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I told myself I was protecting him. That was the only reason I looked him in the eye at seventeen and lied well enough to make him hate me.

It wasn't the whole truth.

Dom was the only person I ever let in. Then I chose The Family and made sure he didn't follow. The cruelest thing I ever did was make him believe I wanted him left behind.

Fifteen years later, my father sends me back to Cresson Point. I know Dom is here. I have every intention of staying out of his way.

He finds me on the third day.

The feelings aren't old. They aren't faded. They're exactly where I left them, and so is he — bigger, angrier, and still the only person alive who can make me feel like I'm worth something more than what I've become.

I can't give him what he deserves. I know what I am. I know what I've done. But every time I try to leave him alone, he finds me again. And I'm starting to think the worst thing I could do is keep letting him.

There are people who want me dead. The man I love is already in their way.

491 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2026

60 people are currently reading
94 people want to read

About the author

Romeo Alexander

98 books651 followers
Romeo Alexander lives in Michigan, USA, with his dog and two cats. As a certified night owl, coffee and a wicked sense of humor keep him going most days, as does playing with flavors in the kitchen.

As a proud gay man, Romeo doesn't just write characters—he breathes life into them, infusing them with real-world trials, tribulations, and triumphant love stories. He doesn't just believe in love; he champions it, weaving narratives that prove love's healing power time and again.

Ready for some heart-melting, tear-jerking, and smile-inducing stories that stay with you long after you've turned the last page? Dive into Romeo Alexander's world where love always finds a way. Sign up for his newsletter to be the first to know about his latest literary adventures and grab some freebies along the way! https://romeoalexander.com/newsletter

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5 stars
81 (63%)
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29 (22%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Marthea.
1,030 reviews15 followers
February 3, 2026
3+
Zmęczyłam.
I najgorsze jest w tym wszystkim to, że zdaję sobie obiektywnie sprawę, że to jest dobra książka.
Gdyby jeden z głównych bohaterów był płatnym zabójcą, to byłaby piąteczka. Ale był cholera z mafii...
A mafia jest w moim absolutnym TOP 5 najbardziej znienawidzonych tematów w książkach (prawda jest taka, że każdy z tych 5 tematów jest ex aequo na pierwszym miejscu 😜).

Zatem tiaaa... zaokrąglam w górę do 4 gwiazdek, bo wiem, że skrzywdziłabym tę książkę oceniając ją inaczej - ponieważ to nie wina autora, że tak pasjami nie cierpię mafii w swoich książkach 👀
Profile Image for Saskia Veldhuis .
2,128 reviews18 followers
Review of advance copy
January 14, 2026
4.5 stars. A somewhat slow feeling beginning, as there is a lot of back story needed for these two MCs. Later in the book, there was more than enough action to make up for it. Levi was groomed by his crime family father to join him, which was when he left his life with Dom and Dom's family. Now Levi is back and tried his best to avoid Dom, but that didn't work. I particularly enjoyed the ways Levi, in particular, was able to think of so many twists and options at once. The second chance romance, despite all the dangers and the odds against it, was really well written. The addition of Dom's family members, including some extra details about how their lives were progressing after their own books, was really good.
Thanks for the advance copy via Booksprout, I am happy to leave a voluntary review.
701 reviews5 followers
April 4, 2026
"Ex with Benefits" is the fourth and final book in the *Finding the Right Brother* series, and each book can be read as a standalone.
But if you read just one book in the series, you’ll definitely want to read the others too! At least, that’s how it was for me.
I love this series, and Dom and Levi are my favorite couple—though I used to think that about another couple in the series until this book came out.
The author’s writing style is wonderful as always, and I love Romeo’s sense of humor and the banter between his characters. So it’s no surprise that I got into the story very quickly and that it was a lot of fun to read!
I was curious about Dom right from the start, and I was thrilled that we’re finally getting his story. And what a story it is! Guys, I was in for a real rollercoaster ride of emotions.
A decision made in their teens led to Dom and Levi being separated for fifteen years. When Levi’s mother died back then, he chose his father’s family and everything that came with it—which also meant moving away from Cresson Point and, consequently, parting ways with his best friend. Now he’s back, determined to avoid Dom. He realized he couldn’t do that the moment they first met.
I was curious about Dom right from the start, and I was thrilled that we’re finally getting his story. And what a story it is! Guys, I was in for a real rollercoaster ride of emotions.
A decision made during their teenage years led to Dom and Levi being separated for fifteen years. When Levi’s mother died back then, he chose his father’s family and everything that came with it—which also meant moving away from Cresson Point and, consequently, parting ways with his best friend. Now he’s back, determined to avoid Dom. He realized he couldn’t do that the moment they first met. The obvious love Dom and Levi had for each other was the real appeal of this story, which was very entertaining, but also suspenseful and packed with action.
This is yet another one of those “second chance” books I couldn’t put down. And I’m already very sad that this series has come to an end.
Profile Image for Grady.
Author 51 books1,842 followers
January 17, 2026
‘That’s me. The height and definition of nepotism’ – rekindled feelings well scribed!

Michigan author Romeo Alexander has demonstrated that not only does he have a talent for writing romance but also the gift for exploring opposites in people’s lives and stations in life and how exploration of apparent disparities can actually be a source for bonding. In this new novel he explores the impact of extended grief, death, and more, as the plot summary suggests: ‘Losing my first love nearly destroyed me. Levi didn’t just leave. He vanished without warning, without an explanation, and took half of my heart with him. I told myself I moved on. Built a life. Learned how to breathe without him. I was lying. Now he’s back in Cresson Point, and the way he looks at me makes it painfully clear he never forgot me either. I know exactly who Levi is and the world he belongs to. I always have. Wanting him anyway feels reckless, but wanting him has never been a choice. The man I loved is tangled in violence, loyalty, and enemies who don’t miss. As the world around us starts to close in, I’m forced to decide if loving him again is worth the risk. Losing him once almost broke me. Losing him again will finish the job.’

Romeo’s ability to establish fine atmosphere is evident in the opening lines: ‘Smoke hung thick like a fog in the room, and I couldn’t decide which was worse, how hard it was to see or how hard it was to breathe…Conversation was low but steady, but no one called across the room to someone they knew…No amount of smoke could cover up the smell of sweat in the air…It seemed I was not going to be blessed with nose-blindness tonight because I could smell the fear with every inhale.’’

The range of themes in Romeo’s impressively large output of novels always encourages his readership to plead for the next volume. This is a very well-conceived and written story with a significant theme worthy of everyone’s attention!
627 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy
January 12, 2026
4.5 stars
This book is about second chances - for Levi and Dom to be together, for Levi to have a real family, and for Levi to get a sort of redo on a choice he made as a grief riddled seventeen year old - and this book delivers on all three.
The book is a little slow to start due to the amout of information needed to understand the foundational connection between Levi and Dom when they were teens, the choices made and their consequences, how each man is living after fifteen years apart, and what they've had to do to get through those years. They are each strong, powerful men in their own ways, but together they can be unstoppable. Once past the slow, but very necessary bit in the beginning, this book takes off and keeps you hooked right until the end.
The journey Levi and Dom embark on is full of history, yearning, hindsight, danger, violence, fear, passion, learning, and unconditional love. They have so much to relearn about one another, hard choices to make, and the strength and power of love to get them through to their long awaited, hard earned, but sweetly satisfying HEA.
While this book is about love and second chances, it is also full of mafia related danger and violence. There are two types of family in this book, The Family that is the mafia, and the real, genuine family that is Dom's - a family that is full of amazingly unique characters who bring so much depth, and some levity, to this story.
Overall, I found this book to be engaging and highly entertaining. I would absolutely recommend it. While it could be read as a standalone, I think it would be so much more enjoyable if the series was read in order, if only to give a better sense of that crazy, quirky, and wonderfully loving family.

I received an ARC from Booksprout, this review is my honest opinion.
1,999 reviews8 followers
February 10, 2026
Fierce and fantastic

I genuinely thought that Arlo and Ward would be my favourite couple of the series. Dead Serious with Benefits was darker than the first two were, and their connection was intense and compelling. Then Romeo throws me a curve ball and gives me Dom and Levi. Well, all bets were off, as well as the gloves throughout the book.
The result of a grieving teen making a decision that would keep them apart for fifteen years, Levi inhabited a dangerous and violent world. Back in Cresson Point, the lure of the boyhood best friend he longed to see, but didn't want to drag into his darkness, was irresistible. Dom and Levi had me hooked from that first moment they locked eyes.
There was quite a lot of exposition at the start of the book but it was necessary to understand Levi's history and current situation. If you haven't read the first three books, you may also want to read those as the series stars four brothers and their great big messy family, who all appear here, larger than life and taking over scenes.
This is not for the weak of stomach, but I loved it. The danger kept me turning the pages but the obvious love Dom and Levi had for each other was the real hook.
Romeo is a very intelligent man and his characters are similarly clever. They can run rings around each other, on any given subject, at any given time. The banter between partners is equal to the banter between all the whole family (parents, siblings and partners), and mealtimes are always fun at the hotel. Milo excelled himself this time!
I'm sad we've reached the end of the series but I'm sure whatever comes next will be great. Romeo is a must read author for me.
Profile Image for NikkiJay.
4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 13, 2026
Dom and Levi were my personal favorite couple out of this series and that is so hard to say when I loved them all so much. Their friendship bonds them in a way only that ‘growing up together’ relationship can.
During 15 years apart Levi has been forced to suppress himself and mask for everyone in it. Danger is all around him and he knows nothing good can come from allowing someone to come too close. Dom has become successful and found his place in the world among sport and his family. But he starts to lose his edge and is floundering.
When the two finally reunite they realize these were missing something so very important all along, each other. To be together is dangerous and they have to fight their way though resulting in pain, anger, and revenge. This book was longer then RA normally writes but it kept me wanting more. There were laughs, gaps, and a few tears.
Ex With Benefits is the 4th, and at this time final book, in the ‘finding the right brother” series. The books before it do not need to be read to understand this book but you will cross paths with all the characters from the books before it. I do recommend you read them all and in order as they are all fantastic. I would give this book 4 outta 5 peppers. HEA, MM, POV. And while that HEA is RA’s style boy of boy what a fight to get there…. worth every word.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,472 reviews28 followers
Review of advance copy
January 13, 2026
Fast paced read
Wow this book is addictive. I just couldn’t put it down. You have got Levi who has a young boy was brought up by his mum and had a best friend called Dom but then sadly his mum died and Levi had to decide what he wanted to do with his life and if he looked back now he would’ve thought he’d picked the wrong decision and that decision was to go and live with his dad who was a crime lord.
Dom never really got over the loss of his best friend. He was more than a best friend he was his first boyfriend. Well they experimented with each other and then after his mum died he just disappeared. But now 15 years later he’s back and in some respects, he’s still the same Levi but in other respects that boy has gone and changed into a man with a criminal mind.
Levi was still trying to protect him because he could never leave this life and he couldn’t offer safety to Dom so what’s their reality? What’s going to happen??
These two are definitely soulmate what they go through it’s just explosive. The passion they are share is spine tingling. But what they have to overcome will just make them stronger
I think this might be the end of this family series which I’m really sorry about cause this family and you see it in this book. I just extraordinary. But maybe maybe there might be a Micah Book who knows.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bluemoonchild.
270 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy
January 13, 2026
Out of all four 'Finding the Right Brother' books, this one is my favorite (and I'm pretty sure I've said that before...). I've been wanting to know more about Dom since the beginning because he's been such an enigma, and now we finally get his story. While the beginning of the book feels a little dense, it's worth taking the time to read it all so that you truly understand the history between Dom and Levi. That foundation is absolutely necessary, and it ends up making the story so much richer and more impactful.

The HEA is delicious and well earned, but these two will absolutely go through it to get there, and every obstacle feels both meaningful and insurmountable. But if anyone can get past them, it's Dom and Levi. In this final installment, you're going to find found family of the best kind, real family of the worst kind, mafia drama and danger, and the kind of love that people could write sonnets about.

As the final book in the series, it hit hard, and I'm genuinely sad to say goodbye to this family. I hope we get to see these characters pop up again in future Cresson Point books, because I'm not really ready to let them go yet.

[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
12 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 13, 2026
How do you fall in love when you're on the complete opposite sides of the track? Probably the better question would be how do you not?

This is not a fluffy, cutesy romance with a HEA that you can see from page 1, this love is *very* hard won.
These characters take their time to win you over. I Started reading with a quiet doubt, did I even like these guys? And then, suddenly, messy pages, events and happenings later, I realised I was thinking about them whilst I was at work, rooting for them and completely invested.

There's a sense of inevitability about Levi and Dom, but it's not an easy fit. Their lives are messy, complex and rich. Their problems seem insurmountable and I worried and wondered as I read.

The resolve, was not predictable, the peaks and troughs along the way were mountainous and plummeting and I loved every minute.

Read the triggers, this isn't for the faint hearted, but it's absolutely worth it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,163 reviews21 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 14, 2026
Levi is a member of a crime family. This was not a life he coveted but it was the life that he had been pulled into. It came with regrets. It pulled him away from Dom, who was the love of his life, and each of them lived but also pined for one another. Levi is tapped to return to their hometown after one of the operatives is killed in a raid by police and the FBI. It gives them a second chance and gives Levi a chance at a different life than the one that he has lived as a member of a very dangerous mafia family. Although they have lived, and both successfully on the paths that they have been on, they are better together. They have 15 years apart but still a strong desire to get to know one another and to fight the fight they will need to fight to be together. This is such a well written and layered story about not only love but the impact of choices - both old and new on the life one lives. Also about choosing what is most important and being willing to work to get it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mari.
156 reviews3 followers
January 13, 2026
Levi and Dom’s second chance romance can be added as another favorite for me in the Find the Right Brother series.

Levi leaves Dom behind when he chooses a dangerous path in the mafia, thinking it’s the only way to keep Dom safe. I really liked that we get inside Levi’s head early on, because it helps you understand who he is and why he makes the choices he does.

When Levi and Dom finally reconnect and start being honest about what they want, it’s so good! You can feel the history between them and how much they still care about each other. Dom might be this big, tough MMA fighter, but the author does such a good job showing how protective and caring he is with Levi, which I loved. Dom definitely became my favorite brother after this one.

I highly recommend especially if you like mafia, second chance, and friends to strangers to lovers (done right).

I received a free copy of this book through Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for TheBookishK9RN.
818 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 13, 2026
Dom and Levi don’t just reconnect — they collide. The pull between them is unavoidable, obsessive, and written in that quiet-devastating way where you feel it in your chest instead of just reading it on the page.

Levi is dangerous, loyal, and tangled in a violent world, and Dom knows exactly who he is… and loves him anyway. That part? Chef’s kiss. Their history and chemistry carry this story hard, and the emotional tension hits almost as strong as the spice.

My one frustration: Dom keeps making major decisions for Levi instead of with him, which got aggravating fast—especially since he claims to accept all of Levi. Communication, sir. It’s free.

Still, if you love dark second-chance romance with aching devotion, messy choices, and a couple that feels doomed and destined at the same time, this one delivers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marion.
1,932 reviews
Review of advance copy
January 13, 2026
This book is the fourth book in the Finding the Right Brother series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone read. This is the story second chances for Levi and Dom. The two were in love as teenagers but then Levi just vanished from Dom's life. No warning, explanation or goodbye. The two of them carried on with their lives but they never got over the lost love. Now Levi is back in Cresson Point. Being embedded in the Mafia makes it impossible for Levi to have the relationship that he wants. And being an MMA fighter has made Dom tough but he won't survive losing Levi a second time. This is their story. The book is written well and is easy to read. I enjoyed seeing the lengths that these two will go through to protect and support each other. I enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,809 reviews7 followers
January 26, 2026
Levi and Dom were very close in school and Levi was at the hotel most of his time which Marty loved. Levi’s mother had been with his father just long enough to get pregnant but she kept Levi away from his father who came looking for him after his mother died. At 17 Levi told Dom some lies and left to live with Augustine and work for the family, Levi mainly worked behind the scenes. But then one of the under bosses died so Levi was sent to clean up the mess with the son. Also having to fight with the men left and a cartel and Levi and Dom reconnected but eventually Levi and Will Jr. got out with penalties.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kylie .
97 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
January 13, 2026
This is the fourth book in The Finding the Right Brother Series. I Have Thoroughly enjoyed this series. Such an amazing and interesting Family. The series covers many great tropes. Ex with benefits is a second chance/Mafia story.

Dom and Levi were such a gorgeous couple. When they finally reunite after 15 years apart, they both still have feelings for each other. Dom has worked hard to move on, now a Professional MMA fighter. Levi has had to hide who he really is in the dangerous mafia world. Finding their way back to each other is risky and dangerous.

Tropes: Second Chance, Friends to Lovers, Mafia, MMA Fighter, Childhood friends
Profile Image for Gene Michaels.
Author 3 books5 followers
January 18, 2026
I loved this book. If you enjoyed Romeo’s books with assassins, this has the action and heat you’re looking for!

Dom and Levi, estranged for years, are brought together again by nefarious means years later. With the tenacity of Dom needing answers about Levi’s disappearance years ago, and Levi’s attempt to stay clear of him, the heated pull of their destined connection ties them both into dangerous territory.

The beginning of the book can be a bit long in narrative, but necessary to understand Levi’s character. Once the action starts, it never lets up. And like all of Romeo’s books, their fought battle is rewarded with the expected HEA we love!
Profile Image for Dave.
677 reviews10 followers
January 23, 2026
Well, well, well, Romeo. This was really a barn burner. Levi works for a shady organization called The Family, where he's second in command to Augustine, his boss. Dom is from a LARGE Italian-Irish family. The two were close when they were children, but Levi went to college in Seattle. Now, he's back, and it's almost as if no time had passed, because Levi and Dom picked RIGHT up once Dom realized Levi was back in Cresson Point. We get to meet Dom's family in detail. By the end, Levi is no longer with the Family, he and Dom are living in the house they bought together, and we end with Micah, Dom's youngest brother, graduating from high school.
Profile Image for K-Me.
3,027 reviews
Review of advance copy
January 14, 2026
I was so happy we got a full background of Levi and Dom when they were teenagers. The reality of life's decisions hit hard in this one. Levi had been in a bad place and was still entangled in it. But even though Dom was successful and surface happy there was still something missing in his live. Interestingly Dom could not help but insert himself in helping Levi. He could be overbearing, and I appreciated how real that felt. This was a very grueling journey to happiness but have to say that made it all the more satisfying.
Profile Image for James Hill.
749 reviews4 followers
January 27, 2026
Ex

This book for me is a 5/5. The story is authentic and the characters interesting. Levi and Dom are best friends growing and become lovers. But that all changes when Levi leaves town when the are 15. Dom is heartbroken. Years later Levi returns, but neither man is the same. Levi is involves in a criminal enterprise that does not allow for a retirement. He and Dom rekindle their relationship but Levi’s is concerned about the potential danger to Dom. The two men will have to come to an agreement about how to move forward with each other. I am glad I read this book.
687 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2026
This is another Great Book to Read from the Finding the Right Brother Series. Dominic knew Levi when they were in school but then Levi went to work for his father and everything changed. Will Levi find what he is looking for again???? Dom was brokenhearted when Levi left town, but now he is back. Will Dom be able to let Levi back in???? Will they be able to find the peace they are looking for under all the bad that is going on in the world around them????.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for lori forsyth.
879 reviews3 followers
February 24, 2026
OMG you won't be able to put it down

I love this series & thought my favorite was book 1 but ahhh
No ooo this one is my favorite!!!! As said above you won't be able to put it down - read it in one setting!!!! I loved Mason's story buy Dom & Levi made me swoon their story is soooo so sweet but all full of problems, action & bloody fighting which does tend to happen with crime families but Levi was adamant he would have Dom!!!! And I'm so happy Will found someone
Thank you so ooo very much - Lori
Profile Image for Johanna.
4,371 reviews72 followers
Review of advance copy
January 13, 2026
'Losing him once almost broke me. Losing him again will finish the job.'

The plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,043 reviews19 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 14, 2026
Diabolical! Gotta love it when a plan comes together. Then again, when plans go arwy, oof! Great story Dom and Levi are amazing. Their beginning is fun, their journey is adventurous and clever and their ending, is epic! Families are fantastic, the flow is fast and furious. Adventurous, exciting story, very well done! As always, Romeo creates the best characters. This series is worthy of rereads. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Syd Springer.
4,130 reviews6 followers
January 23, 2026
4.5 Stars
Romeo is back with another great book and great addition to this series! Levi and Dom's story was fantastic! I was in all of my feels while reading this book due to the love, hate, anger, drama, danger, steam, and the much deserved HEA that this two finally get! Levi and Dom waited 15 years and one heck of a fight to be together! I can't wait to see what Romeo has in store for us next!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for la review bleu.
214 reviews3 followers
January 18, 2026
I loved it. The story was a-freaking-mazing. Dom and Levi, childhood friends, first love, first everything – then after Levi's one decision it all changed. When they meet again, after years, everything comes back. I love Dom. This book gave me all the right feelings. Haven't read the other books tho.
Profile Image for Amanda Grange.
925 reviews5 followers
January 28, 2026
I always know that I'm going to be an emotional wreck EVERY TIME that I read anything by this author at least once throughout the book. Dom and Levi love each other so desperately without the other man's knowledge so the pining is impeccable. Honestly, i can't wait to get it on audio because 🤌🤌🤌🤌.

2,287 reviews6 followers
January 30, 2026
How disrespectful of, Romeo to wreck my emotions like this. Yet, here I was, unable to put this freakin' book down. Levi and Dom pining so hard made me wish I could jump onto the pages and tell them to get it together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,472 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy
January 11, 2026
This is book four of the series Finding the Right Brother and it is another great addition to it. This is Dom and Levi’s second chance story and it is well written and kept my attention from the beginning to the end. Great book and series.
Profile Image for Debbie Benson.
10.5k reviews40 followers
Review of advance copy
January 13, 2026
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked the way that Levi and Dom found their way back to each other. They had to learn to handle everything both past and present. It was very well written and I liked the element of the mafia.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews