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The Mortuary Misfits #2
House of Byrne
I've never been a 'good girl'.I’ve never even known what it meant. Truthfully…I don’t care to. My identifier? Is the brat. The whore. The spoiled little sister. The waste of life. The half-breed daughter of a fallen king, in a kingdom that was a joke to begin with.
In my young life, nobody ever cared enough to ask me who I really am.
Nobody except one.
My brother bet his life on luck. And luck gave him a swift gutting—until she fell into his life with a bloody mop and a bucket…and a pile of dead people we laid at her altar. Seven Grey was our saving grace. Our ‘Mother Mary’. That weird piece of furniture in our lives that reshaped the entire room—and she says she envies me.
I envy her.
I envy Malek.
I envy the fact that after all that’s happened…I miss the oblivious brat I used to be that might have once been stupid enough to shelve this jar with the bottled-up demon and not think about lifting the lid every five minutes. Malek deserves the happiness he’s found with the angel that brought us all a little peace.
But he didn’t get that peace without his revenge.
I never got my hands dirty when I sent him off to be the reaper when I was finished playing with my toys. I didn’t know what it felt like to feel them die. To watch them. To get high off of their blood on my hands.
Now I do.
Killing one of my enemies…picked the lock to the fiery cage that’s nestled in the pit of me. Branded by my last name. Set on fire by the hate I feel. I don’t remember the girl I was before it. She’s dead. All I know now? Is the bitch I’ve become. The rage that made my first murder so sweet. The taste I can’t get out of my mouth, no matter what kind of life I wish I could live. Malek’s demons are sleeping.
My name is Bridget Byrne.
...And my demons are very much awake...
In my young life, nobody ever cared enough to ask me who I really am.
Nobody except one.
My brother bet his life on luck. And luck gave him a swift gutting—until she fell into his life with a bloody mop and a bucket…and a pile of dead people we laid at her altar. Seven Grey was our saving grace. Our ‘Mother Mary’. That weird piece of furniture in our lives that reshaped the entire room—and she says she envies me.
I envy her.
I envy Malek.
I envy the fact that after all that’s happened…I miss the oblivious brat I used to be that might have once been stupid enough to shelve this jar with the bottled-up demon and not think about lifting the lid every five minutes. Malek deserves the happiness he’s found with the angel that brought us all a little peace.
But he didn’t get that peace without his revenge.
I never got my hands dirty when I sent him off to be the reaper when I was finished playing with my toys. I didn’t know what it felt like to feel them die. To watch them. To get high off of their blood on my hands.
Now I do.
Killing one of my enemies…picked the lock to the fiery cage that’s nestled in the pit of me. Branded by my last name. Set on fire by the hate I feel. I don’t remember the girl I was before it. She’s dead. All I know now? Is the bitch I’ve become. The rage that made my first murder so sweet. The taste I can’t get out of my mouth, no matter what kind of life I wish I could live. Malek’s demons are sleeping.
My name is Bridget Byrne.
...And my demons are very much awake...
- GenresDark RomanceDark
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2026
About the author
H.B. Elliott
7 books133 followersH.B. Elliott is an over-caffeinated book nerd from North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, her two amazing children, a dog that thinks she's a chew toy, and a cat that's ten times more temperamental.
She started writing in her early teens, and was inspired by dark moody legends like Edgar Allan Poe. Art and photography were a staple in her creative development and remains that way into her adulthood. Her main genre and focus is Romance, though she's acquired a good many hats within that spectrum.
Fantasy is a gateway.
Historical fiction is a drug.
Dark romance is non-negotiable.
Love is more binding than the spine of any book.
Elliott is a firm believer in the Savior, and credits all her success to His name.
After all...He's the one who told her she can do all things.
He also still reprimands her on a regular basis of all the smut she continues to read.
She started writing in her early teens, and was inspired by dark moody legends like Edgar Allan Poe. Art and photography were a staple in her creative development and remains that way into her adulthood. Her main genre and focus is Romance, though she's acquired a good many hats within that spectrum.
Fantasy is a gateway.
Historical fiction is a drug.
Dark romance is non-negotiable.
Love is more binding than the spine of any book.
Elliott is a firm believer in the Savior, and credits all her success to His name.
After all...He's the one who told her she can do all things.
He also still reprimands her on a regular basis of all the smut she continues to read.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 12, 2026
I read the ARC of this book and let me tell you- it didn’t disappoint! It had me hooked from page one until the end just like Seven Graves did! This is Bridget and Declan’s story! I am so sad this series is over! If you love a badass scarred FMC with a take no prisoners attitude alongside other badass MCs who have you questioning yourself on why they are so relatable and the witty banter will keep you laughing throughout- then this book is for you! I wish I could read it again for the first time! Loved it so much!!
June 4, 2026
Easily one of my top reads for 2026.
Bridget is a Queen. Let’s just establish this right now. She is absolute royalty, and everyone else is just lucky to be breathing her air.
Watching her embrace her inner chaotic nightmare is nothing short of glorious. If you thought Malek was unhinged, you were mistaken. Watching Declan try to manage a woman who is 10x more unhinged than Malek was amazing. Legit—Bridget carried the entire weight of this book on her shoulders while everyone else just stumbled to keep up.
Bridget is a Queen. Let’s just establish this right now. She is absolute royalty, and everyone else is just lucky to be breathing her air.
Watching her embrace her inner chaotic nightmare is nothing short of glorious. If you thought Malek was unhinged, you were mistaken. Watching Declan try to manage a woman who is 10x more unhinged than Malek was amazing. Legit—Bridget carried the entire weight of this book on her shoulders while everyone else just stumbled to keep up.
March 12, 2026
I have written and erased this review a couple times trying not to give spoilers and still trying to describe how amazing this book is. So here, we go…..This is the second book in The Mortuary Misfits and it did not disappoint. There is romance, spice, banter, danger, high stakes, revenge and redemption. The banter is so good. I was laughing and kicking my feet from the first chapter. There were times I was laughing so hard that I had tears rolling down my face. The romance and spice with have your temperature rising and your heart swooning. The action and danger will have you on the edge of your seat. I have read almost all of this author’s books and she never disappoints. Her writing is top tier. Her plots and story lines are flawless. If I could give this book more stars on here, I would give it infinite stars. I highly recommend you read this duet. Start with Seven Graves. You will not be disappointed.
April 15, 2026
This book said “normal pacing?” funny... and then launched itself straight into chaos from page one.
I’m not even kidding—the first chapter had me grinning like an idiot. Full “girl… you did NOT just—oh. Oh you did. You absolutely did.” energy. And from that moment on? I was locked in.
The whole book is just unhinged in the best possible way. Dark, messy, chaotic—but also ridiculously funny. I was tearing through pages like my life depended on it, fully invested, slightly concerned, and already wanting more halfway through.
We’ve got:
a newbie killer realizing this job isn’t as easy as big bro made it look (shocking, I know)
a boyfriend who said “I’ll protect you” and took that as a full-time stalking position
a cast of characters who all need therapy but instead chose violence
And somehow, it all works.
The personalities? Loud. Chaotic. Dysfunctional.
The banter? Top tier.
The trauma? Oh, it’s there. Don’t worry.
Because underneath all the blood, jokes, and what the hell is happening moments, this book actually goes deeper than the first one. Relationships get messy. Secrets start piling up. Family drama kicks in like it owns the place.
And those cameos from Malek. Seven?
I swear I perked up like a dog hearing a treat bag. Immediate serotonin boost. No shame.
But don’t get too comfortable with the humor at the start. That’s just the bait.
Because when the storm hits?
It hits hard.
The tone shifts, the stakes skyrocket, and suddenly you’re not laughing anymore—you’re sitting there like “oh… oh this is serious now.” Everything unravels, and it does not do it gently.
Was I ready?
Absolutely not.
And now I’m sitting here, emotionally attached and slightly offended that it’s over.
Because these characters? They snuck in, made themselves comfortable, and now they’re living rent-free in my head. Permanently.
And can we talk about No-bullshit Simon?
Because that man? Icon. Legend. Problem.
And Malek?
Yeah, that man is firmly on my pedestal. One of my favorite MMCs, no discussion needed. The grip he has? Unfair.
As for final thoughts, it was chaotic. Violent. Funny. Emotional. Completely unhinged—but with depth where it counts.
Their story ended.
And it ended loud.
With enemies crushed under the queens heels and chaos reigning like it should.
And me?
Still here.
Wanting more.
Willing to make questionable decisions to get it.
I’m not even kidding—the first chapter had me grinning like an idiot. Full “girl… you did NOT just—oh. Oh you did. You absolutely did.” energy. And from that moment on? I was locked in.
The whole book is just unhinged in the best possible way. Dark, messy, chaotic—but also ridiculously funny. I was tearing through pages like my life depended on it, fully invested, slightly concerned, and already wanting more halfway through.
We’ve got:
a newbie killer realizing this job isn’t as easy as big bro made it look (shocking, I know)
a boyfriend who said “I’ll protect you” and took that as a full-time stalking position
a cast of characters who all need therapy but instead chose violence
And somehow, it all works.
The personalities? Loud. Chaotic. Dysfunctional.
The banter? Top tier.
The trauma? Oh, it’s there. Don’t worry.
Because underneath all the blood, jokes, and what the hell is happening moments, this book actually goes deeper than the first one. Relationships get messy. Secrets start piling up. Family drama kicks in like it owns the place.
And those cameos from Malek. Seven?
I swear I perked up like a dog hearing a treat bag. Immediate serotonin boost. No shame.
But don’t get too comfortable with the humor at the start. That’s just the bait.
Because when the storm hits?
It hits hard.
The tone shifts, the stakes skyrocket, and suddenly you’re not laughing anymore—you’re sitting there like “oh… oh this is serious now.” Everything unravels, and it does not do it gently.
Was I ready?
Absolutely not.
And now I’m sitting here, emotionally attached and slightly offended that it’s over.
Because these characters? They snuck in, made themselves comfortable, and now they’re living rent-free in my head. Permanently.
And can we talk about No-bullshit Simon?
Because that man? Icon. Legend. Problem.
And Malek?
Yeah, that man is firmly on my pedestal. One of my favorite MMCs, no discussion needed. The grip he has? Unfair.
As for final thoughts, it was chaotic. Violent. Funny. Emotional. Completely unhinged—but with depth where it counts.
Their story ended.
And it ended loud.
With enemies crushed under the queens heels and chaos reigning like it should.
And me?
Still here.
Wanting more.
Willing to make questionable decisions to get it.
April 3, 2026
I’ve been waiting for this release for what seems like foreverrrrrrrr. Seven Graves was such an amazing read that I was counting down the days until I got my hands on Bridget’s story.
Bridget has always been known as the promiscuous spoiled brat but that all changes when she’s kidnapped in the first book and gets her hands a little bloody. This book jumps right into her failing miserably at hiding a body. It’s easy to kill, but she quickly learns her clean up skills could use some work … but like she’s new at it so it takes some practice.
I fell in love with Declan in book one, and book 2 did not disappoint. What can I say, I love my nerdy MMC’s. I loved how he knew what Bridget was doing for the most part all along, but was just waiting for her to open up and tell him about it. His frustrations with her were valid and kudos to him for having the patience of a saint because Bridget was not easy to love. Declan was obsessed and so in love. Magical. This couple is just magical.
This does a deep dive into Bridgets insecurities and fears but ultimately she came out stronger than ever.
Now let’s talk spice. Holy Spicy spice. Their sexual chemistry is unmatched. Every single scene was hawwwt. Making me sweat level hot.
I’m so sad this is the end of the Bryne’s, I never want the story’s to end.
Bridget has always been known as the promiscuous spoiled brat but that all changes when she’s kidnapped in the first book and gets her hands a little bloody. This book jumps right into her failing miserably at hiding a body. It’s easy to kill, but she quickly learns her clean up skills could use some work … but like she’s new at it so it takes some practice.
I fell in love with Declan in book one, and book 2 did not disappoint. What can I say, I love my nerdy MMC’s. I loved how he knew what Bridget was doing for the most part all along, but was just waiting for her to open up and tell him about it. His frustrations with her were valid and kudos to him for having the patience of a saint because Bridget was not easy to love. Declan was obsessed and so in love. Magical. This couple is just magical.
This does a deep dive into Bridgets insecurities and fears but ultimately she came out stronger than ever.
Now let’s talk spice. Holy Spicy spice. Their sexual chemistry is unmatched. Every single scene was hawwwt. Making me sweat level hot.
I’m so sad this is the end of the Bryne’s, I never want the story’s to end.
March 15, 2026
I will forever be screaming from the rooftops about this book along with Seven Graves. I had the absolute privilege to read this as an arc. I am simply obsessed!
HB has this way of writing to make me feel like I am there. The banter is top notch and I laugh out loud all throughout the book. She allows me to connect with each character as if I’ve known them always and they are my personal friends.
Bridget Byrne is a badass FMC who thinks she’s psycho and unhinged. She may be in the aspect of the steps she takes to handle business, but she really just does things for others. To protect them. To protect the family. To protect the innocent. At all costs, even if it’s her own life. She is the Queen!
HB has this way of writing to make me feel like I am there. The banter is top notch and I laugh out loud all throughout the book. She allows me to connect with each character as if I’ve known them always and they are my personal friends.
Bridget Byrne is a badass FMC who thinks she’s psycho and unhinged. She may be in the aspect of the steps she takes to handle business, but she really just does things for others. To protect them. To protect the family. To protect the innocent. At all costs, even if it’s her own life. She is the Queen!
June 19, 2026
Laugh out loud banter!
H.B. Elliott delivers again with the second book in the Mortuary Misfits duology. The banter between "nerdy" Declan and Bridget is so fun to read, plus Malek and Seven are present in this book.
Bridget brings all her chaos and Declan he matches her energy and also has his hands full trying I keep her safe. Bridget is finding her way to ruling as queen and Queen Bridget she is.
Humor, trauma, newbie killer, unhinged characters. It gets messy and is amazing!
H.B. Elliott delivers again with the second book in the Mortuary Misfits duology. The banter between "nerdy" Declan and Bridget is so fun to read, plus Malek and Seven are present in this book.
Bridget brings all her chaos and Declan he matches her energy and also has his hands full trying I keep her safe. Bridget is finding her way to ruling as queen and Queen Bridget she is.
Humor, trauma, newbie killer, unhinged characters. It gets messy and is amazing!
April 1, 2026
I had the pleasure of ARC reading and yet again… the author didn’t disappoint!! From dancing in the woods, to “stabbing boobs” witty dialogue, phenomenal side characters and spicy good times.. this one hit the mark just as much or more than its sister …Seven Graves! That’s saying a lot because Seven Graves was my favorite read in all of 2025. Definitely recommend this duet especially if you love Dark RomComs!
April 7, 2026
Chefs kiss, or Irish? "We've got some Irish houses to Byrne." I ate this book UP. I've always sucked at writing reviews, but here goes nothing. Second book of the series did not disappoint at all. Bridget is back with her bitchy smart ass and she stands on bloody business. Want a story that is filled with banter, family, blood, sex and revenge? This fits all the boxes 👏
May 27, 2026
Beautiful, healing, sexy and funny as hell!
What to say! Such an beautiful end to this duet! As much as I loved Seven and Maleks story (malek is goals!) Bridget and Declans story is such a healing one. Just as funny and dark and sexy as the first. Bridget was on such a journey in this book and came out the Queen she is at the end. Well worth the read x
What to say! Such an beautiful end to this duet! As much as I loved Seven and Maleks story (malek is goals!) Bridget and Declans story is such a healing one. Just as funny and dark and sexy as the first. Bridget was on such a journey in this book and came out the Queen she is at the end. Well worth the read x
June 4, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Hands down one of the best duets I’ve read. Bridget was most definitely a queen and Declan 🫶🏻💋 such a king love him. The play in the woods had me crying with laughter, again the banter was amazing. Love the mal and sav and Simon all made an appearance throughout the book love them. Have to ask tho is Simon really a Hannibal Lecter? 😂 great read sad it’s over.
Hands down one of the best duets I’ve read. Bridget was most definitely a queen and Declan 🫶🏻💋 such a king love him. The play in the woods had me crying with laughter, again the banter was amazing. Love the mal and sav and Simon all made an appearance throughout the book love them. Have to ask tho is Simon really a Hannibal Lecter? 😂 great read sad it’s over.
July 19, 2026
3 - 3.5 🌟
✓ Entertaining plot - 2.5 / 5
✓ Dual pov's
✓ Mature language
✓ Fast paced
✓ Spice 🌶🌶.5 / 5
✓ He Falls First
✓ Touch her and you'll 💀
✓ Stalker Romance
✓ Ridiculously Dark Humor
✓ Found family
✓ Long chapters
✓ Interconnected standalone
✓ Gore
✓ Banter
✓ HFN
I felt like something was missing from the book.
For half the book, she was keeping secrets and acting more like a child than the badass queen she thought she was.
The book did get better, though. The action picked up a bit and was more exciting than it was at the start.
I really enjoyed seeing the story arc of Seven and Malek develop. It was so cute to see them together.
Once again, the banter and humor were on point. It was a nice surprise to see that Bridget became the queen she wanted to be.
Overall, it was a good series, but I had to warm up to the second one a bit more.
✓ Entertaining plot - 2.5 / 5
✓ Dual pov's
✓ Mature language
✓ Fast paced
✓ Spice 🌶🌶.5 / 5
✓ He Falls First
✓ Touch her and you'll 💀
✓ Stalker Romance
✓ Ridiculously Dark Humor
✓ Found family
✓ Long chapters
✓ Interconnected standalone
✓ Gore
✓ Banter
✓ HFN
I felt like something was missing from the book.
For half the book, she was keeping secrets and acting more like a child than the badass queen she thought she was.
The book did get better, though. The action picked up a bit and was more exciting than it was at the start.
I really enjoyed seeing the story arc of Seven and Malek develop. It was so cute to see them together.
Once again, the banter and humor were on point. It was a nice surprise to see that Bridget became the queen she wanted to be.
Overall, it was a good series, but I had to warm up to the second one a bit more.
April 10, 2026
SUMMARY:
She has never been a “good girl” and truthfully, she doesn’t care to be. Her identifiers are the brat. The whore. The spoiled little sister. The waste of life. The half-breed daughter of a fallen king, in a kingdom that was a joke to begin with. In her young life, nobody ever cared enough to ask her who she really was. Nobody except one. Her brother bet his life on luck. And luck gave him a swift gutting, until she fell into his life with a bloody mop and a bucket ... and a pile of dead people they laid at her altar. Seven Grey was their saving grace. Their “Mother Mary”. That weird piece of furniture in their lives that reshaped the entire room and she says she envies me. She envies her. Killing one of her enemies had picked the lock to the fiery cage that’s nestled in the pit of her. Branded by her last name. Set on fire by the hate she felt. She doesn’t remember the girl she was before it. The rage that made her first murder so sweet. The taste she can’t get out of her mouth, no matter what kind of life she wishes she could live. Malek’s demons are sleeping. Her name is Bridget Byrne. And her demons are very much awake...
REVIEW:
House of Bryne is the second book in H.B. Elliott's Mortuary Misfits series which takes place a year after Seven Graves ends and tells the story of Bridget Bryne and Declan McCann. The story starts off when Bridget is trying to disappear a dead body after she had her fun playing with her victim until she was able to get as much information from her that she could. Then a mysterious stalker keeps interrupting her every time she tries to hide a body which ends up being Declan who has been secretly following her because he's worried about her since the O'Dell blow up she had been acting strange. For Bridget killing one of her enemies had picked the lock to the fiery cage that's nestled in the pit of her. Declan was worshipped Bridget for years though she would always keep her feelings to herself as she is afraid of a permanent committed relationship since her upbringing was not the most traditional but very bloody. When Bridget uncovers various truths that came from getting rid of the O'Dell family danger comes raining down on the House of Bryne.
H.B. Elliott delivered a crazy and fun ride of a story in this found family grumpy sunshine he falls first dark mafia romance that had me gasping and giggling at the same time. Bridget is an intriguing character that is fighting her feelings for Declan because she feels like she doesn't deserve it. Declan is a nerdy yet very vicious Irish man that doesn't mind all of Bridget's kinks. Bridget and Declan have a rough time with the trust in their relationship because she was unsure of how to bring her problems up since her brother had given up their old mafia life but ultimately she was able to finally trust Declan with her secrets. It was very fun reading all the crazy adventures that Bridget and Declan go through to finally find their HEA which they have both been looking for and which they rightly deserved.
She has never been a “good girl” and truthfully, she doesn’t care to be. Her identifiers are the brat. The whore. The spoiled little sister. The waste of life. The half-breed daughter of a fallen king, in a kingdom that was a joke to begin with. In her young life, nobody ever cared enough to ask her who she really was. Nobody except one. Her brother bet his life on luck. And luck gave him a swift gutting, until she fell into his life with a bloody mop and a bucket ... and a pile of dead people they laid at her altar. Seven Grey was their saving grace. Their “Mother Mary”. That weird piece of furniture in their lives that reshaped the entire room and she says she envies me. She envies her. Killing one of her enemies had picked the lock to the fiery cage that’s nestled in the pit of her. Branded by her last name. Set on fire by the hate she felt. She doesn’t remember the girl she was before it. The rage that made her first murder so sweet. The taste she can’t get out of her mouth, no matter what kind of life she wishes she could live. Malek’s demons are sleeping. Her name is Bridget Byrne. And her demons are very much awake...
REVIEW:
House of Bryne is the second book in H.B. Elliott's Mortuary Misfits series which takes place a year after Seven Graves ends and tells the story of Bridget Bryne and Declan McCann. The story starts off when Bridget is trying to disappear a dead body after she had her fun playing with her victim until she was able to get as much information from her that she could. Then a mysterious stalker keeps interrupting her every time she tries to hide a body which ends up being Declan who has been secretly following her because he's worried about her since the O'Dell blow up she had been acting strange. For Bridget killing one of her enemies had picked the lock to the fiery cage that's nestled in the pit of her. Declan was worshipped Bridget for years though she would always keep her feelings to herself as she is afraid of a permanent committed relationship since her upbringing was not the most traditional but very bloody. When Bridget uncovers various truths that came from getting rid of the O'Dell family danger comes raining down on the House of Bryne.
H.B. Elliott delivered a crazy and fun ride of a story in this found family grumpy sunshine he falls first dark mafia romance that had me gasping and giggling at the same time. Bridget is an intriguing character that is fighting her feelings for Declan because she feels like she doesn't deserve it. Declan is a nerdy yet very vicious Irish man that doesn't mind all of Bridget's kinks. Bridget and Declan have a rough time with the trust in their relationship because she was unsure of how to bring her problems up since her brother had given up their old mafia life but ultimately she was able to finally trust Declan with her secrets. It was very fun reading all the crazy adventures that Bridget and Declan go through to finally find their HEA which they have both been looking for and which they rightly deserved.
May 15, 2026
I really enjoyed this one.
The beginning made me feel like I was reading something that is actually a second chance romance. The relationship between the FMC and MMC was strained and full of secrets. I wanted to slap some sense into Bridget, I'm not going to lie.
I must admit that I had to read through my fingers and control my breathing lest I puke during the Vikter interrogation 😁 But I soldiered on, yay me!
It warmed my blackene heart seeing all the characters coming together as a family bound with love and not in violence.
I loved walking the journey with Bridget as she came into herself and grew with confidence. It feels like Sev also impacted that sense of self acceptance and love. She developed from a bratty, spoiled mafia princess into a smart and dangerous queen. Even though she never got rid of her bugle addiction.
I struggled a bit with Declan in terms of feeling out who he is. Is he a tech genius, a hacker extraordinaire, a funny Irish bloke, a sap, a pushover, a badass who can also be a bit murdery? Yes. Yes he is.
I didn't like the ending of book 1 but was happy how this one wrapped up.
I still feel like the Irish mafia business isn't resolved and was just neatly packed in a corner with a bow on it.
I'm sad to say goodbye to these characters but I enjoyed the ride.
Series: Book 2 of 2
HEA: Yes
Spice: 4 / 5 🌶
The beginning made me feel like I was reading something that is actually a second chance romance. The relationship between the FMC and MMC was strained and full of secrets. I wanted to slap some sense into Bridget, I'm not going to lie.
I must admit that I had to read through my fingers and control my breathing lest I puke during the Vikter interrogation 😁 But I soldiered on, yay me!
It warmed my blackene heart seeing all the characters coming together as a family bound with love and not in violence.
I loved walking the journey with Bridget as she came into herself and grew with confidence. It feels like Sev also impacted that sense of self acceptance and love. She developed from a bratty, spoiled mafia princess into a smart and dangerous queen. Even though she never got rid of her bugle addiction.
I struggled a bit with Declan in terms of feeling out who he is. Is he a tech genius, a hacker extraordinaire, a funny Irish bloke, a sap, a pushover, a badass who can also be a bit murdery? Yes. Yes he is.
I didn't like the ending of book 1 but was happy how this one wrapped up.
I still feel like the Irish mafia business isn't resolved and was just neatly packed in a corner with a bow on it.
I'm sad to say goodbye to these characters but I enjoyed the ride.
Series: Book 2 of 2
HEA: Yes
Spice: 4 / 5 🌶
April 1, 2026
I'm going to attempt to write this without spoilers, but that's super difficult with the excitement I am feeling over this book.
If you've read Seven Graves, you all know lovely Bridget and how she started off as a spoiled "brat" who overtime we got to see evolve. House of Byrne is all about the evolution of her persona from book 1 where she realized that Daddy was no longer there to spoil and protect her. There were a lot of loose ends for our dearest redhead princess in the last scenes from book one that she took upon herself to try and solve on her own to protect her new family. Hard work, for sure HA HA this book is f*cking fantastic. The build up between her and the plot, Dec, a mysterious stalker... 10/10. It's genius. It's going to cause goosebumps, excitement, a wtaf, a momentary need to slap a specific someone. All the feels! I'm here for it all, and so will you! 😘
If you've read Seven Graves, you all know lovely Bridget and how she started off as a spoiled "brat" who overtime we got to see evolve. House of Byrne is all about the evolution of her persona from book 1 where she realized that Daddy was no longer there to spoil and protect her. There were a lot of loose ends for our dearest redhead princess in the last scenes from book one that she took upon herself to try and solve on her own to protect her new family. Hard work, for sure HA HA this book is f*cking fantastic. The build up between her and the plot, Dec, a mysterious stalker... 10/10. It's genius. It's going to cause goosebumps, excitement, a wtaf, a momentary need to slap a specific someone. All the feels! I'm here for it all, and so will you! 😘
April 8, 2026
I really liked Seven Graves A LOT! So I was very excited about House of Byrne. And I was not disappointed. I just had a harder time with Bridge. Seven was more up my alley. Loooved Declsn though. Although I feel we weren‘t given a lot of their relationship. I woulf have loved to see more of how they actually make it work and really opening up to esch other. I still feel Bridge is still holding back on feelings while Dec will never believe he is good enough. Really enjoyed getting some more Malek-lines 😍
April 28, 2026
This was good. Not as good as book 1 bc I think that I could just relate to Seven a little better. But, I still enjoyed it. Chaotic was the forefront of this book, lol. I got lost quite a few times trying to figure out what was going on. I loved the development of Bridge but I still feel like she’s still missing something. Declan on the other hand, holy moly, he’s hot af! Always coming through and loving Bride as she was. I love the family unity this book shows us. What a fantastic message to portray!
March 30, 2026
I have no words. Author can write a great dark Irish mafia romance. The plot the characters everything about this story is chefs kiss. It’s full of twists action and spicy romance. The play list to listen to along with the story as well so good. This author should really get more hype. I highly recommend her books.
May 15, 2026
Well done. Another good time with this one. I liked how things ended. H.B. Elliott will be an automatic read for me moving forward. The writing is easy to follow, good sense of humor, plots that make sense without loose ends. Introductions to characters is well done and gives each one enough depth to know them.
April 3, 2026
Brooke did it again! I was hooked from page 1 Bridget is the queen! If you love a psycho Elle Woods, Mafia Queen instead of a Mafia King..... Golden Retriever Nerdy, grumpy sunshine. he falls first. the forest scene... this is a must read!
April 17, 2026
Loved it!!!
OMG. I loved this book! Never wanted to kill anyone but I sure as hell enjoyed reading about it! This psychotic woman was so much fun getting to know! Miss Elliott, you outdid yourself!!!!
OMG. I loved this book! Never wanted to kill anyone but I sure as hell enjoyed reading about it! This psychotic woman was so much fun getting to know! Miss Elliott, you outdid yourself!!!!
June 3, 2026
Great series!
A little mafia, a little dark and lot to enjoy! Declan and Bridget were not your everyday couple. They had a lot going on and this book will help you sift through it all. Buckle up because it is a bumpy ride and will have you addicted.
A little mafia, a little dark and lot to enjoy! Declan and Bridget were not your everyday couple. They had a lot going on and this book will help you sift through it all. Buckle up because it is a bumpy ride and will have you addicted.
May 26, 2026
More wow
Follows in the footsteps of book one. Still heavy stuff, so I recommend a brief break between books. But if you liked the first book, you need the second.
Follows in the footsteps of book one. Still heavy stuff, so I recommend a brief break between books. But if you liked the first book, you need the second.
July 5, 2026
Bridget is just that bitch. Worthy of her crown.
August 3, 2026
I love this book! The humour continued from book 1 and it did not disappoint! <3
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was super honored that HB Elliott asked me to beta reader this book for her. Had this been a regular read, I probably would have finished it much quicker, but she was looking for honest feedback. I had a hard time giving her any corrective feedback it was sooo good.
This is the second book in the Mortuary Misfits duet, following book 1, Seven Graves. These books are GOOD TIER dark romcoms. By far the BEST ones out there.
In this book we follow the sister, Bridget, of the hilariously, lovable MMC from Seven Graves, Malek. They come from a family of the Irish Mob. Bridget is very unhinged and we love her for it. This is the journey of her growth from being the Irish mob Princess to the Queen with the help of her friends and family. We get all the same lovable characters from book 1 and more. So yes, you need to read them in order.
We do get a dual chapter POV between Bridget and her loving boyfriend, Declan who is all too happy to be her pawn. Little does Bridget know Declan is onto what Bridget is doing as she tries to be sneaky thinking she is protecting them all. And no this isn’t a spoiler. Declan masks up, giving us one of our favorite hot tropes and stalks her… and she has no idea it’s him.
I tell you no more. You’ll just have to read their journey for yourself. I will say: you will laugh your buttocks off, cry a little with happiness and sadness, and feel all the emotions. You’ll mostly laugh tho.
Do check your triggers but know that HB Elliot handled the more serious ones with such tact. You know without her having to dive to deep and gritty. The triggering moments weren’t super triggering IMO but do know that I read pitch black. I just think for someone who doesn’t- it was still handled gracefully. It’s still dark tho- don’t get me wrong. Now if stabby characters aren’t your thing. Don’t even bother. There is a whole lot of bl00d.
Other things I loved: Great character development on individual basis as well as couples and group dynamics. Awesome pacing with something always going on whether it’s action, laughter, or an emotional moment. This book never lost its magic from start to finish. While like most books it does start a weeee bit and I do mean the tiniest bit slower for plot and character build-up, it was still super entertaining. Once it really got going tho. I couldn’t stop. Well balanced spice- to the point where I was so engaged in the story when it popped up, I was like oh what a nice treat.
As for my review and some of your thoughts on it being too long.. 1st off I’m not doing this book the justice it deserves 2nd of all…lemme just use this quote from the HoB
“shut up, Lydia. Nobody f*cking asked you.” -Bridget f*cking Byrne
This is the second book in the Mortuary Misfits duet, following book 1, Seven Graves. These books are GOOD TIER dark romcoms. By far the BEST ones out there.
In this book we follow the sister, Bridget, of the hilariously, lovable MMC from Seven Graves, Malek. They come from a family of the Irish Mob. Bridget is very unhinged and we love her for it. This is the journey of her growth from being the Irish mob Princess to the Queen with the help of her friends and family. We get all the same lovable characters from book 1 and more. So yes, you need to read them in order.
We do get a dual chapter POV between Bridget and her loving boyfriend, Declan who is all too happy to be her pawn. Little does Bridget know Declan is onto what Bridget is doing as she tries to be sneaky thinking she is protecting them all. And no this isn’t a spoiler. Declan masks up, giving us one of our favorite hot tropes and stalks her… and she has no idea it’s him.
I tell you no more. You’ll just have to read their journey for yourself. I will say: you will laugh your buttocks off, cry a little with happiness and sadness, and feel all the emotions. You’ll mostly laugh tho.
Do check your triggers but know that HB Elliot handled the more serious ones with such tact. You know without her having to dive to deep and gritty. The triggering moments weren’t super triggering IMO but do know that I read pitch black. I just think for someone who doesn’t- it was still handled gracefully. It’s still dark tho- don’t get me wrong. Now if stabby characters aren’t your thing. Don’t even bother. There is a whole lot of bl00d.
Other things I loved: Great character development on individual basis as well as couples and group dynamics. Awesome pacing with something always going on whether it’s action, laughter, or an emotional moment. This book never lost its magic from start to finish. While like most books it does start a weeee bit and I do mean the tiniest bit slower for plot and character build-up, it was still super entertaining. Once it really got going tho. I couldn’t stop. Well balanced spice- to the point where I was so engaged in the story when it popped up, I was like oh what a nice treat.
As for my review and some of your thoughts on it being too long.. 1st off I’m not doing this book the justice it deserves 2nd of all…lemme just use this quote from the HoB
“shut up, Lydia. Nobody f*cking asked you.” -Bridget f*cking Byrne
Review of advance copy
A feral, vengeful, beautifully unhinged Irish‑mafia coming‑into‑power story.
House of Byrne, the explosive duet to Seven Graves, is Bridget Byrne’s coronation—and she earns every blood‑stained step of it.
Bridget isn’t just an Irish Mafia princess. She’s a woman cracked open by trauma, forged in blood, and sharpened by the love of found family. After the events of Seven Graves, she’s done being dismissed, controlled, or reduced to something ornamental. She was never treated as fragile—fragile would’ve been a mercy. Instead, Bridget was treated as if her only worth lay in her body and what could be taken from it. She was objectified, commodified, and stripped of agency in a world that saw her as an asset rather than a person.
This duet is her reckoning—her rise from the ashes of what was done to her, her refusal to be defined by the men who tried to use her, and her relentless pursuit of autonomy, vengeance, and power.
Bridget is unhinged in the most honest, human way: terrified of love, starved for control, and hell‑bent on carving out a throne that no one can take from her again.
And then there’s Declan McCann. He is not her reluctant ally. He is her willing blade, her ballast, her doormat if that’s what she needs to survive another day. They already live together, orbiting each other with a familiarity that should feel like safety—but Bridget holds herself back, because she was raised in a world where love is a weakness, not a weapon. She hides truths from him, buries her fears, and builds walls she hopes he’ll never scale.
But Declan?
Declan will scale every one of them. He will clean up her messes.
He will take extreme measures to uncover the secrets she refuses to share. He will slaughter for her. He will drop thirty thousand without blinking if it means blowing up the obstacles in her way.
His devotion is not subtle. It is not patient. It is not conditional.
It is absolute.
Their connection isn’t a slow burn—it’s a live wire, sparking under every moment they share, charged by everything Bridget won’t say and everything Declan refuses to let her carry alone.
This story is a tapestry of:
- self‑discovery
- found family
- revenge served cold and clever
- healing that hurts before it helps
- a woman fighting tooth and nail for her seat at the table
Bridget Byrne doesn’t wait for permission. She takes what’s hers.
And watching her rise—watching her reclaim her body, her voice, her power—is nothing short of exhilarating.
A phenomenal, addictive, 5‑star read.
House of Byrne, the explosive duet to Seven Graves, is Bridget Byrne’s coronation—and she earns every blood‑stained step of it.
Bridget isn’t just an Irish Mafia princess. She’s a woman cracked open by trauma, forged in blood, and sharpened by the love of found family. After the events of Seven Graves, she’s done being dismissed, controlled, or reduced to something ornamental. She was never treated as fragile—fragile would’ve been a mercy. Instead, Bridget was treated as if her only worth lay in her body and what could be taken from it. She was objectified, commodified, and stripped of agency in a world that saw her as an asset rather than a person.
This duet is her reckoning—her rise from the ashes of what was done to her, her refusal to be defined by the men who tried to use her, and her relentless pursuit of autonomy, vengeance, and power.
Bridget is unhinged in the most honest, human way: terrified of love, starved for control, and hell‑bent on carving out a throne that no one can take from her again.
And then there’s Declan McCann. He is not her reluctant ally. He is her willing blade, her ballast, her doormat if that’s what she needs to survive another day. They already live together, orbiting each other with a familiarity that should feel like safety—but Bridget holds herself back, because she was raised in a world where love is a weakness, not a weapon. She hides truths from him, buries her fears, and builds walls she hopes he’ll never scale.
But Declan?
Declan will scale every one of them. He will clean up her messes.
He will take extreme measures to uncover the secrets she refuses to share. He will slaughter for her. He will drop thirty thousand without blinking if it means blowing up the obstacles in her way.
His devotion is not subtle. It is not patient. It is not conditional.
It is absolute.
Their connection isn’t a slow burn—it’s a live wire, sparking under every moment they share, charged by everything Bridget won’t say and everything Declan refuses to let her carry alone.
This story is a tapestry of:
- self‑discovery
- found family
- revenge served cold and clever
- healing that hurts before it helps
- a woman fighting tooth and nail for her seat at the table
Bridget Byrne doesn’t wait for permission. She takes what’s hers.
And watching her rise—watching her reclaim her body, her voice, her power—is nothing short of exhilarating.
A phenomenal, addictive, 5‑star read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
House Of Byrne, Book two in the Mortuary Misfits series did not disappoint! I frikkin love this series AND this author. It has everything I want in a book.... a dark romcom packed with spice, revenge, redemption, danger, and plenty of moments that keep you on your toes. I found myself cackling more than once while reading this just as much if not more than the first book.
This is Bridget and Declan’s story, and after reading Seven Graves I couldn’t wait to learn more about this fiery redhead. Bridget is the sister of Malek, the seriously sexy MMC from book one, and she absolutely steals the spotlight here. As soon as I saw her story was coming, I could not contain my excitement!
Bridget comes from an Irish mob family and is a little (OKAY ALOT) unhinged in the best possible way. Watching her journey from chaotic Irish princess to someone stepping into her own power was such a fun and also unexpected at times wild ride . With the help of her people, she really grows throughout the story while still keeping that wild edge we expect and adore.
And DECLAN.. oh my goodness. A tatted up hottie hacker with a man bun, an accent, a filthy mouth, and absolute devotion to his little doe. I'm over here drooling....
We also get all the amazing returning characters from Seven Graves, which made it feel like coming back to a big, chaotic family… plus some intriguing new additions. And yes, I’m definitely looking at you, Lydia. And is it weird that I still adore Simon and want him to get a book of his own!?
Also, this feels like the perfect time of year to read this book.. the Irish accents, phrases, and overall vibe just make it even more fun. JUST SAYING!!
One thing though: you really need to read these books in order to fully appreciate the characters and their relationships. And I promise you won't regret it!! Brooke just has a way of sucking you into her stories.
If you love dark humor, chaotic characters, mob drama, and a spicy romance with heart, this series should definitely be at the top of your list.
This is Bridget and Declan’s story, and after reading Seven Graves I couldn’t wait to learn more about this fiery redhead. Bridget is the sister of Malek, the seriously sexy MMC from book one, and she absolutely steals the spotlight here. As soon as I saw her story was coming, I could not contain my excitement!
Bridget comes from an Irish mob family and is a little (OKAY ALOT) unhinged in the best possible way. Watching her journey from chaotic Irish princess to someone stepping into her own power was such a fun and also unexpected at times wild ride . With the help of her people, she really grows throughout the story while still keeping that wild edge we expect and adore.
And DECLAN.. oh my goodness. A tatted up hottie hacker with a man bun, an accent, a filthy mouth, and absolute devotion to his little doe. I'm over here drooling....
We also get all the amazing returning characters from Seven Graves, which made it feel like coming back to a big, chaotic family… plus some intriguing new additions. And yes, I’m definitely looking at you, Lydia. And is it weird that I still adore Simon and want him to get a book of his own!?
Also, this feels like the perfect time of year to read this book.. the Irish accents, phrases, and overall vibe just make it even more fun. JUST SAYING!!
One thing though: you really need to read these books in order to fully appreciate the characters and their relationships. And I promise you won't regret it!! Brooke just has a way of sucking you into her stories.
If you love dark humor, chaotic characters, mob drama, and a spicy romance with heart, this series should definitely be at the top of your list.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read Seven Graves last year and was obsessed! It was dark, funny and so unexpected that I devoured it with a day and a half and House of Byrne was the no different! Once again it only took me a day and half to read!
While Seven Graves followed Malek Byrne and the love of his life Seven Gray. House of Byrne has follows a Queen, not a Prince!
The Queen of this story is none other than Bridget Bryne herself, the Queen to the Byrne empire. This is about her and the shadowy figure who lurks behind her cleaning up her mess, and leaving her the shovel to bury the body when she forgot one. No…no…no, the shadowy figure is not Dumpster Dan! It’s quiet, dark and nerdy Declan whispering “Run little Doe” while chasing Bridget through the woods as her own masked man in the dark. Then when they get home and are living the domestic life both are unsettled with the secrets that they are keeping from each other. Bridget is unsure of how to tell him about her bloody apprenticeship, and she pretends she is the brat she always was, and Declan slips back into his moody golden retriever ways, watching every move Bridget makes waiting for her to let him in our little secret.
After how it all went down at the end of Seven Graves, Bridget has a score to settle and it’s been her little secret. Well a secret from everyone except her Mr. Miagi, Simon.
After being the Byrne family’s bloody princess for so long, relying on her brother Malek and his best friend Declan, to bring her the souvenirs back from the “assignments” she gave them when she was bored and no longer wanted to play with her playthings. Now that Malek has found his grey happily ever after, he is retired and she can no longer turn to Malek or his best friend, and her boyfriend Declan to take care of her revenge list.
Even though Bridget thinks she is keeping everyone out of it and she thinks it’s her and Simon’s secret, she’s being followed by a mystery man who helps her and dances to her ringtone “loosen up your buttons” by The Pussycat Dolls.
Once she finally comes clean to everyone after she’s caught screaming at Lydia to shut up, is it too late to keep everyone safe or is she going get her revenge and become the Queen she was meant to be, one curling iron at a time?
Find out in the conclusion to the Mortuary Misfits Series by H.B. Elliott, you won’t be disappointed!
While Seven Graves followed Malek Byrne and the love of his life Seven Gray. House of Byrne has follows a Queen, not a Prince!
The Queen of this story is none other than Bridget Bryne herself, the Queen to the Byrne empire. This is about her and the shadowy figure who lurks behind her cleaning up her mess, and leaving her the shovel to bury the body when she forgot one. No…no…no, the shadowy figure is not Dumpster Dan! It’s quiet, dark and nerdy Declan whispering “Run little Doe” while chasing Bridget through the woods as her own masked man in the dark. Then when they get home and are living the domestic life both are unsettled with the secrets that they are keeping from each other. Bridget is unsure of how to tell him about her bloody apprenticeship, and she pretends she is the brat she always was, and Declan slips back into his moody golden retriever ways, watching every move Bridget makes waiting for her to let him in our little secret.
After how it all went down at the end of Seven Graves, Bridget has a score to settle and it’s been her little secret. Well a secret from everyone except her Mr. Miagi, Simon.
After being the Byrne family’s bloody princess for so long, relying on her brother Malek and his best friend Declan, to bring her the souvenirs back from the “assignments” she gave them when she was bored and no longer wanted to play with her playthings. Now that Malek has found his grey happily ever after, he is retired and she can no longer turn to Malek or his best friend, and her boyfriend Declan to take care of her revenge list.
Even though Bridget thinks she is keeping everyone out of it and she thinks it’s her and Simon’s secret, she’s being followed by a mystery man who helps her and dances to her ringtone “loosen up your buttons” by The Pussycat Dolls.
Once she finally comes clean to everyone after she’s caught screaming at Lydia to shut up, is it too late to keep everyone safe or is she going get her revenge and become the Queen she was meant to be, one curling iron at a time?
Find out in the conclusion to the Mortuary Misfits Series by H.B. Elliott, you won’t be disappointed!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I don’t even know where to start with this book—it was an absolute wild ride from beginning to end, and I loved every second of it.
It has everything: romance, danger, family dynamics, intense twists, and even some really unexpected moments... and since Declan is involved snacks, always snacks. It dives into some darker themes like human trafficking and murder while still balancing emotional connections and relationships in a way that kept me completely hooked. And i'm not sure how in the midst of all that this book is also hilarious.
The story pulled me in BUT the characters are what really made this book shine. I adored both the MMC and FMC, but the MMC completely stole the show for me. He’s tough, intense, and a little rough around the edges—but underneath it all, there’s a caring side that makes him so compelling (and let’s be real… sexy AF).
Even the side characters were memorable, and of course I was so happy to see Seven and Malik again.
It has everything: romance, danger, family dynamics, intense twists, and even some really unexpected moments... and since Declan is involved snacks, always snacks. It dives into some darker themes like human trafficking and murder while still balancing emotional connections and relationships in a way that kept me completely hooked. And i'm not sure how in the midst of all that this book is also hilarious.
The story pulled me in BUT the characters are what really made this book shine. I adored both the MMC and FMC, but the MMC completely stole the show for me. He’s tough, intense, and a little rough around the edges—but underneath it all, there’s a caring side that makes him so compelling (and let’s be real… sexy AF).
Even the side characters were memorable, and of course I was so happy to see Seven and Malik again.
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