What do you think?
Rate this book
Clemenza Family #1
The Beast Who Bought Me
I used to be a mafia prince. Now I'm marked as prey.
Someone is systematically eliminating my Family bloodline, and I'm the last heir standing.
No money.
No allies.
No way out…except one.
An underground auction where the wealthy and the wicked bid on desperate, untouched men like me.
I expect to be sold to a stranger. Used and discarded.
Instead, I'm bought by a man with a two-decades-long vendetta against my dead father. A beast who drops ten million dollars to own me, then drags me home to a prison he built just for me.
He wants vengeance. He wants to break me. But I'm not as easy to break as he expects.
And when danger follows me into his territory, he becomes something I never expected.
A protector.
A possessor.
He keeps me safe, even while he keeps me caged.
I’m starting to think the most dangerous thing isn’t being owned by him.
It’s wanting him to keep me...
The Beast Who Bought Me is book 1 of an ongoing-couple trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger. Expect dark dealings, obsession, possessiveness, toxic dynamics, and all the red flags. These antiheroes will earn their happily ever after, but they'll fight hard to get there.
Content guidance can be found on the author's website.
Someone is systematically eliminating my Family bloodline, and I'm the last heir standing.
No money.
No allies.
No way out…except one.
An underground auction where the wealthy and the wicked bid on desperate, untouched men like me.
I expect to be sold to a stranger. Used and discarded.
Instead, I'm bought by a man with a two-decades-long vendetta against my dead father. A beast who drops ten million dollars to own me, then drags me home to a prison he built just for me.
He wants vengeance. He wants to break me. But I'm not as easy to break as he expects.
And when danger follows me into his territory, he becomes something I never expected.
A protector.
A possessor.
He keeps me safe, even while he keeps me caged.
I’m starting to think the most dangerous thing isn’t being owned by him.
It’s wanting him to keep me...
The Beast Who Bought Me is book 1 of an ongoing-couple trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger. Expect dark dealings, obsession, possessiveness, toxic dynamics, and all the red flags. These antiheroes will earn their happily ever after, but they'll fight hard to get there.
Content guidance can be found on the author's website.
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2026
184 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Leighton Greene
40 books382 followersLeighton Greene has been writing stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Her first book was a choose-your-own-adventure style book about deciding what to eat for breakfast. It didn't shake the New York Times bestseller list, but she still has a copy of it.
After spending some time writing in academia, fanfiction and corporate reporting, Leighton decided she should probably do what she actually wanted to do, which was to write commercial fiction. So she did. She writes gay romance and, when the mood strikes, erotica as L.J. Greene.
Leighton lives with her partner and her cockatiel on the east coast of Australia.
(Source: Amazon.com)
After spending some time writing in academia, fanfiction and corporate reporting, Leighton decided she should probably do what she actually wanted to do, which was to write commercial fiction. So she did. She writes gay romance and, when the mood strikes, erotica as L.J. Greene.
Leighton lives with her partner and her cockatiel on the east coast of Australia.
(Source: Amazon.com)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 3, 2026
OMG! I should've known better than to doubt Leighton because, as much as I was enjoying the story and its development, it felt more Romantasy compared to the other books. I realized it was the heavy politics, the system of betrayal, and conspiracy that I was missing.
I mean, when you've gone through what I've gone through with the Morellis and the Castellanis, that rush of war, violence, protection, and love from Damiano and Caligula felt more on the lighter side because this wasn't about the Clemenzas, per se, like I'm used to. I got the impression of two broken sons with their own agendas falling for each other.
BUT, like I said, I should've never doubted Leighton BECAUSE this is exactly why I'm OBSESSED with her mafia books! I didn't even realize this was a slow burn until the very end of the book, lol.
My goodness, the Clemenzas have always been scum in my eyes, but Caligula isn't like his family, and chiiiiiiile, I'm sooo looking forward to seeing where this will go.
Will the Clemenzas get a redemption arc and rise from the ashes? What happens next with Caligula? And Damiano, will he act on his revenge or follow what his heart is leading him to? Then again, he has bigger fish to fry, like explaining his shenanigans to Big Gee, especially Seb.
Delicious! Delicious! Delicious!
I think I'm rambling about my excitement for the story and not actually reviewing it properly, but what can I say? Leighton Greene tends to bring out my inner rambling queen because her stories are so well-written and developed that I can't help but ramble on.
The Clemenza Series is off to a marvelous start, and I look forward to what happens next.
I mean, when you've gone through what I've gone through with the Morellis and the Castellanis, that rush of war, violence, protection, and love from Damiano and Caligula felt more on the lighter side because this wasn't about the Clemenzas, per se, like I'm used to. I got the impression of two broken sons with their own agendas falling for each other.
BUT, like I said, I should've never doubted Leighton BECAUSE this is exactly why I'm OBSESSED with her mafia books! I didn't even realize this was a slow burn until the very end of the book, lol.
My goodness, the Clemenzas have always been scum in my eyes, but Caligula isn't like his family, and chiiiiiiile, I'm sooo looking forward to seeing where this will go.
Will the Clemenzas get a redemption arc and rise from the ashes? What happens next with Caligula? And Damiano, will he act on his revenge or follow what his heart is leading him to? Then again, he has bigger fish to fry, like explaining his shenanigans to Big Gee, especially Seb.
Delicious! Delicious! Delicious!
I think I'm rambling about my excitement for the story and not actually reviewing it properly, but what can I say? Leighton Greene tends to bring out my inner rambling queen because her stories are so well-written and developed that I can't help but ramble on.
The Clemenza Series is off to a marvelous start, and I look forward to what happens next.
February 28, 2026
4.5 stars. After his cousin was found dead, Caligula at twenty-one, was the only direct descendant left—the very last grandson of Don Louis Clemenza.
They want him dead, too. To stop running and to get out of this life, he auctioned himself with his virginity.
Twenty-one years of rage and now he got what he wanted. Damiano Orsini, the thirty-four-year-old, ruthless Enforcer of the Giuliano Crime Family, finally got him; Caligula Clemenza, son of his father’s killer! He will finally get his revenge!! He will break him.
‘I’m a Clemenza. We don’t submit. We don’t beg.’
What follows is super duper entertaining, with a lot of pining, cruelty, breaking spirits, manipulation, and action.
Other mafia families are involved and it’s all intriguing af!
The story ends with a big cliffhanger
They want him dead, too. To stop running and to get out of this life, he auctioned himself with his virginity.
Twenty-one years of rage and now he got what he wanted. Damiano Orsini, the thirty-four-year-old, ruthless Enforcer of the Giuliano Crime Family, finally got him; Caligula Clemenza, son of his father’s killer! He will finally get his revenge!! He will break him.
‘I’m a Clemenza. We don’t submit. We don’t beg.’
What follows is super duper entertaining, with a lot of pining, cruelty, breaking spirits, manipulation, and action.
Other mafia families are involved and it’s all intriguing af!
The story ends with a big cliffhanger
March 7, 2026
He did damnit! Mafia Enforcer Damiano Orsino literally paid TEN MILLION dollars to own Caligula Clemenza, the last unexpected heir of the Clemenza Mafia Crime Family, for one whole year!
The Contract says that Orsini can't kill him, and that Caligula will get the money after the time is up. Caligula doesn't really have a choice because Orsini isn't the only one that wants him, but he doesn't know who the others are, why or what for. What he doesn't know is that Orsini's plans are a lot more sinister than killing him, and he has put a lot of preparation work into them.
CALIGULA is the last known Grandson of the Clemenza Don since he recently found the body of his murdered Cousin and just managed to escape with his own life, thanks to a stranger. His whole family; biological and pledged have been executed or removed.
He is a 21 year old virgin. He has bronze/blonde hair, honey eyes, and not meant to step into the role of a Mafia player. He was raised to be wealthy and sophisticated, to know about the Business and be Loyal but not on the Inside. Nobody wants to help a wanted man, with no money and no power. There is talk of Clemenza loyalists somewhere but are they even real. This winning bidder, the Stranger who previously saved him, is his only option.
ORSINI is the Enforcer for another Family. He is older. A man built for violence and intimidated, with scars and tattoos all over his body. A gay man on the Down Low who has all the sophistication of new, dirty money, and cares little about that. He does care about what he has in store for "the Clemenza" in the next 12 months.
I love Greene's books because I know that the plot will always be as exciting as the Spice. Infact her books would stand as thrilling on their own without the spice, that is how well plotted they are, and how well written.
However, that spice is imaginative, and written with perfect detail over several pages. The suspicion, hate, desire for vengeance and necessary dependency come up against inconvenient mutual sexual attraction. What develops is sympathy, gratitude, and anticipation but they can't get distracted from the original reasons that brought them together.
Some of these reasons lay in the past, and both characters have backstories that are slowly revealed but cannot be forgotten.
The supporting characters are so well developed and really come alive in the mind of the reader. They also allow additional parts of the two MMC to be shown, for better or worse. There are found family, traitorous acquintances, hurt love rivals, fair-weather friends and more than a few surprise guests.
The world building of secret basement nightclubs, glamorous galas, seedy offices, cold docks with dark warehouses and THAT house are so richly drawn and sensually evocative.
For those that are fans of Greene's previous two amazing Mafia series (The Morelli Family, and West Coast Mobsters) there are a couple of mentions to appease curiosity, but if you are not familiar then no prior knowledge is needed or even implied.
This is the first book in a Trilogy of the two MMC, which I always find worrisome because I fear that the story will lose pace, or become filled with irrelevancies but this one flew by in one sitting with enough cliffhangers to leave me frustrated in anticipation. This kind of 'edging' is not the kind I like from my spicy Mafia fiction Ms.Greene!
Best advice Dear Reader; take a month off work and read The Morellis, West Coast Mobsters and then this. Not because you need to, but because they are worlds I really want you to enjoy spending time in and you will be so very glad that you did.
The Contract says that Orsini can't kill him, and that Caligula will get the money after the time is up. Caligula doesn't really have a choice because Orsini isn't the only one that wants him, but he doesn't know who the others are, why or what for. What he doesn't know is that Orsini's plans are a lot more sinister than killing him, and he has put a lot of preparation work into them.
CALIGULA is the last known Grandson of the Clemenza Don since he recently found the body of his murdered Cousin and just managed to escape with his own life, thanks to a stranger. His whole family; biological and pledged have been executed or removed.
He is a 21 year old virgin. He has bronze/blonde hair, honey eyes, and not meant to step into the role of a Mafia player. He was raised to be wealthy and sophisticated, to know about the Business and be Loyal but not on the Inside. Nobody wants to help a wanted man, with no money and no power. There is talk of Clemenza loyalists somewhere but are they even real. This winning bidder, the Stranger who previously saved him, is his only option.
ORSINI is the Enforcer for another Family. He is older. A man built for violence and intimidated, with scars and tattoos all over his body. A gay man on the Down Low who has all the sophistication of new, dirty money, and cares little about that. He does care about what he has in store for "the Clemenza" in the next 12 months.
I love Greene's books because I know that the plot will always be as exciting as the Spice. Infact her books would stand as thrilling on their own without the spice, that is how well plotted they are, and how well written.
However, that spice is imaginative, and written with perfect detail over several pages. The suspicion, hate, desire for vengeance and necessary dependency come up against inconvenient mutual sexual attraction. What develops is sympathy, gratitude, and anticipation but they can't get distracted from the original reasons that brought them together.
Some of these reasons lay in the past, and both characters have backstories that are slowly revealed but cannot be forgotten.
The supporting characters are so well developed and really come alive in the mind of the reader. They also allow additional parts of the two MMC to be shown, for better or worse. There are found family, traitorous acquintances, hurt love rivals, fair-weather friends and more than a few surprise guests.
The world building of secret basement nightclubs, glamorous galas, seedy offices, cold docks with dark warehouses and THAT house are so richly drawn and sensually evocative.
For those that are fans of Greene's previous two amazing Mafia series (The Morelli Family, and West Coast Mobsters) there are a couple of mentions to appease curiosity, but if you are not familiar then no prior knowledge is needed or even implied.
This is the first book in a Trilogy of the two MMC, which I always find worrisome because I fear that the story will lose pace, or become filled with irrelevancies but this one flew by in one sitting with enough cliffhangers to leave me frustrated in anticipation. This kind of 'edging' is not the kind I like from my spicy Mafia fiction Ms.Greene!
Best advice Dear Reader; take a month off work and read The Morellis, West Coast Mobsters and then this. Not because you need to, but because they are worlds I really want you to enjoy spending time in and you will be so very glad that you did.
March 1, 2026
Another thrilling mafia story from Leighton Greene. This is book one of her new series, the Clemenza Family; which centers around Caligula Clemenza. Cal is running for his life after members of his family are being unalived.
In order to survive, he offers himself up for auction and plans to use the money to leave the city. What he doesn’t know is that the man that buys him has a vendetta against his family and will stop at nothing to get his revenge.
Damiano Orsini has waited two decades to avenge his father. He has been biding his time for the perfect moment to exact his revenge and when the opportunity comes sooner than expected, he can’t let it pass by.
As the Giuliano family’s enforcer, Damiano was explicitly warned not to do anything against Cal. But his hate for the man is what prompted him to outbid the competition and purchase Cal for his own.
The goal was to make Cal pay, the result was Damiano starting to fall for the enemy. Despite his need to make Cal suffer, Damiano can’t help his attraction to Cal.
But just when they seemed to have found a common ground, Cal finds out a truth that changes everything. Whatever little progress they made was squashed by Damiano’s words.
Now Cal is back to square one but in more danger than before. We now have to wait what happens in the next book since there’s a major cliffhanger that I’m still haven’t recovered from.
I’m so invested in this story! Leighton just knows how to hook us from the very beginning. Compared to the previous mafia books, this one is very low heat but the little there is will have you reaching for a cold shower 🥵
In order to survive, he offers himself up for auction and plans to use the money to leave the city. What he doesn’t know is that the man that buys him has a vendetta against his family and will stop at nothing to get his revenge.
Damiano Orsini has waited two decades to avenge his father. He has been biding his time for the perfect moment to exact his revenge and when the opportunity comes sooner than expected, he can’t let it pass by.
As the Giuliano family’s enforcer, Damiano was explicitly warned not to do anything against Cal. But his hate for the man is what prompted him to outbid the competition and purchase Cal for his own.
The goal was to make Cal pay, the result was Damiano starting to fall for the enemy. Despite his need to make Cal suffer, Damiano can’t help his attraction to Cal.
But just when they seemed to have found a common ground, Cal finds out a truth that changes everything. Whatever little progress they made was squashed by Damiano’s words.
Now Cal is back to square one but in more danger than before. We now have to wait what happens in the next book since there’s a major cliffhanger that I’m still haven’t recovered from.
I’m so invested in this story! Leighton just knows how to hook us from the very beginning. Compared to the previous mafia books, this one is very low heat but the little there is will have you reaching for a cold shower 🥵
February 23, 2026
What a Ride! What a Cliffhanger!
This was an excellent read, the characters are well written and fully developed, from the MC’s to the supporting characters the storyline flows seamlessly. The writing is tight and the engaging, I was drawn in from page 1 and was oh so tempted to read the end to see the conclusion. I’m glad I exercised some patience and read it properly. The book ends on one heck of a nail-biter cliffhanger, setting the scene for book 2. I hope it is released soon as I NEED TO KNOW what happens with Dami and Caligula. My understanding is that this will be a 3 book series and I am in it for the long haul. Lately I have gravitated to the paranormal M/M universe, but I will put aside my dragons, vampires, and weres for these guys. I would set aside a full day or weekend to read cover to cover and immerse yourself in the dark underbelly of the NY mob scene.
This was an excellent read, the characters are well written and fully developed, from the MC’s to the supporting characters the storyline flows seamlessly. The writing is tight and the engaging, I was drawn in from page 1 and was oh so tempted to read the end to see the conclusion. I’m glad I exercised some patience and read it properly. The book ends on one heck of a nail-biter cliffhanger, setting the scene for book 2. I hope it is released soon as I NEED TO KNOW what happens with Dami and Caligula. My understanding is that this will be a 3 book series and I am in it for the long haul. Lately I have gravitated to the paranormal M/M universe, but I will put aside my dragons, vampires, and weres for these guys. I would set aside a full day or weekend to read cover to cover and immerse yourself in the dark underbelly of the NY mob scene.
March 7, 2026
If you are not a fan of dark romances then don’t pick up this book. If you are not a fan of MM romances don’t pick up this book. If you do not love Leighton Greene again I say do not pick up this book. As introductions to a new series goes this is excellent. It is a twisted version of Romeo and Juliet with lots of twists and turns you come to expect from Leighton. Damiano Orsini has spent his entire life planning revenge against Caligula Clemenza for the death of his father 21 years prior. The thing is Cal was only a baby at the time of Dami’s father’s death. But as with any traumatic event in ones childhood rationalizing what you saw, what actually happened and who to blame without therapy rarely if ever happens. In the world Dami grew up in that was not going to happen and his need for revenge becomes an obsession and that obsession leads Cal right into the fire.
Cal is the last living Clemenza (you will need to have read the Morelli Family series to understand the full scope of the demise of the Clemenza family) and he is on the run. Although Luca D’Amato has decreed no one can go after the Clemenza’s someone has ignored the Don. Cal has no one he can trust, friend or “family” and he would rather die than go to the Morelli’s for protection. He finds himself on the auction block staring down Damiano Orsini whom he doesn’t know hates him for the sins of his father. Cal believes he will be safe once bought by Dami since he is now owned by an enforcer of one of the four families. Dami thinks he will be able to easily break Cal now that he owns him, they are both so very wrong.
The assassination attempts continue the question is why and who? Cal wasn’t set to inherit the family business his grandfather was a cruel man and would not under any circumstances leave his empire to his queer grandson. So who is trying to kill Cal and will Dami see past his vengeful obsession and look at the man Cal really is? Will Cal look past the surface and see the man Dami is the man still mourning the loss of his father, can they find love while trying to stay alive?
Will Damiano and Caligula build their own empire? We have two more installments to go and I can’t wait.
Cal is the last living Clemenza (you will need to have read the Morelli Family series to understand the full scope of the demise of the Clemenza family) and he is on the run. Although Luca D’Amato has decreed no one can go after the Clemenza’s someone has ignored the Don. Cal has no one he can trust, friend or “family” and he would rather die than go to the Morelli’s for protection. He finds himself on the auction block staring down Damiano Orsini whom he doesn’t know hates him for the sins of his father. Cal believes he will be safe once bought by Dami since he is now owned by an enforcer of one of the four families. Dami thinks he will be able to easily break Cal now that he owns him, they are both so very wrong.
The assassination attempts continue the question is why and who? Cal wasn’t set to inherit the family business his grandfather was a cruel man and would not under any circumstances leave his empire to his queer grandson. So who is trying to kill Cal and will Dami see past his vengeful obsession and look at the man Cal really is? Will Cal look past the surface and see the man Dami is the man still mourning the loss of his father, can they find love while trying to stay alive?
Will Damiano and Caligula build their own empire? We have two more installments to go and I can’t wait.
February 27, 2026
3,5 ster
Positief:
Het boek is prima geschreven, zoals gebruikelijk door Leighton Greene.
Het verhaal sprak me aan en aangezien het een dark mm is, wist ik vooraf dat niet alles me aan zou staan en had ik me daarop ingesteld.
Ik wilde constant weten hoe het verhaal verder ging en heb daardoor de hele nacht doorgelezen.
Minpunten:
In de omschrijving staat niet dat het verhaal eindigt in een cliffhanger en dat de hoofdpersonen hun HEA niet bereiken in dit boek. Dat vind ik niet erg, zolang ik maar alle boeken achter elkaar kan lezen. Aangezien dit echter het eerste deel is en deze pas net uit is, zal ik nog erg lang moeten wachten op het volgende boek. Laat staan hoe lang ik moet wachten op mijn HEA, want volgens mij wordt dit een trilogie?
Qua personages het volgende: Cal vond ik op zich prima. Hij is aardig hoewel een beetje te simpel qua denkwijze aan het begin van het boek: hij besloot vrij snel om zich te koop aan te bieden via de veiling en zocht zijn heil bij mensen waarvan je bij voorbaat weet dat ze niet het beste met hem voorhebben. Naarmate het boek vordert, beviel Cal me steeds beter (tot het einde waarin hij weer een enorm puberachtige beslissing neemt).
Dami vind ik als onderdeel van de maffia helaas niet erg geloofwaardig:
- hij houdt 20 jaar vast aan wraak en richt zich daarbij op een jongeman die zelf niets heeft gedaan:
- hij is schijnbaar enorm rijk en kan vrijwel volledig zijn eigen naadje naaien, zonder gevolgen. (hIs hij nog beschikbaar?Is hij nog beschikbaar? Hoe komt hij zo enorm rijk???!
- aan de andere kant kleed hij zich niet naar zijn rijkdom en positie (goedkope pakken, i.p.v. maatpakken);
- hij laat zich veel te veel leiden door Cal in hun zoektocht naar informatie. Je zou denken als dat Dami als gehard lid van de maffia zelf ideeën heeft en dan met name betere ideeën.
- Verder verwacht ik van zo'n personage dat hij zich een stuk rationeler opstelt (bezitterig zijn is prima, maar zo iemand zal het grotere plaatje niet zomaar uit het oog verliezen).
Al met al een vermakelijk boek, die qua verhaal wel de moeite waard is om te lezen. De uitvoering had echter een stuk geloofwaardiger en overtuigender gemogen.
Positief:
Het boek is prima geschreven, zoals gebruikelijk door Leighton Greene.
Het verhaal sprak me aan en aangezien het een dark mm is, wist ik vooraf dat niet alles me aan zou staan en had ik me daarop ingesteld.
Ik wilde constant weten hoe het verhaal verder ging en heb daardoor de hele nacht doorgelezen.
Minpunten:
In de omschrijving staat niet dat het verhaal eindigt in een cliffhanger en dat de hoofdpersonen hun HEA niet bereiken in dit boek. Dat vind ik niet erg, zolang ik maar alle boeken achter elkaar kan lezen. Aangezien dit echter het eerste deel is en deze pas net uit is, zal ik nog erg lang moeten wachten op het volgende boek. Laat staan hoe lang ik moet wachten op mijn HEA, want volgens mij wordt dit een trilogie?
Qua personages het volgende: Cal vond ik op zich prima. Hij is aardig hoewel een beetje te simpel qua denkwijze aan het begin van het boek: hij besloot vrij snel om zich te koop aan te bieden via de veiling en zocht zijn heil bij mensen waarvan je bij voorbaat weet dat ze niet het beste met hem voorhebben. Naarmate het boek vordert, beviel Cal me steeds beter (tot het einde waarin hij weer een enorm puberachtige beslissing neemt).
Dami vind ik als onderdeel van de maffia helaas niet erg geloofwaardig:
- hij houdt 20 jaar vast aan wraak en richt zich daarbij op een jongeman die zelf niets heeft gedaan:
- hij is schijnbaar enorm rijk en kan vrijwel volledig zijn eigen naadje naaien, zonder gevolgen. (hIs hij nog beschikbaar?Is hij nog beschikbaar? Hoe komt hij zo enorm rijk???!
- aan de andere kant kleed hij zich niet naar zijn rijkdom en positie (goedkope pakken, i.p.v. maatpakken);
- hij laat zich veel te veel leiden door Cal in hun zoektocht naar informatie. Je zou denken als dat Dami als gehard lid van de maffia zelf ideeën heeft en dan met name betere ideeën.
- Verder verwacht ik van zo'n personage dat hij zich een stuk rationeler opstelt (bezitterig zijn is prima, maar zo iemand zal het grotere plaatje niet zomaar uit het oog verliezen).
Al met al een vermakelijk boek, die qua verhaal wel de moeite waard is om te lezen. De uitvoering had echter een stuk geloofwaardiger en overtuigender gemogen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A new MM Mafia series from Leighton Greene, The Beast Who Bought Me, did not disappoint at all! Her first MM Mafia series brought you the East Coast Mafia and the Morelli family, her second, The West Coast Mafia and the Castellini's. Yet, with this upcoming trilogy, I would say it's more of a spinoff of the East Coast series, as it starts an enemy of The Morelli Family, The Clemenzas.
We start off learning that the majority of the Clemenza family has been eradicated, mostly by Don Morelli, but since then he ordered a cease fire, leaving whoever remains untouched. And now, there's only one left, the heir to the Family, MMC #1 Caligula "Cal" Clemenza. Nevertheless, someone still wants him dead, and there's isn't lack of trying.
In his quest for safety, he runs into a man who he thinks will help him, until he sees he's from a rival family, The Guiliano's. He runs again, this time to his one "friend" he can trust. This is where he learns about an underground society of rich men who buys people for a contracted amount of time. With no money or safety, Cal feels this is his only hope. Desperate times call for desperate measures right?
He figures after his contract is up, the money allotted to him afterwards will help him disappear. He makes sure to get the bidders to raise their amounts so he can secure his bag. He notices the Bratva, a man that he was told to look for, who really wanted him. But in the end, he is outbid by the man he ran into by the Guiliano's.
That man turns out to be MMC #2 Damiano Orsini, a high ranking member and enforcer for the Guiliano family, who seems to have gone rogue by acquiring Cal. He has a more personal reason for wanting him, and it's a good thing the author provides a content warning list, as Damiano doesn't exactly treat Cal well. Although, in my opinion it's not too bad, but I can see how it can be triggering for other people.
The Beast Who Bought Me is a terrific series starter for the Clemenza Family, but unfortunately ends on a cliffhanger. Now I am in complete anticipation for the next book. Perhaps while I wait, I'll reread her books and start from the beginning! I really do love how the author is expanding the Morelliverse to feature the other families. The Mafia world she created is pretty big and is always changing! Everyone has a story to tell and I can't wait to read them all!
We start off learning that the majority of the Clemenza family has been eradicated, mostly by Don Morelli, but since then he ordered a cease fire, leaving whoever remains untouched. And now, there's only one left, the heir to the Family, MMC #1 Caligula "Cal" Clemenza. Nevertheless, someone still wants him dead, and there's isn't lack of trying.
In his quest for safety, he runs into a man who he thinks will help him, until he sees he's from a rival family, The Guiliano's. He runs again, this time to his one "friend" he can trust. This is where he learns about an underground society of rich men who buys people for a contracted amount of time. With no money or safety, Cal feels this is his only hope. Desperate times call for desperate measures right?
He figures after his contract is up, the money allotted to him afterwards will help him disappear. He makes sure to get the bidders to raise their amounts so he can secure his bag. He notices the Bratva, a man that he was told to look for, who really wanted him. But in the end, he is outbid by the man he ran into by the Guiliano's.
That man turns out to be MMC #2 Damiano Orsini, a high ranking member and enforcer for the Guiliano family, who seems to have gone rogue by acquiring Cal. He has a more personal reason for wanting him, and it's a good thing the author provides a content warning list, as Damiano doesn't exactly treat Cal well. Although, in my opinion it's not too bad, but I can see how it can be triggering for other people.
The Beast Who Bought Me is a terrific series starter for the Clemenza Family, but unfortunately ends on a cliffhanger. Now I am in complete anticipation for the next book. Perhaps while I wait, I'll reread her books and start from the beginning! I really do love how the author is expanding the Morelliverse to feature the other families. The Mafia world she created is pretty big and is always changing! Everyone has a story to tell and I can't wait to read them all!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Beast Who Bought Me starts off this dark and twisted, psychological, mafia-esque, romance series. It'll make you question the characters, it's going to make you yearn for answers, and with the cliffhanger at the end of this book, it'll leave you yelling at the characters too.
I'm not super familiar with Leighton Greene's writing, but considering I haven't read a super dark book in a while, I figured I'd give this a go. And wow, this book did not skimp on the dark, gritty, and twisted parts. I don't want to talk about too much because a lot of it will be spoilers but I will say that the MC's relationship is.. unconventional. There is definitely a power play and power imbalance happening as well as dub-con, so if those might be triggering, or not something you'd enjoy, please proceed with caution.
Both of these men are alike in a lot of ways, both know the business they are in, both men are street smart, and they both are stubborn and grumpy. The angst in this book was through the roof! I liked that these two were sussing each other out, trying to find each other's blind spots, not to necessarily wound them but to have that information in case they needed it. I thought their banter was really entertaining to read about, especially when Cal kept taunting Dami.
The BDSM aspect of it all wasn't MY personal favorite, especially the heavy focus on spicy times, but I get why that was important to the story, and the characters themselves. I really enjoyed reading about the overarching plotline, all the twists and turns that slowly got revealed was very interesting and has just made me more excited to continue reading the series. I really want to know what's going to happen to Cal now. Especially because he's in BIG trouble with Dami...
~~I received an early copy of this book and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.~~
I'm not super familiar with Leighton Greene's writing, but considering I haven't read a super dark book in a while, I figured I'd give this a go. And wow, this book did not skimp on the dark, gritty, and twisted parts. I don't want to talk about too much because a lot of it will be spoilers but I will say that the MC's relationship is.. unconventional. There is definitely a power play and power imbalance happening as well as dub-con, so if those might be triggering, or not something you'd enjoy, please proceed with caution.
Both of these men are alike in a lot of ways, both know the business they are in, both men are street smart, and they both are stubborn and grumpy. The angst in this book was through the roof! I liked that these two were sussing each other out, trying to find each other's blind spots, not to necessarily wound them but to have that information in case they needed it. I thought their banter was really entertaining to read about, especially when Cal kept taunting Dami.
The BDSM aspect of it all wasn't MY personal favorite, especially the heavy focus on spicy times, but I get why that was important to the story, and the characters themselves. I really enjoyed reading about the overarching plotline, all the twists and turns that slowly got revealed was very interesting and has just made me more excited to continue reading the series. I really want to know what's going to happen to Cal now. Especially because he's in BIG trouble with Dami...
~~I received an early copy of this book and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.~~
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed the first instalment of this new dark mafia series. We have Caligula Clemenza who is own the run and trying lay low as his cousin Louie, next in line to take over the Clemenza Crime Family has just been killed. Someone is trying to kill off all of the remains Clemenzas. He doesn't know who to trust or where to hide so he can figure out his next move. He is also a closeted gay man who lived terrified what his grandfather would do if he ever found out that his grandson like men, so he never acted on his impulses. This all changes when Caligula is forced to do the unthinkable, auction himself off to the biggest bidder for a year in order to keep himself safe and alive.
Damiano is an enforcer for the Guiliano Family and has been planing his vengeance over the Clemenza Family ever since his father was killed in front of him by Caligula's dad, when he was only 13 years old. He has had years to think and plan so when he is tipped off that there is a very special 'auction' going on at the Bratva's private club, he finds himself with the best opportunity he has had in ages, to seek his revenge. Make Caligula pay for what his family did.
But things don't always go as planned and I loved having a front row seat to Damiano and Caligula's slow dance around each other. Damiano may be a beast who has amounted a fortune over the years being the enforcer of a famous mafia family but has no style and is quite brutish in his ways even if he cares for his close found family that works for him. Caligula may not be an active participant in the Clamanza Family but he has all of the pomp and poise and know how of someone who has been brought up like royalty. As they both try to find out who is trying to kill Caligula, the must find a ways to work together whilst being captor and prey. Being in such close proximity their attraction grows even if Damiano is blind to it.
I enjoyed the pacing of the book, how crumbs were dropped slowly, the fact that neither men could let their guard down for that long not knowing who to trus. I also like the extra drama the secondary characters bring to the book and I can't wait to see what Leighton has in store for us in book 2.
I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
Damiano is an enforcer for the Guiliano Family and has been planing his vengeance over the Clemenza Family ever since his father was killed in front of him by Caligula's dad, when he was only 13 years old. He has had years to think and plan so when he is tipped off that there is a very special 'auction' going on at the Bratva's private club, he finds himself with the best opportunity he has had in ages, to seek his revenge. Make Caligula pay for what his family did.
But things don't always go as planned and I loved having a front row seat to Damiano and Caligula's slow dance around each other. Damiano may be a beast who has amounted a fortune over the years being the enforcer of a famous mafia family but has no style and is quite brutish in his ways even if he cares for his close found family that works for him. Caligula may not be an active participant in the Clamanza Family but he has all of the pomp and poise and know how of someone who has been brought up like royalty. As they both try to find out who is trying to kill Caligula, the must find a ways to work together whilst being captor and prey. Being in such close proximity their attraction grows even if Damiano is blind to it.
I enjoyed the pacing of the book, how crumbs were dropped slowly, the fact that neither men could let their guard down for that long not knowing who to trus. I also like the extra drama the secondary characters bring to the book and I can't wait to see what Leighton has in store for us in book 2.
I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Buckle up for this one, because it’s a wild start to the new mafia series - be warned too, it does end on a cliffhanger but the story is well worth the suspense.
In the wake of Luca Morelli’s takedown of the Clemenzas, the last Clemenza heir finds himself at the mercy of his self-proclaimed enemy, an enforcer for the Giuliano family whose vow of vengeance quickly becomes sidetracked by the unexpected desire that blooms between owner and pet.
Caligula Clemenza may be a brat clinging to the last vestiges of his princely upbringing, but it doesn’t take long for his new master Damiano to realize the fiery, quick-thinking younger man is exactly his type. The heat level cranks up quick, as does the action - in between the burning stares and threats of violence that somehow never materialize, both men realize there is more going on behind the systematic destruction of the Clemenza empire than what Don Morelli set in motion.
As the two get closer to each other and the danger following Cal, we see their personalities flesh out in that satisfying way Leighton Greene has mastered throughout multiple mafia series - by the end of the story, my heart was in a vise because I just want this spoiled dilettante and his bruiser of a love interest to be safe and happy, ok?!
It’ll be a torturous wait until book two, but as with the Morellis and the West Coast mobsters, we’re at least assured of a happy ending. Reading the previous series isn’t necessary to enjoy this one, but I recommend it anyway because they’re just so darn good.
In the wake of Luca Morelli’s takedown of the Clemenzas, the last Clemenza heir finds himself at the mercy of his self-proclaimed enemy, an enforcer for the Giuliano family whose vow of vengeance quickly becomes sidetracked by the unexpected desire that blooms between owner and pet.
Caligula Clemenza may be a brat clinging to the last vestiges of his princely upbringing, but it doesn’t take long for his new master Damiano to realize the fiery, quick-thinking younger man is exactly his type. The heat level cranks up quick, as does the action - in between the burning stares and threats of violence that somehow never materialize, both men realize there is more going on behind the systematic destruction of the Clemenza empire than what Don Morelli set in motion.
As the two get closer to each other and the danger following Cal, we see their personalities flesh out in that satisfying way Leighton Greene has mastered throughout multiple mafia series - by the end of the story, my heart was in a vise because I just want this spoiled dilettante and his bruiser of a love interest to be safe and happy, ok?!
It’ll be a torturous wait until book two, but as with the Morellis and the West Coast mobsters, we’re at least assured of a happy ending. Reading the previous series isn’t necessary to enjoy this one, but I recommend it anyway because they’re just so darn good.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oooh hottie and the brat! Gimme gimme!! Fine he is one scary hottie who (initially) has no trouble putting the brat in his place with a revenge plot to boot and he is brat running for his life with no where left to turn when the hottie BUYS him in The middle of shifting regime changes in the criminal mafia underworld of the city but hey that is what makes this book ADDICTIVE. It works like a dream.. fast paced writing, fantastic characters and pushing the plot to the edges makes for a spectacular reading experience.
I need to shout about this new series by Leighton Greene. It is phenomenal- all the lines are blurry or eradicated, no one wants to be redeemed and the grey is black tinted. Except when it’s white hot like the virgin who finds him self a slave and discovers he has a possible praise and degradation kink and loves being edged with forced orgasms. This book has darker themes than the previous series so if you need to please read the content warnings.
So there is a tonne of action, life and death situations, murky loyalties, strong found family and a possesive protective MC *growl*!
I need the next book after that cliffie so I hope it’s coming soon this series has started off with such a gripping first book. Damiano and Caligula are absolutely fire together the back and forth push and pull the animosity the resentment is just sublime.
I need to shout about this new series by Leighton Greene. It is phenomenal- all the lines are blurry or eradicated, no one wants to be redeemed and the grey is black tinted. Except when it’s white hot like the virgin who finds him self a slave and discovers he has a possible praise and degradation kink and loves being edged with forced orgasms. This book has darker themes than the previous series so if you need to please read the content warnings.
So there is a tonne of action, life and death situations, murky loyalties, strong found family and a possesive protective MC *growl*!
I need the next book after that cliffie so I hope it’s coming soon this series has started off with such a gripping first book. Damiano and Caligula are absolutely fire together the back and forth push and pull the animosity the resentment is just sublime.
March 3, 2026
I love it when authors list ‘Dark’ MM romance as a trope then actually follows through on the darkness.
This story was brimming with excitement from the beginning.
Damiano is an enforcer for a mafia family - cold, disciplined, and carved from violence. He lives and breathes loyalty to his Family, and every move he makes is calculated.
Years ago, his father was murdered by a rival mafia boss, and Damiano has been carrying that blood debt ever since.
Enter Caligula, the beautiful, sharp-tongued son of that very boss.
With his father dead and enemies circling, he does the unthinkable—he puts himself up for auction, to the highest bidder to avoid being assassinated.
It’s a desperate gamble for survival.
And Damiano wins.
What follows is a vicious, slow-burn descent into obsession, revenge, and twisted devotion. Damiano doesn’t buy Caligula for protection. He buys him for vengeance. He wants the son to pay for the father’s sins. But Caligula seems nothing like the ruthless monster who raised him—and that creates confusion in Damiano’s carefully controlled rage.
I knew this story was going to span 3 books when I chose it, but the premise was too exciting to resist – I absolutely LOVED this first part and can’t wait for the next book.
This story was brimming with excitement from the beginning.
Damiano is an enforcer for a mafia family - cold, disciplined, and carved from violence. He lives and breathes loyalty to his Family, and every move he makes is calculated.
Years ago, his father was murdered by a rival mafia boss, and Damiano has been carrying that blood debt ever since.
Enter Caligula, the beautiful, sharp-tongued son of that very boss.
With his father dead and enemies circling, he does the unthinkable—he puts himself up for auction, to the highest bidder to avoid being assassinated.
It’s a desperate gamble for survival.
And Damiano wins.
What follows is a vicious, slow-burn descent into obsession, revenge, and twisted devotion. Damiano doesn’t buy Caligula for protection. He buys him for vengeance. He wants the son to pay for the father’s sins. But Caligula seems nothing like the ruthless monster who raised him—and that creates confusion in Damiano’s carefully controlled rage.
I knew this story was going to span 3 books when I chose it, but the premise was too exciting to resist – I absolutely LOVED this first part and can’t wait for the next book.
March 6, 2026
I am a huge fan of all the mafia stories by Leighton Greene. They are complex, engaging, violent and deeply human--and so are the characters. The world of her mafia feels completely real and authentic.
The Clemenza story shows us the New York mafia battle from a very different perspective. We've seen how the Morelli family wrested control from the other families, and now we see how that landed for the losing families. I love the politics of the situation, and I love how Caligula keeps his head even when he's not free, and maintains (and possibly leverages) all the relationships his family has established among the influential people of New York.
The relationship between Cal and Damiano changes pretty quickly, I think in part through the influence of Damiano's found family. It's good for a powerful person to have those around him who keep him humble! I am looking forward to seeing Cal and Damiano strategizing to keep Cal alive.
Even though this book does not end in an HEA (or really even an HFN), it doesn't feel like a cliffhanger. I'm willing to wait for the next installment in their story, because I know the plot is thickening! I highly recommend this book, and all of Greene's mafia stories.
The Clemenza story shows us the New York mafia battle from a very different perspective. We've seen how the Morelli family wrested control from the other families, and now we see how that landed for the losing families. I love the politics of the situation, and I love how Caligula keeps his head even when he's not free, and maintains (and possibly leverages) all the relationships his family has established among the influential people of New York.
The relationship between Cal and Damiano changes pretty quickly, I think in part through the influence of Damiano's found family. It's good for a powerful person to have those around him who keep him humble! I am looking forward to seeing Cal and Damiano strategizing to keep Cal alive.
Even though this book does not end in an HEA (or really even an HFN), it doesn't feel like a cliffhanger. I'm willing to wait for the next installment in their story, because I know the plot is thickening! I highly recommend this book, and all of Greene's mafia stories.
March 7, 2026
Before you go into this story know that like orher Leighton Greene Mafia stories that it's going to be intense. Plus this is only book one of these two crime family stories and leaves off on a cliff hanger ready to dive in to the next book. Caligula finds himself to be the last heir to the Clemenza crime family and in danger of being a target. He then finds himself between a rock and a hard place and is bought by Damino for ten million dollars which he's resigned to as it seems there are other people who want him and one of the clauses of Damino buying him is that he can't be executed so it's a matter of the lesser of two evils. He has to survive the year in hopes of changing his life. What neither man expect though is the murkey waters Damino and Caligula find themselves in. There's hatred and vengence between them but is that all? There also seems to be a twisted sense of obsession and attraction as well but they can't have that. Especially when Caligula is locked up and not treated well at first until something shifts that neither man wants to confront. Yet there can't possibly be any trust between them with families at war and blood being shed. This is an adventure you really have to buckle up for and you never know what you're going to get next. So be prepared.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First in series (Clemenza Family). Captor/captive. Forced proximity. Dub-con. Size difference. Age gap. Dual POV. Cliffhanger. Heed content warnings.
Caligula is on the run and has been marked for death, his last hope is to auction himself off in order to gain enough money to disappear. Damiano is an enforcer that wants revenge, and buying the Clemenza heir is a triumph, but keeping Caligula safe while plotting his torture becomes a hard task to juggle.
A fantastic start to a darker trilogy, where revenge and family loyalty are paramount. The power imbalance is acute, but Cal is a fiery, highly intelligent man, so their interactions are definitely push and pull. Both Cal and Dami want to manipulate and use the other, and outside forces come to bear on their interactions which disrupt Dami’s revenge plan as they try and find out who is out to kill Cal. The sexual tension is high, the peeks into Cal and Dami’s backgrounds are important, and the trust is thin. Knowing this is a relationship that will struggle was compelling, the characters interesting, the chemistry steamy, and seeing they actually work well outside of the bedroom was fully entertaining. 4.5 rounded up
Caligula is on the run and has been marked for death, his last hope is to auction himself off in order to gain enough money to disappear. Damiano is an enforcer that wants revenge, and buying the Clemenza heir is a triumph, but keeping Caligula safe while plotting his torture becomes a hard task to juggle.
A fantastic start to a darker trilogy, where revenge and family loyalty are paramount. The power imbalance is acute, but Cal is a fiery, highly intelligent man, so their interactions are definitely push and pull. Both Cal and Dami want to manipulate and use the other, and outside forces come to bear on their interactions which disrupt Dami’s revenge plan as they try and find out who is out to kill Cal. The sexual tension is high, the peeks into Cal and Dami’s backgrounds are important, and the trust is thin. Knowing this is a relationship that will struggle was compelling, the characters interesting, the chemistry steamy, and seeing they actually work well outside of the bedroom was fully entertaining. 4.5 rounded up
February 27, 2026
Another MM mafia winner from Leighton Greene. Excellent word building in this dark, intense and dubious consent storyline!
Caligula “Cal” Clemenza has gone from mafia prince to hunted prey, his bloodline nearly wiped out. With no allies and no safe haven, his desperation leads him to an underground auction where powerful men bid on vulnerable targets. It’s a brutal premise, and the tension is immediate. Cal believes he’s choosing the lesser of several evils, until he’s purchased by Damiano Orsini, an enforcer with a long-standing grudge against Cal’s father. Damiano is not a soft hero. His motives are tangled in vengeance, and the early dynamic between them is sharp-edged and uncomfortable in places (please read the content warnings). Yet as external threats close in, the line between captor and protector begins to blur. The push and pull between punishment and possession, hatred and reluctant care, gives the story its bite.
The ending leaves you hanging and avidly awaiting the next book in this duology! Just so good!
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
Caligula “Cal” Clemenza has gone from mafia prince to hunted prey, his bloodline nearly wiped out. With no allies and no safe haven, his desperation leads him to an underground auction where powerful men bid on vulnerable targets. It’s a brutal premise, and the tension is immediate. Cal believes he’s choosing the lesser of several evils, until he’s purchased by Damiano Orsini, an enforcer with a long-standing grudge against Cal’s father. Damiano is not a soft hero. His motives are tangled in vengeance, and the early dynamic between them is sharp-edged and uncomfortable in places (please read the content warnings). Yet as external threats close in, the line between captor and protector begins to blur. The push and pull between punishment and possession, hatred and reluctant care, gives the story its bite.
The ending leaves you hanging and avidly awaiting the next book in this duology! Just so good!
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
March 6, 2026
I love a good when men who hate turn into men who love, but that is not this story. There's hate and revenge that is years in the making, building the layers upon layers of resentment that then turn into a confusing mix of duty, desire, and pain. Now, if you are new to Leighton's mafia party, you could start with the Clemenza's series, BUT it will put you at a major disadvantage in the overall story. The push and pull of the angst and the mafia dynamics adds further dimension to the overall plotting plot. This story borders on possessive and obsessive, and when you add in the hate, it blurs the lines so well. And I was rooting for the bad guy most of the time, which makes you want to pick sides and change your morals in the span of a few hundred pages. Now this book is not going to give you instant gratification; in fact, it will leave you yelling at your Kindle, or so I've heard. Dami and Cal are every opposite cliche in the book, but both are unwavering, both are forced into positions not of their making, and the cloud of their fathers looms brightly over their every move
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ahhhh!!!! Cliffhanger!!! I loved this.
The Beast Who Bought Me by Leighton Greene is a phenomenal book. I adore Leighton’s other series (West Coast Mobsters and of course, The Morelli Family), so it was very exciting to find a new trilogy set in the same world. Caligula Clemenza is the last of his line being hunted by many people who want to punish him or end him. He ends up having to put himself up for auction and is bought by the one person who hates him the most. I absolutely loved Cal. He was smart, funny, and a survivor. He knew what he had to do in order to live–even selling himself to his enemy. I understood Damiano Orsini, but at this point, I don’t like him a lot. I have a feeling that he will grow on me as we head into book 2 and 3. The ending is definitely a cliffhanger, but it is so good, you should still pick it up. This author has a way of making a large book speed by so quickly. I cannot wait to read book 2. I will be thinking of Cal and Dami quite often over the next months.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.
The Beast Who Bought Me by Leighton Greene is a phenomenal book. I adore Leighton’s other series (West Coast Mobsters and of course, The Morelli Family), so it was very exciting to find a new trilogy set in the same world. Caligula Clemenza is the last of his line being hunted by many people who want to punish him or end him. He ends up having to put himself up for auction and is bought by the one person who hates him the most. I absolutely loved Cal. He was smart, funny, and a survivor. He knew what he had to do in order to live–even selling himself to his enemy. I understood Damiano Orsini, but at this point, I don’t like him a lot. I have a feeling that he will grow on me as we head into book 2 and 3. The ending is definitely a cliffhanger, but it is so good, you should still pick it up. This author has a way of making a large book speed by so quickly. I cannot wait to read book 2. I will be thinking of Cal and Dami quite often over the next months.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.
March 6, 2026
This was exciting!! I absolutely adored both of Leighton Greene’s mafia series and Luca/Finch hold a very special place in my heart – I was so pleased when they got a shout out.
Caligula and Damiano are absolutely obsessed with each other and I loved the imagery of the two of them: Caligula is a mafia prince, whilst Damiano is ‘just’ an enforcer – brain and the brawn. Caligula’s internal dialog was entertaining, insightful and showed that he wasn’t just a pretty face. I thought the family Damiano has created in his home was so touching, and the scenes where the four of them were ganging up on Damiano were lovely.
The underlying mystery and how the two of them work outside of the fact that Damiano owns Caligula were brilliantly written, with control between them shifting with the tides. I am here for the next instalment and wish it could be sooner. Very pleased with this, especially as I have been struggling to read non fanfiction lately!
Caligula and Damiano are absolutely obsessed with each other and I loved the imagery of the two of them: Caligula is a mafia prince, whilst Damiano is ‘just’ an enforcer – brain and the brawn. Caligula’s internal dialog was entertaining, insightful and showed that he wasn’t just a pretty face. I thought the family Damiano has created in his home was so touching, and the scenes where the four of them were ganging up on Damiano were lovely.
The underlying mystery and how the two of them work outside of the fact that Damiano owns Caligula were brilliantly written, with control between them shifting with the tides. I am here for the next instalment and wish it could be sooner. Very pleased with this, especially as I have been struggling to read non fanfiction lately!
March 6, 2026
The Beast Who Bought Me by Leighton Greene is a dark, sexy, fast-paced, romance that kept me up reading late into the night! I would recommend checking out the content note at the beginning of the book, and if you choose to go ahead, you won't be disappointed. Caligula and Damiano are not your typical good guys, and they may not have the most promising of starts, but I was sure rooting for them by the end! Damiano wants so much for Cal to submit, and to have complete control over him, but at the same time feels such protectiveness and care. Cal knows he must submit, part of him wants to, but still he manages to find the strength and power in his position and will not be easily broken. With an added mystery to solve and an interesting secondary cast of characters, as well as a good amount of heat, I was along for the ride! Very much looking forward to the next book coming out, as I anticipate a very satisfying HEA
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Beast Who Bought Me, by Leighton Greene, is loosely associated with her other mafia series (plural), and it’s great fun to spot the tie-ins. Revenge is a wonderful, yet petty, way to live. Damiano wants revenge for the death of his father at the hands of Caligula’s (love the nod to Roman history in this book) father. Caligula just wants to survive the destruction of his entire family. Seems simple on its face, but doesn’t play out that way. Delightful characters coming to grips with perspective, yet not quite getting there. One step forward, two steps back. I’ve read many of Greene’s books, and will continue to come back for more of her writing. Looking forward to the remaining books in this set. DISCLAIMER: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
An amazing start to this new dark mafia triologi. Dami and Caligula is playing a dangerous game where everything can happen. I was captivated from the first page and didn't want to put the book down. The writing is perfect, the plot is excellent and the secondary characters, of which there are many, plays important roles in this tangled web. Everything just flows so naturally together and the author is creating a masterpiece for us to enjoy. And of course it ended in a cliffhanger. So now I'm sitting on pins and needles waiting for the next book, but Still I will highly recommend to start reading this new triologi. It's entertaining and have a lot of intriguing content to keep you occupied.
An amazing start to this new dark mafia triologi. Dami and Caligula is playing a dangerous game where everything can happen. I was captivated from the first page and didn't want to put the book down. The writing is perfect, the plot is excellent and the secondary characters, of which there are many, plays important roles in this tangled web. Everything just flows so naturally together and the author is creating a masterpiece for us to enjoy. And of course it ended in a cliffhanger. So now I'm sitting on pins and needles waiting for the next book, but Still I will highly recommend to start reading this new triologi. It's entertaining and have a lot of intriguing content to keep you occupied.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love everything by this author, which generally all get 5 stars from me. This is a bit darker than their usual, as the relationship between Cal and Dami has an element of dubcon/noncon, given that Cal has sold himself to Dami for a year. The chemistry and sexy scenes were great, my only issue (where it lost a star for me) is how unlikeable Dami was for a big chunk of the book. His housekeeper summed it up perfectly when she told him he likes to make everyone else miserable because he's miserable himself. That was starting to change by the end, and the book pace really ramped up as Dami and Cal investigated who is killing off Clemenzas. I was thoroughly invested by the cliffhanger ending and now anxiously awaiting the next instalment!
February 27, 2026
I loved every second of reading this first book in a new mafia series. Caligula, who’s a bit of a brat and the remaining member of the Clamenza family, is on the run when Damiano, the Enforcer of the rival Guiliano family, comes into his life. These two wonderful and complex characters are linked by the past, and their circling of each other kept me hooked. The side characters of Domiano’s household, and found family, added a lot of interest and I just know one of them is going to cause problems in the future. There is nothing not to love about this tale and I was completely drawn into their story with its suspense, intrigue, and just the right amount of darkness, relieved by the beginnings of tenderness. This is a brilliant read and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
March 4, 2026
The Clemenza Family has fallen apart, and the last man standing has nothing. Cal must have some capital to mount a comeback. The only idea he can think of to provide adequate funding is selling his only asset: himself. Dami is delighted. He has wanted Cal for a long time.
It’s only a one-year contract. It all could have gone well if they had communicated with each other.
Right.
But if everyone communicated, there would be no soap operas, most mystery novels would be short stories, and Romeo and Juliet would have grown old together.
Leighton Greene brings her skill at slow burns and hot sizzles to bear on Cal and Dami. This is only Book 1 of 3, so we don’t get a HEA just yet. Still, the foundation is there. We live in hope.
It’s only a one-year contract. It all could have gone well if they had communicated with each other.
Right.
But if everyone communicated, there would be no soap operas, most mystery novels would be short stories, and Romeo and Juliet would have grown old together.
Leighton Greene brings her skill at slow burns and hot sizzles to bear on Cal and Dami. This is only Book 1 of 3, so we don’t get a HEA just yet. Still, the foundation is there. We live in hope.
March 5, 2026
What a story
Warning: This book ends with a cliffhanger and have to wait for the 2nd book to come out.
This is a dark MM read with Mafia crime in it. You get to learn a little bit of each main MC’s backgrounds along with the present. These two have a lot to overcome but also need to hash things out. When Cas finds himself in trouble, he seems to always get saved by a man who he doesn’t know. Dami can’t help but keep trying to get the boy and take him away.
Dami is the protector and beast and will make sure Cas stays safe and Cas is just trying to survive and stay alive. When he decides to do the only thing g left to do, he doesn’t expect the man to come to his rescue again.
Such a great story and lots of steam in certain parts. I need to know what happens next.
Warning: This book ends with a cliffhanger and have to wait for the 2nd book to come out.
This is a dark MM read with Mafia crime in it. You get to learn a little bit of each main MC’s backgrounds along with the present. These two have a lot to overcome but also need to hash things out. When Cas finds himself in trouble, he seems to always get saved by a man who he doesn’t know. Dami can’t help but keep trying to get the boy and take him away.
Dami is the protector and beast and will make sure Cas stays safe and Cas is just trying to survive and stay alive. When he decides to do the only thing g left to do, he doesn’t expect the man to come to his rescue again.
Such a great story and lots of steam in certain parts. I need to know what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love all of Leighton Green’s books. This one is a bit darker, but that’s ok with me. It’s about two men from different mafia families. There is a lot of past trauma on both sides. Cal is on the run as someone (probably several someone’s) is trying to kill his entire family and he is the last man standing. Damiamo has some big reasons to stalk and “buy” Cal. There is not a HEA and there is a cliffhanger, but the two following books should be out this year. There is passion between these guys but lots of obstacles in their way. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for book 2. Enjoy!
February 27, 2026
Leighton Greene starts a new mafia series with a list of trigger warnings that reads like a love letter for those of us who truly enjoy dark romance. First things first, this book is the first of a duet. Take from that as you will. Caligula is the last of the Clemenzas, the Family we met in the Morelli Family series. From the start, he’s in danger, and it stays that way until the very last page. Sounds like no forward movement in the plot, right? Wrong. As with all of Greene’s mafia, the story is chock full of mystery, murder, and mayhem. My heart broke when my Kindle reader showed 100% and I wasn’t ready to let go.
March 6, 2026
Caligula is the last descendent of the deceased Mafia Family Clemenza. He is saved from certain death by Damiano, the Enforcer of the Guliano Family, only to become owned by him for a year. One year to ruin him, break him, use him as he wants but keep him alive. Dami wants revenge and is cruel to him but all the while desires him. Cal is so smart and attracted to him but the hate from Dami runs deep. The steam level is sky high as they fight and punish and work together to save Cal but can't keep their hands off each other. The Morelli's are a part of this, too. It's a dark romance and part of a trilogy so it ends in a cliffhanger, please hurry!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews