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His brothers told him to protect her; he fell in love.
They told him to marry her; he already had a ring.
And she has no idea how he's connected to the only men in her life.
She doesn't know just how dark, dangerous, and taboo his world is.
Now, Loch and Alena will have to divulge their greatest secrets ... and sins ... to see if their love can survive.
The fourth book about a secret, arranged marriage in the Belles & Bratva Beasts series is coming. Official cover and blurb to be revealed.
Author’s LOCH is a standalone, dark, not-mafia-mafia romance set in a world of taboo traditions, biting banter, morally grey heroes in a band of brothers with some heavy themes, and very explicit scenes. This is an 18+, interconnected romance with a guaranteed HEA.
They told him to marry her; he already had a ring.
And she has no idea how he's connected to the only men in her life.
She doesn't know just how dark, dangerous, and taboo his world is.
Now, Loch and Alena will have to divulge their greatest secrets ... and sins ... to see if their love can survive.
The fourth book about a secret, arranged marriage in the Belles & Bratva Beasts series is coming. Official cover and blurb to be revealed.
Author’s LOCH is a standalone, dark, not-mafia-mafia romance set in a world of taboo traditions, biting banter, morally grey heroes in a band of brothers with some heavy themes, and very explicit scenes. This is an 18+, interconnected romance with a guaranteed HEA.
452 pages, Paperback
Published March 9, 2026
208 people are currently reading
804 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Finley
23 books761 followersKelly Finley is an author of contemporary romances featuring bada** women and grown-a** men.
She lives in the Carolinas with her husband and family. A rebel with many causes, she fancies black leather, dirty jokes, and smart mouths.
Thrilled by a flipped script, she gives us steamy, sexy heroines who are often missing, particularly from suspense and military romance. Her books feature heat we almost can't handle & shameless characters we champion and love.
She's most likely at her keyboard right now, putting the next heroine on the page.
She lives in the Carolinas with her husband and family. A rebel with many causes, she fancies black leather, dirty jokes, and smart mouths.
Thrilled by a flipped script, she gives us steamy, sexy heroines who are often missing, particularly from suspense and military romance. Her books feature heat we almost can't handle & shameless characters we champion and love.
She's most likely at her keyboard right now, putting the next heroine on the page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 372 reviews
May 10, 2026
Alena Allen works in Pisgah National Forest as a park ranger, specializing in swift water rescue. When the charming - and hot - Loch Waring moves into the neighboring cabin and begins shadowing her, it feels like kismet.
However, secrets tend to come to light at the most inopportune times, and it’s no exception for Alena and Loch.
Damn it. I’m literally so torn up over this book. I was so caught up in the beautiful love story that Loch and Alena were creating that, despite my better judgment, I read a no-no trope. In my defense, it wasn’t clear there was a no-no trope. Also, yes, reasons. And no, it wasn’t as bad as I feared. But the whole premise is a little weird and, IMHO, could have been achieved with much of the same traditions without tipping into no-no (for me) territory. I should have DNF’d as soon as I knew what was coming, but literally everything else was swoony AF. To be clear, while it wasn’t for me, some readers will love the taboo-esque rituals.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: 📱
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Action, Dark-ish, Mystery/Suspense, New Adult
Ending: 💕 {HFN}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present}
Emotions: 🫠😩🥵😳😍
Darkness: 🖤
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ Tropes: Family Saga, Forbidden (Bodyguard, BFF Daughter), Forced Proximity, Found Family, Heroine in Danger, Hidden Identity, Instalove/Insta-Obsession, Mafia/Bratva/Organized Crime, Meet Cute, Miscommunication/Lie for Reasons, Neighbors, Secret Relationship, Secret Society, Stalker, Workplace
💫 Microtropes: Caretaker/Protective MMC, Curvy Woman, “Good Girl”, Grovel, He Falls First, He Falls Harder, It’s Always Been You, Secrets & Lies, Tattooed MMC, Tragic Past, “Yes, Sir”
🔆 Character: Bodyguard, Influencer, Park Ranger, Vigilante
💋 Kinks: 🍑 Play, Angel Wings, Degradation (Mild), Dirty Talk, Domination, Exhibitionism, Ice Play, Orgasm Tower, Pearl Necklace/Spunk Art, Phone Fun, Pleasure Dom, Power Exchange, Praise, Public Play, Squirting, Toys as Teammates
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: Dominant MMC, Manipulation, MINE!, Touch-Her-and-💀, Tracking/Spying
⛔️ Safety Squad: Kidnapping/Captive (Not by MMC), Sharing, Trafficking (Not of FMC), Unaliving, Violence, and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page and in the past and/or present. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: Remote National Forest + Sex Club, North Carolina 🇺🇸
📣 Type: Loch is part of the Belles & Bratva Beasts series of interconnected standalones. The couple gets their HEA/HFN, but the overarching storyline carries across the series. As such, this series will be best enjoyed when read in order.
⚠️ Warning: This smutty read will have you DoorDashing batteries for BOB.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
However, secrets tend to come to light at the most inopportune times, and it’s no exception for Alena and Loch.
Damn it. I’m literally so torn up over this book. I was so caught up in the beautiful love story that Loch and Alena were creating that, despite my better judgment, I read a no-no trope. In my defense, it wasn’t clear there was a no-no trope. Also, yes, reasons. And no, it wasn’t as bad as I feared. But the whole premise is a little weird and, IMHO, could have been achieved with much of the same traditions without tipping into no-no (for me) territory. I should have DNF’d as soon as I knew what was coming, but literally everything else was swoony AF. To be clear, while it wasn’t for me, some readers will love the taboo-esque rituals.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: 📱
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Action, Dark-ish, Mystery/Suspense, New Adult
Ending: 💕 {HFN}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present}
Emotions: 🫠😩🥵😳😍
Darkness: 🖤
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ Tropes: Family Saga, Forbidden (Bodyguard, BFF Daughter), Forced Proximity, Found Family, Heroine in Danger, Hidden Identity, Instalove/Insta-Obsession, Mafia/Bratva/Organized Crime, Meet Cute, Miscommunication/Lie for Reasons, Neighbors, Secret Relationship, Secret Society, Stalker, Workplace
💫 Microtropes: Caretaker/Protective MMC, Curvy Woman, “Good Girl”, Grovel, He Falls First, He Falls Harder, It’s Always Been You, Secrets & Lies, Tattooed MMC, Tragic Past, “Yes, Sir”
🔆 Character: Bodyguard, Influencer, Park Ranger, Vigilante
💋 Kinks: 🍑 Play, Angel Wings, Degradation (Mild), Dirty Talk, Domination, Exhibitionism, Ice Play, Orgasm Tower, Pearl Necklace/Spunk Art, Phone Fun, Pleasure Dom, Power Exchange, Praise, Public Play, Squirting, Toys as Teammates
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: Dominant MMC, Manipulation, MINE!, Touch-Her-and-💀, Tracking/Spying
⛔️ Safety Squad: Kidnapping/Captive (Not by MMC), Sharing, Trafficking (Not of FMC), Unaliving, Violence, and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page and in the past and/or present. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: Remote National Forest + Sex Club, North Carolina 🇺🇸
📣 Type: Loch is part of the Belles & Bratva Beasts series of interconnected standalones. The couple gets their HEA/HFN, but the overarching storyline carries across the series. As such, this series will be best enjoyed when read in order.
⚠️ Warning: This smutty read will have you DoorDashing batteries for BOB.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
March 10, 2026
ALPHA/ARC. Full RTC. Releases March 16, 2026.
Tropes:
Secret taboo society
Mountain mafia romance
Bodyguard x princess
Curvy beauty x tender beast
Best friend's daughter
Hidden identity
Tropes:
Secret taboo society
Mountain mafia romance
Bodyguard x princess
Curvy beauty x tender beast
Best friend's daughter
Hidden identity
April 11, 2026
'.... Protect. Kill. Claim. Breed. Mate.
Mine.' (Ch 3)
Dark Romance | Mountain Romance | Mafia Romance | Forest Rangers | Meet-Cute | Forbidden Love | Morally Grey | Secret Bodyguard x Mafia Princess | Best Friend’s Daughter | Curvy Beauty x Tender Beast | Hidden Identities | Secret Society |Taboo Traditions
Interconnected series, can be read as standalone. However, I highly recommend reading them in order for maximum immersion.
After reading about Loch and Alena in the background of the other books in this series, I've been anticipating this one! I think it should be titled Loch & Alena, though, as it's only fair since she's their princess! Just my humble opinion 🤣.
Omgosh, the banter between these two! They are so cute, had me smiling cheesily, and trying not to LOL.
' “Yeah, guess you could say Mutt loves what I love.” The way Loch cuts his steak and his sexy eyes at me...
“Like?”
“Like romcoms and caramel popcorn, long walks, and chasing tail.”
I gulp.
The way he laughs... “His tail. Not women. I promise, I don’t chase them.”' (Ch 7)
Loch is like a kid brother (he IS the youngest though, so it makes sense) — the loveable goofball whose hair you want to ruffle or give noogies to... though he’s quite big and tall, so that might not be logistically possible if you're short. A witty sweetheart who would protect Alena to within the very last inch of his life.
'It’s not a fairy tale; it’s fate when you find the beauty that makes you her beast.' (Ch 14)
Alena, she’s adorable, shy, and insecure. Always comparing their situations to romantic movies (lots of rom-coms with a specific actress — with whom I absolutely adore, btw). But don't underestimate the shy ones!
And Loch and Alena gave me a new trope to love: Just One Slice!
It's like a drama rom-com with a sexy dark side. Like the boy-next-door and the girl-next-door flip a switch, and they peel away the sappy and cutesy to reveal the feral heat and dirty spice. But back to sappy... I teared up at least a few times! Omgee, yank at my heartstrings! The feels!
'Lies hurt. They make you question everything, mostly love.' (Ch 34)
For them, it's a complicated relationship due to certain withheld information, not to mention their family's circumstances. Despite the dire threats that exist, they manage to maneuver the rough terrain.
'When it’s love, it only takes a moment to reunite because forever awaits.' (Ch 43)
Love how Kelly keeps weaving these stories together masterfully, introducing new bombshells to perpetuate intrigue! Loch and Alena's story are my newest favorite! Cannot wait for Jace's story next, which is coming soon!
'I’m beginning to realize the recipe of our group is hazardous with a dash of humor and a fistful of hot sex. It’s the only way to survive.' (Ch 46)
5🌟 eARC voluntary review
Mine.' (Ch 3)
Dark Romance | Mountain Romance | Mafia Romance | Forest Rangers | Meet-Cute | Forbidden Love | Morally Grey | Secret Bodyguard x Mafia Princess | Best Friend’s Daughter | Curvy Beauty x Tender Beast | Hidden Identities | Secret Society |Taboo Traditions
Interconnected series, can be read as standalone. However, I highly recommend reading them in order for maximum immersion.
After reading about Loch and Alena in the background of the other books in this series, I've been anticipating this one! I think it should be titled Loch & Alena, though, as it's only fair since she's their princess! Just my humble opinion 🤣.
Omgosh, the banter between these two! They are so cute, had me smiling cheesily, and trying not to LOL.
' “Yeah, guess you could say Mutt loves what I love.” The way Loch cuts his steak and his sexy eyes at me...
“Like?”
“Like romcoms and caramel popcorn, long walks, and chasing tail.”
I gulp.
The way he laughs... “His tail. Not women. I promise, I don’t chase them.”' (Ch 7)
Loch is like a kid brother (he IS the youngest though, so it makes sense) — the loveable goofball whose hair you want to ruffle or give noogies to... though he’s quite big and tall, so that might not be logistically possible if you're short. A witty sweetheart who would protect Alena to within the very last inch of his life.
'It’s not a fairy tale; it’s fate when you find the beauty that makes you her beast.' (Ch 14)
Alena, she’s adorable, shy, and insecure. Always comparing their situations to romantic movies (lots of rom-coms with a specific actress — with whom I absolutely adore, btw). But don't underestimate the shy ones!
And Loch and Alena gave me a new trope to love: Just One Slice!
It's like a drama rom-com with a sexy dark side. Like the boy-next-door and the girl-next-door flip a switch, and they peel away the sappy and cutesy to reveal the feral heat and dirty spice. But back to sappy... I teared up at least a few times! Omgee, yank at my heartstrings! The feels!
'Lies hurt. They make you question everything, mostly love.' (Ch 34)
For them, it's a complicated relationship due to certain withheld information, not to mention their family's circumstances. Despite the dire threats that exist, they manage to maneuver the rough terrain.
'When it’s love, it only takes a moment to reunite because forever awaits.' (Ch 43)
Love how Kelly keeps weaving these stories together masterfully, introducing new bombshells to perpetuate intrigue! Loch and Alena's story are my newest favorite! Cannot wait for Jace's story next, which is coming soon!
'I’m beginning to realize the recipe of our group is hazardous with a dash of humor and a fistful of hot sex. It’s the only way to survive.' (Ch 46)
5🌟 eARC voluntary review
March 21, 2026
This was a good book. I recommend this book and the whole series.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
March 9, 2026
I have never in my life of reading hundreds books read a “father’s best friend” romance where there is only a 3 year age gap between the MCs. And this is just a little hint to all the confusing character connections in this book. I did really enjoy this, the plot was great despite all the time skips and I loved both the fmc and the mmc. Alena was such a badass forest ranger and like her father, is fearless in helping those in need. While Loch is just a deeply whipped mfer who would follow Alena to the ends of the Earth. He’s the king of grovelling and out of his 6 brothers, probably is the greenest flag. Loch has been obsessed for ages and when he gets the chance, he doesn’t let it pass up. I loved the plot, it was really intense and once again the skips annoyed me, but there were some amazing twists and I was engaged in the story throughout. The spicy scenes were also super fun with Loch being a pleasure dom but I can’t wait to read the bonus scene of her initiation. Loch also has very humorous narration which I loved. I give this a 4/5
An important thing to note is that book is said to be an interconnected standalone but honestly don’t read this unless you’ve read at least one of the other books in this series to get an idea of the Belles and Bratva Beasts universe because the timeline has many many jumps where the other books events should take place and the character connections would be very confusing to someone how has never read the previous books. I’ve only read Nash, the first book in this series and I still felt pretty damn lost so definitely read the other books first.
An important thing to note is that book is said to be an interconnected standalone but honestly don’t read this unless you’ve read at least one of the other books in this series to get an idea of the Belles and Bratva Beasts universe because the timeline has many many jumps where the other books events should take place and the character connections would be very confusing to someone how has never read the previous books. I’ve only read Nash, the first book in this series and I still felt pretty damn lost so definitely read the other books first.
March 26, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
📕Book Review/Beta📕
One thing I can always count on Kelly Finley to do is to challenge me. To think about things differently, to see a character in a new way as I learn about them, and to also learn about myself. Loch and Alena’s story was one I was super curious about as I was reading the earlier books in this series. I love a second chance romance and one with betrayal and redemption even more. It’s real, it’s messy, and the buildup and reunification oh so sweet. Is it complicated? For sure. But so are most things worth fighting for, and Loch sure did fight for Alena. Alena was fighting too.
Therapist 👋 Take: Can this be read as a standalone? Yes, but I think it makes sense to read the books in the story to get a clearer understanding of how powerful the growth arc of Alena is. I’ll be honest, I thought I knew her-and until I got to see her POV, I realized I didn’t. Her story made me challenge myself as I watched her show me who she was, and felt more empathetic and understanding and also really proud of her. That’s what books can do: they can make us see things in a new way, they can remind us that a person’s journey doesn’t have to mirror our own to have value, they can show us the way back to ourselves sometimes. Alena and Loch valued each other, cared for each other and grew with each other and the reader who gets to be a part of it can grow a little too. This one is spicy, but the spice serves a function too-creates a level of emotional intimacy and care that made the redemption and reconciliation quite beautiful. I’m always honored to be a part of the journey and the world that Kelly creates 💚
Thank you Kelly Finley for letting me be a part of your circle 💚
📕Book Review/Beta📕
One thing I can always count on Kelly Finley to do is to challenge me. To think about things differently, to see a character in a new way as I learn about them, and to also learn about myself. Loch and Alena’s story was one I was super curious about as I was reading the earlier books in this series. I love a second chance romance and one with betrayal and redemption even more. It’s real, it’s messy, and the buildup and reunification oh so sweet. Is it complicated? For sure. But so are most things worth fighting for, and Loch sure did fight for Alena. Alena was fighting too.
Therapist 👋 Take: Can this be read as a standalone? Yes, but I think it makes sense to read the books in the story to get a clearer understanding of how powerful the growth arc of Alena is. I’ll be honest, I thought I knew her-and until I got to see her POV, I realized I didn’t. Her story made me challenge myself as I watched her show me who she was, and felt more empathetic and understanding and also really proud of her. That’s what books can do: they can make us see things in a new way, they can remind us that a person’s journey doesn’t have to mirror our own to have value, they can show us the way back to ourselves sometimes. Alena and Loch valued each other, cared for each other and grew with each other and the reader who gets to be a part of it can grow a little too. This one is spicy, but the spice serves a function too-creates a level of emotional intimacy and care that made the redemption and reconciliation quite beautiful. I’m always honored to be a part of the journey and the world that Kelly creates 💚
Thank you Kelly Finley for letting me be a part of your circle 💚
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
4.5⭐️
4🌶
The queen of spice has done it AGAIN. I needed an ice cold shower after this book because HOLY MOLY were Loch & Alena on fire. Not only was Loch a lil freak but Alena pleasantly surpirse me. She didn’t act like some shy, good girl who didn’t know what do. Not ma'am, she took charge in her life and her pleasure.
I knew what was coming with Alena and Loch and it still hurt, BAD. My heart physically ached for Alena because I understood how she left. She felt like every single thing was a lie, how could she not?! But on the other hand, my heart broke for Loch because he didn't want to hurt her and you could just feel his pain coming off the pages. The way that he was devoted to her, in love with her, loyal to her. Ugh it was everything you want in a man.
Everytime I think i know what's happening, Kelly just proves that I don't know jack sh*t. Those freaking plot twists! 🤯🤯🤯
I HIGHLY suggest reading this series from the beginning to get the full picture of how much Loch actually yearned for Alena and how each couple is bonded to one another. It just completes the whole picture.
Tropes:
✨️ Bodyguard x Princess
✨️ Mountain Mafia Romance
✨️ Secret Taboo Society
✨️ Best Friend's Daughter
✨️ Hidden Identity
✨️ Curvy Beauty x Tender Beast
4.5⭐️
4🌶
The queen of spice has done it AGAIN. I needed an ice cold shower after this book because HOLY MOLY were Loch & Alena on fire. Not only was Loch a lil freak but Alena pleasantly surpirse me. She didn’t act like some shy, good girl who didn’t know what do. Not ma'am, she took charge in her life and her pleasure.
I knew what was coming with Alena and Loch and it still hurt, BAD. My heart physically ached for Alena because I understood how she left. She felt like every single thing was a lie, how could she not?! But on the other hand, my heart broke for Loch because he didn't want to hurt her and you could just feel his pain coming off the pages. The way that he was devoted to her, in love with her, loyal to her. Ugh it was everything you want in a man.
Everytime I think i know what's happening, Kelly just proves that I don't know jack sh*t. Those freaking plot twists! 🤯🤯🤯
I HIGHLY suggest reading this series from the beginning to get the full picture of how much Loch actually yearned for Alena and how each couple is bonded to one another. It just completes the whole picture.
Tropes:
✨️ Bodyguard x Princess
✨️ Mountain Mafia Romance
✨️ Secret Taboo Society
✨️ Best Friend's Daughter
✨️ Hidden Identity
✨️ Curvy Beauty x Tender Beast
April 17, 2026
ARC REVIEW
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Always a great time to be back in this world by Kelly Finley!! 🖤
Alena and Loch’s story is not what I was expecting in a great way, and it made me realize how much I didn’t know them well at all from the previous books! I thought Alena was this sheltered goody good girl but boy was I so wrong!!!
Alena Allen is a freaken badass and she is a freak in the sheets🙌🏻🥵GET IT GIRL!!!
Loch is just an angel baby, he’s a big baby Lion 🤭 and the way he loves and protects Alena is both sweet and so goddamn sexy!!
The way they “meet” and how their relationship evolves is so interesting and hot but it is followed up with hardships and secrets❤️🩹
Being with all the kings and queens in this book again was so much fun, and sexy as always! With sooooo many plot twists and new secrets revealed! 🤭🖤
Thank you Luna and Kelly for the ARC 🖤
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Always a great time to be back in this world by Kelly Finley!! 🖤
Alena and Loch’s story is not what I was expecting in a great way, and it made me realize how much I didn’t know them well at all from the previous books! I thought Alena was this sheltered goody good girl but boy was I so wrong!!!
Alena Allen is a freaken badass and she is a freak in the sheets🙌🏻🥵GET IT GIRL!!!
Loch is just an angel baby, he’s a big baby Lion 🤭 and the way he loves and protects Alena is both sweet and so goddamn sexy!!
The way they “meet” and how their relationship evolves is so interesting and hot but it is followed up with hardships and secrets❤️🩹
Being with all the kings and queens in this book again was so much fun, and sexy as always! With sooooo many plot twists and new secrets revealed! 🤭🖤
Thank you Luna and Kelly for the ARC 🖤
April 2, 2026
ARC Review
From the author:
His brothers told him to protect her; he fell in love. They told him to marry her; he already had a ring. And he has no idea how he’s connected to the only men in her life. She doesn’t know just how dark, dangerous, and taboo his world is. Now, Loch and Alena will have to divulge their greatest secrets … and sins … to see if their love can survive.
As always make sure to check your CWs and TWs! Keep your mental space safe.
If you have no issues than I would recommend going into this book blind for a better reading experience.
My thoughts:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤
I loved the overall storyline of this book. The pacing was spot on for me. Never a boring moment and I just loved it😏. Loch is Alena’s bodyguard who happens to get the opportunity to work alongside her. Of course, he does not hesitate to take it because he is so obsessed with Alena. Loch is Alena’s fathers' best friend, even though there is only a 3-year age gap between Alena and himself. You can see the problem, right? Alena is a badass forest ranger working in Pisgah National Forest and I loved that she was always helping others. The spicy times were oh so delicious. Loch is an OF pleasure dom which gives this book that extra something that I love. This sadly is the only book that I have read from the Belles and Bratva Beasts series, and I really wish I would have had the time to read her prior books in the series before I started this book. Even though this can be read as a standalone, I feel that I would have understood characters and time jumps better. I would recommend reading them first. I know that I will be reading them and then re-reading this book to get the full Beast experience! I enjoyed and would highly recommend!
Tropes included:
🖤Bodyguard x Princess
🖤Best Friends Daughter
🖤Secret Identities
🖤Secret Society
🖤Taboo
🖤Secret Arranged Marriage
🖤Dark Not Mafia-Mafia
I would like to send a special shoutout to Kelly Finley and Luna Literary for the chance to meet these appetizing characters.
P.S. loved the book cover 🤤
From the author:
His brothers told him to protect her; he fell in love. They told him to marry her; he already had a ring. And he has no idea how he’s connected to the only men in her life. She doesn’t know just how dark, dangerous, and taboo his world is. Now, Loch and Alena will have to divulge their greatest secrets … and sins … to see if their love can survive.
As always make sure to check your CWs and TWs! Keep your mental space safe.
If you have no issues than I would recommend going into this book blind for a better reading experience.
My thoughts:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤
I loved the overall storyline of this book. The pacing was spot on for me. Never a boring moment and I just loved it😏. Loch is Alena’s bodyguard who happens to get the opportunity to work alongside her. Of course, he does not hesitate to take it because he is so obsessed with Alena. Loch is Alena’s fathers' best friend, even though there is only a 3-year age gap between Alena and himself. You can see the problem, right? Alena is a badass forest ranger working in Pisgah National Forest and I loved that she was always helping others. The spicy times were oh so delicious. Loch is an OF pleasure dom which gives this book that extra something that I love. This sadly is the only book that I have read from the Belles and Bratva Beasts series, and I really wish I would have had the time to read her prior books in the series before I started this book. Even though this can be read as a standalone, I feel that I would have understood characters and time jumps better. I would recommend reading them first. I know that I will be reading them and then re-reading this book to get the full Beast experience! I enjoyed and would highly recommend!
Tropes included:
🖤Bodyguard x Princess
🖤Best Friends Daughter
🖤Secret Identities
🖤Secret Society
🖤Taboo
🖤Secret Arranged Marriage
🖤Dark Not Mafia-Mafia
I would like to send a special shoutout to Kelly Finley and Luna Literary for the chance to meet these appetizing characters.
P.S. loved the book cover 🤤
May 2, 2026
I love this man.
March 16, 2026
Bodyguard x Princess
✨️ Mountain Mafia Romance
✨️ Secret Taboo Society
✨️ Best Friend's Daughter
✨️ Hidden Identity
✨️ Curvy Beauty x Tender Beast
✨️ Mountain Mafia Romance
✨️ Secret Taboo Society
✨️ Best Friend's Daughter
✨️ Hidden Identity
✨️ Curvy Beauty x Tender Beast
April 11, 2026
Kelly Finley supremacy!!!🧎🏻♀️🧎🏻♀️🧎🏻♀️
I SWEAR THESE BOOKS ARE SO MFING GOOD!!!! Idk what she put in these but they are certified thigh tears & eye tears!!! And LOVE!!! AND IM OBSESSED!!!!
Loch and Alena were everything I could have ever wanted!! And more!!!
The vibes? 👇🏻👇🏻
- Mountain Mafia Romance
- Bodyguard x Princess
- Best Friend's Daughter
- Curvy Beauty x Tender Beast
- Hidden Identities
- Secret Society
- Band of Brothers
I SWEAR THESE BOOKS ARE SO MFING GOOD!!!! Idk what she put in these but they are certified thigh tears & eye tears!!! And LOVE!!! AND IM OBSESSED!!!!
Loch and Alena were everything I could have ever wanted!! And more!!!
The vibes? 👇🏻👇🏻
- Mountain Mafia Romance
- Bodyguard x Princess
- Best Friend's Daughter
- Curvy Beauty x Tender Beast
- Hidden Identities
- Secret Society
- Band of Brothers
March 22, 2026
Loch
Belles & Bratva Beasts #4
Kelly Finley
Holy “father’s best friend” romance! I have never read this trope with a such a small age gap, it was fun and also shows how complex the connections are in this series. I was definitely intrigued.
I really enjoyed Loch and Alena’s story.
Alena is such a badass. I loved her strength as a Ranger and the way she holds her own in a world that is dark, dangerous, and steeped in tradition. She isn’t naive, and she isn’t weak, even when the truths around her start unraveling.
Loch? Cute, goofy, hot, slightly unhinged in that morally gray hero way I always fall for. He’s protective but not flat, intense but still soft where it matters. The tension around what she doesn’t know kept me turning the pages.
The spice was excellent, explicit, bold, and sounds very on brand for this series. My only real complaint is that Alena’s initiation being placed as a bonus scene surprised me. It felt significant enough that I would have loved to see it fully integrated into the main story.
Overall, this was intriguing, steamy, and full of complicated relationships and taboo traditions. I definitely need to go back and read the earlier books to fully immerse myself in this world, as since this is technically an interconnected standalone, I did feel a little lost at times I had the feeling I was missing out on plot. There are a lot of moving pieces involving the other Kings and Queens happening simultaneously, and I think if I had read the previous books first, my reading experience would have been even stronger.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you HambrightPR for the review copy, all opinions are my own.
Belles & Bratva Beasts #4
Kelly Finley
Holy “father’s best friend” romance! I have never read this trope with a such a small age gap, it was fun and also shows how complex the connections are in this series. I was definitely intrigued.
I really enjoyed Loch and Alena’s story.
Alena is such a badass. I loved her strength as a Ranger and the way she holds her own in a world that is dark, dangerous, and steeped in tradition. She isn’t naive, and she isn’t weak, even when the truths around her start unraveling.
Loch? Cute, goofy, hot, slightly unhinged in that morally gray hero way I always fall for. He’s protective but not flat, intense but still soft where it matters. The tension around what she doesn’t know kept me turning the pages.
The spice was excellent, explicit, bold, and sounds very on brand for this series. My only real complaint is that Alena’s initiation being placed as a bonus scene surprised me. It felt significant enough that I would have loved to see it fully integrated into the main story.
Overall, this was intriguing, steamy, and full of complicated relationships and taboo traditions. I definitely need to go back and read the earlier books to fully immerse myself in this world, as since this is technically an interconnected standalone, I did feel a little lost at times I had the feeling I was missing out on plot. There are a lot of moving pieces involving the other Kings and Queens happening simultaneously, and I think if I had read the previous books first, my reading experience would have been even stronger.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you HambrightPR for the review copy, all opinions are my own.
April 27, 2026
5⭐|5🌶️|20%🌶️
This isn't the last book of this series, but it's the one I was the most excited about. The one I was so thrilled to get to.
Loch and Alena's love story was so present in the previous books. Especially because it was so forbidden and was so completely full of secrets 😟
Loch is so in love with her. It's really hurting. He suffered so long to finally get her, and then all the secrets destroyed it. That's no secret if you have read the previous books. It all happened there. But I was so excited about how they got together AND especially how they get together again.
And I really didn't expect them to be this dirty 😲
It's not just Loch. But holy 🔥🌶️🔥🌶️🔥 Him being a pleasure dom 🥵 Just reading all of it 🥵
If you like your books dirty, then this series is absolutely a must-read for you. I definitely haven't read anything dirtier than this. There are so many forbidden parts. And I'll definitely never get over the whole kings and queens thing. The whole initiation parts... 🥵 Yes, Wren's initiation (Sire) was extreme, but Alena's got an extra bonus scene, and yes, it was different because of many reasons, but it wasn't less 🔥
I'm now looking forward to reading the last book of this series soon. Jace is coming on June 1st, and I'm sure it won't be less 🌶️ than the other books.
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
This isn't the last book of this series, but it's the one I was the most excited about. The one I was so thrilled to get to.
Loch and Alena's love story was so present in the previous books. Especially because it was so forbidden and was so completely full of secrets 😟
Loch is so in love with her. It's really hurting. He suffered so long to finally get her, and then all the secrets destroyed it. That's no secret if you have read the previous books. It all happened there. But I was so excited about how they got together AND especially how they get together again.
And I really didn't expect them to be this dirty 😲
It's not just Loch. But holy 🔥🌶️🔥🌶️🔥 Him being a pleasure dom 🥵 Just reading all of it 🥵
If you like your books dirty, then this series is absolutely a must-read for you. I definitely haven't read anything dirtier than this. There are so many forbidden parts. And I'll definitely never get over the whole kings and queens thing. The whole initiation parts... 🥵 Yes, Wren's initiation (Sire) was extreme, but Alena's got an extra bonus scene, and yes, it was different because of many reasons, but it wasn't less 🔥
I'm now looking forward to reading the last book of this series soon. Jace is coming on June 1st, and I'm sure it won't be less 🌶️ than the other books.
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
March 14, 2026
The Mafia doesn’t belong in the mountains, but I belong with Alena.
Every book in this series I have said this King is my favorite & I stand by what I say every time….Jace is going to have big shoes to fill because Loch is currently my favorite…who doesn’t love a baby lion
Loch loved Alena from a far for YEARS….call it a crush but when you know you know….should he maybe have divulged that information before he was sent in the mountains to protect her??? Maybe but that would have made the book a little less interesting….we needed the drama & I was there for it!!! If you read the first three books you know what’s going to happen but I needed to see it (read it) play out in detail
Alena is fierce….did she really need protecting??? Probably not because she can handle herself but it never hurts to have a hot hunk watch your back or backside for you at all times
& just so you know Kelly threw a couple of twists in there I never saw coming…one was to funny not to & the second had me in tears…it’s a two parter twist so have your tissues handy
I’m ready for Jace but not ready for Jace at the same time…I’m not the least bit ready for this series to be over…I definitely need all of these men on my shelves
🏔️ Mountain M@fia Romance 👸 Bodyguard x Princess 🚫 Best Friend's Daughter 🎭 Hidden Identities 🤫 Secret Society 👹 Curvy Beauty x Tender Beast
Every book in this series I have said this King is my favorite & I stand by what I say every time….Jace is going to have big shoes to fill because Loch is currently my favorite…who doesn’t love a baby lion
Loch loved Alena from a far for YEARS….call it a crush but when you know you know….should he maybe have divulged that information before he was sent in the mountains to protect her??? Maybe but that would have made the book a little less interesting….we needed the drama & I was there for it!!! If you read the first three books you know what’s going to happen but I needed to see it (read it) play out in detail
Alena is fierce….did she really need protecting??? Probably not because she can handle herself but it never hurts to have a hot hunk watch your back or backside for you at all times
& just so you know Kelly threw a couple of twists in there I never saw coming…one was to funny not to & the second had me in tears…it’s a two parter twist so have your tissues handy
I’m ready for Jace but not ready for Jace at the same time…I’m not the least bit ready for this series to be over…I definitely need all of these men on my shelves
🏔️ Mountain M@fia Romance 👸 Bodyguard x Princess 🚫 Best Friend's Daughter 🎭 Hidden Identities 🤫 Secret Society 👹 Curvy Beauty x Tender Beast
March 17, 2026
I received Loch in return for an honest review from Hambright PR.
Alena works as a forest ranger and when a new ranger arrives she can't deny her attraction as there is just something about him. Loch has secrets he was sent to protect Alena but he's been in love with her forever. She doesn't know it but she's connected to his family and hopefully when the secrets come out he will forgive her and understand he did it to protect her.
I loved Alena she's this amazing character who will jump across a raging river to save someone, and has no second thought about her own safety. She loves to read and I really felt that I was able to connect with her, I mean who doesn't love a MC who reads just like they do. Loch's story of being in love with he forever is sweet he's been in and out of her life and she had no idea. I loved every minute of their relationship. Plus a dog named mutt made me giggle so much but at least he was very well trained.
I devoured this one in just one afternoon as I was hooked right from the start on Alena and Loch's story. While this is a standalone I haven't read any of the prior books and had no issues following along with the story. However, now that I have met the brothers I need to go back and read their stories because I enjoyed this one so much and seeing them so connected in the story I need more. The author did a beautiful job creating a captivating story that just hooked me till the very last page. The teaser for the next book has me dying to read it. Highly recommend if you like Mafia romance checking this series out.
Alena works as a forest ranger and when a new ranger arrives she can't deny her attraction as there is just something about him. Loch has secrets he was sent to protect Alena but he's been in love with her forever. She doesn't know it but she's connected to his family and hopefully when the secrets come out he will forgive her and understand he did it to protect her.
I loved Alena she's this amazing character who will jump across a raging river to save someone, and has no second thought about her own safety. She loves to read and I really felt that I was able to connect with her, I mean who doesn't love a MC who reads just like they do. Loch's story of being in love with he forever is sweet he's been in and out of her life and she had no idea. I loved every minute of their relationship. Plus a dog named mutt made me giggle so much but at least he was very well trained.
I devoured this one in just one afternoon as I was hooked right from the start on Alena and Loch's story. While this is a standalone I haven't read any of the prior books and had no issues following along with the story. However, now that I have met the brothers I need to go back and read their stories because I enjoyed this one so much and seeing them so connected in the story I need more. The author did a beautiful job creating a captivating story that just hooked me till the very last page. The teaser for the next book has me dying to read it. Highly recommend if you like Mafia romance checking this series out.
March 28, 2026
Okay so I did thoroughly enjoy this book. From the banter to the obsession to the spice… it ticked all my boxes even the inner monologues of both the MMC and the FMC had me giggling and kicking my feet. I even thought the storyline was unique as far as the scenery and most of the characters being “ex- mafia” and even the MMC having an only fans page lol
I’m unfortunately knocking this book down from 5/5 stars to 4/5 stars because the storyline as far as the kings and queens and the “sharing” that goes along with that, is just not my vibe personally- now this is the first book out of this whole series that I read so I probably should have started from the first book to know that this was how the lore is I just wasn’t really a fan of that particular aspect 🤷🏼♀️ but still 10/10 recommend
I’m unfortunately knocking this book down from 5/5 stars to 4/5 stars because the storyline as far as the kings and queens and the “sharing” that goes along with that, is just not my vibe personally- now this is the first book out of this whole series that I read so I probably should have started from the first book to know that this was how the lore is I just wasn’t really a fan of that particular aspect 🤷🏼♀️ but still 10/10 recommend
March 25, 2026
ARC Review
This was SUCH a ride, it’s dark, intense, emotional… and SPICY SPICY SPICY! This is book 4 Belles & Bratva series. The story centres on Loch and Alena, whose lives become tangled in secrets, loyalty, and a world that’s far darker than it first appears. Loch is fiercely protective, morally grey, and completely devoted to Alena. For him, it was love at first sight with Alena and he would do anything for her with or without his family obligations. Alena believe her luck is in, she has a job that she loves, a Dad that protects her, a best friend she adores and she is partnered with a hot as hell man that is so into her. She doesn’t fully understand who he is or how connected he is to her family, nor does she have a clue about the dangerous world around her, and watching those secrets simmer while their chemistry explodes is absolute perfection. The tension builds and builds, and when it finally snaps, it’s intense, possessive, emotional, and so well written. Their relationship has that perfect push-and-pull tension, with tender emotional moments amongst all the high-stakes drama. But okay. The SPICE. 🥵 Kelly does not hold back here, and I loved it. The way Loch encourages Alena to own her sexuality and coax the absolute sex kitten that she is out of her, is unbelievably HOT! And Loch with all his Dom energy is enough to make your panties combust. There are tender moments too, like there’s heat, yes, but there’s also vulnerability and power dynamics that make every moment hit harder. Loch is dominant and the connection between him and Alena makes the steamy scenes feel addictive. It’s gritty, swoony, and unapologetically hot, with so much heart too. I am so in love with this series!! I loved catching up with the others in this series and especially they're naughty taboo times - warning you will need a cold shower after reading! Overall, Loch is a gripping dark romance filled with tension, loyalty, passion, and a hero you won’t forget anytime soon. If you enjoy morally grey characters, protective heroes, strong chemistry, and a good amount of spice, this one is definitely worth adding to your TBR.
Huge thank you to Kelly & Luna Literary for this ARC opportunity
This was SUCH a ride, it’s dark, intense, emotional… and SPICY SPICY SPICY! This is book 4 Belles & Bratva series. The story centres on Loch and Alena, whose lives become tangled in secrets, loyalty, and a world that’s far darker than it first appears. Loch is fiercely protective, morally grey, and completely devoted to Alena. For him, it was love at first sight with Alena and he would do anything for her with or without his family obligations. Alena believe her luck is in, she has a job that she loves, a Dad that protects her, a best friend she adores and she is partnered with a hot as hell man that is so into her. She doesn’t fully understand who he is or how connected he is to her family, nor does she have a clue about the dangerous world around her, and watching those secrets simmer while their chemistry explodes is absolute perfection. The tension builds and builds, and when it finally snaps, it’s intense, possessive, emotional, and so well written. Their relationship has that perfect push-and-pull tension, with tender emotional moments amongst all the high-stakes drama. But okay. The SPICE. 🥵 Kelly does not hold back here, and I loved it. The way Loch encourages Alena to own her sexuality and coax the absolute sex kitten that she is out of her, is unbelievably HOT! And Loch with all his Dom energy is enough to make your panties combust. There are tender moments too, like there’s heat, yes, but there’s also vulnerability and power dynamics that make every moment hit harder. Loch is dominant and the connection between him and Alena makes the steamy scenes feel addictive. It’s gritty, swoony, and unapologetically hot, with so much heart too. I am so in love with this series!! I loved catching up with the others in this series and especially they're naughty taboo times - warning you will need a cold shower after reading! Overall, Loch is a gripping dark romance filled with tension, loyalty, passion, and a hero you won’t forget anytime soon. If you enjoy morally grey characters, protective heroes, strong chemistry, and a good amount of spice, this one is definitely worth adding to your TBR.
Huge thank you to Kelly & Luna Literary for this ARC opportunity
Did Not Finish
March 18, 2026dnf at 16% ..I hate insta love 🤢
Read
January 17, 2026Alpha/ beta read
ARC review to come!
ARC review to come!
March 16, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
✨️ Thanks to @kellyfinleybooks and @hambright_pr for the ARC
🔥 “You’re not lost. You’re found. I know who you are, Alena— you’re mine.”
🔥 "We’re two forces of nature, meant to collide.”
Loch has been tasked with secret protective duty for his best friend’s daughter, Alena. Blending in as a fellow park ranger, he tries to keep his true feelings at bay while keeping her safe from unseen dangers - but he can no longer deny that he is in love with her. After admitting his feelings to her father, Loch is forced to marry Alena. While this isn’t a big deal for him since that was his plan anyway, Alena does not know his true identity and the dark underworld she is a part of. Once secrets are revealed, can their relationship withstand the deceit and dangers lurking in the shadows?
This is my first book by this author but the fourth in the “Belles & Bratva Beasts” series and I really enjoyed it. While it is probably best to read this series in order, this book provided enough context to keep up with this unique world - which has a ton of characters. I really enjoyed the different take on the mafia romance trope and the spice - which was definitely a notch higher than I usually read but I was not mad about it at all. It was nice to see Loch and Alena bond over their love of the outdoors and their job as a park ranger - this is a profession I have not seen in a mafia romance and I loved the concept. There were lots of time jumps to progress the story along but I would have liked to read more of the blossoming relationship between the pair - I am especially interested in reading Alena’s “initiation.” The other characters were all interesting and I am looking forward to catching up with the rest of the books in the series.
⛰️Mountain M@fia Romance
👑 Bodyguard x Princess
💕 Best Friend's Daughter
🚫 Hidden Identities
🤫 Secret Society
💄Curvy Beauty x Tender Beast
✨️ Thanks to @kellyfinleybooks and @hambright_pr for the ARC
🔥 “You’re not lost. You’re found. I know who you are, Alena— you’re mine.”
🔥 "We’re two forces of nature, meant to collide.”
Loch has been tasked with secret protective duty for his best friend’s daughter, Alena. Blending in as a fellow park ranger, he tries to keep his true feelings at bay while keeping her safe from unseen dangers - but he can no longer deny that he is in love with her. After admitting his feelings to her father, Loch is forced to marry Alena. While this isn’t a big deal for him since that was his plan anyway, Alena does not know his true identity and the dark underworld she is a part of. Once secrets are revealed, can their relationship withstand the deceit and dangers lurking in the shadows?
This is my first book by this author but the fourth in the “Belles & Bratva Beasts” series and I really enjoyed it. While it is probably best to read this series in order, this book provided enough context to keep up with this unique world - which has a ton of characters. I really enjoyed the different take on the mafia romance trope and the spice - which was definitely a notch higher than I usually read but I was not mad about it at all. It was nice to see Loch and Alena bond over their love of the outdoors and their job as a park ranger - this is a profession I have not seen in a mafia romance and I loved the concept. There were lots of time jumps to progress the story along but I would have liked to read more of the blossoming relationship between the pair - I am especially interested in reading Alena’s “initiation.” The other characters were all interesting and I am looking forward to catching up with the rest of the books in the series.
⛰️Mountain M@fia Romance
👑 Bodyguard x Princess
💕 Best Friend's Daughter
🚫 Hidden Identities
🤫 Secret Society
💄Curvy Beauty x Tender Beast
April 1, 2026
LOCH!!
Not only is Loch tall, muscular, and dripping in confidence, he is also a DOM! And not just any kind of dom, a pleasure dom! This man… the way he uses his words?? And the way he guides a woman through it… yeah, if you know, you know. 🥵
He’s also the biggest teddy bear at heart. The way he decided so young that he would always protect Alena, and how that slowly turns into an all-consuming obsession (not in a creepy way)… SWOON.
I’m usually not a third-act breakup fan, but this one felt inevitable, so it just made sense. You could feel the heartbreak coming for Alena. Knowing everything she was about to find out, the lies, the secrets, it just sat there in the background the whole time. Loch never wanted to lie to her, and you really feel that through his inner struggle. He wanted to do right by her so badly, but also knew he had to wait to keep her safe.
AND THE TWIST?? That secret family member (no spoilers 😳) Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, Kelly throws in another turn to the series!
We have to talk about the spice… UNREAL. Like wow. I get nervous when books bring in newer elements (like the OnlyFans aspect), but it actually worked so well here and added to their chemistry instead of taking away from it. Watching Alena go from struggling with body confidence to fully owning who she is by the end?? She truly was a QUEEN. Her growth was everything 👏🏼
Make sure to RUN to Kelly’s website for Alena’s initiation chapters. It was everything I hoped for and then some 🥵
Forced proximity
Dom/Sub
Bodyguard x Mafia princess
Age gap
Forbidden romance
4/5 ⭐️
4/5 🌶️
I absolutely recommend this book, but would suggest reading the entire series in order. That way you get the full effect! I need Jace’s book immediately. Huge thank you to Kelly for the opportunity to ARC read!
Not only is Loch tall, muscular, and dripping in confidence, he is also a DOM! And not just any kind of dom, a pleasure dom! This man… the way he uses his words?? And the way he guides a woman through it… yeah, if you know, you know. 🥵
He’s also the biggest teddy bear at heart. The way he decided so young that he would always protect Alena, and how that slowly turns into an all-consuming obsession (not in a creepy way)… SWOON.
I’m usually not a third-act breakup fan, but this one felt inevitable, so it just made sense. You could feel the heartbreak coming for Alena. Knowing everything she was about to find out, the lies, the secrets, it just sat there in the background the whole time. Loch never wanted to lie to her, and you really feel that through his inner struggle. He wanted to do right by her so badly, but also knew he had to wait to keep her safe.
AND THE TWIST?? That secret family member (no spoilers 😳) Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, Kelly throws in another turn to the series!
We have to talk about the spice… UNREAL. Like wow. I get nervous when books bring in newer elements (like the OnlyFans aspect), but it actually worked so well here and added to their chemistry instead of taking away from it. Watching Alena go from struggling with body confidence to fully owning who she is by the end?? She truly was a QUEEN. Her growth was everything 👏🏼
Make sure to RUN to Kelly’s website for Alena’s initiation chapters. It was everything I hoped for and then some 🥵
Forced proximity
Dom/Sub
Bodyguard x Mafia princess
Age gap
Forbidden romance
4/5 ⭐️
4/5 🌶️
I absolutely recommend this book, but would suggest reading the entire series in order. That way you get the full effect! I need Jace’s book immediately. Huge thank you to Kelly for the opportunity to ARC read!
March 14, 2026
Well, well, well Ms. Queen of Spice, you did it. You completely ruined me with this one. I was fine before Loch existed… now I’m completely unwell — and honestly, I’m not even mad about it. 😮💨📚🔥
Loch & Alena have my whole heart. I absolutely flew through this book and couldn’t get enough of them.
Alena is such a strong heroine—both mentally and physically. She knows exactly who she is and isn’t afraid to stand up for herself or go after what she wants, which I absolutely envy. When Loch moves in next door, the attraction between them is immediate. And honestly… how could it not be? I’m not saying I’m obsessed with this fictional man… but big, tattooed, and dangerously attractive? Yeah, I never stood a chance. Loch was sent to the mountains with one job: protect the princess.
What Alena’s father didn’t realize when he assigned Loch as her protector is that Loch has been quietly obsessed with Alena for YEARS. His feelings for her run deep, and the intensity between them is undeniable.
The romance is not only incredibly sweet, but seriously steamy too—this book definitely brings the spice so be prepared for it!
I loved everything about this story. The plot kept me hooked from beginning to end. The chemistry was off the charts, and the relationship between Alena and Loch is without a doubt unforgettable. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and your heart will break a little before being put back together again. Such a fantastic read.
[side note: the wedding singer DVD is in the pic because…well you need to read Loch to find out!]
Thank you @kellyfinleybooks & @hambright_pr for this ARC! 🖤
#HPRLoch #KellyFinley #HambrightPR #bookstagrammer #bookcommunity
Loch & Alena have my whole heart. I absolutely flew through this book and couldn’t get enough of them.
Alena is such a strong heroine—both mentally and physically. She knows exactly who she is and isn’t afraid to stand up for herself or go after what she wants, which I absolutely envy. When Loch moves in next door, the attraction between them is immediate. And honestly… how could it not be? I’m not saying I’m obsessed with this fictional man… but big, tattooed, and dangerously attractive? Yeah, I never stood a chance. Loch was sent to the mountains with one job: protect the princess.
What Alena’s father didn’t realize when he assigned Loch as her protector is that Loch has been quietly obsessed with Alena for YEARS. His feelings for her run deep, and the intensity between them is undeniable.
The romance is not only incredibly sweet, but seriously steamy too—this book definitely brings the spice so be prepared for it!
I loved everything about this story. The plot kept me hooked from beginning to end. The chemistry was off the charts, and the relationship between Alena and Loch is without a doubt unforgettable. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and your heart will break a little before being put back together again. Such a fantastic read.
[side note: the wedding singer DVD is in the pic because…well you need to read Loch to find out!]
Thank you @kellyfinleybooks & @hambright_pr for this ARC! 🖤
#HPRLoch #KellyFinley #HambrightPR #bookstagrammer #bookcommunity
March 19, 2026
Spice: 3
Tropes:
bodyguard romance
mafia prince
best friend's daughter
hidden identity
taboo society
Dual Pov
This world of Belles and Bratva Beasts is one of my favorite series! I absolutely adore this group of 7 brothers and their Queens. When I found out Loch's story was next, I was super excited! He has been the brother that I was looking forward to story the most! There has always been something there calling me out to Loch. Maybe it's because he's the baby. Maybe because he's been away being a Forest Ranger and so we've not gotten to know him very well. Maybe it's because Delphine educated him in how to please a woman. Whatever spell it was... I was drawn in.
What I enjoyed about Loch's story was the back history of how his relationship started with Alena. I wasn't sure if we'd start at the beginning, seeing how all these books are interconnected and we already knew that shit hits the fan in their relationship. Or would the story pick up as a second chance romance? I liked that we went back to the beginning, and not as flashbacks. We got to fall in love with Alena, fall in love with Loch/Alena together, have our hearts broken - because even though I knew it was coming, watching it play out in their POVs was heart-tugging, and how Loch fought for Alena to become a Queen. I loved it!
I love how interconnected each of these stories are and how Kelly Finley leaves us breadcrumbs for the next one. So now I need to know 2 things: Jace.... how will he win over his Queen? And Sasha..... OMG That storyline was one I didn't know I needed and I HOPE that starts a cousins series!
Tropes:
bodyguard romance
mafia prince
best friend's daughter
hidden identity
taboo society
Dual Pov
This world of Belles and Bratva Beasts is one of my favorite series! I absolutely adore this group of 7 brothers and their Queens. When I found out Loch's story was next, I was super excited! He has been the brother that I was looking forward to story the most! There has always been something there calling me out to Loch. Maybe it's because he's the baby. Maybe because he's been away being a Forest Ranger and so we've not gotten to know him very well. Maybe it's because Delphine educated him in how to please a woman. Whatever spell it was... I was drawn in.
What I enjoyed about Loch's story was the back history of how his relationship started with Alena. I wasn't sure if we'd start at the beginning, seeing how all these books are interconnected and we already knew that shit hits the fan in their relationship. Or would the story pick up as a second chance romance? I liked that we went back to the beginning, and not as flashbacks. We got to fall in love with Alena, fall in love with Loch/Alena together, have our hearts broken - because even though I knew it was coming, watching it play out in their POVs was heart-tugging, and how Loch fought for Alena to become a Queen. I loved it!
I love how interconnected each of these stories are and how Kelly Finley leaves us breadcrumbs for the next one. So now I need to know 2 things: Jace.... how will he win over his Queen? And Sasha..... OMG That storyline was one I didn't know I needed and I HOPE that starts a cousins series!
April 8, 2026
A savage, addictive collision of obsession, secrets, and dark devotion.
This book doesn’t just pull you in—it drags you by the throat and dares you to look away.
Loch is the kind of morally gray hero that feels carved from shadow and steel. Protector on the surface, predator underneath. The duality? Deliciously dangerous. Watching him juggle his soft spot for Alena with the brutal reality of who he really is creates a tension that hums through every page like a live wire.
And Alena? She’s not just some delicate “mafia princess.” There’s grit under her nails and quiet strength in her spine. Her innocence isn’t weakness—it’s contrast. It makes every revelation hit harder, every betrayal sting deeper, and every moment of connection feel earned.
The chemistry between them burns slow at first… then spirals into something obsessive, consuming, and just the right amount of unhinged. The kind of romance where love and possession blur into something darker—and you’re not even mad about it.
✨ What this book delivers:
• Forbidden love that actually feels forbidden
• A secret identity trope that keeps twisting the knife
• Protective, touch-her-and-die energy turned up to eleven
• A heroine discovering her power while everything falls apart
• High-stakes danger wrapped in luxury, violence, and obsession
The pacing is sharp, the reveals land perfectly, and the emotional tension? Absolutely feral. Every secret peeled back feels like stepping deeper into a storm you know you shouldn’t walk into—but you do anyway.
By the end, you’re not just invested—you’re owned.
If you love your romance dark, possessive, and laced with danger… this one will ruin you in the best way. 🖤
This book doesn’t just pull you in—it drags you by the throat and dares you to look away.
Loch is the kind of morally gray hero that feels carved from shadow and steel. Protector on the surface, predator underneath. The duality? Deliciously dangerous. Watching him juggle his soft spot for Alena with the brutal reality of who he really is creates a tension that hums through every page like a live wire.
And Alena? She’s not just some delicate “mafia princess.” There’s grit under her nails and quiet strength in her spine. Her innocence isn’t weakness—it’s contrast. It makes every revelation hit harder, every betrayal sting deeper, and every moment of connection feel earned.
The chemistry between them burns slow at first… then spirals into something obsessive, consuming, and just the right amount of unhinged. The kind of romance where love and possession blur into something darker—and you’re not even mad about it.
✨ What this book delivers:
• Forbidden love that actually feels forbidden
• A secret identity trope that keeps twisting the knife
• Protective, touch-her-and-die energy turned up to eleven
• A heroine discovering her power while everything falls apart
• High-stakes danger wrapped in luxury, violence, and obsession
The pacing is sharp, the reveals land perfectly, and the emotional tension? Absolutely feral. Every secret peeled back feels like stepping deeper into a storm you know you shouldn’t walk into—but you do anyway.
By the end, you’re not just invested—you’re owned.
If you love your romance dark, possessive, and laced with danger… this one will ruin you in the best way. 🖤
April 4, 2026
This book is filthy, forbidden, and completely addictive in the best way.
Loch Waring is not just protective—he’s obsessive. The kind of man who watches, waits, and wants… and once he decides she’s his? There’s no going back. The tension between him and Alena is thick from the start, layered with secrets, lies, and years of quiet, sinful longing.
And when those walls finally crack?
Yeah… it’s game over. 🔥
Loch is pure contradiction—violent Bratva prince meets soft, reverent devotion. He doesn’t just want Alena… he worships her, craves her, and would burn the entire world down to keep her. That possessive, “you don’t even know how long I’ve wanted you” energy? UNMATCHED.
Alena brings the perfect balance—sweet but not weak, curious but not naïve. Watching her step into her power while unraveling who Loch really is makes everything feel even more intense… and way more dangerous.
✨ You’re getting:
• Forbidden, “shouldn’t want her but I do anyway” tension
• A touch her and die alpha who is down BAD
• Secret identity reveal that hits HARD
• Dirty, emotionally charged spice that actually means something
• That delicious mix of softness + dominance
This isn’t just steamy—it’s consuming. The kind of story where the chemistry feels a little too real and the obsession runs deep.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
If you love your men dangerous, devoted, and a little unhinged when it comes to their woman… Loch will ruin you in the best way. 😮🔥
Loch Waring is not just protective—he’s obsessive. The kind of man who watches, waits, and wants… and once he decides she’s his? There’s no going back. The tension between him and Alena is thick from the start, layered with secrets, lies, and years of quiet, sinful longing.
And when those walls finally crack?
Yeah… it’s game over. 🔥
Loch is pure contradiction—violent Bratva prince meets soft, reverent devotion. He doesn’t just want Alena… he worships her, craves her, and would burn the entire world down to keep her. That possessive, “you don’t even know how long I’ve wanted you” energy? UNMATCHED.
Alena brings the perfect balance—sweet but not weak, curious but not naïve. Watching her step into her power while unraveling who Loch really is makes everything feel even more intense… and way more dangerous.
✨ You’re getting:
• Forbidden, “shouldn’t want her but I do anyway” tension
• A touch her and die alpha who is down BAD
• Secret identity reveal that hits HARD
• Dirty, emotionally charged spice that actually means something
• That delicious mix of softness + dominance
This isn’t just steamy—it’s consuming. The kind of story where the chemistry feels a little too real and the obsession runs deep.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
If you love your men dangerous, devoted, and a little unhinged when it comes to their woman… Loch will ruin you in the best way. 😮🔥
April 1, 2026
So, after finishing the book, there are a lot of emotions happening. One, thank goodness there was a bonus scene for Alena’s initiation or I would have been crawling out of my skin to know what happened there.
This may be the “darkest” book I’ve read so far, but I’m not complaining. Of note there is a page and a half of content warnings and it is most definitely 18+. With that said, this was sooooo good! Even with all the dark desires, wants, needs, protection, possessiveness, exhibitionism, domineering, submission~ there was above all else love. Alena and Loch were meant to be together. It was always fate. He was always her protector. Even if he was told by his “brother”, her father to protect her, he was already in love with her and would take a million bullets for her to protect his Queen. Although, he does have to keep the lie about who he and his brothers are, but when she inevitably finds out does love and protection matter more over the lie of omission?
This is a stand alone but interconnected with the other brothers’ books over a period of about 2 years. They are not- mafia mafia, though they are the good guys who save trafficked women. The story of the family is explained in this book. Also, they uphold a special Russian tradition of initiation of their Queens. There is a lot of shock and awe in this book and I’m not just referring to the spice. Normally I can guess if there is a twist coming, but I didn’t guess this one.
This may be the “darkest” book I’ve read so far, but I’m not complaining. Of note there is a page and a half of content warnings and it is most definitely 18+. With that said, this was sooooo good! Even with all the dark desires, wants, needs, protection, possessiveness, exhibitionism, domineering, submission~ there was above all else love. Alena and Loch were meant to be together. It was always fate. He was always her protector. Even if he was told by his “brother”, her father to protect her, he was already in love with her and would take a million bullets for her to protect his Queen. Although, he does have to keep the lie about who he and his brothers are, but when she inevitably finds out does love and protection matter more over the lie of omission?
This is a stand alone but interconnected with the other brothers’ books over a period of about 2 years. They are not- mafia mafia, though they are the good guys who save trafficked women. The story of the family is explained in this book. Also, they uphold a special Russian tradition of initiation of their Queens. There is a lot of shock and awe in this book and I’m not just referring to the spice. Normally I can guess if there is a twist coming, but I didn’t guess this one.
May 6, 2026
✨ Book Review ✨
Are you in the mood for a spicy mafia read?
📖 Loch by Kelly Finley
Is the 4th book of the Belles and Bratva Beasts, an interconnected standalone series.
I haven’t read many mafia books before but this one had me liking what they stood for, the kinds of people they protected and the people they got rid of had me admiring their work.
I was not expecting how spicy this was gonna be so if you’re in the mood for some spice in your life and you love mafia reads, you should check this one out!
Alena is our FMC living a life as a ranger in the beautiful lush mountain park. She unknowingly is the “princess”, daughter of one of the toughest mafia king.
With her at risk, her dad planted his mafia brother Loch to be her bodyguard to protect her. Loch is under the guise of being newly hired park ranger at her work.
What started as being coworkers turned to something more. He’s been in love with her practically his entire life watching her from the shadows. She only knows him as a fellow ranger. When things heat up in more ways than one, will he be able to finally show his true self? Will she be able to accept him as he is?
Get your copy now to find out!
Are you in the mood for a spicy mafia read?
📖 Loch by Kelly Finley
Is the 4th book of the Belles and Bratva Beasts, an interconnected standalone series.
I haven’t read many mafia books before but this one had me liking what they stood for, the kinds of people they protected and the people they got rid of had me admiring their work.
I was not expecting how spicy this was gonna be so if you’re in the mood for some spice in your life and you love mafia reads, you should check this one out!
Alena is our FMC living a life as a ranger in the beautiful lush mountain park. She unknowingly is the “princess”, daughter of one of the toughest mafia king.
With her at risk, her dad planted his mafia brother Loch to be her bodyguard to protect her. Loch is under the guise of being newly hired park ranger at her work.
What started as being coworkers turned to something more. He’s been in love with her practically his entire life watching her from the shadows. She only knows him as a fellow ranger. When things heat up in more ways than one, will he be able to finally show his true self? Will she be able to accept him as he is?
Get your copy now to find out!
March 21, 2026
⭐️Arc Review⭐️
Loch
Book 4 in Bella’s and Bratva Series
Available Now
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
⛰️Mountain M@fia Romance
❤️Bodyguard x Princess
⛰️Best Friend's Daughter
❤️Hidden Identities
⛰️Secret Taboo Society
❤️Curvy Beauty x Tender Beast
Oh man 😩✨ the amount of time I’ve been patiently waiting for Loch & Alena’s story… and wow, Kelly absolutely delivered 🙌📚 We’ve been getting little breadcrumb teases of them throughout the series, and let me tell you it only made the anticipation worse (in the best way 😏). I NEEDED to know how everything unfolded.
Their slowish burn tension and his years long love from afar made everything feel intense and worth it. Alena is fierce and independent, but Loch’s devotion and protectiveness? 🥵 swoon.Even knowing what was coming, the emotional fallout still hurt both their perspectives were heartbreaking and understandable 💔 The love, the devotion, the loyalty of Loch man was gone for her in the best way.
Honestly?? He’s everything you want in a book boyfriend 🫠❤️
Definitely recommend reading the series from the beginning to fully appreciate their connection. And now I’m excited (and not ready 😭) for Jace’s story because I don’t want this series to end! But the need for Jaces story definitely is winning over the heartbreak of it being over soon.
Ps. The OF perspective of the story was eye opeing in the best way! 👀 OHHHH and the bonus scene woweeewwo🥵
Loch
Book 4 in Bella’s and Bratva Series
Available Now
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
⛰️Mountain M@fia Romance
❤️Bodyguard x Princess
⛰️Best Friend's Daughter
❤️Hidden Identities
⛰️Secret Taboo Society
❤️Curvy Beauty x Tender Beast
Oh man 😩✨ the amount of time I’ve been patiently waiting for Loch & Alena’s story… and wow, Kelly absolutely delivered 🙌📚 We’ve been getting little breadcrumb teases of them throughout the series, and let me tell you it only made the anticipation worse (in the best way 😏). I NEEDED to know how everything unfolded.
Their slowish burn tension and his years long love from afar made everything feel intense and worth it. Alena is fierce and independent, but Loch’s devotion and protectiveness? 🥵 swoon.Even knowing what was coming, the emotional fallout still hurt both their perspectives were heartbreaking and understandable 💔 The love, the devotion, the loyalty of Loch man was gone for her in the best way.
Honestly?? He’s everything you want in a book boyfriend 🫠❤️
Definitely recommend reading the series from the beginning to fully appreciate their connection. And now I’m excited (and not ready 😭) for Jace’s story because I don’t want this series to end! But the need for Jaces story definitely is winning over the heartbreak of it being over soon.
Ps. The OF perspective of the story was eye opeing in the best way! 👀 OHHHH and the bonus scene woweeewwo🥵
March 9, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Loch lived up to everything I wanted him to be! Kelly Finley always delivers when it comes to the spice, and this book is no exception 🔥 But don’t worry—the plot is just as good!
Loch is tasked with protecting Alena, the “princess” of a secretive mafia-not-mafia world. The only problem? He’s been in love with her for years. As her bodyguard, he’s supposed to protect her… not want her. But when danger closes in and secrets start unraveling, both Loch and Alena are forced to face the demons from their past.
Can their love survive everything thrown at them? And will the princess finally become his queen? 👑
This is a must-read if you love:
• Bodyguard / Princess romance
• Forbidden tension
• Best friend’s daughter trope
• Secret taboo society
• Hidden identities
A huge thank you to Kelly Finley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review! 💕
Loch lived up to everything I wanted him to be! Kelly Finley always delivers when it comes to the spice, and this book is no exception 🔥 But don’t worry—the plot is just as good!
Loch is tasked with protecting Alena, the “princess” of a secretive mafia-not-mafia world. The only problem? He’s been in love with her for years. As her bodyguard, he’s supposed to protect her… not want her. But when danger closes in and secrets start unraveling, both Loch and Alena are forced to face the demons from their past.
Can their love survive everything thrown at them? And will the princess finally become his queen? 👑
This is a must-read if you love:
• Bodyguard / Princess romance
• Forbidden tension
• Best friend’s daughter trope
• Secret taboo society
• Hidden identities
A huge thank you to Kelly Finley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review! 💕
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