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The Famiglia #3

Johnny's Bombshell

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Forget the candles—he’s ready to blow out her innocence instead

Johnny
My uncle claims the gorgeous prostitute he dropped off as my month-long birthday present is being paid extra to act like a virgin, but it seems like the exact opposite to me. No way this girl’s as experienced as they’re both saying.

Not that I mind. Nope. Not one bit.

In fact, I’m going to let her keep up the pure and innocent act for another few weeks because, why the hell wouldn’t I? Plenty of other options for her to keep me… entertained.

After spending my days trying to dismantle the Galliano Famiglia’s empire, then walking in the door to her homecooked Italian meals for dinner and her arms and legs wrapped around me for dessert, I’m left with only one when this month is up, how do I get her to stay?

Lyndie
My family sent me to live with my aunt in Rome when I was nine to protect me from Chicago’s mafia violence. They visit all the time, but it’s never enough. So when my security liaison agreed to help me sneak back to Chicago to surprise my mom, of course I hopped on that plane!

Only, it was a set up.

And now Joey Bags, head of the rival Famiglia, is giving me an impossible pretend to be his nephew’s plaything for a month or else my little brothers will pay the ultimate price. And just like that, my lifelong dream of having a perfect-mafia-wife-future vanishes.

Except that nephew? He’s not the gross and pathetic loser I expected. No. It’s my brother’s ex-best friend, who also happens to be the only crush I’ve ever had. As obsessed with him as I was, he barely knew I existed ten years ago, and he clearly doesn't recognize me now, all grown up.

Now I have to play along with Joey Bags’ awful plan so that he’ll send me back to Rome with no one else even knowing I was here. I will do whatever it takes to get on that plane.


85K words; dual POV, spicy mafia romance featuring a possessive, morally grey alpha male and a rival family’s treasured princess he was never supposed to touch. Forced proximity, secret identity, rival/ex-best friend’s little sister. Interconnected standalone with a HEA (but reads better as the third book in the series).

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2025

34 people are currently reading
53 people want to read

About the author

Leah Merrill

4 books28 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Lindsay McAfee.
8 reviews
October 9, 2025
Ms. Merrill does it again. It always takes me a few chapters to get my brain back into the Famiglia Mode, but once I did -- this one was so fun! There's a certain escapism about The Famiglia series, and my analytical/skeptical brain always wants to do research to see if things like this *actually exist* in Chicago (or elsewhere). But who cares, I'm not reading a history book or a newspaper, I'm reading a spicy mafia romance.

Lyndie/Rose's naiveté gets her into a jam, but her resignation to this life of fierce protection from the men/dons in her orbit sets her up to take advantage of it all and pursue a childhood fantasy of her own. I am still skeptical that Johnny wouldn't have recognized her *at all*, but meatheads are gonna meathead, so ... fine. Ms. Merrill found a way to ramp up the spice between them, while maintaining Lyndie/Rose's autonomy -- and even make Lyndie/Rose a bit of a modern feminism.

I did find the part of the book where the characters "break the fourth wall" a bit disconcerting at first -- I was super confused and had to re-read it a few times to understand what was actually happening. But it was a fun curveball to make sure we are all paying attention.

I love that it wasn't a totally predictable fairy tale, and that the ending wasn't a massive kumbaya fest between the families. Book 3 was a great break from reality for a few days, and I can't wait to check out the works Ms. Merrill has in the works!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for thebeespot72.
1,737 reviews188 followers
October 20, 2025
It’s no joke that I love Mafia Romance. It’s what I read the most—from dark to light and everything in between. I fell in love with Author Leah Merrill’s writing style in Book 1 of The Famiglia Series with Damiano’s Rescue. We are talking about a Mafia enforcer in a fake coma and an FMC who doesn’t know what she’s doing most of the time. And then there’s Rob’s Struggle. He indeed struggled with the police chief’s daughter, whom he kidnapped. But really, she wants to be laid by him.
Which leads us to Book 3, Johnny’s Bombshell.

I can’t tell you how many times I laughed out loud. I had to slap my hand over my own mouth. And a few touching scenes caused tears to form in my eyes. I loved how Johnny’s character developed from Book 2 into this one. And Lyndie had me either burst out laughing or yelling out the book, saying, “No, no, no, don’t do that.” She truly is the best worst tease.

The humor was perfection. I was truly consumed by the story, wanting no interruptions. The mafia component was woven cleverly with Uncle Joey and the introduction of Massimo’s character, which readers will get more of in his book.

If you’re in a reading slump, a first-time Mafia Romance Reader, or looking for a laugh-out-loud type of banter Mafia Romance, then definitely check out Leah Merrill's Mafia Series. You won’t regret it. And hey, if you spot me as a character in there, let me know.
Profile Image for Sandy.
351 reviews3 followers
September 25, 2025
YASSSS !!! Yasss & yasss !! Officially my favorite of the series by far !!!!!!!! Johnny & Rose are epic ! Beautiful endgame in a story of lust, lies, deceit and revenge. BUT LETS BE HONEST THE MMCs nickname for his little friend was my FAVORITE TO DATE !!! 😂 i loved rose’s witty and sly rebuttals and Johnny’s understanding and his obsession with her !

Epic !! Now I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ❤️‍🔥🙏
201 reviews3 followers
October 9, 2025
*Johnny's Bombshell by Leah Merrill is the third book in The Famiglia series. This book is not only hot, it is full of suspense and drama. I'd love to tell you the story, but I think you need to read it yourself!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for AmesChicReads.
263 reviews18 followers
October 12, 2025
Each book gets better in this series. Book 3 is filled with more humor, banter, and surprises. I love Johnny and his quirky little self lol. Johnny and Lyndie’s relationship starts out in the worst of circumstances, but soon turns into a great love, one that they have to fight for every step of the way. Merrill’s writing is always captivating and keeps me wanting more! I can’t wait for the next book in The Familiglia Series!

If you love Mafia romance with banter and slow burn, I highly recommend checking out this series.
Profile Image for Adrienne.
96 reviews2 followers
October 20, 2025
Just when I thought I could not love a book couple more than Damiano and Paige from book 1 of this series, I read Johnny’s Bombshell, which is Johnny and Lyndie’s story! This is book 3 of The Famiglia Series by Leah Merrill and I am hooked!

We’ve read about Rob’s precious little sister and mafia princess Lyndie, in the other two books, mostly in book 2, Rob’s Struggle. She was sent to Italy as a child to be hidden away until an arranged marriage was made for her when she was older. This was for her safety and the wellbeing of the whole Galliano family.

Our FMC Lyndie is now in her 20s and her life is about shopping and fun but most importantly her family, whom she loves very much. Wanting to surprise her mother by showing up unexpectedly in the US for her birthday party, Lyndie makes a plan with the help of her glorified baby sitter, to fly to the US to surprise everyone.

Johnny’s uncle and mafia don of the family, Joey Bags, has other plans for her, as well as a much bigger overarching scheme. I suspected it pretty much right away but it was still so fun to watch it play out. And even though I wanted to hate Joey Bags, upon reading more, I get it. And we do get to learn some more about the history between the families, which explains his motivations.

I love both Johnny and Lyndie so much! She is such a princess and Johnny has actually been her secret crush her whole life. So she isn’t exactly upset about the arrangement that his uncle has made other than the threat to her little brothers. She gets to be with Johnny. And Johnny, despite his bad boy manwhore persona, is taken with her immediately and doesn’t recognize this grown up version of our girl since she was sent away as a child and not allowed any social media.

I loved that no matter what he could sense right away her innocence and inexperience. And not only liked it but wanted to be sweet and gentle with her and take things slow (for the most part lol). The spicy scenes were not only spicy but highly entertaining and I definitely read something that I’ve never read before but loved it hahaha. They have great chemistry and are such a perfect match for one another. Things do work out after a bit of drama and Johnny grovels sooooo well!

The story moves along nicely with good pacing and always something going on. I really liked getting glimpses of Rob and other characters as well. And I loved that after the years of anger, that Johnny and Rob could go back to their friendship and work things out. I also really appreciate the traditional Italian mafia vibes of these books. I did not really like the fourth wall break as it took me out of the story but I do understand why it was included. Just not a fan of that but it was short and nbd.

This was an overall great read and I am so excited for book 4 (final of this series) where we get Massimo’s story - it is going to be so good!! Also looking forward to the spin off series where Salvo will get his story, as well as a couple of novellas featuring some other fav side characters.
Profile Image for Joetta Johnson.
31 reviews4 followers
October 3, 2025
Johnny's Bombshell: A Secret Identity, Rival's Little Sister, Spicy Mafia Romance (The Famiglia Book 3).
Author: Leah Merrill

I have never read anything by this author. I was a little apprehensive about reading this ARC since it’s the 3rd book in the series. With that being said, I’m so glad I did. Keep in mind it’s an interconnected standalone.

If you like your romance with a side of danger, this story delivers. The setup is audacious: Lyndie, smuggled back to Chicago under the pretense of a surprise, finds herself trapped by mafia politics. Lyndie is forced to pose as the month-long plaything for Mafia boss, Joey Bags’ nephew to keep her brothers alive. What could be a one-note, unpleasant premise instead becomes a slow-burn collision of power, longing, and awkwardly-sincere caretaking.

The book’s real strength is its cast. Lyndie is smart and sympathetic. You feel her fear and her fierce need to protect family, but you also see her capacity to lean into desire as a kind of agency. The nephew, Johnny (whose guarded exterior peels away in just the right increments) is satisfyingly complicated: not the caricature of a mob brute, but a man who’s been hardened by survival and loyalty and who doesn’t know what to do with tenderness. Their chemistry is electric and messy; the author balances erotic tension with quieter domestic realness that make the characters’ attraction feel earned.
The plot moves at a brisk pace. There are tense scenes where the stakes are life-or-death, and quieter interludes that let the relationship deepen. The moral ambiguity is deliberate , this is not a pure “rescue” type narrative; it’s about two damaged people carving out something like safety amid violence and obligation.

If you prefer romances where consent is unequivocal and power imbalances are minimal, this one will challenge you, but it also explores accountability, choices, and what it means to want someone even when the circumstances are rotten.

Pacing and world-building are solid: the mafia backdrop feels lived-in without bogging down the romance. Dialogue snaps, and the emotional beats land.

I give this story 5 stars! Read this if you want a gritty, emotionally-charged mafia romance with a stubborn heroine and a broody, surprisingly tender hero. Check your triggers though. Not for readers who avoid coercive setups or who want a light, purely sweet read.
Profile Image for Michelle Frater.
1,717 reviews18 followers
October 8, 2025
Living in Rome far from her family, Lyndie misses them so much that she risks everything to sneak back to Chicago for her mom’s birthday. But her surprise visit goes up in flames—literally a disaster. Before she knows it, she’s trapped in a deadly bargain, forced to spend a month as a “birthday gift” for a Mafia boss’s nephew, all to keep her brothers safe. Lyndie is instantly likable. She’s smart, sharp, and heartbreakingly brave. You can feel her fear and her fierce devotion to her family in every decision she makes. And then there’s Johnny, the nephew. Hardened by loyalty, survival, and years in the mob’s shadow, he’s a man who’s forgotten what tenderness even feels like. When his uncle presents him with a beautiful “birthday present,” Johnny is completely thrown. He doesn’t know what to make of her, or the innocence that seems to clash with her supposed purpose. The tension between them crackles from the start; electric, chaotic, and impossible to look away from. What makes it even juicier is that Johnny is Lyndie’s brother’s ex–best friend, the boy she crushed on for years before life tore their families apart. It’s been over a decade since he’s seen her, so he doesn’t recognize her and that secret adds another delicious layer to their dangerous game. Like the previous books in the series, this one balances edge-of-your-seat danger with quiet, emotional moments that let the relationship breathe and bloom. Johnny’s fall is fast and hard, and watching his tough exterior crumble to reveal that hidden softness was so satisfying. Lyndie’s sly wit keeps their banter sharp and addictive, and their chemistry practically scorches the page. This is a fast-paced, steamy Mafia romance that doesn’t shy away from the dark and the deadly—but still delivers a heart-melting, guaranteed happy ending. It’s passionate, gritty, and full of tension in all the right ways. Buckle up, you’re in for one wild, emotional ride.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
65 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2025
This is an ARC read and my first book of the series ( I haven't read the previous ones), and it is just wow, amazing and hot🔥.
This book grabs you from the very first few chapters and does not let go! We meet Lyndie, a mafia princess who is basically living in a fancy prison in Rome, thanks to her overprotective older brother. She's tired of missing her family, so she decides to sneak back to Chicago for a surprise visit. As you can probably guess, that plan goes wrong in the most dramatic way possible, and she ends up being captured by her family's biggest enemy. To protect her family, she's forced into a deal that is pure dark romance goodness.

I absolutely loved the dynamic between Lyndie (who has to pretend her name is Rose) and Johnny. Johnny is the perfect grumpy, morally grey hero who is totally confused by the "birthday gift" he's been given. He thinks he's getting one thing, but Lyndie is a walking contradiction with her innocent vibe and the wild situation she's in. Watching him try to figure her out was half the fun. And poor Lyndie! She's in this terrifying situation, but the guy who is technically her captor is also the one she's had a secret crush on her entire life. Their chemistry is amazing, and the tension between them is just so good.

Just a heads up, this is definitely a dark mafia romance, so be prepared for some intense themes. The blackmail situation is serious and might be a lot for some readers. There are plenty of spicy scenes, and the author threw in a twist regarding the romance that I totally didn't see coming. It was a bold move that really paid off and kept me glued to the pages, wondering what on earth was going to happen next.

If you love a fast-paced, steamy mafia story with lots of tension, you will fly through this book. It's perfect for anyone who enjoys the brother's-ex-best-friend trope or stories where the hero has no idea who the heroine really is.
Profile Image for Laura  Books_0.
76 reviews6 followers
October 31, 2025
🐽Johnny's Bombshell🐽
✍🏼: @authorleahmerrill
(ARC)

📍Ratings

5⭐️
2.5🌶️
1.5🖤

📍ARC Review

I was so eager to start reading this book; you girlies have no idea how much I was looking forward to it. I knew it would be a book I would love.

Leah's writing style has become one of my favorites. The way the humor comes through as you read but still has a touch of darkness that you see in dark romances is impressive, and something that won't let you put the book down until you've finished it.

If there was one thing I was looking forward to, it was Johnny's story. To say that he left an impression on me since his appearance in “Rob's Struggle” is an understatement. Because let's be honest, who doesn't like a bad boy? Cause let me tell you, this girl right here? LOVE them. They drive me madly in love, and who would’ve thought that someone who looks so intimidating could be so soft and sweet.

OMG! Our FMC, Lyndie. I knew I would enjoy her. Her personality is something to behold, sensitive but with an authoritative air when the situation warrants it, especially when it comes to family. Because above all, you do what's best for the family. 

📍Do I recommend it?

Trust me bestie, you’ll want to read this whole series. It’s absolutely worth it!

I finished this book in a matter of hours; needless to say, I loved it. It's a perfect book for all types of readers, whether you read dark romance or not. 

It's a book you won't want to put down; with scenes you won't see coming that will simply have you laughing like crazy because when it comes to humor Leah is the best. It's spicy enough to make you want a fan in your face, and with just a touch of darkness that you can't miss. 

So don't wait any longer and run, grab your copy of Johnny's Bombshell, and when you have it, come back and tell me.

What was your favorite scene, Porcellina? 🐽
802 reviews3 followers
October 15, 2025
What they both want by MeemsAngel82

That's s was the 3rd in this series, where was I for book 2?! And this was written well! This was not only keeping my attention the whole way because the story was entertaining, but because it was funny. No shortage of laughs here as this couple get to know one another all over again. Expect some interesting scenes and memories.

She had her family threatened, so she performed for the one man she had always wanted.

And I loved seeing other characters I love and the high heat of theses stories. This was so funny but some of their preferences had me raising my brows. The chemistry is there and the world building, the whole cast of characters are great. I love the conflicts but one thing that isn't my cup of tea runs the course of this entire book. These men will be with literally anyone, sometimes several at once and it's on repeat how much they aren't discriminatory about it. Their past, their present. Even her brother who found the love of his life-memory lane is way too present here for him and our H. And the next book we already have that H hooked on one person but about to have a good time with others. I just don't understand that. I always say to each their own but this is excessive. This h finally got her guy, after a startling amount of females that have already had him. Him re-bonding with her brother was a reminder of them with… more females. Great writing and a funny story with action, heat and family. Expect a strong female, this h is a Queen and knows it! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,571 reviews11 followers
January 3, 2026
I was so excited to start Johnny's book and wow I was not disappointed but my sleep schedule went out the window. I devoured this book could not put it down and sleep evaded me. I read this book in one sitting laughing out loud and giggling as i read. All Lyndie (rose ) wants is to be back home with her family in the USA she has been kept hidden away in Italy most of her life. Johnny has been working himself to the bone keeping his mind off everything else that was going on. When Rose decides she is going to secretly arrive in the USA she had no idea her closest friend would betray her and what was waiting for her was not what she expected. When Johnny's uncle shows up at his door with a birthday gift he never expected it to be a drop dead gorgeous woman. When Rose realized that the man she was being given to was Johnny her heart was excited since she has had a crush on him since she was a child. Johnny and her brother Rob used to be best friends and in her mind all her fantasies are coming true. These two have a chemistry that knows no bounds and wow the steam was burning up the pages. I loved how Johnny seemed to feel things were off but his want and pull to Rose made him put them aside. Rose is a strong woman who can handle anything she was raised to be a Don's wife. The way these two fell into a routine and how she took care of him was something he never saw coming. These two fell fast and hard but can things work out between them with the war going on between the Famiglia's or will hearts be broken.
2,901 reviews17 followers
October 3, 2025
Lyndie Galliano a.k.a Rose just wanted to surprise her mother on her birthday, but Joey Bagliateri has other ideas. Johnny can't believe his eyes when his uncle Joey tells him that the beautiful prostitute he brought with him is his birthday present and his for the next month, and he will be the last one to turn down his uncle's gift. When Lyndie was told that the only way to save her little brothers was to spend the next month pretending to be a virgin, and a prostitute for Joey Bag's nephew, she expected the nephew would be old, fat, and repulsive. Instead, she finds herself face to face with her brother's ex best friend and the man she has had a crush on since she was a kid.
As with the previous books in this series there is plenty of violence in this story, it is after all a mafia romance. That being said, I loved this book! Much to my surprise and delight I have to admit that this book had me in stitches in a couple of places plus there are unexpected twists in the plot, lots of steam, and a happily ever after. I thought these characters were wonderfully written, compelling, and they kept me engaged in this book from the first page to the last. I recommend this book to other fans of mafia romance and should add that it is not absolutely necessary to have read the other books before diving into this one.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Hidden Gems.
Profile Image for Susan .
1,055 reviews
September 19, 2025
ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ 📖: 𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯𝘯𝘺'𝘴 𝘉𝘰𝘮𝘣𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘢 (𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬 3) 𝘣𝘺 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘩 𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭

Picking up a Leah book I already knew it would be a riot. It left me with a whole new outlook on Miss Piggy 🙈. I love an FMC that decides what she wants and adapts to make it work for her and an MMC that would do anything for her.

Lyndie aka Rose is a true mafia princess all the men in her family keep her locked away to protect her. When she slips her guards to come back to the US for a surprise visit things go awry. Johnny next to be the Mafia don for the family is still getting over Tessa when his uncle drops off a birthday present that will last a month, we all want presents for the whole month of our birthday! This leads to lots of spicy times but also who knew Johnny would have a super sweet side too and become super domesticated quick. Secrets are exposed and deals are made for these two to remain together. There was so many scenes I absolutely loved and would love to mention but it’s best read with no spoilers.

I recommend reading in order since Johnny is a big part of book 2 Rob’s Struggle.

🐷Mafia
🐺Possessive MMC
🐷Morally Grey Alpha MMC
🐺Forced Proximity
🐷Secret Identity
🐺Rival/Ex Best Friends Sister
🐷Vırgın FMC
Profile Image for ILuv2Read.
129 reviews
January 10, 2026
This was hands down the best book of this series yet. I loved getting to know Johnny better and seeing him interact with Lyndie over the course of the book. The premise felt fresh, and their interactions got more normal as time went on. Even though Lyndie lied to Johnny, it was innocent enough as she believed the lies that came out of Joey's mouth. Johnny redeemed himself in this book once I understood where he was coming from with the Tessa situation from the previous book.

I still hate Joey w a passion, even though all was explained later in the book.

Didn't care for the fourth wall section at all, thought it didn't belong and should have just been omitted or used as a conversation between Johnny and Massimo as to why Johnny didn't want/need any other woman now that Lyndie is on his life. I appreciated that he never cheated on her, not even when the month was over. But as always I despise when authors think it's ok for characters not to use protection without knowing if one or both partners are clean. Especially when they write man-whore characters who brag about their conquests.

Other than that, I loved this couple the most, and am excited to read Massimo's and Salvo's books when they come out.
Profile Image for Morally_Gray_Nola.
699 reviews35 followers
September 26, 2025
I am a humongous Leah Merrill fan. ‘Johnny’s Bombshell’, book 3 of the Famiglia series, presents Johnny and Lyndie’s story. Theirs is a story originally based on a lie, that transforms into an unexpected truth. One that is forbidden. So off limits, it could start a war.

When Lyndie sees the nephew she’s blackmailed to ‘entertain’ for a month, she immediately realizes it’s Johnny, her brother’s ex-best friend. The one she’s had a crush on since she was 7. She also sees he does not recognize her—doesn’t know she’s the little sister his ex-best friend told him to stay away from. ‘J’sB’ is so wonderfully written, fantastic plot-lines, with perfect pacing, well-fleshed characters, and the spice is hotHotHOT!

*** Recommended ***

MMC:
✨Johnny
FMC:
✨Lyndie
* Rose
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨ Book 3 of The Famiglia
Epilogue:
🌗yes
Tropes:
👉steamy mafia romance
👉forbidden romance
👉forced proximity
👉secret identity
👉ex-best friend’s sister
Triggers:
💥18+
💥graphic sex
💥violence
💥death
💥profanity
💥betrayal
💥blackmail
Burn Speed:
✨fast
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Susanne Tenold.
10 reviews
October 7, 2025
Johnny’s Bombshell is the third book in The Familia Series and can be read as a standalone. Some of the characters from the first two books do appear in this book.
In this book we meet Rob’s from Rob’s Struggles, little sister Lyndie. Lyndie has been living in Rome for the last ten years and just wants to come home for her mother’s birthday, so she arranges to fly home for the weekend and surprise everyone. Things change when she gets off the plane and is taken to Joey the head of a rival familia instead. Johnny is Joey’s nephew. When Joey shows up and says that he hired “Rose” to spend the month with him for his birthday Johnny is excited about spending time with a beautiful woman. I am absolutely loving this series. The characters were well developed, and the story kept my attention with the twists and turns. I am looking forward to the next book. I am hoping the Joey gets some of what’s coming to him with the way he manipulates everyone.
98 reviews2 followers
October 7, 2025
The fact that Lyndie has this innocent school girl crush attitude towards Johnny on the inside but tries to maintain this casual, nonchalant “I’m a pro” persona on the outside had me dying! Lyndie has been obsessed with this man since she was a child and even 10 years later her little girl crush is now a full grown adult crush. Yet she still has this young love type of excitement. She’s a mafia princess virgin who is being coerced into playing a paid escort/birthday present for Johnny who is supposed to be acting as an innocent virgin to help cheer Johnny up. She is his for one month and he falls for her hard. His inner turmoil over whether or not she is acting was great. This brought so much fun for me as the reading waiting for him to figure it out. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Once I started reading this I was hooked and it was so hard to put down!
Profile Image for Tiffany.
167 reviews3 followers
September 21, 2025
Okay so first book by this author and I have to say pretty good. The smut was definitely spicy in this one. I felt as if it was a true stand alone where I wasn’t missing out because I haven’t read the previous books but I did enjoy the side characters and it makes me want to go back and read their books.

Okay things I absolutely loved:
✅ hot mafia men
✅semi-fake relationship( I mean she definitely wasn’t there for the reasons he thought)
✅ super hot spice
✅ he was obsessed with her and I love that

Things I wasn’t a fan of:
❌ his nickname for her. I get it it was a super spicy game and hey no shame I just did not like the nickname that came out of it.

Overall great read and I can’t wait for Mas’s story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
20 reviews
September 28, 2025
The title of this one says it all, and what a bombshell it is! Book 3 follows Rob's little sister, Lyndie, who lives in Rome, and his former best friend turned rival, Johnny. If you've been following the series, you'll know Johnny as Joey Bags' nephew. Lyndie always had a crush on Johnny growing up, her family shipped her off to Rome a decade ago for her safety and she's not been back to the US since. It'd be kind of hard to slip your family appointed guard detail all the way in Rome just to fly across the world to surprise your mother for her birthday, right? Lyndie thinks it's worth a shot, but it's hard to know who to trust when you land in a place you no longer know anything about and nobody knows you're coming. It's easy to land in the hands of the enemy though.
This is a must read!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Patricia Monica Provost.
133 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2025
Johnny and Lyndie🥰

If you love:

🩷 Mafia Romance that is not so serious
🩷Close Proximity
🩷Kinky Role Play 🐽🐺
🩷 Love at First Sight (From the MMC)
🩷False Identity
🩷Childhood First Love( From the MFC)

Sent as a birthday present to Johnny after his Uncle kidnapped her, Lyndie, who was in love with Johnny since forever, have to stay with him for a month. Johnny never recognize her because now she goes by the name Rose. But when he saw her, he fall for her immediately! Will he recognize her or will he be able to make her stay after the month is over?

I was honoured to read this story as a Beta and was so excited to read Johnny’s stories. Like always, Leah outdid herself! In all three books, this is my favourite! I highly recommend to read the entire series but can be read as a standalone. Congrats Leah, happy release day!!
215 reviews
September 30, 2025
Johnny’s Bombshell is the third book in The Famiglia series by Leah Merrill. Since Damiano Rescue, Leah Merrill is a top-tier writer, and this book continues to prove why. Like the previous tow books in the series, I was OBSESSED with this book. I loved this book; and compared to the other mafia romances I read, it was a breath of fresh air. The author does an amazing job of writing mafia book boyfriends. Johnny is on my list alongside Damiano and Rob. I loved reading the sweet side of Johnny. The chemistry between Johnny and Rose, was electric which led to some top notch spicy scenes. The banter between them had me laughing. Once I started this book, I had to stay up past my bedtime to finish it. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Thank you Leah Merrill for giving me an opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
124 reviews3 followers
October 25, 2025
I loved it! This was such an amazing addition to the series. I highly recommend reading this book if you're looking for Mafia romance with a whirlwind of a story. That is filled with a macho yet rugged hot italian man willing to burn the world for you and a sinfully yet innocent woman taking want she wants no matter who you are. And let's not forget the spicy scenes in and out of the bedroom, the hidden agendas, and best kept secrets that soon make an appearance.

I guarantee you will love this book and all the characters within. It'll have you flipping pages like crazy while not want the story to end. It'll have you blushing, gasping, and snickering throughout it all! I can't wait for the next book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Profile Image for Tara Malta.
192 reviews12 followers
January 8, 2026
Yessss!!!! I was oddly looking forward to Johnny's story after finishing up Rob's Struggle and boy did it deliver! Johnny & Lyndie "Rose" are definitely my favorite characters of the series so far. Like, 50 pages in and I was swooning HARD for Johnny. Lyndie cracked me up but I love hoe strong she was and how she grew into the role of a "mafia wife" even more once she got with Johnny. I love an "it's always been you" moment and I honestly didn't think that I would get so emotional toward the end of the book, but there were tears!

I absolutely love this series and can't wait for Massimo's book. I just know it's going to be so good!!

Thank you again to Leah Merrill for mailing me a copy of Johnny's Bombshell to read and review!!
September 26, 2025
This was an ARC read that came to me from the author through Book sirens. Thank you.
I'm not sure how I felt about this one all in all. I'm not sure if it was serious or comedic. I personally found it quite funny, although maybe I shouldn't have? I'm not sure.
Lyndie, finds herself kidnapped and given to Johnny as a birthday present, for a month, to do with as he pleases. Hmmmm. That in itself could be a problem.
So many problems! Lyndie (Rose) knows who Johnny is, but he doesn't recognize her. She's had a life long fantasy about him since she was just a child. They haven't seen each other in ten years. Lyndie is a really bad actress. You'll meet KC (insert eyeroll here) but honestly, its funny as hell.
This is part of what I mean. . . was it supposed to be funny?

I really enjoyed this crazy story, and hope we get more.
5 reviews
September 20, 2025
I have loved all the books in this series, and Johnny and Lyndie did not disappoint!! Leah's books are the perfect balance of humor and spice. You see a different side of Johnny in this book when he is gifted "Rose" for his birthday. Rose has had a crush on Johnny forever, so while the situation is not ideal, it could be worse, lol. There are spicy moments, sweet moments, and moments I was just cackling. Read this book, you won't be disappointed. I can't wait for Massimos' story!

I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Cass Donoghue.
21 reviews2 followers
September 21, 2025
Every time I pick up a book by Leah, I get a bit apprehensive—having loved her previous works, I worry the new one might not live up to my expectations. But once again, she absolutely blows it out of the park! This book had everything I crave: rival mafia families, hidden identities, sizzling chemistry, old friends turned enemies, and a love so powerful it lasts a lifetime and drives you to do anything for it. I was completely captivated from start to finish. I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone who loves a thrilling, passionate read with deep emotional stakes.
558 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2025
Johnny’s Bombshell completely hooked me from the very first page — I was engaged from the get-go! I absolutely loved this book; it’s my favorite of the series so far, and I devoured it in one sitting. So good!

Lyndie and Johnny were fantastic main characters. Their chemistry was amazing — sweet, cute, and undeniable, despite the circumstances that brought them together. I loved watching their relationship unfold.

The family dynamics in the background added so much depth — classic mafia vibes that I can never get enough of.

Thank you, Leah, for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Johanna.
1,511 reviews38 followers
October 9, 2025
This is book 3 of The Famiglia series and can be read as a standalone but it reads better in series order. By far the best book of the series and is so very appealing. The plot was exquisite and steamy. World building continues to excel and impress. The characters are what drove the storyline. They were so compelling and complex and well matched. I highly and thoroughly enjoyed and recommend this series.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
64 reviews
October 10, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! It was easy to see Johnny as the bad guy if you've read previous books in the series but the deep seeded feelings he developed and the depth of the hurt when he found out the truth was amazing. I liked that Rose was accepting of the situation because I was worried it would take a bad turn fast but her internal dialogue was so real. I like how strong she was and how he let her be because he didn't want to change her, just love her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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