I was hoping that it would be wrapped in one book but it wasn’t so that took a star off the table for me. Everything else was well executed loved the main characters and supporting cast too. I will say there was def some unexpected twist and idk how I feel about them. What I will say is hopefully the follow on books will elaborate or build better tension between Crown & Aire because currently it just feels shallow and typical. Like ohh you feel slighted so now you about to cause destruction and for what? Instead of supporting your brother you hating. It just feels played out in this type of story. It’s a standard formula so unless you do something so out of the box it’s starts to become anticlimactic for me. I also don’t get why they won’t kill him, like yall as a family claim disrespect isn’t tolerated yet that’s all Aire does and sow division.
I also feel like authors gotta start giving us more to love about the shit starter. For me it’s like show me on a deeper level why our FMC is willing to sacrifice her life, career her decades of hard work. Like nothing about Aeson gives worth tearing your life up for, he’s immature clearly stupid and seems to have some entitlement issues. So in order for me to feel like oh it makes sense she’s willing to sacrifice we should see something sweeter, more sentimental, cus that “he’s the only family I have left” falls flat because he’s not good to Nirvana, he doesn’t listen and he feels like she owes him.
72 Hours with an Unhinged Menace is a dark, gripping African American romance that leans unapologetically into obsession, power, and the dangerous allure of crossing lines you swore you never would. Told through the dual perspectives of Crown Mekhari and Nirvana Crockett, the story thrives on tension emotional, psychological, and irresistibly magnetic. Crown Mekhari is the embodiment of controlled menace. Cold, calculating, and accustomed to absolute authority, he views people as leverage and mistakes as things to be erased. Nirvana is meant to be temporary seventy-two hours and nothing more. Yet from the moment she refuses to fear him the way she should, Crown’s carefully maintained control begins to fracture. His internal conflict is one of the novel’s strongest elements: the slow, unnerving realization that what he calls control is actually obsession, and what he labels temporary has already rooted itself far too deep. Nirvana Crockett is equally compelling. Rather than breaking under Crown’s dominance, she awakens within it. Her defiance is not reckless but deliberate, transforming fear into awareness and awareness into desire. Nirvana’s strength lies in her refusal to be reduced to a pawn; she meets Crown’s menace with a quiet intensity that shifts the balance of power in subtle but impactful ways. Their dynamic is electric two headstrong characters colliding, neither willing to surrender, creating a push-and-pull that drives the narrative forward. Despite the dark undertones, the novel balances its intensity with humor through standout supporting characters. Jashari and Thorian are absolute scene-stealers, providing comedic relief that feels organic rather than forced. Their presence adds warmth and levity, making the world feel fuller and more lived-in. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Brickhouse delivers villains that are deeply unsettling. Brittney and Aier are thoroughly unlikeable, with actions so cruel and calculated that there is no room for justification. Their betrayal of blood and friendship alike adds emotional weight and moral tension to the story. Aeson’s gullibility proves frustrating, though intentionally so, while Nero emerges as an effective antagonist with depth. Giovanni, perpetually entangled in trouble, adds yet another layer of chaos to an already volatile world. Overall, 72 Hours with an Unhinged Menace excels in plot development, character depth, and emotional engagement. Brickhouse crafts a story that is dark yet addictive, unsettling yet compelling, with characters that linger long after the final page. This is a five-star read—one that leaves you eager, and slightly wary, of what the next installment will bring.
Honestly, this book had me going through every emotion there is. It’s so much going on in the book that everything is a cliffhanger. Every chapter is a cliffhanger and you don’t know which way the story is going to go. You definitely wrote this book girl I can’t wait for part two.
I am so excited about this release from an auto read author on my list BRICKHOUSE. This is the first book in the series and I can't wait until book 2 drops!! 🔥🔥🔥This book will make references to previous series created, so I highly highly recommend going back and emerging yourself in the Black/Hollow Flame universe!!! DISCLAIMER: 95% of the things I read have a trigger warning/Spice and I love it. Protect your peace and mental health at all cost!!!
Like all of my reviews, I won’t spoil it for you, but this review is the story of DA Nirvana (FMC) who is a beast in her field. She gets dragged into some drama and is now in the fight of her life with 2 evils that threaten her career and morale compass. This queues our MMC, The Don, Crown. Crown is like no other. He thrives in order, is morally gray, and is determined to never lose control. He is forced into a marriage with Nirvana for preservation and containment. What happens when both FMC and MMC are strong?? Will they destroy each other or become the King and Queen they were arranged to be?
One of my favorite things about Brickhouse is the detail she puts into her character arcs. The way these characters are written makes you feel like you know them personally. The character development is top tier and the plot is always going to twist. You will literally never know what’s coming. This book is multi POV and when I tell you that all of the supporting characters are just as unhinged with secrets hiding in the dark as the main characters!!! You are going to fall in love with the characters and descriptive imagery that is never missed in a BRICKHOUSE book.
You will love this book if you love slow burn like me,arranged marriage, secret babies, plot, strong FMC, and of course this genre.IYKYK! Not too much on my girl if you don’t like a cliffhanger/series. Again, check your trigger warnings. Happy reading!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (based on my own delu lu scale) Spice:🌶️🌶️ (based on my own delu lu scale)
You did not have to do me like to get with this here part one. I was on pins and needles but also cracking up at these characters esp Thorian. I see why he’s the keeper of secrets. Aire worked my nerves this entire book. Sael is a mystery wrapped up in a crazy man I can’t wait to get into him and Percocet Patty’s backstory. Nirvana had been through a lot after the loss she suffered then having to become a parent soon after. Meeting Crown wasn’t a walk in the park bc it started out as a strategy but turned into way more. I honestly love them together. Nirvana being who she is, is definitely an advantage & we find out just why & how. Britt got some explaining to do when things hit the fan with her & boy will. Jashari is crazy as hell however I do understand him. With a father like Lazarus I see why Annika kept her secret. Crown shows his softer side where. Nirvana is involved and his brother’s know he’s in too deep. That cliffhanger was wild as hell even I didn’t see that coming Wanna know exactly what happen through this page turner pick this up and dive in ASAP. Great job Brickhouse
A page turner but some of the writing causes resets
This was a great Mafia book. More than just alpha men running around. String women, indepth descriptions. However, the author needs to make sure the flow is correct. For instance not sure if pages are missing but the conversation jumps when discussing the marriage the first time and then the conversation jumps when Aires and his brother in law are talking-first he says he clutching the door then turns around to speak then he is speaking from a chair. And there are other examples and it resets the story because now you have to pretend it didn't happen to break up the energy you have for the story. It reminds you-oh I am just teasing something although the writing is so good you tip into the world like its true. But it is definitely a page turner. Not sure if I want to read about Annika next though. However, I can stay on Crown and his fiancee all day and the Bri and Jaberi's crazy story line. And Zionlooks like a great continuation but not sure about Annika.
I wanted to give this book 5 stars because I normally like books by this author. And this isnt a bad story at all. However, morally I cannot do that. This whole story feels like a remixed version of the Delgato/Inferno/Caselli universe. The character parallels started immediately, the term usages…its too close. Referencing the mafia as “The flame”, “The Don”, the sister in law being the DA, The “Menace” being neurodivergent who counts when he is frustrated, the mafia greeting at the beginning of the meeting…and lets not forget “Mrs. Lawyer”, the hospital room with equipment most hospitals didnt have access too…all of it gives “borrowed” content. There should have been a page offering thanks for the inspiration to the author or something. Then maybe I would have felt comfortable giving a review on the quality of the work, which was really good. But nothing about this story is original. I am also shocked at this being a Cole Hart Publication. Their work is usually top tier. This is very disturbing and disheartening for the culture/community.
Brickhouse never misses. '72 hours with an Unhinged Menace' was definitely a whirlwind of action and emotions. The introduction of the Mekhari family brought forth a new dynamic, and it was delightful to catch a glimpse of beloved characters. The confrontation between Warlock and Crown was particularly captivating, Crown is on another level! I am eager to witness the unfolding events, especially given Nirvana's impressive strength as a female lead. She will need to be able to stay strong dealing with Crown. The Black Flame Mafia of Dallas has a few snakes in the grass and I just hope and pray that they can get a handle on them before it is too late. I saw the betrayal coming from a mile away so I am sure they will handle it. I can't wait to see how everything will turn out in the next book.
Great book with a great storyline. Crown Mekhari and Nirvana Crockett are a pair to be nervous about. Nirvana is a lawyer, and Crown is a bad boy. Read and see how the two met; it will surprise you. See who all the characters are and all of the surprises that come with family. Read to see how Crown and Nirvana interact with each other. Will the family accept her and read to see who will betray the family and Crown. Read to see what happens to Nirvana’s brother and if he can make it out of the situation he has put himself in. I give this book five stars. It keeps you on the edge of your seat to see what is going to happen next. I would recommend this book to my friends and people who love to read.
Mr. Crown “Walk’em down” Mekhari is crazy!!! That man played no games and he asked no questions he was so calculated. Nirvana strategist when her back is against the wall, but she knows her worth and standing on business about her brother. Thorian though stole the show. He knew everything about everyone and his commentary was so funny.! Can’t wait for book 2. It does end with a cliffhanger, but not really a cliffhanger if that makes sense.
Oooooh Brickhouse! This book did not need to end with all these loose ends sitting. My mind cannot rest until I know for sure what is going to happen. There’s so much to unpack here. So many secrets coming to light, so many observations made, but not spoken about. I cannot wait for the next book. I’m really getting into Crown and Nirvana. I wanna see her heal him and vice versa. I want babies. I want the wedding. I want the HEA! Sn: Jashari and Brit are both unhinged and made for each other lol.
A Don, sibling jealousy, friendship, duty, and a city a bout to burn. Author Brickhouse always brings it in her unhinged stories. I love the factions and her writing of each Hollow house so you don't forget the connections. The last 10 minutes will leave your mouth agape and anticipatory for part II. Now, I see the value of Warlock in this book. Excellent read!!!!
This book had me closing for fear of reading to fast, to opening it, not caring about the consequences. Crown has me feeling like I'm cheating on Warlock (IYKYK)!🤣 Nirvana is an uncomfortable position, do you choose love over blood! Mrs. Author Lady please show Gio some grace! You're going to give that man a heart attack!
WOW so many questions. Bankstone. Will he natural his brother for his rightful spot as Don? Will Warlock find out? Hollow and Black Flame. Zion belong to both. Lones will be cross to protect him no matter what. Gio ain't done yet. Past and present Will collide. Just when everyone thought they was resting here come more drama. Im here for it!
Good read, a lot of holes and areas that needed more development for the character or the plot. Also the sex scenes are very cringe, and sound unrealistic or OVERLY Ebonics in spaces that don't make sense. Also confused on the sexuality of main characters brother (A) as he speaks like a female in majority of the book. Would not read again, but it's cool if you want something to pass your time.
Brick house is a great Author. Sometimes it gets a little dark and I have to put the book down and come back, but she always keeps me locked in. This book didn’t disappoint. The dark was balanced. Nirvana wasn’t too masculine, she held her own but she was smart. I’ll be waiting for book 2.
I was expecting more from the book. The tile makes you assume it is mostly about the 72hours when that was like 10% of the actual book. I understand the different POVs to build the story lines for the next books. I’m curious about the rest of the family as well. A very interesting read.
Ok I see a family with a jealous head strong son that's going to ruined things to get his way. Needs to be put down in a different way besides the death he wanted for his brother. Wife to be don't care for her too much. Crown I like him . the other people in This book all good but Nero and his daughter are out asp and on with Giovanni. Ready for book 2,3,4,
Omgoodness I barley survived the 72 hrs! So many secrets, so many power moves, but ma'am ms writer I take my crown off to you! The last two chapters made me mad and my heart ❤️ hurt! I went through so many emotions but those last to stuck out so much more!
Loved this book it's so well written it just flowed .I enjoyed seeing the characters evolving . Can't wait to see what happens next . I've got a feeling this is going to get real interesting in the months to come .No body does it like Brickhouse!!!!
I loved how MY Black Flame and Hollow family shows up (Warlock)...lol I am loving these characters and I cant wait to see what happens next. Jashari and Brit gonna both crash OWT...ready for the next parts.
Some authors are creative and others are masterful manipulators of bending the world however they want. How in the world can we experience so much turmoil and be mad the book ending making us want more 😂. I need the next book immediately
OMG!! The drama started out the bat!! I loved every minute and was glued to each page. I have so many questions I can't wait for the story to continue. Five stars Ms. Brickhouse!!🥰
I am a huge fan of Brickhouse. Her word play and how she crafts a story is top tier. In each series she delivers top tier MMCs and a Villian that you will want to get rid of immediately. I love this book and can’t wait for the next installment!
I like Crown and Nirvanna together. I ain't feeling Aire. Ain't nothing worse than bitter blood. Annika about to start a whole lot of mess. I can't wait to see how the rest of this plays out.💜💜
If she can’t do anything else she can write the hell out of a unhinged man! She will stress your edges every single time! And I’m so here for it outstanding
Aire is really getting on my nerves...he needs to be put down...Aeson definitely has a sense of entitlement...Nirvana really needs to stop saving him...