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Smokeshow: MM Firefighter/Mafia Romance
Not yet published
Expected 29 Sep 26- GenresM M Romance
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 29, 2026
About the author
Kent Holland
16 books56 followersKent Holland is an openly Queer writer of gay and queer romance novels that have a lot of heart and a healthy amount of spice. He is based in Tennessee. When he is not writing, he enjoys listening to music, running marathons, spending time with his friends, and reading books in any number of genres. A percentage of the profits of all of his book sales goes to support various LGBTQ+ charities, and you can explore various resources to support the LGBTQ+ community on his website, or through the QR code linked in each book. You can connect with him on Instagram at kenthollandwrites.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 23, 2026
I love that we got to see the old gang in this book! We’re back at the firehouse!!!
Dash and Lorenzo! Damn is all I’ll say because this book was spicy AF!
So dash saves Lorenzo’s life and he promises to protect him because someone didn’t want dash to save Lorenzo he was supposed to die in the fire with his dad! So naturally the big mafia guy moves him into his apartment to protect him!
This is a sorta slow burn with the spice between them there’s plenty of moments until Lorenzo says fuck it and takes dash! What he’s worried about is Lorenzo has a darkness according to himself inside and he likes the darker romantic moments but dash does too he likes to be owned and told what to do!
One thing I loved is how they investigated the arsons together Lorenzo with his mafia connections and dash with his knowledge! What made it scary was them both knowing that it was Lorenzo’s brother because his dad wanted to go
Legitimate and make Lorenzo his heir! Shocked that his mom was also in on it but damn woman!
The tension between these two was insane! The texting made me giggle! I was SO mad at Lorenzo when he let dash go just because he thought he was too dark too damaged for him because he had to take out his brother!
The fire at Pepe’s was intense! But dash once again saved him and his brother who finally finally went to jail!
I loved that Lorenzo was such a stand up guy that he went and confessed and went to jail himself! Ugh the time jumps between the fire and them getting back together was torturous!! But they got a well earned and well deserved HEA!
The yes sirs and daddy and good boy in this boooook!
The epilogue!!!! Oh my god I absolutely cannot wait for Vinnies booook!
Favourite quotes
“You disobeyed me by taking me out of there,” he says in a dark voice, Then punish me for it, a voice inside me says. Shut up, I tell the voice.
Unknown number: I don’t like it when people disobey me.
Me: Who is this?
Unknown number: You know who this is. What am I going to do with you, boy? Most people who disobey me don’t live to see another day.
Me: How did you get this number? Unknown number: You have no idea what I’m capable of. You should be very afraid.
Me: I saved your life, Lorenzo. You said you owe me a debt. Unknown number: Ah, so you do know who this is. I thought you would. Maybe I owe you a debt, but that still doesn’t change the fact that you didn’t follow my orders.
Me: And what will you do about the fact that I disobeyed you? Are you going to punish me?
Unknown number: You’d like that, wouldn’t you? You’d like to be punished.
Me: Why don’t you come find out?
Unknown number: Ah, I knew I was right about you. And to think that I was originally texting you to warn you. Me: Maybe I SHOULD have left you in the fire! And you never answered my question. How did you get my number? Unknown number: I have my ways.
I’ve got something firm and tight to give him
Sorry, I was too busy staring at your biceps to listen
I love Vinnie
“Lorenzo didn’t hurt you, did he?” “No,” I say with enough vehemence that I hope Vinnie believes me. “Okay.” His reply is hesitant. “Because, if he did, mobster or not, I’ll end him, and everyone else who works here will help me.” I reach up to squeeze his shoulder. “I know. I promise, I just fell on the sidewalk. Actually, Lorenzo patched me up. He took good care of me.” “He better.”
“I’m starting to realize that I can want something different. Especially knowing that my father thought about it, too. Maybe when all of this is done, maybe I could take over the Family, and finish what Father started.” Dash nods. “Whenever this is over, I hope you build something of your own. Whether that’s with the pieces of your Family or completely original, I hope you get that chance. I know it would be magnificent.”
Hated this!!
“That means that there’s no longer a reason for you to be here.”
“But, we talked about that in the car. You don’t need to protect me. I thought we were going to decide what to do—” “I’ve decided.” “Oh
“It means that I was protecting you because I made a promise. That promise has been fulfilled.” “Bullshit. Lorenzo—” “Whatever else happened between us just happened out of necessity. We’re in close quarters. There’s danger. Things happen in situations like that. That’s not a foundation for anything real, Dashiell. I think we both know that.” “Lorenzo, what the fuck?” His eyes are nearly wild—there’s real fear in them. “You know that’s not it.” “I know what I know.”
“Okay. Say it. Whatever it is you want to say, say it.” I force myself to look at him while I say it. Though perhaps that’s the cruelest thing I can do, it hurts me too. “I don’t want you here anymore,” I say, as firmly and coldly as possible. “It was good while it lasted, but it was never going to be more than something casual. I’m sorry if you mistook it for something more.” His mouth falls open. “I mistook it? Jesus Christ.” Then he shakes his head and climbs off the bed. “Fine. Then I’ll go. I’ll get my things later.”
“Good to know that this is who you really are, Lorenzo. I just wish you’d told me sooner. Maybe you did. Maybe I just didn’t want to see you for what you are.” He tugs his shirt over his head, glares at me. “A monster.”
“You’re a wonderful person, Dashiell Novak,” he murmurs, and then he gets down on one knee.
“Dash, I spent most of my life being told who I was supposed to be, what I was supposed to do, what I was supposed to want. Rarely, until I met you, did I let myself ask who I wanted to be, what I wanted to do, and what I wanted. You inspired me to become a better man, and you still inspire me every day.” His thumbs move in slow circles over the backs of my hands. “You’re who I want, Dash. And I’m always going to want you.” With that, he reaches into his jacket pocket and draws out a small velvet box. “I didn’t want to use a ring that belonged to my family, because—well, blood money and all that. But when I spoke to your family, telling them of my intentions, your Grandma scampered up to her room and was back with this, and she said that I’d only have her blessing if I proposed using it.”
“Her engagement ring,” I whisper. “That’s right.
“Dashiell Novak, will you make me the happiest man in all of Sicily—hell, all of Europe and maybe the world, and marry me?” “Yes!” I barely let him get fully to his feet before throwing my arms around his neck and kissing him. “Yes, obviously! God, yes!”
Dash and Lorenzo! Damn is all I’ll say because this book was spicy AF!
So dash saves Lorenzo’s life and he promises to protect him because someone didn’t want dash to save Lorenzo he was supposed to die in the fire with his dad! So naturally the big mafia guy moves him into his apartment to protect him!
This is a sorta slow burn with the spice between them there’s plenty of moments until Lorenzo says fuck it and takes dash! What he’s worried about is Lorenzo has a darkness according to himself inside and he likes the darker romantic moments but dash does too he likes to be owned and told what to do!
One thing I loved is how they investigated the arsons together Lorenzo with his mafia connections and dash with his knowledge! What made it scary was them both knowing that it was Lorenzo’s brother because his dad wanted to go
Legitimate and make Lorenzo his heir! Shocked that his mom was also in on it but damn woman!
The tension between these two was insane! The texting made me giggle! I was SO mad at Lorenzo when he let dash go just because he thought he was too dark too damaged for him because he had to take out his brother!
The fire at Pepe’s was intense! But dash once again saved him and his brother who finally finally went to jail!
I loved that Lorenzo was such a stand up guy that he went and confessed and went to jail himself! Ugh the time jumps between the fire and them getting back together was torturous!! But they got a well earned and well deserved HEA!
The yes sirs and daddy and good boy in this boooook!
The epilogue!!!! Oh my god I absolutely cannot wait for Vinnies booook!
Favourite quotes
“You disobeyed me by taking me out of there,” he says in a dark voice, Then punish me for it, a voice inside me says. Shut up, I tell the voice.
Unknown number: I don’t like it when people disobey me.
Me: Who is this?
Unknown number: You know who this is. What am I going to do with you, boy? Most people who disobey me don’t live to see another day.
Me: How did you get this number? Unknown number: You have no idea what I’m capable of. You should be very afraid.
Me: I saved your life, Lorenzo. You said you owe me a debt. Unknown number: Ah, so you do know who this is. I thought you would. Maybe I owe you a debt, but that still doesn’t change the fact that you didn’t follow my orders.
Me: And what will you do about the fact that I disobeyed you? Are you going to punish me?
Unknown number: You’d like that, wouldn’t you? You’d like to be punished.
Me: Why don’t you come find out?
Unknown number: Ah, I knew I was right about you. And to think that I was originally texting you to warn you. Me: Maybe I SHOULD have left you in the fire! And you never answered my question. How did you get my number? Unknown number: I have my ways.
I’ve got something firm and tight to give him
Sorry, I was too busy staring at your biceps to listen
I love Vinnie
“Lorenzo didn’t hurt you, did he?” “No,” I say with enough vehemence that I hope Vinnie believes me. “Okay.” His reply is hesitant. “Because, if he did, mobster or not, I’ll end him, and everyone else who works here will help me.” I reach up to squeeze his shoulder. “I know. I promise, I just fell on the sidewalk. Actually, Lorenzo patched me up. He took good care of me.” “He better.”
“I’m starting to realize that I can want something different. Especially knowing that my father thought about it, too. Maybe when all of this is done, maybe I could take over the Family, and finish what Father started.” Dash nods. “Whenever this is over, I hope you build something of your own. Whether that’s with the pieces of your Family or completely original, I hope you get that chance. I know it would be magnificent.”
Hated this!!
“That means that there’s no longer a reason for you to be here.”
“But, we talked about that in the car. You don’t need to protect me. I thought we were going to decide what to do—” “I’ve decided.” “Oh
“It means that I was protecting you because I made a promise. That promise has been fulfilled.” “Bullshit. Lorenzo—” “Whatever else happened between us just happened out of necessity. We’re in close quarters. There’s danger. Things happen in situations like that. That’s not a foundation for anything real, Dashiell. I think we both know that.” “Lorenzo, what the fuck?” His eyes are nearly wild—there’s real fear in them. “You know that’s not it.” “I know what I know.”
“Okay. Say it. Whatever it is you want to say, say it.” I force myself to look at him while I say it. Though perhaps that’s the cruelest thing I can do, it hurts me too. “I don’t want you here anymore,” I say, as firmly and coldly as possible. “It was good while it lasted, but it was never going to be more than something casual. I’m sorry if you mistook it for something more.” His mouth falls open. “I mistook it? Jesus Christ.” Then he shakes his head and climbs off the bed. “Fine. Then I’ll go. I’ll get my things later.”
“Good to know that this is who you really are, Lorenzo. I just wish you’d told me sooner. Maybe you did. Maybe I just didn’t want to see you for what you are.” He tugs his shirt over his head, glares at me. “A monster.”
“You’re a wonderful person, Dashiell Novak,” he murmurs, and then he gets down on one knee.
“Dash, I spent most of my life being told who I was supposed to be, what I was supposed to do, what I was supposed to want. Rarely, until I met you, did I let myself ask who I wanted to be, what I wanted to do, and what I wanted. You inspired me to become a better man, and you still inspire me every day.” His thumbs move in slow circles over the backs of my hands. “You’re who I want, Dash. And I’m always going to want you.” With that, he reaches into his jacket pocket and draws out a small velvet box. “I didn’t want to use a ring that belonged to my family, because—well, blood money and all that. But when I spoke to your family, telling them of my intentions, your Grandma scampered up to her room and was back with this, and she said that I’d only have her blessing if I proposed using it.”
“Her engagement ring,” I whisper. “That’s right.
“Dashiell Novak, will you make me the happiest man in all of Sicily—hell, all of Europe and maybe the world, and marry me?” “Yes!” I barely let him get fully to his feet before throwing my arms around his neck and kissing him. “Yes, obviously! God, yes!”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don't know why I feel so sad, but I do. Or, perhaps a better word is melancholy.
It feels wrong somehow for this charming, often VERY funny, kinky redemption story to leave me on the verge of tears, feeling heavy and contemplative, but here we are.
Maybe it's because of how things turned out... more real, more complicated than I expected. I suspect some of it is grief for who I thought they were, for what I thought they had, for what I told myself this story would be only to have to grapple with something else.
And, not to worry - Smokeshow is a HEA. It's a beautiful, romantic, love-filled HEA.
But it's also different. They're different. They changed each other and had to walk through fire in order to find themselves again. I think their courage to choose the right thing for themselves meant letting go of who I wanted them to be. It makes it more real. Real often hurts.
After all, it's loss that makes life so precious and beautiful. It's grief that makes joy and wonder feel so good. This seemingly silly little mafia-firefighter kinky MM romance actually led me into something deeper than I was expecting. So yeah, I'm sad and maybe that's because this story is more meaningful than I was prepared for.
While the sadness is what's lingering now (just moments after finishing the book), I do know that what will stick in my memory down the road is Dash's grandma. She is raunchy and unapologetic about it - absolutely shameless and filthy AF, and she knows it. I highlighted SO many of her scenes because they kept cracking me up. Mafia prince, Lorenzo, was right to be intimidated by her.
I also loved Vinnie and want good things for him (perhaps a certain porn star and go-go dancer?), and of course Kenny and Nick and Tristan and Pepe. Chosen family, loving family, family who have your back through thick and thin. Vinnie judging Dash's butt pics for his online profile was such a great introduction to their friend dynamic.
For those seeking spice, there's plenty of that, too. It's kinky and includes Shibari, impact play, power exchange, exhibitionism/voyeurism, edging, rough play (can't be more specific without setting off alarms), toys, teasing, and more.
My only critiques are there were a few moments early on when things were a little too on the nose/forced and I do think the way the Diamante family story wraps up was simultaneously over the top and too clean? But those things are minor and will be quickly forgotten.
What will linger is the way Lorenzo and Dash found their version of love after reckoning with themselves first, and grandma's freaky filthy mouth, and the love of those who show up for you again and again. And most of all, how this story surprised me and left me feeling something deeply.
Big thank you to Kent Holland for the Advanced Reader Copy. I read it in one day and highlighted so many funny, spicy, arousing, naughty, and sweet passages.
4.25/5 stars
It feels wrong somehow for this charming, often VERY funny, kinky redemption story to leave me on the verge of tears, feeling heavy and contemplative, but here we are.
Maybe it's because of how things turned out... more real, more complicated than I expected. I suspect some of it is grief for who I thought they were, for what I thought they had, for what I told myself this story would be only to have to grapple with something else.
And, not to worry - Smokeshow is a HEA. It's a beautiful, romantic, love-filled HEA.
But it's also different. They're different. They changed each other and had to walk through fire in order to find themselves again. I think their courage to choose the right thing for themselves meant letting go of who I wanted them to be. It makes it more real. Real often hurts.
After all, it's loss that makes life so precious and beautiful. It's grief that makes joy and wonder feel so good. This seemingly silly little mafia-firefighter kinky MM romance actually led me into something deeper than I was expecting. So yeah, I'm sad and maybe that's because this story is more meaningful than I was prepared for.
While the sadness is what's lingering now (just moments after finishing the book), I do know that what will stick in my memory down the road is Dash's grandma. She is raunchy and unapologetic about it - absolutely shameless and filthy AF, and she knows it. I highlighted SO many of her scenes because they kept cracking me up. Mafia prince, Lorenzo, was right to be intimidated by her.
I also loved Vinnie and want good things for him (perhaps a certain porn star and go-go dancer?), and of course Kenny and Nick and Tristan and Pepe. Chosen family, loving family, family who have your back through thick and thin. Vinnie judging Dash's butt pics for his online profile was such a great introduction to their friend dynamic.
For those seeking spice, there's plenty of that, too. It's kinky and includes Shibari, impact play, power exchange, exhibitionism/voyeurism, edging, rough play (can't be more specific without setting off alarms), toys, teasing, and more.
My only critiques are there were a few moments early on when things were a little too on the nose/forced and I do think the way the Diamante family story wraps up was simultaneously over the top and too clean? But those things are minor and will be quickly forgotten.
What will linger is the way Lorenzo and Dash found their version of love after reckoning with themselves first, and grandma's freaky filthy mouth, and the love of those who show up for you again and again. And most of all, how this story surprised me and left me feeling something deeply.
Big thank you to Kent Holland for the Advanced Reader Copy. I read it in one day and highlighted so many funny, spicy, arousing, naughty, and sweet passages.
4.25/5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
3.25 stars
A firefighter/mafia romance?? Say less. Because of the exciting nature behind both of the professions of our main characters, this made for such a gripping read. It was action packed mixed in with some suspense from the overall mafia plotline. Aside from the thrilling aspects, there was also a lot of depth to this. Queer joy with emotional growth and poignant self-discovery. There were some really hard hitting passages that really stuck out to me. I can't wait to read more from this author.
Dashiell and Lorenzo were magnetic together. I loved their dynamic and how deep their connection was. Their chemistry worked so well together and they each were able to be exactly what the other person needed. I loveddd how Lorenzo was steadfast in his need for enthusiastic consent from Dash, especially considering how intense some of his kinks were. But what I loved even more was how Dash didn't shy away from it. In fact, he leaned into it and wasn't afraid to embrace his bratty side and taunt Lorenzo. They each had an innate understanding of what the other needed and it spoke to the level of their bond.
The side characters were well thought out and added a lot of levity to the story and humanized both of our main characters. I loved all of their interactions and I can't wait for more stories from some of them.
I was more invested in Dashiell and Lorenzo than I was in the mafia of it all (which was a big chunk of this) Mafia is always hit or miss for me and while I did have fun with it in the first half, I kind of lost interest in the latter half. I was more interested in what was going to happen in the romance. However, that is definitely a me thing. If you're a fan of mafia, then I would highly recommend!! Even if you're not, the romance is so good and it's worth a read.
3.25 stars
A firefighter/mafia romance?? Say less. Because of the exciting nature behind both of the professions of our main characters, this made for such a gripping read. It was action packed mixed in with some suspense from the overall mafia plotline. Aside from the thrilling aspects, there was also a lot of depth to this. Queer joy with emotional growth and poignant self-discovery. There were some really hard hitting passages that really stuck out to me. I can't wait to read more from this author.
Dashiell and Lorenzo were magnetic together. I loved their dynamic and how deep their connection was. Their chemistry worked so well together and they each were able to be exactly what the other person needed. I loveddd how Lorenzo was steadfast in his need for enthusiastic consent from Dash, especially considering how intense some of his kinks were. But what I loved even more was how Dash didn't shy away from it. In fact, he leaned into it and wasn't afraid to embrace his bratty side and taunt Lorenzo. They each had an innate understanding of what the other needed and it spoke to the level of their bond.
The side characters were well thought out and added a lot of levity to the story and humanized both of our main characters. I loved all of their interactions and I can't wait for more stories from some of them.
I was more invested in Dashiell and Lorenzo than I was in the mafia of it all (which was a big chunk of this) Mafia is always hit or miss for me and while I did have fun with it in the first half, I kind of lost interest in the latter half. I was more interested in what was going to happen in the romance. However, that is definitely a me thing. If you're a fan of mafia, then I would highly recommend!! Even if you're not, the romance is so good and it's worth a read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This genuinely surprised me. I went in thinking it was going to be typical mafia romance (which I like) but it was so much more than that.
This story was filled with intrigue and mystery (and a butt load of kink (no pun intended)). The romance aspect was slow burning and gradual which made it all the more delicious when they finally crossed that line. I’m not into a huge amount of kink in the books I read but this was written so well that I actually didn’t mind it. I loved that although Lorenzo felt the need to protect and in some ways own Dash, he did so while still fully respecting his autonomy and who he is a person. We love a mafia Prince with a checklist! His reverence for Dash was clear and though he saw Dash as a boy in some ways, he also respected the man in front of him.
The mystery surrounding who the serial arsonist was intriguing and had me trying to figure out who it was before the reveal. (Sorry Carlo but I did think it was you for a while). And while the real culprit wasn’t a huge surprise given the evidence, their accomplice certainly was!
I also loved that even though Dash knew who the Diamanté family were and was scared of them to a point, he wasn’t afraid to stand up to Lorenzo when he needed to. He never changed to be something he thought Lorenzo wanted and stayed true to himself throughout, even after the fire where he could have given in and went back to him, he didn’t.
And what can I say? I am a sucker for a book ending on a proposal and marriage!
This was a great story with a depth that took me by surprise. Intriguing, suspenseful, kinky and heartwarming all wrapped up together.
This story was filled with intrigue and mystery (and a butt load of kink (no pun intended)). The romance aspect was slow burning and gradual which made it all the more delicious when they finally crossed that line. I’m not into a huge amount of kink in the books I read but this was written so well that I actually didn’t mind it. I loved that although Lorenzo felt the need to protect and in some ways own Dash, he did so while still fully respecting his autonomy and who he is a person. We love a mafia Prince with a checklist! His reverence for Dash was clear and though he saw Dash as a boy in some ways, he also respected the man in front of him.
The mystery surrounding who the serial arsonist was intriguing and had me trying to figure out who it was before the reveal. (Sorry Carlo but I did think it was you for a while). And while the real culprit wasn’t a huge surprise given the evidence, their accomplice certainly was!
I also loved that even though Dash knew who the Diamanté family were and was scared of them to a point, he wasn’t afraid to stand up to Lorenzo when he needed to. He never changed to be something he thought Lorenzo wanted and stayed true to himself throughout, even after the fire where he could have given in and went back to him, he didn’t.
And what can I say? I am a sucker for a book ending on a proposal and marriage!
This was a great story with a depth that took me by surprise. Intriguing, suspenseful, kinky and heartwarming all wrapped up together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC REVIEW✨
This book was a perfect mixture of sweet heartfelt moments, angst, spice and mystery that had me on the edge of my seat.
The tension between these two and the way that Dash let his bratty side come out with Lorenzo was everything to me. Lorenzo tried his hardest to keep Dash at arms length and just protect him like they agreed but they were both so drawn to each other and couldn’t get enough.
Dash and Lorenzo were both such a strong characters and the way they just wanted to do what’s right. Lorenzo was born into a family of crime but felt out of place and ashamed of what he has been apart of. He was willing to do anything to make things right. Dash was such a pure soul and genuinely loved helping people. His loyalty to the people loved was so beautiful.
Dash’s family were also so likable and I need to give a special shout out to Grandma Novak because she was just so fun and had me dying laughing.
I am so excited to read more from this incredible series and see what else unfolds in this world!
This book was a perfect mixture of sweet heartfelt moments, angst, spice and mystery that had me on the edge of my seat.
The tension between these two and the way that Dash let his bratty side come out with Lorenzo was everything to me. Lorenzo tried his hardest to keep Dash at arms length and just protect him like they agreed but they were both so drawn to each other and couldn’t get enough.
Dash and Lorenzo were both such a strong characters and the way they just wanted to do what’s right. Lorenzo was born into a family of crime but felt out of place and ashamed of what he has been apart of. He was willing to do anything to make things right. Dash was such a pure soul and genuinely loved helping people. His loyalty to the people loved was so beautiful.
Dash’s family were also so likable and I need to give a special shout out to Grandma Novak because she was just so fun and had me dying laughing.
I am so excited to read more from this incredible series and see what else unfolds in this world!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to the author for this ARC.
4/5 ⭐️
I read it in one sitting. It captivated me. The story felt well thought out and the pacing was good. Generally not a huge fan of mafia romance but this felt understated. Really enjoyed the arsonist investigation as well as the twist at the end.
Lorenzo and Dash take their time to find each other and their way back to each other. It's heartbreaking and it's sweet.
The D/S element worked especially with how it changed from the beginning to the end.
All in all, interesting and captivating book.
Can't wait for the next installment!
4/5 ⭐️
I read it in one sitting. It captivated me. The story felt well thought out and the pacing was good. Generally not a huge fan of mafia romance but this felt understated. Really enjoyed the arsonist investigation as well as the twist at the end.
Lorenzo and Dash take their time to find each other and their way back to each other. It's heartbreaking and it's sweet.
The D/S element worked especially with how it changed from the beginning to the end.
All in all, interesting and captivating book.
Can't wait for the next installment!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25 ⭐️ ARC review pending
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