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He’s hurt. Hunted. Barely holding on. But Enzo will kill to keep him safe.

Enzo has already found his place at Redcars—a garage turned sanctuary for men with dangerous pasts and loyal hearts. He’s built a life of purpose, surrounded by a chosen family who knows exactly what it means to survive.

Then a bloodied, barefoot stranger collapses at their gate.

Terrified, half-starved, and hunted for the key to millions, Robbie has nowhere left to run. But Enzo sees him. Not just the bruises or the shadows of his past—but the man underneath, all sharp edges and shattered trust. And something in Enzo refuses to let go.

Redcars isn’t just a place to hide. It’s a promise. And when the past comes calling, Enzo will do whatever it takes to protect what’s his.

Enzo is a gritty MM romantic suspense featuring high stakes, found family, and an ex-con willing to cross the line for love. Expect drama, danger, “I would die for you” devotion, and the kind of love that doesn’t ask permission to stay.

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 23, 2025

299 people are currently reading
313 people want to read

About the author

R.J. Scott

307 books2,719 followers
RJ Scott writes heartwarming, passionate MM/gay romance stories where every man finds his happily ever after. When not writing, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, spending time with her family, following Formula 1 (Forza Ferrari!), and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Email her here: rj@rjscott.co.uk

Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release

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5 stars
245 (43%)
4 stars
204 (36%)
3 stars
89 (15%)
2 stars
19 (3%)
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5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
478 reviews100 followers
January 28, 2026
I liked the majority of this book a lot- it felt believable and the characters' emotions were very real and raw. I loved the little moments in the garage working on cars for the realism those scenes offered. I am unsure if I'd read more from this author as I think what I liked best were the tropes in this particular book rather than the writing itself. Roman/Robbie was a superb character, really well developed. My heart broke for him and everything he endured. Enzo was far less interesting, but he was there to make Robbie feel safe and heal. He didn't offer much else to me, but sometimes you just need a dependable solid rock wall of a man to stand between you and the world.

There were a lot of issues with punctuation errors, a paragraph where the POV switched from first to third person etc that kept me from giving it 4 stars. The story was 4 stars, the writing was 3 and I ended up going with a 3 overall. The characters in the second book were introduced in this book and I'm not interested enough to continue reading, but I'd give this author another try if another blurb catches my eye.
Profile Image for Dan.
1,748 reviews49 followers
May 21, 2025
I loved this one so much. It's definitely not light-hearted by any means, it very much is the darkest book RJ has ever written. And yet there's something that still very sweet between how Enzo and Robbie are with each other, in spite of the violence and trauma that haunts them both, past and present. And that's what I like in my dark romances. I'm so excited for this seires and for the next book in it. It sounds like it will be a good one!
Profile Image for Edga.
2,254 reviews23 followers
September 21, 2025
An intense dark read from Ms Scott. Roman/Robbie is a true fighter and I wanted to cry for what he'd been through. Enzo is a Moody, broody anti hero, with a heart of gold, where Robbie is concerned.

However, it is advisable to read the blurb beforehand as it covers extremely delicate subjects such as abduction, rape, torture and slavery. What I liked about this story though was the really tender moments between Robbie and Enzo. The circumstances Robbie experienced were more than dire, and Enzo will stop at nothing to keep him safe. Poor Robbie has to go through thick and thin before he begins to accept the person he really is There were moments so horrendous for Robbie, that l had to come up for breath! Enzo is amazing! He's the epitome of the anti hero, and exists in a morally grey world, but this is what he's developed into due to his abusive past. Some readers may be shocked at his actions in parts of the book, but the way in which the baddie treated Robbie was so heinous, I would've taken great pleasure in strangling him with my own hands, without pause.

The storyline is well organised, the characters being so vividly described that you’re either going to love them or loathe them. I just happened to love them. Also, a big plus in this dark novel was, without a doubt, the HEA! Enzo loves and respects Robbie so much, giving him time to heal, and demonstrating how beauty can form from absolute darkness.

I enjoyed it immensely and won't think twice about reading the next one in the series. Please do read the trigger warnings, I imagine that they may prove too much for some.
Profile Image for Daje1968.
528 reviews15 followers
December 28, 2025
This was highly recommended to me by someone who also loved my top three reads of 2025, so maybe my expectations were just too high.

It wasn’t the writing itself (though there were a handful of sloppy edits and typos that pulled me out of the story). My real issue is that I am simply not into torture, and this MC spends his entire young adult life being raped and tortured. By the time the romance finally shows up,roughly two-thirds of the way in, it doesn’t feel romantic at all. He reads as someone who could never realistically recover, certainly not by absorbing a few self-help books and calling it healing. I know Enzo wasn’t intentionally taking advantage, but emotionally it still felt that way to me.

This is technically a hurt/comfort book, but it’s so overwhelmingly heavy on the hurt that I couldn’t connect to the romance at all.

On the “come on, that’s just silly” side of things: six weeks is absolutely not enough time to recover from that level of plastic surgery, and that whole plot point felt pretty ridiculous anyway.

That said, I may give the Jamie/Killian book a try…those two seem to have their shit together enough that it might actually work for me.
Profile Image for Sandra .
1,989 reviews347 followers
May 28, 2025
This is possibly the darkest, grittiest, angstiest book RJ Scott has ever written, and I devoured every single word!

Robbie/Roman's backstory made me cry, the violence and abuse he had to endure for years with no end in sight until he finally makes his escape, broken beyond measure, and I wanted to hug him and help him and soothe him, but then Enzo arrived and took care of that for me.

Enzo is a bit of an anti-hero, living in a morally gray world, with a dark and violent past himself, which has hardened him, so it was a treat to see this man become soft and sweet and oh so tender with Robbie/Roman. Sure, he makes mistakes, and there are setbacks, obviously, which only make him more determined to keep Robbie safe at all cost. And I mean - ALL COST!

The author took care to write about Robbie's abuse without flinching, but also handled his healing with great delicacy to make it believable and feel realistic within the given timeframe.

The supporting cast are a great bunch, vividly described as I've come to expect from this author, and all bring something to the table, as Enzo's friends/family. Even the supposed former friend-turned-enemy wasn't just a simple villain, but moved the plot along.

There is only one primary villain in this story and that's Robbie's abuser. I won't go into too much detail here, so not to spoil the story. Suffice it to say that he met the end he deserved, that MFer.

This is the first book in a new series from this author, and I for one cannot wait to read the next book, hopefully soon. It'll be nice to catch up with Roman and Enzo while reading Jamie's story.

Heed the trigger warnings for this book. It's dark, it's gritty, it's gonna make you cry, and it's not an easy read. But it's worth it.


** I received a free copy of this book from its author in exchange for an honest review. **

219 reviews2 followers
May 14, 2025
I've been excitedly waiting for the release of Enzo, the blurb etc appealed to me and now I've read Enzo I can honestly say I wasn't disappointed. I loved this book.

Enzo is a slightly darker book than what RJ usually writes, there's trigger warnings at the start, but while there is abuse and harder themes in this book it still has funny moments, a 'I will kill for you' male and high stakes romantic suspense. All the good things!!!

Enzo is an ex con who works at Red Cars garage who offers a place to stay for people who need it.
Robbie has been trapped with his abuser for years but finally escapes and collapses right outside Red Cars garage.
Enzo immediately feels a pull towards Robbie and will kill anyone to keep him safe.

I was pulled straight into Enzo and Robbies story. The abuse and Robbies healing is written compassionately and handle with care.
I love the relationship between the 2 main characters and watching them deal with their attraction to each other is heartwarming. I adored all the side characters. They all added to the storyline and really helped build a picture of the setting RJ is creating in this book.

I read this book in 1 sitting and I can't wait for the other books in this series. Highly recommend giving this book a try.
Profile Image for Leelah&#x1f341;♋️ Orion.
1,454 reviews54 followers
August 11, 2025
what a ride

Holy cow what a ride. This had everything I needed in a romantic suspenses. With just the right amount of suspense that didn’t send my poor heart into panic. Robbie sweet Robbie who wouldn’t want to take care of him. I love how ALL the guys rallied and took care of him. (This IS NOT MM+) This is what I want in a found family. Not only was Enzo willing to risk it all, but this brotherhood was too. These men while morally grey are who’d I’d want behind me. The writing was amazing and what I’ve come to realize about this author the spice was eh. Not fade to black but also not descriptive or fire. Just enough to let you know it happened, and a few feelings behind it. I’m headed to the next book because I love Jamie and can’t wait to read. Logan’s book is part of the single dad series.

For future:
Dual pov
No cheating/sharing
No om/ow
Relation before smexy
Not fully sure if the diversity so I’m gonna say needs more.
Strict on page
Profile Image for Mandy.
1,017 reviews
May 23, 2025
This story is different to the author’s other books in that it’s grittier and darker and has more angst than most of her previous stories. That said, it was a fabulous read and very well written. It’s the story of Robbie who has survived horror and trauma to find sanctuary at the Redcars garage, and Enzo, an ex-con who works there, and who becomes Robbie’s saviour. We are taken on a sometimes difficule yet inspiring journey as Robbie heals with Enzo’s help and we also get to know the other men who work at the garage and more about those that hurt Robbie.
The characters are wonderful, and the storyline well developed and full of tense situations, intrigue and suspense. As usual in her books, RJ has handled difficult subjects with sensitivity and care but heed the warnings. I loved this story and can’t wait for the next book in the series. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Tracy Perry.
1,539 reviews46 followers
May 27, 2025
Holy Cow!! That book was heartbreaking. Poor Roman/Robbie, my heart broke for him so bad, I cried with him and for him. I’m so glad he kept fighting and made it out and still fought to live, GAH… Enzo, he may seem gruff but underneath he’s a big protective teddy bear, especially to Robbie and of course his family at Redcars. Enzo found Robbie outside and doesn’t leave his side and is protecting him along with all the guys at Redcars. What was done to Roman/Robbie was unbelievable, sick and twisted, so freaking sad, but the guys help him, they all become friends but Enzo becomes more. The book is dark and twisted and heartbreaking with love in the mix and firsts for Robbie. It’s a page turner but be prepared for a lot of crying. I’m looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for T.A.
653 reviews
May 26, 2025
Enzo & Robbie

This is the first book in a new series.
Robbie escapes from people who’d kept him locked up/caged. He stumbles upon Redcars that’s run by Enzo, Rio, Jamie and Logan. Enzo is an ex-con, he finds Roman starved and dying. As Robbie’s health gets better, he learns he can depend on Enzo to protect him from the people that abused him with the help of the other guys. He grows much closer to Enzo, and they slowly fall in love, but trouble comes looking for Robbie. Enzo and the guys band together to stop the person responsible.
96 reviews
May 24, 2025
Wow, what an amazing new series from RJ Scott. Darker than her previous books. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and please please please write book two soon. Enzo an ex-con and Robbie who has been through so much are wonderful together. The characters in this book are excellent. HEA. Highly recommend
Profile Image for LeeAnn.
820 reviews
May 23, 2025
This story of Robbie and Enzo ripped out my heart, stomped on it and then put it back together, piece by piece.
This is a much darker story than Rj Scott has ever done.
She warned her readers about that fact, but we, meaning me, went headfirst into this, excited to see where she took us.
Boy, what a ride it was!
Being terrified for Robbie, disgusted at what John did and allowed others to do to him darn near broke my heart.
I don't like to give all the mysteries of the stories away in my reviews.
I did want to say that, although this is very dark with possible triggers for some people, the love shines through strong and deep. Both in friendships and romantic love.
Evil is very strong in the book, but I got to say that what happens to said evil gives me GREAT joy!

This was a fantastic story.
Extremely well written.
It kept me on my toes and rooting for justice on Robbie's behalf.

100/100
Profile Image for AL.
1,731 reviews14 followers
May 27, 2025
Just yummy! Protector type MCs are always a great selling point for me and this book delivered in style! I loved how different this book was from author's typical style and how she approached it with the same talent.
475 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2025
an exciting book to read
4 reviews
July 20, 2025
A superb read

This has it all, the fact that I enjoyed the revenge is a little worrying. An excellent read from beginning to end.
921 reviews6 followers
June 20, 2025
This was the darkest book by RJ Scott and I was so invested in Robbie's escape and rescue by Enzo and the other guys at Redcars. He suffered so much and I appreciated how sensitively his gradual recovery was shown and I wanted all of the men who had tortured him were brought down. Fascinating group of men and looking forward to reading about them. I am beginning to be a bit bloodthirsty because I was so glad what happened to John Mitchell because he deserved everything that was done to him. and hope similar treatment awaits the other two men especially Lassiter.
Profile Image for Linda Brown.
388 reviews3 followers
June 19, 2025
A completely new author for me. I came across this by chance and I’m so glad I did. I loved Robbie/Roman and Enzo so much. Two fantastic characters. It was a very emotional read for me and although the spicy bits came towards the end of the book they were worth waiting for…very beautifully written! I will definitely be reading the next book in this series and definitely looking at R J Scott’s back catalogue.
Profile Image for Shelley.
116 reviews
June 28, 2025


If you are a fan of Sloane Kennedy’s books then this one is for you. Dark and gritty with flawed characters in a well written plot that had me wanting to skip to the end. I didn’t but it was a dark read which is not my normal go to trope.

This is a departure from the authors usual stories but she succeeded in writing a compelling read.
Profile Image for Van Hardison.
216 reviews2 followers
June 8, 2025
Wow, what can I say?

This is by far the darkest RJ Scott book I have read and I have read just about every one. The detail and the pacing make Robbie’s ordeal so believable and it is so good to see Enzo and Robbie get there HEA, although maybe just HFN as it sounds like there is lots more ahead.

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Heather York.
Author 5 books53 followers
June 11, 2025
We were first introduced to some of the Redcars gang back in the author's Single Dad sixth entry, Pride. It may have taken longer than I expected to meet the Redcars gang but characters can be stinkers when it comes to telling their stories. The lads weren't quite ready yet but now they are and frankly, I can understand why Robbie wasn't eager to tell his tale.

Robbie. What can I say about Robbie? He is one resilient fella. I don't want to give anything away so I'll just say this: I don't think I've ever read a character I wanted to protect more. I've read many, many tortured souls but there is something about his past that will break you in pieces but the fact that he's still standing also fills you with so much hope. I'd give him Mama Bear Hugs out the whazoo but I know he probably wouldn't like them too much so I'll just send him an endless supply of good vibe-filled virtual hugs.

Enzo. Where do I begin? Enzo is a man with his own inner demons from his past, many of which he seems to have gotten a pretty solid handle on but there are things we never completely let go of and he has those too. Seeing him with Robbie tells me more about his core character and true soul than any words or platitudes could. If this was a daytime soap opera, the lads of Redcars would be labeled "anit-hero", as a fan of soaps growing up I am very familiar with the title but can't say I ever agreed with it really. Oh, I get what it means, typical bad boy with a heart of gold especially when it comes to a certain good character and that's great, I love a good old fashion opposites attract trope but I never cared for the "anti-hero" moniker. Anywho, that's what many might label Enzo as but I see him as a man who had very little choice in the past, did his time, and is working hard to overcome it and yet he's not afraid to return to the evils of old to protect those he loves.

Honestly, it doesn't matter what label you put on the lads, they are each deserving of happy times. Getting them to that point is what RJ Scott's Enzo is all about and it may be a bumpy ride but it's a trip worthy of a backseat stomach shaker. It can be a hard read for sure, heartbreaking, heart-hurting, but it's also heartwarming and heart-healing that will make you smile and maybe even help bring some comfort to any hurting you might have in need of healing.

I've read stories with dark elements before, not often but definitely a dozen or so a year, so over time I've digested some pretty disturbing tales. Enzo is not the darkest, we learn what the poor lad went through for years and it's hell on Earth but it's told in a way that is feelings at times more than events. Don't get me wrong, we see some pretty horrible memories but as a whole I say it's the fear, anger, and hurt that tells the pain more than showing the deeds. Which in my opinion, can actually increase the darkness and does does just that in Enzo, but for me it's not the darkest I've read but I would easily put it in the top 5.

So be aware, this is not for the feint of heart. Having given that warning, don't think it's all doom and gloom. Yes, it does not have as much of the happy happy feels and some would label it more angst than drama(personally I see them as the same thing but that's just me😉), there is actually a lot that will fill your heart with, well perhaps not "joy" but definitely a feeling of uplifting contentment. Once you meet Robbie and Enzo, it doesn't take long to become invested in their journey, good or bad, you quickly need to see it through.

One last note about the Redcars trilogy. Each story is a standalone in the fact each tells a different character's journey but there are certain elements in Enzo that weren't completely fulfilled. I wouldn't label it a cliffhanger but certainly a carryover. I would say this is definitely a series meant to be read in order, though I have not seen the next two books of course but that's the take I got from it.
Profile Image for Sandy Kay.
817 reviews65 followers
January 5, 2026
I mostly quite enjoyed this romantic suspense hurt/comfort romantic drama.

Roman Lowe's been a captive and sex slave for years, since he was 14 and lured from a care home. Starved, kept in a cock cage with no relief, raped and tortured, all for his eidetic memory and use as a financial magician for money laundering.

Enzo's one of four men who run Redcars, a garage whose found-family of ex-con mechanics moonlight as vigilantes on their own terms. Finding the starving, near dead man in the streets is shocking and incites something new in Enzo, bringing out his protective side as never before. As he saves and gets to know the frightened, traumatized man calling himself "Robbie," something in Enzo begins to think...Mine. To cherish and protect.

I appreciated that Roman/Robbie's trauma was something to work through over the course of the book (TW for extreme sexual and physical abuse in the back story and recovery from it on page in the book). It wasn't fixed or shoved aside, but was a constant element dealt with I thought sensitively and realistically. There's no quick fix, and Enzo's patience and true caring for Robbie shines. He makes mistakes, and Robbie can barely articulate his needs, spending a lot of time locked in his safe space, reading and memorizing books on psychology and also fixing cars, but as they learn together what works for touch-starved Robbie to finally make contact and receive affection, and much later, more, the journey is heartwarming and satisfying. And they do work through some of his sexual trauma, I thought believably. It was heartwarming to see Robbie claiming his sexuality and learning how to work with the condition of his mind and his scarred body and celebrate connecting with Enzo.

Mostly. I REALLY could have done without Robbie thinking a few times that oh, I don't want to not be good enough for Enzo, I should practice having sex with someone else and work through my struggles with some stranger instead. Like, WHAT? He's in danger, anyone could tell his former captors where he is, he has no way of knowing who's safe, and he can barely stand to work with Enzo touching him...and he thinks some stranger should help him through this? I didn't buy it, and the mentions of it were off-putting and ruined a few moments for me. Took it down in the rating and became aggravating. He doesn't go through with it, but, at that point, Doc was the only character making any sense, and everyone got mad at him for calling Robbie on his BS. Not me. Go Doc.

ANYWAY, apart from that, this is a fun, if unlikely, story featuring a found family of vigilantes who rally around the hurting man who stumbled into their midst and got new purpose. One antagonist is brought to satisfyingly violent justice, but two more are lurking out there, hopefully to be brought down in subsequent books. ]

HEA, sex-slave/captive survivor, hurt comfort, romantic suspense. No OM action or drama, though I laid out the thoughts that irritated the F out of me. Safe enough for me. Recommended, book 1 in an ongoing series featuring different MCs book over book.
Profile Image for JustJen "Miss Conduct".
2,393 reviews156 followers
May 30, 2025

4.5 stars - I absolutely love finding a new series with a new group of guys who have a shared background but have become a family of their own, and Redcars fits that bill perfectly. And when it’s from an author on my 99% auto read list, it’s even better. Redcars is a garage run by 4 guys who all had been given second chances by the then-owner, Tudor. They all have various pasts that are less than stellar, although we don’t really know too much about what brought them to Redcars. In this installment, we learn about Enzo and his past when he is the one who ends up being the safety net for Robbie, the young man who shows up on their doorstep after escaping years of torment at the hands of some evil people.

Robbie is special. He has the special ability of having an eidetic memory, or, he can remember every detail he sees. In this case, the bad guy (John), realized this when Robbie was a young man in a foster home, took him and used him to gather intel and blackmail material on a lot of corrupt people resulting in the transfer of millions of dollars. To say that Robbie was treated horribly would be an understatement. The torture and abuse he endured for years is unfathomable. Thankfully, he doesn’t ever give up until one day, he finally has the opportunity to escape. His luck changes when he ends up at Redcars, albeit on death’s door at the time.

Enzo and the guys take Robbie in, nurture and nurse him back to health (as best as can be expected) and give him a safe space to exist. He ends up helping them with their paperwork, all while becoming close to Enzo, the one he trusts the most and begins to fall for. I thought Ms. Scott did a great job of dealing with Robbie’s issues, triggers and mental turmoil. He doesn’t just heal overnight and fall into bed with Enzo. It takes a lot of time and patience for their relationship to move to the next level.

Once the details of Robbie’s past come to light and as the past creeps ever closer, the guys all close ranks to protect Robbie. In doing so, they are brought back from the sidelines they’ve been living in with some ties to their own pasts, and things get more exciting as the story turns to them eradicating the problem instead of just helping Robbie heal.

The other guys each have their own unique characteristics, but they are all loyal to each other and Redcars, their family, of which Robbie is now a part. Logan seems to already have his relationship, but Rio and Jamie are dangling there for us to dive into. There are inklings of who they might each pair up with, but regardless, I’m excited to see more of them all and to learn their backstories as this series unfolds. Needless to say, Ms. Scott remains at the tope of my auto read list.

Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
Profile Image for Alex.
201 reviews9 followers
July 1, 2025
This started off really strong; the premise was interesting and the characters were all pretty lovable. However, I think the pacing is really where the book struggled and what ultimately what dragged down my rating.

The story opens with one of our main MCs - Robbie, finally escaping captivity and his abusers. He collapses outside of a car shop named "Redcars" and is taken in by our other MC - Enzo. As well as the other side characters (and future MCs) who make up this found family of ex-cons.

The story largely focuses around the slow development of Enzo and Robbie's relationship from strangers to reluctant friends, to lovers. In addition to Robbie's overall healing journey and the hunt for his captors/abusers (who are still after him). But despite the fact that Robbie is in hiding for most of the book from said captors - the story still feels very low stakes.

To add, this is a slow burn - like a really slow burn..which to be fair as it should be. After all the things Robbie went through, it made sense for him to take awhile to feel safe and comfortable enough for intimacy. However, because of this slow burn and the "hunt" consistently falling onto the back burner. You are just left with these large sections of the story where it felt like nothing was happening (no plot progression). And I think Scott tried to bridge this by implementing small time jumps as a way to speed things up, but the result is that you just end up with a bunch of pages that describe what happened during said jump. For example - we get introduced to a character in one chapter that is pretty hated by everyone of the bat; at first I assumed this was another future MC but then like a few chapters later, Robbie notes in his monologue that character is now in a relationship with one of the guys at the shop, and how "surprising" that was. I was like.....huh?

The ending was also a bit anticlimactic - you have a character who comes in and kind of just solves everything and the story just wraps up from there. Along with some set up for Jamie's book which is next. Though with where things left off, I'm curious of how Scott will tie the two story together. Specifically, how the villain's of the next book are personal to Jamie and/or his lover. As the antagonists in the next book were just set up as extensions of the ones in this book (Robbie's Abusers). While my expectations are on the lower end for book two, I will admit I am excited for book three as I liked Rio, and I'm also really hoping his book is with Doc. Because I was super intrigued by Doc's character.

While I wouldn't recommend this outright, if you're on the fence I do think the book is worth checking out.
432 reviews11 followers
May 24, 2025
I've read most of the books written by RJ Scott and liked or loved every single one no matter if she writes alone or in colab with another author. Every topic she decides to write is thoroughly researched which I really appreciate.
But IMO she's at her best when she delves on the darker side. I absolutely loved her Shadow Team 3 book series!
Morally grey characters, with horrifying pasts and a lot of issues to overcome combined with found family and some mystery and action is one my favorite tropes.
There's an abundance of the above in Enzo. Honestly it's one of the best books I've read in a year. Heartbreaking, touching, uplifting, raw, gritty. No simple out of the box solutions. Just people trying to do their best and stick together. No worries there's a HEA, but the road leading there is rocky.
Take the triggers listed seriously because it might not be for everyone.

Also I highly recommend that you read Pride (great read!), book in Single Dads series first. It's overlapping with Enzo at some points with no spoilers. You'll just understand the Redcars world better and maybe it can fill up some holes and answer some questions that might occur reading Enzo.
It was the book that triggered my craving for a whole new series and RJ delivered big time.
Can't wait for the next story in this series, because there are many intriguing characters and chemistries to be dealt with.
Profile Image for Mari  Cardenas.
2,296 reviews26 followers
June 8, 2025
5 Stars! 

Wow! I was absolutely blown away by the start of this series. It's definitely darker than any other RJ Scott book I've ever read, but it was enthralling, intense, and gritty.

Robbie was so strong, even if he didn't feel he was. Managing to not only escape from his captors, but to heal after years of enduring the worst torture, not many people can do it, no matter their support system. Of course, not many have a support system like the Redcars crew. Enzo is so protective of Robbie. I just adored them together. The way Robbie felt about trusting Enzo, their connection, and how it evolved into something more. It was just so organic.

I also loved Jamie and Rio, and how they were so on board with protecting Robbie as well. It was endearing that Enzo could find a family in them after not having anyone for so long. Especially a family that was willing to do just about anything for him.

I absolutely loved that John got his comeuppance, and I can't wait for Jamie and Rio's books to see what Ms. Scott has in store for the other bad guys.

While this was a dark read that deals with some heavy themes, it was balanced with a sweet romance and fun times with the Redcars guys and suspense as they tried to find out who Robbie's captors were. Definitely a must-read!

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Profile Image for SNik.
669 reviews19 followers
May 16, 2025
First in series (Redcars). Hurt/comfort. Found family. Slow burn. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.

He escaped, and stumbles upon a group of men that become his safe haven, but he is still being hunted and slowly it becomes clear that mechanic and ex-con Enzo will shield him from any danger. The minute Enzo met Robbie he became Enzo’s to protect, no matter their pasts as they begin to embrace a future together where they will risk anything to be together.

A fantastic start to a new series, this story had really engaging and likable main characters, beyond supportive secondary characters that bring protective vibes all day long, bad guys to root against, and a patient love that is deep and all encompassing. I enjoyed every page of this book, as Enzo and Robbie are drawn to each other and don’t give up no matter how many times they stumble. Being vulnerable is hard, and both Enzo and Robbie are courageous and admirable as they learn to love and allow themselves to be loved. Action, suspense, swoon, found family, and all the best hugs out there, I can’t wait for more of this series.
2,016 reviews25 followers
May 23, 2025
This gripping novel introduces Robbie, a man on the run who stumbles upon a group that offers him sanctuary. However, his past continues to haunt him, and the danger is far from over. Enzo, a mechanic and ex-con, is among his newfound allies, whose protective instincts kick in the moment he meets Robbie. Despite their complicated histories, Enzo becomes Robbie’s shield, determined to keep him safe as they forge a future together, one they are willing to risk everything for.
The novel is a powerful start to a new series, featuring compelling main characters, fiercely loyal secondary characters, and a thrilling mix of action, suspense, and romance. Enzo and Robbie’s journey is defined by resilience, vulnerability, and the profound courage it takes to embrace love. With a strong found family dynamic and emotionally charged moments, this story delivers heart-pounding tension alongside heartfelt connections. A great start to a new series by R.J. Scott.
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3,820 reviews32 followers
May 26, 2025
★彡 𝟓 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐒! 彡★

RJ Scott has been on my list of favorite authors for a long time now. She writes all kinds of MM romance, from stories on the sweeter side to darker ones like this book, Enzo, which is definitely one of the darkest stories I think she’s written – and she did a superb job.

Enzo is a very gritty romance with a morally gray hero who would do anything to protect his man. The story starts off with a gripping tale of a young man being held captive. I’m not gonna lie, it was a little difficult to read about the conditions that Roman/Robbie was forced to survive in, but survive he did.

Enzo and his friends find Roman/Robbie, nearly dead, outside of Redcars. That starts the slow healing of Robbie and the bond between him and Enzo. The men of Redcars are determined to protect Robbie, no matter what it takes.

It’s hard for me to describe how this book made me feel. Parts of it were horrifying but the bad guys eventually get what they deserve and Robbie and Enzo get their hard-won HEA. All of the men in this book have interesting stories to tell us and I can’t wait to read Jamie’s story.

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
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500 reviews8 followers
June 24, 2025
Wow, this is for sure a much darker book than I've known R.J. to write, but I loved every single word of it.

Robbie has been through an horrendous ordeal, used and abused for his fenomenal talent for years he finally manages to escape. He's found by Enzo, an ex-con who found a new home as a mechanic at Redcars, a garage but also a refuge for people who want to start over.

It was heartbreaking to see Robbie going from being scared out of his mind, jumping at every bit of sound to slowly opening up and putting his trust in the people who found him and took him in. His bond with Enzo was so special, Enzo being the gruff, tattoed guy but with a heart of gold. So protective of Robbie and wanting to do everything in his power to make things better.

We also get an introduction to all the side characters who will be getting their own story. This was a great first entry in this new series and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book which will be Jamie's story.
144 reviews
September 5, 2025
Amazing!

RJ Scott was the first author I read when I discovered the MM book universe. I can honestly say I’ve started one of her stories that I couldn’t finish, and quite a few of her books/series are among my top rereadable favorites.

Once again, Scott hits this one wayyyyyyyyyy out of the park, and she does it by going much darker than I’ve ever known her to be. There are definitely triggers here. Robbie has been hurt in so many ways for so many years, and is just at his breaking point when he meets Enzo. Enzo is exactly how I like a rescuer to be; comforting, strong, steady, and protective. Of course, there are missteps between them as their paths begin to converge, but always in the background is the need for Robbie’s safety.

I loved the secondary characters, who I’m assuming will all have their own stories to tell as they all uncover a deal with the world that enslaved Robbie.

This story isn’t over, and I’m eagerly jumping into Book 2!
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