had me intrigued from the start. That said, I did struggle a bit with the scene transitions. There were several moments where we’d be in one scene, and then suddenly in a completely different setting or situation without any clear transition or buildup. It made the pacing feel a little jarring.
One scene in particular that threw me off was with a girl—she’s tied up in one moment, and then in the next paragraph she’s cleaning herself with a towel, but there’s no mention of her being untied. Little continuity issues like that pulled me out of the story a few times.
Still, I think with some editing to smooth out those transitions and clarify a few scenes, this story could really stand out. It’s definitely a solid read, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the author grows in future works.
You must read book 1 to understand this book.. 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.
When I tell you that last chapter broke me down like a fraction, I was already still in my feelings about Neari but this felt like I was losing a family member of my own. I wasn't a big fan of Neari but he didn't deserve what Savant did and especially the reason when he was a kid when it happened. I can't believe Drea snaked her own brother like that but I'm hopeful she'll get her Karma. I never really liked Savant and Angelo because they seemed weak and how the did Bella's funeral was low and I can't wait to see Black Flame light they azz up. I still don't like Lena and I hate Dante so love sick over her. 💙💙
A nonstop wreckage of murder, mayhem and betrayal. This one, I could barely put down. The evolution of some of the characters was great, but the demise and breakdown of others was a serious blow. I'm not sure who is trustworthy and the snakes are circling. There's still something about Lena I don't trust and I'm feeling some way about Dante too. I really hope he proves me wrong. Neari, they did him dirty but I'm glad Moni and Uncle Banks decided to step up for Maelynn. I see Giovanni about to lose it, so this next book should be interesting...especially with Braze and Savant! Happy Reading Y'all!💋
Reading this book your head needs to be on a swivel. Could not put the book down. Full of love, joy, betrayal and grief. Author Brickhouse your pen game is amazing. You brought the characters to life. Black Flame Family, you brought everybody out in this book. Soul Ryders, Burn Unit and Ember Syndicate. About to read your whole catalog but we need more on Ember Syndicate and the Burn Unit. I’m really trying not to stalk the author but a sista needs more of the Family.
typical me scrolling through Kindle, looking for something to read and came across book one. MY GOD! when I say LOCKED IN! even my bladder couldn't stopped me from reading im talking trips to the bathroom phone in my hand, legs, numb cause I'm done and still sitting there. I have never read anything from this author before but BEST believe when I'm done with this series I'm starting from the first book written cause ain't no way this pen slipped me. GIRLLLL you did your big one! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Amazing storytelling…Everyone had a chapter. Lena, I am not forgiving because it was just wrong and selfish on too many levels for her sorry plea to be plausible. Dante, just shaking my head. Neari, U saved your daughter; but your actions put her in the cross hairs. Drea, U not right and I hope Moni teaches U a lesson. Bankston, I cried for Bella too! Torres Cartel & Savant have no words 😶 & this is not going to end well! Ze, get out while U can & open your eyes about Savant. Gio, burn 🔥 it to the GROUND!
Gottttttdang this book is pure fire. Whewwwew. So Book 2 was just a leap and bounds over Book 1. Where Book 1 left me iffy this shot here has locked me down and in. I'm all for it. It feels like a Stars original program. Like it should be apart of the BMF line-up. Pure heaven over here. I love how Brickhouse pulls no punches. People die! People get got! People get hurt! This is war baybee what do you expect! And I was glued every step of the way.
These wars are a lot to endure!! Torres Cartel has crossed the line with that ending cause who does that?! I'm hoping Moni and Lena are safe whenever this ends because now that Gio doesn't care anymore NOBODY is safe!!! Braze is a mess and hopefully he'll really show he knows what he's doing with Ze. I can't wait to see wait happens next and everyone in The Flame makes it! I felt so bad for Maylanne and I really hope Drea does what she needs to do.
I know this book about new characters but im on Savant side i hope he doesn’t die Azeira pissing me off she knew who she was married to and i dont understand how lena had the most heat and Neari was still around everyone or how Aurmoni was so mad at lena. How she did her was a bit much idc In the first book Bankston was the bad guy lena took the opportunity to help her friend and get money she betrayed Bankston not moni
Okay the book is nothing short of Amazing! I felt like I was watching everything unfold the joy, the love the grief! The author's description was impeccable! I cannot wait to read the next installment and every book that this author has written. Her pen game is on point. I was sad about Neri's death. I thought he would be a good fit for Bankston's sister. I know Giovanni and Bankston is about to set it off in the next book.
I feel so bad for Neari his sister really gave him up on a silver platter and thats so crazy like she didn't care about her neice at all. And Giovanni needs to get off his high horse because it really doesn't make any sense forget about Lena yall had somebody in your circle doing far worse than her talking to Neari. Them coming in and tearing up his wife's funeral should be the only thing he wants revenge for because that was disrespectful
This dang on story!!! I’ve laughed, cried, and snotted! Please, please read this trilogy- I hope there is a part 3 as I haven’t checked yet. This story is so fulfilling and funny. So much action, so authentic. You don’t want to miss any of it. Please know I HATE series, but this right here 🔥🔥🔥🔥 I refuse to talk about the characters because I want you to read the book based off how it made me feel! You won’t regret it, I promise!
Pen just vicious! Braze might be my favorite him and Grimm don't have no sense and I love it. Aria needs to get into event planning forreal and back into her art. I hope Bank and Moni adopt Maylynne because Drea don't deserve her. Giovanni about to be unhinged in part 3 I'm looking forward to it.
This is definitely a good read. Can’t wait for book 3 to come out. I also like the wedding scene( where them fans at 🪭 🪭🪭🪭, i’m also glad that they kept his mother alive until the wedding. Sad thing is that they sh shot up the funeral, I hope they don’t take too long to come out With book 3 Gotta find out what happened after the funeral?
This book brings to life, feelings, love and hate. It captures you and holds you in. You'll love some of the characters in it, you'll dislike some, but, the story will pull you in and you'll love it. Then you reread it again because you love this book so much. Hats off to Brickhouse, the author and the Flames.🔥
Andrea is the devil. Your own blood though whew that’s a different type of evil. Lena you let your past mess up your future. Savant a punk out here moving wreck less like you ain’t got a whole wife that can very much be caught in the crossfires. Braze is my type of guy real YN sh*t
Spicy, Love, Violence, Chaos and more! Loved this series!
I can only hope that it will be a third book or more. The series has got me wanting more, looking forward to how this will turn out and the progress of each of the relationships. The rivalry between the Flame and the Cartel is thick. This is a book series that I can eat up! Love it!