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City's Secrets #5
Jerked
A Stepbrother Mob Romance
My future stepbrother. My personal bodyguard.
Colin Blake is a mob a**hole. He’s rude, crude, and loves a good fight. He’s arrogant, self-assured, and won’t hesitate to take what he wants.
And we’re stuck in the same house. All because my psycho ex-boyfriend is chasing me down and won’t stop until he steals me back.
Worst of all, my stepbrother bodyguard treats me like a prisoner, and I’m supposed to act like I’m not staring when he walks around in just a towel. The truth is, I hate him for jerking me around when were younger, but I still want to taste his lips whenever we talk.
I can’t stand it.
I hate that I need his help. I hate that I want his body. Even with the mob ready to go to war, all I can think about is his cocky grin driving me insane.
Jerked contains mature content (explicit sexual situations, violence, and mature language), and is recommended for audiences 18+.
Jerked is a standalone, full-length novel. No cliffhanger.
My future stepbrother. My personal bodyguard.
Colin Blake is a mob a**hole. He’s rude, crude, and loves a good fight. He’s arrogant, self-assured, and won’t hesitate to take what he wants.
And we’re stuck in the same house. All because my psycho ex-boyfriend is chasing me down and won’t stop until he steals me back.
Worst of all, my stepbrother bodyguard treats me like a prisoner, and I’m supposed to act like I’m not staring when he walks around in just a towel. The truth is, I hate him for jerking me around when were younger, but I still want to taste his lips whenever we talk.
I can’t stand it.
I hate that I need his help. I hate that I want his body. Even with the mob ready to go to war, all I can think about is his cocky grin driving me insane.
Jerked contains mature content (explicit sexual situations, violence, and mature language), and is recommended for audiences 18+.
Jerked is a standalone, full-length novel. No cliffhanger.
300 pages, Paperback
First published July 12, 2015
109 people are currently reading
647 people want to read
About the author
B.B. Hamel
200 books2,517 followersI'm a long time reader, writer, and lover of Romance! Writing is my dream and my passion, and I want to share my stories with you.
I live in the Philadelphia area with my husband and two dogs.
Website: http://www.bbhamel.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bbhamelwriter
Check out my mailing list for updates, giveaways, and more! http://bbhamel.com/signup
I live in the Philadelphia area with my husband and two dogs.
Website: http://www.bbhamel.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bbhamelwriter
Check out my mailing list for updates, giveaways, and more! http://bbhamel.com/signup
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
July 12, 2015
I totally enjoyed this highly erotic tale. The writing is so lush and expressive that I could picture every move that Colin made, feel every heartbeat and breath from Brenna and Colin’s encounters and revel in the joy felt by these two at finally being free to love each other and to be together.
This stepbrother romance is a very different and unusual one. Colin is Breanna’s father protégé and his future adopted son, not legally yet. He is arrogant, dominant and cocky. Breanna has run away from her psycho ex and returns back home to safety. Her father asks Colin to protect her from her ex who’s been stalking and terrorizing her. Breanna, being the Irish Mafia princess, is in serious danger and Colin takes seriously his role as her security guard.
Breanna has always had a crush on him and now it’s even more difficult to resist him. And, these feelings are mutual. They spend most of the time together and she finds it more and more impossible to resist his sexiness, attractiveness and alphaness. Their chemistry is explosive and Colin cannot resist her, either. Collin is the man she needs and he offers her more than his protection, for many…hot nights! His intentions are simple… to leave nothing untouched on her, to use every method he has at his disposal, every trick in the damn book to have her under him screaming his name over and over.
Great plot and lots of hot and steamy scenes with the hot and sexy Colin. The story is exciting, thrilling, erotic, romantic, sensual and sexy. I believe that the dialogue could be better written and more profound. The characters are captivating and engaging. Beautiful angry girl trying to escape her cheater, psycho ex-check! Heated attraction and forbidden love-check! Recommend it-check!
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This stepbrother romance is a very different and unusual one. Colin is Breanna’s father protégé and his future adopted son, not legally yet. He is arrogant, dominant and cocky. Breanna has run away from her psycho ex and returns back home to safety. Her father asks Colin to protect her from her ex who’s been stalking and terrorizing her. Breanna, being the Irish Mafia princess, is in serious danger and Colin takes seriously his role as her security guard.
Breanna has always had a crush on him and now it’s even more difficult to resist him. And, these feelings are mutual. They spend most of the time together and she finds it more and more impossible to resist his sexiness, attractiveness and alphaness. Their chemistry is explosive and Colin cannot resist her, either. Collin is the man she needs and he offers her more than his protection, for many…hot nights! His intentions are simple… to leave nothing untouched on her, to use every method he has at his disposal, every trick in the damn book to have her under him screaming his name over and over.
Great plot and lots of hot and steamy scenes with the hot and sexy Colin. The story is exciting, thrilling, erotic, romantic, sensual and sexy. I believe that the dialogue could be better written and more profound. The characters are captivating and engaging. Beautiful angry girl trying to escape her cheater, psycho ex-check! Heated attraction and forbidden love-check! Recommend it-check!
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2016
Put to the side at 60% .Overly cocky H. Abundant reminders of his manwhore past even after 50%. h is married so she cheats on her husband (he is an abusive cheat) with H. Still don't like it.
Beyond that something new happened with this one. Titles were misused continuously which surprisingly annoyed me. I usually don't care about grammar punctuation errors. This is termed a step brother romance but he was basically the fathers protégé. No marriage or anything happened. the H was picked up off the street and the h's father let him stay in the house. Also the h refers to her husband as her boyfriend even after the reveal of being married and well into the story, it made her sound TSTL. She even said "whatever he is". Its not like she got married when she was drunk. She was fully aware and at the time in love with the guy. Anyways not for me. The book lost me at 60% when the H thinks to himself he never expected to fall in love with the h. Soo basically he spent 5 years wanting to fuck her and decided OW were good enough.
Beyond that something new happened with this one. Titles were misused continuously which surprisingly annoyed me. I usually don't care about grammar punctuation errors. This is termed a step brother romance but he was basically the fathers protégé. No marriage or anything happened. the H was picked up off the street and the h's father let him stay in the house. Also the h refers to her husband as her boyfriend even after the reveal of being married and well into the story, it made her sound TSTL. She even said "whatever he is". Its not like she got married when she was drunk. She was fully aware and at the time in love with the guy. Anyways not for me. The book lost me at 60% when the H thinks to himself he never expected to fall in love with the h. Soo basically he spent 5 years wanting to fuck her and decided OW were good enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2015
* I was gifted an ARC of Jerked for an honest review. *
Jerked was a thrillingly good ride that offers something different to lovers of Stepbrother Romances.
This was my first time read by this author as well as my first ARC. The blurb had me take notice from the start. With the suggestion of half naked man and Mafia families at war, its a safe bet to say I'm intrigued, however my last Step Romance left me with the a bad taste of disappointment, so some of my excitement got mixed in with nervousness.
The story of Jerked is centred around Brenna and Colin. Brenna is the Irish Mafia princess and Colin is the No.2 man to her mob boss Dad. I need to point out that these two are not actual Step siblings, Brenna dad has always treated Colin like a son so they have a more pseudo Step relationship than any parent marriage linking them.
Brenna has been long absent from her family after leaving for college. While away she starts a disastrous relationship with an Italian mobster whom she now finds herself running from. When she returns home to safety, she straight away runs into a freshly showered and half naked Colin, who soon informs her that he's to be her white knight and protector.
Now my lovely hottie Colin was the highlight of Jerked. You may be thinking an Irish mob hero to be a hard and arrogant ass, but not my wonderful Colin. This man maybe cocky about his cock but he knows how to respect a woman and his determination when going after Brenna and the bad guys was sexy and powerful.
This wasn't as gritty as you may expect from a mob romance but for me personally, I was good with that. The fast paced story provide plenty to keep me interested and even though the characters weren't Step siblings there was a nice twist that builds up the angst of" we shouldn't be doing this".
For most part l loved Jerked and would definitely recommend it to others, but it wasn't perfect.
I found Brenna generally likeable. She was a bit spoilt at time but I liked her strength and sass, but if I'm honest I didn't completely understanding her. This may just be me, but I didn't fully get where she'd been all these years or why she'd stayed away so long. My second issue with her was her lack of common sense. At one point in the story because of poor decision making she nearly gets hurt badly. While she's asking herself why these bad thing keep happening to her, I actually shouted aloud, to others confusion,
" Its because you keep doing stupid things."
On the positive side of her making mistake,it did help to push the story forward so its not all bad.(especially in the car with its quick reclining seats.)
I've got a lot of enthusiasm for this story. I think anyone who loves Stepbrother Romances will want to one click buy this and for those who don't, Jerked may pleasantly surprise them.
I've been entertained from start to finish reading this. I loved the light mobster feel, it didn't have any horrid parents and the sexy times satisfied my need for naughty. Jerked may of been my first book by this author but it won't be my last
Jerked was a thrillingly good ride that offers something different to lovers of Stepbrother Romances.
This was my first time read by this author as well as my first ARC. The blurb had me take notice from the start. With the suggestion of half naked man and Mafia families at war, its a safe bet to say I'm intrigued, however my last Step Romance left me with the a bad taste of disappointment, so some of my excitement got mixed in with nervousness.
The story of Jerked is centred around Brenna and Colin. Brenna is the Irish Mafia princess and Colin is the No.2 man to her mob boss Dad. I need to point out that these two are not actual Step siblings, Brenna dad has always treated Colin like a son so they have a more pseudo Step relationship than any parent marriage linking them.
Brenna has been long absent from her family after leaving for college. While away she starts a disastrous relationship with an Italian mobster whom she now finds herself running from. When she returns home to safety, she straight away runs into a freshly showered and half naked Colin, who soon informs her that he's to be her white knight and protector.
Now my lovely hottie Colin was the highlight of Jerked. You may be thinking an Irish mob hero to be a hard and arrogant ass, but not my wonderful Colin. This man maybe cocky about his cock but he knows how to respect a woman and his determination when going after Brenna and the bad guys was sexy and powerful.
This wasn't as gritty as you may expect from a mob romance but for me personally, I was good with that. The fast paced story provide plenty to keep me interested and even though the characters weren't Step siblings there was a nice twist that builds up the angst of" we shouldn't be doing this".
For most part l loved Jerked and would definitely recommend it to others, but it wasn't perfect.
I found Brenna generally likeable. She was a bit spoilt at time but I liked her strength and sass, but if I'm honest I didn't completely understanding her. This may just be me, but I didn't fully get where she'd been all these years or why she'd stayed away so long. My second issue with her was her lack of common sense. At one point in the story because of poor decision making she nearly gets hurt badly. While she's asking herself why these bad thing keep happening to her, I actually shouted aloud, to others confusion,
" Its because you keep doing stupid things."
On the positive side of her making mistake,it did help to push the story forward so its not all bad.(especially in the car with its quick reclining seats.)
I've got a lot of enthusiasm for this story. I think anyone who loves Stepbrother Romances will want to one click buy this and for those who don't, Jerked may pleasantly surprise them.
I've been entertained from start to finish reading this. I loved the light mobster feel, it didn't have any horrid parents and the sexy times satisfied my need for naughty. Jerked may of been my first book by this author but it won't be my last
June 29, 2015
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review
Stars:4
Overall: Breena has moved back home to Philly because she caught her psycho ex cheating on her and than he slapped her around. When she first gets home she believes that nobody is there, but upon further inspection she runs into Colin as her is coming out of the shower. They is still that instant chemistry between them and Colin goes right to work at making a pass at her. Breena pushes him away at first, but she slowly starts to warm up to him. All the while her father ( an Irish Mob Boss ) and Colin ( his second in command ) start to track her ex and keep her as safe as possible. After this point, Breena starts to get notes from her ex about how he is watching her and that he is coming soon, but Colin goes above and beyond to get the guy and make Breena safe again. There is a big blow out fight towards the end and Colin takes care of the problem and than some. In the end they get a good happy ending and I hope that they are featured in future books.
Pros: I really loved how protective Colin was over Breena right from the beginning. I also liked that he was so straight forward about what he wanted from her and made her like putty in his hands. I didn't really connect with Breena, but there was something about Colin's character that was easier to relate to. I also liked how the bad guys got what was coming to them in the end.
Cons: I personally felt that the story didn't give me all the details that I wanted! I wish that we would've gotten some back story about Colin and Breena's past and also Breena's relationship with her ex. Other than that I really enjoyed the story.
Characters: Colin & Breena
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Stars:4
Overall: Breena has moved back home to Philly because she caught her psycho ex cheating on her and than he slapped her around. When she first gets home she believes that nobody is there, but upon further inspection she runs into Colin as her is coming out of the shower. They is still that instant chemistry between them and Colin goes right to work at making a pass at her. Breena pushes him away at first, but she slowly starts to warm up to him. All the while her father ( an Irish Mob Boss ) and Colin ( his second in command ) start to track her ex and keep her as safe as possible. After this point, Breena starts to get notes from her ex about how he is watching her and that he is coming soon, but Colin goes above and beyond to get the guy and make Breena safe again. There is a big blow out fight towards the end and Colin takes care of the problem and than some. In the end they get a good happy ending and I hope that they are featured in future books.
Pros: I really loved how protective Colin was over Breena right from the beginning. I also liked that he was so straight forward about what he wanted from her and made her like putty in his hands. I didn't really connect with Breena, but there was something about Colin's character that was easier to relate to. I also liked how the bad guys got what was coming to them in the end.
Cons: I personally felt that the story didn't give me all the details that I wanted! I wish that we would've gotten some back story about Colin and Breena's past and also Breena's relationship with her ex. Other than that I really enjoyed the story.
Characters: Colin & Breena
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont: Yes
Recommend: Yes
July 23, 2015
Pacing Is Like Pulling Teeth
I'm so f'ing irritated with the pace of this story that I could punch my own damn self in the face. It should not take over 15% to provide me with only FIVE semi-meaningful facts:
1. Bren has been estranged from her Irish Mob boss dad for five years, and their last face-to-face ended with him calling her spoiled brat and her calling him a violent thug.
2. Her father's protege and her former crush, Colin, rebuffed her romantic advances before she left five years ago. He, of course, will now be her bodyguard...
3. To protect her from her Italian mobster ex that cheated and smacked her around, which is why she's come home.
4. Colin, who is second in command, doesn't like the third in command.
5. Bren's dad wants to adopt the pushing thirty Colin so that he can take his place as HNIC of the mob.
What's taking so long? Well, facts one-four are on repeat, complete with long musings on could've, would've, should've that don't even amount to a hill of beans.
What Are You Selling Me?
^this is what was sold^
^ this is what I read ^
Are these characters supposed to be mobsters, or the cast of Saved By The Bell?
The dialogue and thought processes of both characters are more akin to awkward high school kids than two mob-related people in their mid-twenties.
Aside from being juvinelle, I've never heard a supposed self-confident hard ass mobster say "I guess" so often (43 times!) But, hey, I guess he has to match her "whatever" and eyerolls somehow or another, right?
TSTL Space Cadet
This chick's thoughts are so space cadet that she sounds like what you'd have if you combine Saved By The Bell, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, & Dumb & Dumber.
She has an abusive mobster psycho ex from NY. He is clearly dangerous enough that she tells us her estranged mobster dad is the only safe place the dude wouldn't f with her. He sends a text that he's in Philly.
Does she tell the bodyguard or her dad that he sent a text that he's there? Why, no!
Instead, she reasons there was no way psycho dude could find her or where she lived in a place as big as Philly. So, there's no need not to strut her ass around town.
Uhm, he's an f'ing upper level mobster that can easily find out about other mobsters. Even so, any dumbass could find out in five seconds what business the local mob owned and where the mob called home simply by asking any street thug?
TSTL!
Example two...
We have a convo with a supposed long-term that she's had sporadic contact with the last few years, but introduces is to as "trusted."
One page later...
Space cadet!
At 30%, I just can't take anymore of this chick. Space cadet and TSTL are bad enough without throwing in some insolent childish shit.
Example three...
Body guard now knows that psycho is in town and that she's actually married to the dude. He tells her not to go out without him. You'd think she'd be appreciative of having someone to protect her ass, especially since that's the ENTIRE reason she went home, right? Nope...
Bottom Line
DNF @30%. Too slow. Too boring. Character's actions and language does not match their personas. Dialogue is too childish. Characters are annoying as hell. And, the plot is all but non-existent; what's there is so loosely knit and sporadic that I don't even give an F about it.
Note: I try very hard to never even comment on opposing reviews to my own opinion on a book. Avid readers know that what suits one fancy won't necessary suit another, and often that's pure personal opinion and nothing reflective on the author. However, I'm finding it quite stunning that this book received the number of 5-3 stars it did and only received a single one star, excluding my own. So, I would STRONGLY recommend downloading a sample before one-clicking this book based on looking at the number of five stars!!!
I'm so f'ing irritated with the pace of this story that I could punch my own damn self in the face. It should not take over 15% to provide me with only FIVE semi-meaningful facts:
1. Bren has been estranged from her Irish Mob boss dad for five years, and their last face-to-face ended with him calling her spoiled brat and her calling him a violent thug.
2. Her father's protege and her former crush, Colin, rebuffed her romantic advances before she left five years ago. He, of course, will now be her bodyguard...
3. To protect her from her Italian mobster ex that cheated and smacked her around, which is why she's come home.
4. Colin, who is second in command, doesn't like the third in command.
5. Bren's dad wants to adopt the pushing thirty Colin so that he can take his place as HNIC of the mob.
What's taking so long? Well, facts one-four are on repeat, complete with long musings on could've, would've, should've that don't even amount to a hill of beans.
What Are You Selling Me?
^
^ this is what I read ^
Are these characters supposed to be mobsters, or the cast of Saved By The Bell?
The dialogue and thought processes of both characters are more akin to awkward high school kids than two mob-related people in their mid-twenties.
"I'm surprised you're not with that blonde girl."
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing. She was just coming on to you pretty hard."
"What do you care?"
"I don't care. What were those girls doing here anyway?"
"Just part of the party, I guess."
....
"Well, whatever. I don't care who you talk to."
Aside from being juvinelle, I've never heard a supposed self-confident hard ass mobster say "I guess" so often (43 times!) But, hey, I guess he has to match her "whatever" and eyerolls somehow or another, right?
TSTL Space Cadet
This chick's thoughts are so space cadet that she sounds like what you'd have if you combine Saved By The Bell, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, & Dumb & Dumber.
She has an abusive mobster psycho ex from NY. He is clearly dangerous enough that she tells us her estranged mobster dad is the only safe place the dude wouldn't f with her. He sends a text that he's in Philly.
Does she tell the bodyguard or her dad that he sent a text that he's there? Why, no!
Instead, she reasons there was no way psycho dude could find her or where she lived in a place as big as Philly. So, there's no need not to strut her ass around town.
Uhm, he's an f'ing upper level mobster that can easily find out about other mobsters. Even so, any dumbass could find out in five seconds what business the local mob owned and where the mob called home simply by asking any street thug?
TSTL!
Example two...
We have a convo with a supposed long-term that she's had sporadic contact with the last few years, but introduces is to as "trusted."
"I cringed. I forgot that I told Nick about what had happened between us (her and Colin.)"
One page later...
"I blinked. I had totally forgotten that I told him about Vince..."
Space cadet!
At 30%, I just can't take anymore of this chick. Space cadet and TSTL are bad enough without throwing in some insolent childish shit.
Example three...
Body guard now knows that psycho is in town and that she's actually married to the dude. He tells her not to go out without him. You'd think she'd be appreciative of having someone to protect her ass, especially since that's the ENTIRE reason she went home, right? Nope...
"Is this some weird punishment for marrying him?"
"No, this is for your own good."
"What do you know about me, Colin? I don't owe you anything."
"I know you don't. But whether you like it or not, I have to watch over you. Dont leave the house without me."
"Whatever. I guess I'll be a prisoner here, too."
"It's fine if you think that. But I still have to make sure you're safe."
"Yeah, fine."
Bottom Line
DNF @30%. Too slow. Too boring. Character's actions and language does not match their personas. Dialogue is too childish. Characters are annoying as hell. And, the plot is all but non-existent; what's there is so loosely knit and sporadic that I don't even give an F about it.
Note: I try very hard to never even comment on opposing reviews to my own opinion on a book. Avid readers know that what suits one fancy won't necessary suit another, and often that's pure personal opinion and nothing reflective on the author. However, I'm finding it quite stunning that this book received the number of 5-3 stars it did and only received a single one star, excluding my own. So, I would STRONGLY recommend downloading a sample before one-clicking this book based on looking at the number of five stars!!!
August 3, 2018
Great Read
July 28, 2015
2.5 -3 Jerked around stars *SPOILERS*
SPOILERS
Sigh... I really like step-brother stories. I really like mob stories. So I figured I couldn't lose with this book. Wrong! Here's a little background: Brenna, our h, is estranged from her Irish mob boss dad because she didn't approve of his line of work. Colin, our H, is 2nd in command for Brenna's dad. Years before the estrangement, the H&h nearly hooked up. Fast 5 years and Brenna had to come home seeking her dad's protection from her Italian mob ex, whom she secretly married, despite having blew up at her dad for his mob activities.
Brenna's dad wants someone to pass the business to. Having no son, he decides to adopt Colin so he can pass the business to him. I'm no mob oficinado but couldn't he pass it to his 2nd w/o him being his son? Who adopts a grown man? Can you even adopt an adult? It really irked me that everyone kept saying that the h/H would become step-siblings! How? He's adopted, her dad didn't marry his mom! He'd be her adopted brother, NOT step!
The mob element didn't do much for me. The H is too cocky. Everyone is always shrugging. I was just very let down with this book!
SPOILERS
Sigh... I really like step-brother stories. I really like mob stories. So I figured I couldn't lose with this book. Wrong! Here's a little background: Brenna, our h, is estranged from her Irish mob boss dad because she didn't approve of his line of work. Colin, our H, is 2nd in command for Brenna's dad. Years before the estrangement, the H&h nearly hooked up. Fast 5 years and Brenna had to come home seeking her dad's protection from her Italian mob ex, whom she secretly married, despite having blew up at her dad for his mob activities.
Brenna's dad wants someone to pass the business to. Having no son, he decides to adopt Colin so he can pass the business to him. I'm no mob oficinado but couldn't he pass it to his 2nd w/o him being his son? Who adopts a grown man? Can you even adopt an adult? It really irked me that everyone kept saying that the h/H would become step-siblings! How? He's adopted, her dad didn't marry his mom! He'd be her adopted brother, NOT step!
The mob element didn't do much for me. The H is too cocky. Everyone is always shrugging. I was just very let down with this book!
July 17, 2015
3.5 stars- Not your typical stepbrother read
**I was provided an ARC in exchange for posting my honest review**
Jerked was my first book by this author. She reached out to me because I've reviewed other stepbrother romances, so I didn't know much beyond the blurb she sent me.
Jerked is definitely not your typical stepbrother erotica/romance in that the hero is a family friend/employee that may be adopted by the heroine's father. I'd classify it more as a mob story with a slight stepbrother angle. Either way, the story and angst kept me interested. I liked how the bad boy was a true bad boy, not the misunderstood sweetheart that so many romances do these days. The characters stay true to form throughout the book, and I appreciated that. There was a good amount of dirty talk, sexual tension, and banter between characters.
The sexy scenes were steamy and a bit gritty, but they didn't quite do it for me. I think it's a case of just not my style of sexiness, lots of gruff dirty talk, but not squirm inducing seduction. I've never loved the "typical east coast" or stereotypical mafia voice, so when that's how the characters spoke, I failed to connect. However, I'm not deducting stars for that element because it's a matter of personal preference. The characters themselves weren't my favorite, but they were similar so they worked as a couple. That said, I felt like I was missing that connection; a case of you see it underlying in their actions, but it's never discovered and only briefly discussed. I think that lack of seeing the feelings build kept me from being immersed in their story.
While I didn't love the book or characters, I did enjoy the story and it kept my attention. I wouldn't mind reading more by the author, but I'll probably look for a different series/ non-mafia centered story. I think if a reader enjoys mafia romances or that hardcore East Coast bad boy, they'd definitely enjoy this book.
**I was provided an ARC in exchange for posting my honest review**
Jerked was my first book by this author. She reached out to me because I've reviewed other stepbrother romances, so I didn't know much beyond the blurb she sent me.
Jerked is definitely not your typical stepbrother erotica/romance in that the hero is a family friend/employee that may be adopted by the heroine's father. I'd classify it more as a mob story with a slight stepbrother angle. Either way, the story and angst kept me interested. I liked how the bad boy was a true bad boy, not the misunderstood sweetheart that so many romances do these days. The characters stay true to form throughout the book, and I appreciated that. There was a good amount of dirty talk, sexual tension, and banter between characters.
The sexy scenes were steamy and a bit gritty, but they didn't quite do it for me. I think it's a case of just not my style of sexiness, lots of gruff dirty talk, but not squirm inducing seduction. I've never loved the "typical east coast" or stereotypical mafia voice, so when that's how the characters spoke, I failed to connect. However, I'm not deducting stars for that element because it's a matter of personal preference. The characters themselves weren't my favorite, but they were similar so they worked as a couple. That said, I felt like I was missing that connection; a case of you see it underlying in their actions, but it's never discovered and only briefly discussed. I think that lack of seeing the feelings build kept me from being immersed in their story.
While I didn't love the book or characters, I did enjoy the story and it kept my attention. I wouldn't mind reading more by the author, but I'll probably look for a different series/ non-mafia centered story. I think if a reader enjoys mafia romances or that hardcore East Coast bad boy, they'd definitely enjoy this book.
March 15, 2016
DISCLAIMER TO MY FELLOW GOODREADER
This review is my personal opinion and may contain: spoilers, quotes, rants, cussing (sometimes I cannot help myself) and a possible full on recap. I in no way want to ruin anyone’s book reading experience so please read my words with caution.
***ARC received by author in exchange for honest review.***
Brenna O'Brian grew up as a mob princess, daughter to one of the most powerful men in the Irish mob. She fled to New York after graduating high school and never looked back. Until now. Nearly six years later, Brenna suddenly finds herself back in Philadelphia, in her childhood home. She is not thrilled. Not only did she witness her boyfriend cheat on her, but now she has to deal with her pseudo stepbrother. Her father put him on protection detail. Brenna is keeping secrets about her years away from the family. What happens when a breakup becomes so much more dangerous?
26 year old Colin Blake is second in command to boss O'Brian. He now has the opportunity to become the rightful heir to the throne. Although, Brenna coming home causes him to second guess everything he thought he wanted. Colin truly messed things up all those years ago. Could this be the second chance he always wanted?
"Excitement. Money. Power. I have those things, but I don't think any of that matters to you. What you want can't be defined. You're a caged animal right now, but when I'm fucking you, I can see what's underneath your Princess exterior."
Cliffhanger – no (stand alone)
POV - Brenna and Colin
This review is my personal opinion and may contain: spoilers, quotes, rants, cussing (sometimes I cannot help myself) and a possible full on recap. I in no way want to ruin anyone’s book reading experience so please read my words with caution.
***ARC received by author in exchange for honest review.***
Brenna O'Brian grew up as a mob princess, daughter to one of the most powerful men in the Irish mob. She fled to New York after graduating high school and never looked back. Until now. Nearly six years later, Brenna suddenly finds herself back in Philadelphia, in her childhood home. She is not thrilled. Not only did she witness her boyfriend cheat on her, but now she has to deal with her pseudo stepbrother. Her father put him on protection detail. Brenna is keeping secrets about her years away from the family. What happens when a breakup becomes so much more dangerous?
26 year old Colin Blake is second in command to boss O'Brian. He now has the opportunity to become the rightful heir to the throne. Although, Brenna coming home causes him to second guess everything he thought he wanted. Colin truly messed things up all those years ago. Could this be the second chance he always wanted?
"Excitement. Money. Power. I have those things, but I don't think any of that matters to you. What you want can't be defined. You're a caged animal right now, but when I'm fucking you, I can see what's underneath your Princess exterior."
Cliffhanger – no (stand alone)
POV - Brenna and Colin
June 27, 2015
I don't read a lot of "mob" books but this one sounded pretty good and it had the whole taboo 'stepbrother' vibe so I gave it a shot.
An Italian made man gets involved with the daughter of an Irish mobster and what started off as love quickly turns to deceipt and abuse. When Brenna runs away from her cheater of a mobster, she is put under the protection of her father's right hand man (and her soon-to-be-adopted brother) and things get very interesting.
The sexual tension is crazy wild and the bantering between Brenna and Colin is hilarious at times while still revealing their desires to be more than "brother/sister". When the two mob families clash it gets heated and violent and some traitorous activity occurs before the threat to Brenna is removed.
I liked this story for the most part...it read quickly and even though I could figure out where it was going and who the bad guys really were, it was still an exciting read with a sweet romance going throughout.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
**** 4 **** "welcome to the family...one way or another" stars
An Italian made man gets involved with the daughter of an Irish mobster and what started off as love quickly turns to deceipt and abuse. When Brenna runs away from her cheater of a mobster, she is put under the protection of her father's right hand man (and her soon-to-be-adopted brother) and things get very interesting.
The sexual tension is crazy wild and the bantering between Brenna and Colin is hilarious at times while still revealing their desires to be more than "brother/sister". When the two mob families clash it gets heated and violent and some traitorous activity occurs before the threat to Brenna is removed.
I liked this story for the most part...it read quickly and even though I could figure out where it was going and who the bad guys really were, it was still an exciting read with a sweet romance going throughout.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
**** 4 **** "welcome to the family...one way or another" stars
July 1, 2015
*I received a ARC of the book from the author for an honest review!"
This is my first BB book, but you know what?? It was fucking awesome :)
I got my hot piece of man meat, I got my damsel in distress, I got my sexier than hell sex scenes. I got just about everything a girl could ask about a fast and easy read.
No drama, no tears, no heartbreak.
This is a perfect book when you want to relax and enjoy a ripped, tough and HOTT character giving it all to his heart's chosen.
:)
I'm turning into a poet already. But honestly I just read this book in one sitting, it was pretty addictive and well written.
The plot is thin, it's supposed to be. We just focus on the chemistry and relationship of the two main character. There are some action scenes thrown in there at the right moment that give it a bit more excitement.
Just a general good read.
Hot summer days would be lonely without this read.
Thank you so much BB for this.
This is my first BB book, but you know what?? It was fucking awesome :)
I got my hot piece of man meat, I got my damsel in distress, I got my sexier than hell sex scenes. I got just about everything a girl could ask about a fast and easy read.
No drama, no tears, no heartbreak.
This is a perfect book when you want to relax and enjoy a ripped, tough and HOTT character giving it all to his heart's chosen.
:)
I'm turning into a poet already. But honestly I just read this book in one sitting, it was pretty addictive and well written.
The plot is thin, it's supposed to be. We just focus on the chemistry and relationship of the two main character. There are some action scenes thrown in there at the right moment that give it a bit more excitement.
Just a general good read.
Hot summer days would be lonely without this read.
Thank you so much BB for this.
July 27, 2015
What a great read. This book had it all. Drama, love,hate,action and so much more. It was a great love story that wasn't all mushy but still great all the same. It gives you a new look into the mob and made them seem more human to me. They weren't all hard core, bad ass killers that just liked to crack skulls but they have a home life too. They protect their own and do whatever it takes to keep each other safe. It had a great storyline about a love that never actually died and when that love is brought back together the fight to stay that way is real:) All in all I have to say I really enjoyed this and can't wait to see what B.B comes up with next:)
December 15, 2015
I was really excited for this book and the mob theme!!!
But then.....
I didnt't connect with characters(Colin and Breena) I wanted some back story,Colin for sure would have some good story to tell,but then it was all about her ex (and yes we don't know much about him also,just some facts) and sex,personally I know that every story now has dirty talk and all of that but name someone "dirty slut" during sex is not ok for me,EVEN Christian Grey doesn't do that...
That is just my opinion
But then.....
I didnt't connect with characters(Colin and Breena) I wanted some back story,Colin for sure would have some good story to tell,but then it was all about her ex (and yes we don't know much about him also,just some facts) and sex,personally I know that every story now has dirty talk and all of that but name someone "dirty slut" during sex is not ok for me,EVEN Christian Grey doesn't do that...
That is just my opinion
July 9, 2015
This is a really great story! Most "step" stories I have read are short and don't go into a lot of detail. This story is more detailed and longer than the others. It's well written and you are lured into the story from the beginning. This is the first of this author's writing that I've read and I'm looking forward to reading more.
August 10, 2020
Colin.. a cocky arrogant mobster who’s loved brenna since forever ago.
Brenna.. a woman who got into the wrong crowd after she leaves for college.
This story is a tale between a man and woman who is forbidden for each other. After brenna gets herself into trouble she runs back to her daddy for protection. But that trouble follows her back philly from New York. But what will it take to get her safe and even when they get her safe what will come lurking around the corner??! This book shows a sweet side of Colin and a feisty side of Brenna. The mobster princess’ life is in danger and Colin will do anything and everything to keep his princess safe !! Come join this wonderful read and take a step into the mobster world to see what they do for the ones they love and adore.
Brenna.. a woman who got into the wrong crowd after she leaves for college.
This story is a tale between a man and woman who is forbidden for each other. After brenna gets herself into trouble she runs back to her daddy for protection. But that trouble follows her back philly from New York. But what will it take to get her safe and even when they get her safe what will come lurking around the corner??! This book shows a sweet side of Colin and a feisty side of Brenna. The mobster princess’ life is in danger and Colin will do anything and everything to keep his princess safe !! Come join this wonderful read and take a step into the mobster world to see what they do for the ones they love and adore.
March 8, 2019
Another win for Hamel
Hamel has become my favorite smut author, and this book is one of my favorites. I loved how it took the stepbrother element a different route. The chemistry is AMAZING, there is plenty of steamy smut, and the chemistry is off the charts. This is the first mob romance I have been able to really get in to. I can't recommend this book enough
Hamel has become my favorite smut author, and this book is one of my favorites. I loved how it took the stepbrother element a different route. The chemistry is AMAZING, there is plenty of steamy smut, and the chemistry is off the charts. This is the first mob romance I have been able to really get in to. I can't recommend this book enough
July 7, 2017
this was great book
this was a really great book... Love the story line.. how it tells you in good deal... I was hooked I love how the hate each other to like each other all the blink on a eye..
this was a really great book... Love the story line.. how it tells you in good deal... I was hooked I love how the hate each other to like each other all the blink on a eye..
January 8, 2019
The ultimate bad boy I think, a mobster. I loved Colin & Brenna's story. I think love that is meant to be will always find it's way back regardless of what life puts in it's way
December 12, 2021
Loved it!! 😍
February 4, 2017
Wow, I loved this one! Really loving this series.
July 16, 2015
I was kindly provided with an ARC of Jerked to read and review by the author.
Colin Blake and Brenna 'Bren' O'Brian are thrown in to each others lives as children. After both experiencing difficult childhoods, Bren's father moves Colin in and looks to make their world a better place by building a family unit for the three of them. While working to secure his own mob future and hoping to make a place for Colin as a part of the business as he grows older, he manages to hold Bren oblivious to the dark nature of his life. When all comes tumbling out and Bren is horrified to be a part of his organisation she seeks comfort in Colin, her stepbrother. But when things fall further apart and her options seem to be shrinking fast she makes a bid for freedom and to discover her independence, she leaves everything and everyone behind to start fresh. All until one wrong choice proves to be her greatest undoing. And so begins a life long journey for all involved about the consequences of our elders decisions and a reminder that there really is no choice in who you fall in love with.
“Bren—“
“You should have told me earlier.” I looked at him. “I guess now we’re both liars.”
His expression didn’t change. “I’ll check outside.”
“My knight in shining armor.”
He frowned, stared at me for half a second, and left.
I watched him go, wondering how in the world I had gotten myself stuck between a psycho that I hated and a future stepbrother that I wanted more than anything.
I positively adored Bren. She's one of those characters that's messed up and gotten herself in to quite a bind but also never denies that she has made mistakes and will never be caught feeling sorry for herself. Because she so pointedly faces her own mistakes is what made me love her the most, when she straight off the bat admitted dating the type of guy she so fiercely hated gave me major respect for her and for B.B. Hamel, some authors actually manage to overlook a character acknowledging this and it can a readers blood boil with rage. When writing, some authors can also have a tendency to really over state why you should feel sorry for the main character and in trying to make you feel as sorry as possible they repeat the same issues over and over. But this was always sharp, to the point and lacked any real repetition at all, Bren would always say her piece and give you her view and then the storyline just carried on flowing along with such a natural feel.
“I’d love to pull those sexy pants down around your ankles, bend you over, and slip my tongue along your soaked pussy.”
She blinked. “Colin ....”
“We can do it right here, if you want. I can make you come on my tongue while you try not to make too much noise.”
“What makes you think it’d be so easy?”
“I’ve seen how you look at me. I know you’d grip my hair as hard as you could while I tongued that sweet pussy.”
“You’re not funny.” She looked away, a blush on her cheeks again.
There aren't many a male character hotter than Colin, he had endless sexual appeal and innuendos and made this book not only a hot read but a funny one too. His presence in each scene always managed to add a little light to the slightly darker natures of the chapters. But he did also have his mob man, tough guy, no nonsense alter ego, they just combined to make one absolutely delicious character. One that made me wish whole heartedly that there was a book two continuation to his and Bren's tale.
For some reason, the adrenaline and the danger brought out the best in me, and I thrived on it. I lived for the feeling of terror and imminent violence, almost as much as I lived for fucking. Only an orgasm could beat the feeling of defeating another man in a fair fight.
How does B.B Hamel to write a book that beats it's predecessor every single time? She's one of those rare authors (a sum total of which I can count on one hand!) who manage to not only produce something that betters what came before it but also something that I see no fault in and wouldn't change even one word. Between just the right amount of sexual tension, action and suspense, darkness and light, meant that this kept rolling at an undeniably fast pace and I'd reached the last page before I even realised I was coming near it. But it was however just the right length to be able to keep the storyline fresh and engrossing, never a moment of useless page filler or the desire to skip the odd paragraph. Told in both Bren and Colin's perspectives gave this an undeniably good mixture of everything. I will be raving about and recommending this book and the entire City Secrets series for a good long while yet, all while eagerly anticipating B.B. Hamel's next series. My hat is off to a perfect book and a wonderful woman, thank you as always B.B.!
Colin Blake and Brenna 'Bren' O'Brian are thrown in to each others lives as children. After both experiencing difficult childhoods, Bren's father moves Colin in and looks to make their world a better place by building a family unit for the three of them. While working to secure his own mob future and hoping to make a place for Colin as a part of the business as he grows older, he manages to hold Bren oblivious to the dark nature of his life. When all comes tumbling out and Bren is horrified to be a part of his organisation she seeks comfort in Colin, her stepbrother. But when things fall further apart and her options seem to be shrinking fast she makes a bid for freedom and to discover her independence, she leaves everything and everyone behind to start fresh. All until one wrong choice proves to be her greatest undoing. And so begins a life long journey for all involved about the consequences of our elders decisions and a reminder that there really is no choice in who you fall in love with.
“Bren—“
“You should have told me earlier.” I looked at him. “I guess now we’re both liars.”
His expression didn’t change. “I’ll check outside.”
“My knight in shining armor.”
He frowned, stared at me for half a second, and left.
I watched him go, wondering how in the world I had gotten myself stuck between a psycho that I hated and a future stepbrother that I wanted more than anything.
I positively adored Bren. She's one of those characters that's messed up and gotten herself in to quite a bind but also never denies that she has made mistakes and will never be caught feeling sorry for herself. Because she so pointedly faces her own mistakes is what made me love her the most, when she straight off the bat admitted dating the type of guy she so fiercely hated gave me major respect for her and for B.B. Hamel, some authors actually manage to overlook a character acknowledging this and it can a readers blood boil with rage. When writing, some authors can also have a tendency to really over state why you should feel sorry for the main character and in trying to make you feel as sorry as possible they repeat the same issues over and over. But this was always sharp, to the point and lacked any real repetition at all, Bren would always say her piece and give you her view and then the storyline just carried on flowing along with such a natural feel.
“I’d love to pull those sexy pants down around your ankles, bend you over, and slip my tongue along your soaked pussy.”
She blinked. “Colin ....”
“We can do it right here, if you want. I can make you come on my tongue while you try not to make too much noise.”
“What makes you think it’d be so easy?”
“I’ve seen how you look at me. I know you’d grip my hair as hard as you could while I tongued that sweet pussy.”
“You’re not funny.” She looked away, a blush on her cheeks again.
There aren't many a male character hotter than Colin, he had endless sexual appeal and innuendos and made this book not only a hot read but a funny one too. His presence in each scene always managed to add a little light to the slightly darker natures of the chapters. But he did also have his mob man, tough guy, no nonsense alter ego, they just combined to make one absolutely delicious character. One that made me wish whole heartedly that there was a book two continuation to his and Bren's tale.
For some reason, the adrenaline and the danger brought out the best in me, and I thrived on it. I lived for the feeling of terror and imminent violence, almost as much as I lived for fucking. Only an orgasm could beat the feeling of defeating another man in a fair fight.
How does B.B Hamel to write a book that beats it's predecessor every single time? She's one of those rare authors (a sum total of which I can count on one hand!) who manage to not only produce something that betters what came before it but also something that I see no fault in and wouldn't change even one word. Between just the right amount of sexual tension, action and suspense, darkness and light, meant that this kept rolling at an undeniably fast pace and I'd reached the last page before I even realised I was coming near it. But it was however just the right length to be able to keep the storyline fresh and engrossing, never a moment of useless page filler or the desire to skip the odd paragraph. Told in both Bren and Colin's perspectives gave this an undeniably good mixture of everything. I will be raving about and recommending this book and the entire City Secrets series for a good long while yet, all while eagerly anticipating B.B. Hamel's next series. My hat is off to a perfect book and a wonderful woman, thank you as always B.B.!
July 2, 2015
4.75 Stars
Irish mob daughter Brenna O’Brian has returned home to escape her Italian mobster ex and mend fences with her estranged father. For her protection she’s assigned a bodyguard— Colin Blake, her almost adopted brother/second in line to her father.
In the years since she’s been away, Colin has gotten hotter, harder, and sexier than when she last crushed on him, and while he might have left an opportunity with her escape in the past, he’s not about to make that mistake twice.
“She was the first woman that I really wanted, and the first one I had turned down. I spent many, many nights regretting that choice since then, and many, many lonely days imagining what it would have been like to slip my hard cock into the Princess’s wet little pussy.”
Colin is a confident, dirty talking, dominant, dangerous mob boy, packing guns and condoms. He breaks knees for a living and he gets a thrill from it. Turns out the one thing he enjoys more than fighting though is fucking.
“‛I’d love to pull those sexy pants down around your ankles, bend you over, and slip my tongue along your soaked pussy…We can do it right here, if you want. I can make you come on my tongue while you try not to make too much noise.’”
Colin is undeniably hot and the perfect bad boy book boyfriend. He’s well endowed and ready to go at all times:
“I was practically tearing out of my pants. I wanted to bend her over right there, fuck her up against the historical fiction section.”
He’s giving and generous:
“‛I’d soak through a hundred more shirts to taste that again.’”
And despite his cut-throat profession, he has an upstanding sweet sweeter side to him as well. ;-)
“I’m the Santa Claus of violent criminals.”
Brenna is a likeable character too and one lucky girl. Once things heat up between them, they get really steamy. And does this boy have serious stamina! Just reading about it practically had me panting.
Told via Brenna and Colin’s alternating POV, the story has touches of suspense and just the right amount of drama without angst. In the beginning they are both harboring a slight secret from each other but I was pleased that it wasn’t drug out and didn’t cause unnecessary misunderstanding. It was refreshing to get a couple working together (an ‘us against the world’) and not letting outside forces separate them. This story is all about the sexy adventures and action plot. I also enjoyed the fact that despite all the girls that Colin could have, once Brenna reenters the picture he only has eyes for her.
My only real critique was a few choices of wording. Brenna (and I believe even Colin) refer to her privates as her “spot” a little too frequently. It was different but a little tiresome after a while. Also, Colin is often referred to as her step-brother, but that doesn’t seem entirely accurate as step-siblings are usually defined by having one parent married to another, which is not the case here. None-the-less, those are just minor issues and the story is still an incredibly enjoyable read. Colin and Brenna make a good couple and I recommend them for your next steamy read.
Irish mob daughter Brenna O’Brian has returned home to escape her Italian mobster ex and mend fences with her estranged father. For her protection she’s assigned a bodyguard— Colin Blake, her almost adopted brother/second in line to her father.
In the years since she’s been away, Colin has gotten hotter, harder, and sexier than when she last crushed on him, and while he might have left an opportunity with her escape in the past, he’s not about to make that mistake twice.
“She was the first woman that I really wanted, and the first one I had turned down. I spent many, many nights regretting that choice since then, and many, many lonely days imagining what it would have been like to slip my hard cock into the Princess’s wet little pussy.”
Colin is a confident, dirty talking, dominant, dangerous mob boy, packing guns and condoms. He breaks knees for a living and he gets a thrill from it. Turns out the one thing he enjoys more than fighting though is fucking.
“‛I’d love to pull those sexy pants down around your ankles, bend you over, and slip my tongue along your soaked pussy…We can do it right here, if you want. I can make you come on my tongue while you try not to make too much noise.’”
Colin is undeniably hot and the perfect bad boy book boyfriend. He’s well endowed and ready to go at all times:
“I was practically tearing out of my pants. I wanted to bend her over right there, fuck her up against the historical fiction section.”
He’s giving and generous:
“‛I’d soak through a hundred more shirts to taste that again.’”
And despite his cut-throat profession, he has an upstanding sweet sweeter side to him as well. ;-)
“I’m the Santa Claus of violent criminals.”
Brenna is a likeable character too and one lucky girl. Once things heat up between them, they get really steamy. And does this boy have serious stamina! Just reading about it practically had me panting.
Told via Brenna and Colin’s alternating POV, the story has touches of suspense and just the right amount of drama without angst. In the beginning they are both harboring a slight secret from each other but I was pleased that it wasn’t drug out and didn’t cause unnecessary misunderstanding. It was refreshing to get a couple working together (an ‘us against the world’) and not letting outside forces separate them. This story is all about the sexy adventures and action plot. I also enjoyed the fact that despite all the girls that Colin could have, once Brenna reenters the picture he only has eyes for her.
My only real critique was a few choices of wording. Brenna (and I believe even Colin) refer to her privates as her “spot” a little too frequently. It was different but a little tiresome after a while. Also, Colin is often referred to as her step-brother, but that doesn’t seem entirely accurate as step-siblings are usually defined by having one parent married to another, which is not the case here. None-the-less, those are just minor issues and the story is still an incredibly enjoyable read. Colin and Brenna make a good couple and I recommend them for your next steamy read.
April 22, 2016
INTERESTING, SUSPENSEFUL STORY WHICH WOULD BENEFIT FROM EDITING
JERKED has a premise which is interesting as well as exciting, despite its predictability. Brenna, the 24 year-old daughter of a Philly Irish mob boss, returns to the fold to escape complications of her life in NYC (no spoilers here!). Upon returning to her father's home, she runs right smack into the one who got away, Colin, who is now her father's second-in-command. When her problems follow her to Philly, Brenna is ambivalent about her father's determination that Colin become her protector and move into her home to do it. The attraction which existed years before between Brenna and Colin returns in full force, and the suspense regarding the dangers facing Brenna, the complicated romance of which Brenna's father is unaware, and dad's plans to legally adopt Colin as his heir provide the three conjoined main conflicts of the story.
Ms. Hamel has given us likeable characters whom we want to route for, as well as a balance of tension and humor in their relationships. The story would have benefitted greatly from less cliche; there are dozens of over-sexed comments, and the characters are presented as largely one-dimensional and single-minded. The sex scenes, and there are many, basically repeat the same actions; the syntax also abuses word choice repeatedly. One of the sex scenes referred more than a dozen times to how the characters "worked" over each others' various body parts. There was also a great deal of shoulder shrugging, grinning, and many other repetitively used verbs to describe the same basic mechanics by the characters, rather than a variety of physical descriptions and body motions. In addition, more attention paid to grammar and punctuation would have enhanced story quality.
Since I read an advance review copy, there may have been revisions and edits which addressed the above (Colin's 'white beater,' for example, should have been his 'wife beater'). A good edit would have been able to take the author's interesting premise and likeable characters' potential and develop them into a 4-star story. Ms. Hamel clearly writes with joy, and the reader can sense her regard for her characters; these factors encourage me to look forward to her next story!
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the author in exchange for my honest review.
JERKED has a premise which is interesting as well as exciting, despite its predictability. Brenna, the 24 year-old daughter of a Philly Irish mob boss, returns to the fold to escape complications of her life in NYC (no spoilers here!). Upon returning to her father's home, she runs right smack into the one who got away, Colin, who is now her father's second-in-command. When her problems follow her to Philly, Brenna is ambivalent about her father's determination that Colin become her protector and move into her home to do it. The attraction which existed years before between Brenna and Colin returns in full force, and the suspense regarding the dangers facing Brenna, the complicated romance of which Brenna's father is unaware, and dad's plans to legally adopt Colin as his heir provide the three conjoined main conflicts of the story.
Ms. Hamel has given us likeable characters whom we want to route for, as well as a balance of tension and humor in their relationships. The story would have benefitted greatly from less cliche; there are dozens of over-sexed comments, and the characters are presented as largely one-dimensional and single-minded. The sex scenes, and there are many, basically repeat the same actions; the syntax also abuses word choice repeatedly. One of the sex scenes referred more than a dozen times to how the characters "worked" over each others' various body parts. There was also a great deal of shoulder shrugging, grinning, and many other repetitively used verbs to describe the same basic mechanics by the characters, rather than a variety of physical descriptions and body motions. In addition, more attention paid to grammar and punctuation would have enhanced story quality.
Since I read an advance review copy, there may have been revisions and edits which addressed the above (Colin's 'white beater,' for example, should have been his 'wife beater'). A good edit would have been able to take the author's interesting premise and likeable characters' potential and develop them into a 4-star story. Ms. Hamel clearly writes with joy, and the reader can sense her regard for her characters; these factors encourage me to look forward to her next story!
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the author in exchange for my honest review.
July 21, 2015
Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Brenna is the estranged daughter to an Irish mafia kingpin. Leaving for college immediately after high school graduation, she cut off all communication when learning the truth of her father’s business dealings. It isn’t until she finds herself in trouble with the Italian mafia, specifically her made-man boyfriend, that she reaches out to her father for help. When she moves back into his home, she finds that his business keeps him away, so his “adopted” son Colin is tasked with keeping her safe.
Colin has had feelings for Brenna for years and the feeling is mutual. But they never acted on it and when they see each other again years later, it is obvious the feelings are still very much there. But when Colin is assigned to keep Brenna safe, they soon find that their attraction to each other becomes a distraction and her life may be in danger, not only from Brenna’s ex-boyfriend but a threat within her father’s organization. Not only that, but her father is seeking to adopt Colin in an effort to acquire a successor to his criminal empire. The adoption would legally make Brenna and Colin step siblings. Is that enough motivation to keep them apart? Or is their attraction worth fighting for, regardless of the consequences?
While billed as a “stepbrother romance”, it really isn’t and don’t let that dissuade you either way. I know there are many that are on the fence when it comes to this trope but there is nothing taboo or otherwise offensive about the story. It is a hot second chance love story full of intrigue and suspense. The storyline moved quickly and the characters were interesting with obvious chemistry. I didn’t really feel like I connected with the characters and it wasn’t one of those books that I just couldn’t put down, but it was very entertaining and I would suggest it to fans of romantic suspense.
This is the fifth book in the series but can be read as a standalone. This is the first book I’ve read by the author and will definitely be looking for more!
Brenna is the estranged daughter to an Irish mafia kingpin. Leaving for college immediately after high school graduation, she cut off all communication when learning the truth of her father’s business dealings. It isn’t until she finds herself in trouble with the Italian mafia, specifically her made-man boyfriend, that she reaches out to her father for help. When she moves back into his home, she finds that his business keeps him away, so his “adopted” son Colin is tasked with keeping her safe.
Colin has had feelings for Brenna for years and the feeling is mutual. But they never acted on it and when they see each other again years later, it is obvious the feelings are still very much there. But when Colin is assigned to keep Brenna safe, they soon find that their attraction to each other becomes a distraction and her life may be in danger, not only from Brenna’s ex-boyfriend but a threat within her father’s organization. Not only that, but her father is seeking to adopt Colin in an effort to acquire a successor to his criminal empire. The adoption would legally make Brenna and Colin step siblings. Is that enough motivation to keep them apart? Or is their attraction worth fighting for, regardless of the consequences?
While billed as a “stepbrother romance”, it really isn’t and don’t let that dissuade you either way. I know there are many that are on the fence when it comes to this trope but there is nothing taboo or otherwise offensive about the story. It is a hot second chance love story full of intrigue and suspense. The storyline moved quickly and the characters were interesting with obvious chemistry. I didn’t really feel like I connected with the characters and it wasn’t one of those books that I just couldn’t put down, but it was very entertaining and I would suggest it to fans of romantic suspense.
This is the fifth book in the series but can be read as a standalone. This is the first book I’ve read by the author and will definitely be looking for more!
June 26, 2015
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars, fo sho! This is a steamy pseudo-stepbrother romance, so if explicit language and/or sex scenes aren't your thing, I would pass on this one. But, really, if you don't like those things I highly doubt your reading stepbrother romances in the first place. Brenna is the daughter of the Philly Irish mob boss, and she's on the run from her abusive ex. Colin is the man her father brought into their home to mold into his son who can take over the business one day. Obs Brenna and Colin get together, have lots of steamy sex, some drama happens, the get their Happily Ever After, the end.
The Good:
+ First, way to go on the cover (giggity giggity). I would have picked this up based on that alone.
+ I really liked how this wasn't your "typical" stepbrother romance novel, which is what I expected going into it. Brenna and Colin kind of grew up together but we're never actually steps.
+ Loved that she was the aggressor and he was the one who turned her down, instead of the other way around which usually is the case with step romances.
+ I also really loved that this had a normal ending. It didn't end with them running away and getting married on some beach, with only a select few who approved of their illicit relationship standing by their sides (you know what I mean). But this also is kind of due to the fact that they don't actually have an illicit relationship. They aren't legally step siblings.
+ There was some drama/suspense, what with the crazy ex chasing Brenna down.
+ Sex scenes were steamy, and let's be real for a minute; that's half the reason we read stepbrother romances :-)
The Bad:
- I didn't like how she kept referring to her nether regions as her "spot". The last quarter of the book, whenever they had sex and she said "my spot" I rolled my eyes.
The Ugly:
-- There were definitely a few editing errors.
4.5 stars, fo sho! This is a steamy pseudo-stepbrother romance, so if explicit language and/or sex scenes aren't your thing, I would pass on this one. But, really, if you don't like those things I highly doubt your reading stepbrother romances in the first place. Brenna is the daughter of the Philly Irish mob boss, and she's on the run from her abusive ex. Colin is the man her father brought into their home to mold into his son who can take over the business one day. Obs Brenna and Colin get together, have lots of steamy sex, some drama happens, the get their Happily Ever After, the end.
The Good:
+ First, way to go on the cover (giggity giggity). I would have picked this up based on that alone.
+ I really liked how this wasn't your "typical" stepbrother romance novel, which is what I expected going into it. Brenna and Colin kind of grew up together but we're never actually steps.
+ Loved that she was the aggressor and he was the one who turned her down, instead of the other way around which usually is the case with step romances.
+ I also really loved that this had a normal ending. It didn't end with them running away and getting married on some beach, with only a select few who approved of their illicit relationship standing by their sides (you know what I mean). But this also is kind of due to the fact that they don't actually have an illicit relationship. They aren't legally step siblings.
+ There was some drama/suspense, what with the crazy ex chasing Brenna down.
+ Sex scenes were steamy, and let's be real for a minute; that's half the reason we read stepbrother romances :-)
The Bad:
- I didn't like how she kept referring to her nether regions as her "spot". The last quarter of the book, whenever they had sex and she said "my spot" I rolled my eyes.
The Ugly:
-- There were definitely a few editing errors.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2015
⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️
* * * POSSIBLE SPOILERS * * *
♦️BOOK: Part of the CITY SERIES. Can be read as a Standalone. Full-length. Kindle loc: 2840
♦️POV: Dual, alternating first person
♦️WRITING: very good
♦️EDITING: no errors found
♦️HERO: Colin Blake, 26--Second in command of the Irish Mob. Grew up in an orphanage and taken in by Brenna's father. Gorgeous, muscular, piercing blue eyes. Cocky, flirty, crude, dirty-talker, dangerous.
"He was confident and controlling and seemed to dominate the place with a smile."
“Gunshot or not, I’m more man than you’ll ever need.”
♦️HEROINE: Brenna O’Brian, 23--Mob Princess. Returning home to her father and the Mob to escape her psycho, cheating, abusive, Mob ex. Beautiful, with long brown hair.
♦️PLOT: Daughter of one of the largest Irish Mob bosses in Philly, Brenna returns home after 5 years of being away when she runs into her father's protégé and her pseudo-stepbrother, Colin who will be staying with her for her protection. The two shared a steamy kiss before Brenna left home and the chemistry hasn't diminished at all. They begin a steamy affair but have Brenna's crazy ex to contend with and the fact that her father wants to adopt Colin to make him an official member of the family, making him her brother.
♦️REVIEW: An enjoyable, quick, steamy read with some action, violence and suspense. The only thing that was a little odd was that they kept calling Colin Brenna's "stepbrother". If the adoption was finalized, he'd only be her "adoptive brother" - and definitely not as taboo as it was made out to be.
♦️STEAM: Dirty HOT! 4.5/5 - M/F, very explicit sex, rough sex, spanking, dirty talk
♦️ENDING: HEA, Epilogue - 3 months later, No cliffhanger
♦️QUOTE:
"All of the other garbage was enough to piss me off, maybe earn him a beating to within an inch of his life, but interrupting me when I was about to take Bren how I wanted meant instant death. I couldn’t forgive that."
* * * POSSIBLE SPOILERS * * *
♦️BOOK: Part of the CITY SERIES. Can be read as a Standalone. Full-length. Kindle loc: 2840
♦️POV: Dual, alternating first person
♦️WRITING: very good
♦️EDITING: no errors found
♦️HERO: Colin Blake, 26--Second in command of the Irish Mob. Grew up in an orphanage and taken in by Brenna's father. Gorgeous, muscular, piercing blue eyes. Cocky, flirty, crude, dirty-talker, dangerous.
"He was confident and controlling and seemed to dominate the place with a smile."
“Gunshot or not, I’m more man than you’ll ever need.”
♦️HEROINE: Brenna O’Brian, 23--Mob Princess. Returning home to her father and the Mob to escape her psycho, cheating, abusive, Mob ex. Beautiful, with long brown hair.
♦️PLOT: Daughter of one of the largest Irish Mob bosses in Philly, Brenna returns home after 5 years of being away when she runs into her father's protégé and her pseudo-stepbrother, Colin who will be staying with her for her protection. The two shared a steamy kiss before Brenna left home and the chemistry hasn't diminished at all. They begin a steamy affair but have Brenna's crazy ex to contend with and the fact that her father wants to adopt Colin to make him an official member of the family, making him her brother.
♦️REVIEW: An enjoyable, quick, steamy read with some action, violence and suspense. The only thing that was a little odd was that they kept calling Colin Brenna's "stepbrother". If the adoption was finalized, he'd only be her "adoptive brother" - and definitely not as taboo as it was made out to be.
♦️STEAM: Dirty HOT! 4.5/5 - M/F, very explicit sex, rough sex, spanking, dirty talk
♦️ENDING: HEA, Epilogue - 3 months later, No cliffhanger
♦️QUOTE:
"All of the other garbage was enough to piss me off, maybe earn him a beating to within an inch of his life, but interrupting me when I was about to take Bren how I wanted meant instant death. I couldn’t forgive that."
July 1, 2015
*Given an ARC for an honest review*
This is the first book I have read by B.B. Hamel and given that I was told it was a stepbrother book I was super excited because I love a good stepbrother book. To my surprise it isn't a stepbrother book. I am putting this in my review because even though other reviewers haven't mentioned this it really bothered me. Colin is an orphan and Brenna is a Mob Princess. Brenn's father takes Colin in when he is 18 and forced out of the orphanage. Brenn is in her last year of high school when this happens and then leaves for college making it years before they see each other again due to a falling out with her father. The night before she leaves they make out and then that's it for years. When she comes back home running from her abusive mob husbands they are reunited and feelings return, however they are about to become adoptive siblings. This is where terms bother me. They keep saying he is going to be her "stepbrother" so it's wrong. Yes, the idea of an adoptive brother or stepbrother are both taboo, but they are not the same. Colin will never be her stepbrother regardless if her dad adopts him or not. He will be her adopted brother. Just like her dad wouldn't be his stepfather he would be his adopted father. Now that I pointed that out I will say I did enjoy the story. I don't really read mob stories because the last one I read was really graphic and that is just not my thing. This one was not like that though. It was really well written and enjoyable other than using the wrong term. Beside the stepbrother thing the only other thing that bugged me was the use of slut in the middle of sex. If I waited years to finally sleep with someone I would be pissed if they called me a slut during sex, especially the first time. I would definitely recommend this to friends that enjoy a good mob story.
This is the first book I have read by B.B. Hamel and given that I was told it was a stepbrother book I was super excited because I love a good stepbrother book. To my surprise it isn't a stepbrother book. I am putting this in my review because even though other reviewers haven't mentioned this it really bothered me. Colin is an orphan and Brenna is a Mob Princess. Brenn's father takes Colin in when he is 18 and forced out of the orphanage. Brenn is in her last year of high school when this happens and then leaves for college making it years before they see each other again due to a falling out with her father. The night before she leaves they make out and then that's it for years. When she comes back home running from her abusive mob husbands they are reunited and feelings return, however they are about to become adoptive siblings. This is where terms bother me. They keep saying he is going to be her "stepbrother" so it's wrong. Yes, the idea of an adoptive brother or stepbrother are both taboo, but they are not the same. Colin will never be her stepbrother regardless if her dad adopts him or not. He will be her adopted brother. Just like her dad wouldn't be his stepfather he would be his adopted father. Now that I pointed that out I will say I did enjoy the story. I don't really read mob stories because the last one I read was really graphic and that is just not my thing. This one was not like that though. It was really well written and enjoyable other than using the wrong term. Beside the stepbrother thing the only other thing that bugged me was the use of slut in the middle of sex. If I waited years to finally sleep with someone I would be pissed if they called me a slut during sex, especially the first time. I would definitely recommend this to friends that enjoy a good mob story.
July 18, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am so grateful for being introduced to this author by this book. I don't know how I never read her before but you can bet I'll be reading her again real soon!
Colin basically grew up around Bren after her father, a mob boss, took the orphaned boy under his wing. Bren decided she hated the mafia life and everything it involved and left her father and everyone she knew on bad terms, even though it was right about the time that she and Colin felt something more than a familial emotion toward one another.
She comes back after several years needing her father's protection after getting involved in a bad relationship with a rival 'made' guy. Colin is put in charge of her safety and it becomes increasingly obvious that the feelings they once had have only grown more fierce. Their sexual chemistry is off the charts crazy hot and Colin is one smooth dirty talker. No wonder she didn't stand a chance of resisting his charm!
Her return to a family that she scorned and the reason for it brings inner strife to her father's men who don't know if she can be trusted and danger to everyone around her when her ex decides he wants what's 'his' back. Colin proves his feelings are more than just physical while risking his life to protect her. When it feels like they can't trust anyone but themselves because a traitor is at work they must decide the safest way to save both themselves and her father.
I love the stepbrother books, and although this is more of an 'almost' stepbrother story I freaking loved it. I also love mafia romances so this was the perfect combination. It was funny, suspenseful, sexy, and quick moving...I couldn't put it down once I started.
I am so grateful for being introduced to this author by this book. I don't know how I never read her before but you can bet I'll be reading her again real soon!
Colin basically grew up around Bren after her father, a mob boss, took the orphaned boy under his wing. Bren decided she hated the mafia life and everything it involved and left her father and everyone she knew on bad terms, even though it was right about the time that she and Colin felt something more than a familial emotion toward one another.
She comes back after several years needing her father's protection after getting involved in a bad relationship with a rival 'made' guy. Colin is put in charge of her safety and it becomes increasingly obvious that the feelings they once had have only grown more fierce. Their sexual chemistry is off the charts crazy hot and Colin is one smooth dirty talker. No wonder she didn't stand a chance of resisting his charm!
Her return to a family that she scorned and the reason for it brings inner strife to her father's men who don't know if she can be trusted and danger to everyone around her when her ex decides he wants what's 'his' back. Colin proves his feelings are more than just physical while risking his life to protect her. When it feels like they can't trust anyone but themselves because a traitor is at work they must decide the safest way to save both themselves and her father.
I love the stepbrother books, and although this is more of an 'almost' stepbrother story I freaking loved it. I also love mafia romances so this was the perfect combination. It was funny, suspenseful, sexy, and quick moving...I couldn't put it down once I started.
July 10, 2015
Book review By: Kristy Dean July 2015
Book Review: Jerked (City Series #5)
Author: BB Hamel
Pages: 200+
Price: not listed yet
Other Books in the series:
#1Unsold, #2 Kinged, #3 Filmed, #4 Honored, #5 Jerked
My views. This was the First time I have reviewed a book for B.B. Homel. Even though Jerked is part of a series, I didn’t feel lost, or feel that I had to read the other books before this one. The characters had a lot of depth and growth. There was enough back history on the characters as the story was progressing, but not too much. This is a story that I would read again as well as other works by this author. Please feel free to contact me or look at my blog. Literature litehouse on facebook. (https:..www.facebook.com/literaturelitehous...). This review was done independent from my blog site, but I will be posting it there since I loved this story.
Review: Brenna O’Brian is on the run. She ran from her family when she learned that her dad was the Irish mob. Now she is running again, this time from New York and from her cheating Ex (Vince). There is only one person she can turn to, but will her father except her back and will he be willing to fight against her Ex. When she returns to Philly, she is expecting her father to welcome her, not Colin his second in command. Colin was a nothing growing up. Colin soon found himself working under the boss and learning the mob life. Knowing that Brenna left on bad terms, he was having a hard time balancing the mob, Brenna’s Ex, and his feelings for her. There are a lot of twist and turns, ups and down as Brenna is trying to get her life back and understand her family that she disliked for so long.
Book Review: Jerked (City Series #5)
Author: BB Hamel
Pages: 200+
Price: not listed yet
Other Books in the series:
#1Unsold, #2 Kinged, #3 Filmed, #4 Honored, #5 Jerked
My views. This was the First time I have reviewed a book for B.B. Homel. Even though Jerked is part of a series, I didn’t feel lost, or feel that I had to read the other books before this one. The characters had a lot of depth and growth. There was enough back history on the characters as the story was progressing, but not too much. This is a story that I would read again as well as other works by this author. Please feel free to contact me or look at my blog. Literature litehouse on facebook. (https:..www.facebook.com/literaturelitehous...). This review was done independent from my blog site, but I will be posting it there since I loved this story.
Review: Brenna O’Brian is on the run. She ran from her family when she learned that her dad was the Irish mob. Now she is running again, this time from New York and from her cheating Ex (Vince). There is only one person she can turn to, but will her father except her back and will he be willing to fight against her Ex. When she returns to Philly, she is expecting her father to welcome her, not Colin his second in command. Colin was a nothing growing up. Colin soon found himself working under the boss and learning the mob life. Knowing that Brenna left on bad terms, he was having a hard time balancing the mob, Brenna’s Ex, and his feelings for her. There are a lot of twist and turns, ups and down as Brenna is trying to get her life back and understand her family that she disliked for so long.
July 31, 2015
Not your typical stepbrother romance!
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review!
This is the first title I have read by this author and it definitely won't be the last. I'm a huge fan of both, mob and stepbrother romance so the fact that this book is both, makes it that much better.
This isn't your typical stepbrother book. Colin isn't exactly Brenna's stepbrother. Mr. O'Brian, Brenna's father, took Colin in when he was 18 and had no place to go. Mr. O'Brian taught Colin everything he needed to know about his business. Colin was his protege. So his was like an older brother to Brenna's, living in the house until she left for college except they had feelings for one another.
5 years ago Brenna O'Brian ran off to college in New York after an argument with her father, Irish mob boss, about his business. Now 5 years later Brenna begs her father to let her come back home to Philly when she catches her boyfriend, Made Man in the Italian mob, with someone else and leaves in a hurry when she confronts him.
Now that Brenna is home her father assigns Colin Blake to be her bodyguard. The more time they spend together the more the old feelings resurface.
Colin is Mr. O'Brian's second in command, who is suppose to be signing adoption papers to become O'Brian's son. When the time comes Mr. O'Brian wants to pass the business down to Colin as he's like a son to him. What happens when Colin falls for his future sister, Brenna? Will Colin sign the papers? What happens when Brenna finds out about her father's plan? How does Mr. O'Brian feel about Brenna and Colin? You'll just have to read for yourself to find out, I'm not giving everything away!
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review!
This is the first title I have read by this author and it definitely won't be the last. I'm a huge fan of both, mob and stepbrother romance so the fact that this book is both, makes it that much better.
This isn't your typical stepbrother book. Colin isn't exactly Brenna's stepbrother. Mr. O'Brian, Brenna's father, took Colin in when he was 18 and had no place to go. Mr. O'Brian taught Colin everything he needed to know about his business. Colin was his protege. So his was like an older brother to Brenna's, living in the house until she left for college except they had feelings for one another.
5 years ago Brenna O'Brian ran off to college in New York after an argument with her father, Irish mob boss, about his business. Now 5 years later Brenna begs her father to let her come back home to Philly when she catches her boyfriend, Made Man in the Italian mob, with someone else and leaves in a hurry when she confronts him.
Now that Brenna is home her father assigns Colin Blake to be her bodyguard. The more time they spend together the more the old feelings resurface.
Colin is Mr. O'Brian's second in command, who is suppose to be signing adoption papers to become O'Brian's son. When the time comes Mr. O'Brian wants to pass the business down to Colin as he's like a son to him. What happens when Colin falls for his future sister, Brenna? Will Colin sign the papers? What happens when Brenna finds out about her father's plan? How does Mr. O'Brian feel about Brenna and Colin? You'll just have to read for yourself to find out, I'm not giving everything away!
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