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Brothers #1
The Hunting Town
Plumeria had never thought herself a destroyer of lives, until she brought destruction onto the lives of five brothers.
Drugs, cartels, the mafia. Pain, greed, and revenge. These are what Plumeria brought with her when she took a new job tending bar in the fighting pits outside of town – fighting pits owned by the Brothers. Brought together by the foster system, Knox wouldn't have put anything before his other brothers – not even his own life – until he met Mer. But when her life is put at risk, he intervenes, dragging all of his brothers with him into her world.
Dixon wants Mer gone. She's the daughter of a Mexican drug lord who's got a partner in the Russian mob. Both are dead after his brother, Knox, saved her from a life of bondage and now both the Mexican cartel and the Russian mafia are after them all. Dixon can't afford to be distracted – least of all by Sara, a single mom who wanders into the strip joint he owns, desperate for a job – but when the Russians use her as leverage, she'll be the one Dixon has to answer to.
With new alliances built while others are broken, it will take more than a survival instinct to survive The Hunting Town: the town of mischief, mayhem, and murder.
*This book contains strong language, graphic sex, and violence.
Drugs, cartels, the mafia. Pain, greed, and revenge. These are what Plumeria brought with her when she took a new job tending bar in the fighting pits outside of town – fighting pits owned by the Brothers. Brought together by the foster system, Knox wouldn't have put anything before his other brothers – not even his own life – until he met Mer. But when her life is put at risk, he intervenes, dragging all of his brothers with him into her world.
Dixon wants Mer gone. She's the daughter of a Mexican drug lord who's got a partner in the Russian mob. Both are dead after his brother, Knox, saved her from a life of bondage and now both the Mexican cartel and the Russian mafia are after them all. Dixon can't afford to be distracted – least of all by Sara, a single mom who wanders into the strip joint he owns, desperate for a job – but when the Russians use her as leverage, she'll be the one Dixon has to answer to.
With new alliances built while others are broken, it will take more than a survival instinct to survive The Hunting Town: the town of mischief, mayhem, and murder.
*This book contains strong language, graphic sex, and violence.
- GenresRomance
462 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2017
149 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Stephens
79 books1,385 followersTop 10 USA Today Bestselling author Elizabeth Stephens writes books where beastly men—or sometimes just beasts—always get the girl.
A full-time hybrid indie and traditionally published author, Elizabeth is best known for her Supers in the City series (Montlake) and her indie works like The Bone King and the Starling and Dark City Omega. In all of her books, readers can expect diverse casts, epic world-building, quests with unexpected twists, and women of color being celebrated loudly, Black and biracial women in particular.
When she isn’t writing, you might find Elizabeth enjoying the outdoors of the Pacific Northwest or traveling and making adventures of her own with her husband, tiny humans, and doggo, King Louis.
A full-time hybrid indie and traditionally published author, Elizabeth is best known for her Supers in the City series (Montlake) and her indie works like The Bone King and the Starling and Dark City Omega. In all of her books, readers can expect diverse casts, epic world-building, quests with unexpected twists, and women of color being celebrated loudly, Black and biracial women in particular.
When she isn’t writing, you might find Elizabeth enjoying the outdoors of the Pacific Northwest or traveling and making adventures of her own with her husband, tiny humans, and doggo, King Louis.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 13, 2017
5 stars! New favorite series!
Wow this book was amazeballs! I devoured this lengthy book in two sittings! Not once was I bored, it kept me glued to my kindle. Whenever I wasn't reading it I would be thinking about it. I'm sad it ended and quite frankly I don't want to move on. It consumed me, kept me on my toes, had me swooning and loving all of the characters: Knox, Pulmeria, Aiden, Sara and my favorite, Dixon! I won't give away the plot, but I will say that it follows the story of five foster brothers that find themselves involved in a murder, Russian mafia, Mexican cartel and unexpectedly find true love. The book itself is broken up into four parts and it has five POVs. I actually loved that we got to see what the main characters were thinking. The flow of the story was perfect and not repetitive. I am dying for part II and I'm sad we have to wait until 2018, but oooh I know it will be worth the wait💙
Wow this book was amazeballs! I devoured this lengthy book in two sittings! Not once was I bored, it kept me glued to my kindle. Whenever I wasn't reading it I would be thinking about it. I'm sad it ended and quite frankly I don't want to move on. It consumed me, kept me on my toes, had me swooning and loving all of the characters: Knox, Pulmeria, Aiden, Sara and my favorite, Dixon! I won't give away the plot, but I will say that it follows the story of five foster brothers that find themselves involved in a murder, Russian mafia, Mexican cartel and unexpectedly find true love. The book itself is broken up into four parts and it has five POVs. I actually loved that we got to see what the main characters were thinking. The flow of the story was perfect and not repetitive. I am dying for part II and I'm sad we have to wait until 2018, but oooh I know it will be worth the wait💙
July 27, 2019
Wow just wow.
Talk about a whirlwind. This is the first book of Elizabeth's that I have read and have to say it will defiantly not be the last. I was lucky to be given an arc and was not disappointed. 4 days to read this gem as it is a lengthy novel but well worth every minute. A band of misfit brothers brought together in foster care love to fight drink and f***. All with their own issues of why they like fast women. Bring in the mafia and some Russians and life as it is know changes in the blink of an eye. The brother love to fight and the barn is the place to be for that. Bring in mer the new hire at the barn and life for the brothers will never be the same. Feisty and flighty with a mean right hook she is not to be messed with. How will life pan out? Well that's up to you to have a read and see for yourself.
Talk about a whirlwind. This is the first book of Elizabeth's that I have read and have to say it will defiantly not be the last. I was lucky to be given an arc and was not disappointed. 4 days to read this gem as it is a lengthy novel but well worth every minute. A band of misfit brothers brought together in foster care love to fight drink and f***. All with their own issues of why they like fast women. Bring in the mafia and some Russians and life as it is know changes in the blink of an eye. The brother love to fight and the barn is the place to be for that. Bring in mer the new hire at the barn and life for the brothers will never be the same. Feisty and flighty with a mean right hook she is not to be messed with. How will life pan out? Well that's up to you to have a read and see for yourself.
July 15, 2017
This book is so intense! 5 foster brothers. We get different point of views through out the story! I loved Knox, Mer, Dixon, Sara and even Aiden! Drugs, mafia and even love mixed in between everything makes a very turn paging story! The author made you feel each character like you were a fly in the wall and in there world. So much angst and excitement your heart keeps beating even after the end. My advise to read the blurb and go in blind like I did. You will cringe, feel heartache and route for those sexy foster brothers just like I did. I'm shocked this is the first book this author has written and feel privileged to have received a Arc. 5/5 stars deserves way more!
July 16, 2017
Oh my gosh!! This is my first book I've read by Elizabeth and it won't be the last! This story had the perfect mix of alpha males with some deep emotional issues, love, violence, sexual tension, and some straight up get you some sex. ;) I literally can't wait for the second one!! I need to know what happens with a few certain someones who shall not be named!!
July 2, 2017
The brothers aren't nice they have been pieced back together by the love of a foster mother but it didn't change who they were. They are older now and she is gone. They have built their own dynasty of sort compliments of Dixon. But when slowly but surely the 5 brothers are bit by the bug their lives as they know it change. This author does a wonderful job of telling their story. You don't have to wait for the ending or next book she finishes the story that you can't turn away from. Action, jealousy, anger and too much male testosterone make for a hot passionate action filled read from an author I have never read before but will most definitely read more of.
September 15, 2025
3.5*
I wished there was more action in this book, it felt like just each of the brothers stories of trying to get a woman. Will be reading the next book to see what happens next
I wished there was more action in this book, it felt like just each of the brothers stories of trying to get a woman. Will be reading the next book to see what happens next
July 8, 2017
This is the first experience I’ve had with this author and it won’t be the last. I was lucky enough to stumble across an advanced copy and devoured the (large) novel in two days. Once I was a page in, I already knew that the book was well written and it would be a pleasure to read so I set half an hour aside to get into it and hoped the plot would be good too. I read until my eyes were sore and couldn’t put it down. Despite it being a ‘good, long book’ everything in it was important. There was no repetition or ‘filler’ scenes, and each and every part of the book was eventually tied into something else, completely flawlessly and naturally. I like to think that I’m an observant reader, and can look out for places where the author is taking us, but the foreshadowing here was so well done that I found myself sitting back and just reading a great story.
The plot is not a genre I would automatically pick up, but I found myself fascinated and impressed with the level of detail to many areas of the fighting, running the bars and businesses, multiple nationalities and medical knowledge that was unique to each character. Either the author is a multilingual doctor, who is a cross-business mogul, slight psychopath and great on a stripper pole, or she has done her research well – again, dropping information into the scenes and characters so well that you don’t even realise that you’re being educated as you’re reading. Seriously – I could rock that pole now!
There are multiple characters in this bank of five brothers, and I don’t just mean they are in the background with different names. Like real life, they are completely different, and it is often hard to separate who is whom in a novel with this many alpha males, but here, their uniqueness remains throughout, and each personality shines through, good or bad. I especially like it when I read a book and hate a supporting character, only later to fall in love with them as we follow them through their arc and get inside their head. Normally I’m put off in a novel with multiple points of view, but here the author does it right. We start with Knox, the sexy fighter, (Hell, they're all sexy) and only once we’re drawn into each character do we get to experience another. There are multiple stories going on here which make up one meaty book. There is so much going on, that you are rooting for multiple people at the same time, and more than once have your heart in your throat, desperate to find out what’s going to happen next, only to realise there are a whole load of areas you wish you could know about right now.
The only con’s I could think of in this book was a couple of chapters near the beginning that favoured short sentences, which is not my preference, (but it could have been more of a character style in the beginning) but is also me totally nitpicking just to write something slightly negative to keep this like a 'proper' review. The title is also something that even after reading the novel, that I can’t tie back into the book, and I had to keep checking the title when I was recommending it to people. The cover is beautiful and drew me in, but again not necessarily showing exactly what is inside, ‘cause what’s inside is brutal and fierce and hot sex and functional-dysfunctional relationships and totally rocks.
The entire plot was so complex and thrilling, I really felt like I had a ‘proper’ book in my hands, you know the kind that is actually telling a story and you’re getting your money’s worth. The author stays true to her characters throughout the novel, even the scary ones you might not like at some stages, and without any spoilers, the endings so far (this is volume 1) were perfect for those people I’m now in love with. (I’m a bit of a book whore like that.) Oh did I mention there is some hot sex scenes? I’m a little annoyed that part 2 isn’t due until 2018 cause otherwise I would dive in and see what happens. Instead I’m going to backwards stalk this author and read her other releases, cause once you find someone who can write like this, you need to cling onto them (metaphorically speaking of course)
The plot is not a genre I would automatically pick up, but I found myself fascinated and impressed with the level of detail to many areas of the fighting, running the bars and businesses, multiple nationalities and medical knowledge that was unique to each character. Either the author is a multilingual doctor, who is a cross-business mogul, slight psychopath and great on a stripper pole, or she has done her research well – again, dropping information into the scenes and characters so well that you don’t even realise that you’re being educated as you’re reading. Seriously – I could rock that pole now!
There are multiple characters in this bank of five brothers, and I don’t just mean they are in the background with different names. Like real life, they are completely different, and it is often hard to separate who is whom in a novel with this many alpha males, but here, their uniqueness remains throughout, and each personality shines through, good or bad. I especially like it when I read a book and hate a supporting character, only later to fall in love with them as we follow them through their arc and get inside their head. Normally I’m put off in a novel with multiple points of view, but here the author does it right. We start with Knox, the sexy fighter, (Hell, they're all sexy) and only once we’re drawn into each character do we get to experience another. There are multiple stories going on here which make up one meaty book. There is so much going on, that you are rooting for multiple people at the same time, and more than once have your heart in your throat, desperate to find out what’s going to happen next, only to realise there are a whole load of areas you wish you could know about right now.
The only con’s I could think of in this book was a couple of chapters near the beginning that favoured short sentences, which is not my preference, (but it could have been more of a character style in the beginning) but is also me totally nitpicking just to write something slightly negative to keep this like a 'proper' review. The title is also something that even after reading the novel, that I can’t tie back into the book, and I had to keep checking the title when I was recommending it to people. The cover is beautiful and drew me in, but again not necessarily showing exactly what is inside, ‘cause what’s inside is brutal and fierce and hot sex and functional-dysfunctional relationships and totally rocks.
The entire plot was so complex and thrilling, I really felt like I had a ‘proper’ book in my hands, you know the kind that is actually telling a story and you’re getting your money’s worth. The author stays true to her characters throughout the novel, even the scary ones you might not like at some stages, and without any spoilers, the endings so far (this is volume 1) were perfect for those people I’m now in love with. (I’m a bit of a book whore like that.) Oh did I mention there is some hot sex scenes? I’m a little annoyed that part 2 isn’t due until 2018 cause otherwise I would dive in and see what happens. Instead I’m going to backwards stalk this author and read her other releases, cause once you find someone who can write like this, you need to cling onto them (metaphorically speaking of course)
July 13, 2017
The Hunting Town focuses on 5 dangerous men who call themselves brothers. All were horribly damaged by the foster care system and now live together, work together, fight together. They own a large portion of the city; restaurants, clubs, and a fighting barn. These men live hard. They trust no one, love no one outside of their home. It's a well written, long novel that is dark, gritty, ugly. Warning: if you have triggers for violence, rape, kidnapping or brutality, be careful picking up this book.
The characters are all well developed studies in savagery. Dixon is the head of the family, Knox is a cage fighter, Aiden is the killer, his twin Clifton is the one who sees everything and may have a working heart, and Charlie is the Cassanova. They are all cold-blooded and ruthless when they need to be. The Brother's lives are suddenly turned upside down by three little women. The Barn hires a woman to help with the bar. Mer (Plumeria) is as tough as she is beautiful. As the daughter of a Mexican Cartel member, she has been used and abused since she was young. She has learned not only to fight back in this world, but to kick some ass along the way. From the moment Knox sees her, he knows that she's his. Their relationship is beautifully harsh. Their love is their own; true and rough. Mer brings more danger into their lives. Not only The Mexican Cartel, but the Russian mafia are after something her family has. Everyone around her is in danger. Naturally Dixon finds this unacceptable and takes actions to solve the "problem". Dixon, however, finds himself in over his head when his strip club hires a single mom, Sara. She's smart, pure. She's too good for him and he's never wanted a woman, but he's quickly obsessed with Sara and her litle boy. And not too long after that Aiden finds himself consumed with a Russian mafia family member Alina. This man who has no emotions finds himself out of control with no idea how to handle himself or his feelings. These men only know how to fight and kill, they have no idea how to love. There are so many complex emotions; self loathing, fear, anger. Love can bring the hardest man to his knees. Each time one of these hardened men was gentle or did something sweet I fell a little in love with them myself.
This book is incredibly comprehensive. It's multi-layered and complex; told in multiple POV's. Each aspect of the businesses from pole dancing to medical care, the different criminal organizations, various languages are all detailed. It's violent from beginning to end. There is no traditional HEA with these characters, yet, they each are special. Knox and Mer, Dixon, Sara, and little Brant are relationships that you want to see work. Charlie is funny, Clifton is so likable, and Aiden, well Aiden is terrifying, but still. With each bullet fired, you fear for the safety of each brother and the three women. I was consumed by this book. I look forward to the second Brother's Book!
The characters are all well developed studies in savagery. Dixon is the head of the family, Knox is a cage fighter, Aiden is the killer, his twin Clifton is the one who sees everything and may have a working heart, and Charlie is the Cassanova. They are all cold-blooded and ruthless when they need to be. The Brother's lives are suddenly turned upside down by three little women. The Barn hires a woman to help with the bar. Mer (Plumeria) is as tough as she is beautiful. As the daughter of a Mexican Cartel member, she has been used and abused since she was young. She has learned not only to fight back in this world, but to kick some ass along the way. From the moment Knox sees her, he knows that she's his. Their relationship is beautifully harsh. Their love is their own; true and rough. Mer brings more danger into their lives. Not only The Mexican Cartel, but the Russian mafia are after something her family has. Everyone around her is in danger. Naturally Dixon finds this unacceptable and takes actions to solve the "problem". Dixon, however, finds himself in over his head when his strip club hires a single mom, Sara. She's smart, pure. She's too good for him and he's never wanted a woman, but he's quickly obsessed with Sara and her litle boy. And not too long after that Aiden finds himself consumed with a Russian mafia family member Alina. This man who has no emotions finds himself out of control with no idea how to handle himself or his feelings. These men only know how to fight and kill, they have no idea how to love. There are so many complex emotions; self loathing, fear, anger. Love can bring the hardest man to his knees. Each time one of these hardened men was gentle or did something sweet I fell a little in love with them myself.
This book is incredibly comprehensive. It's multi-layered and complex; told in multiple POV's. Each aspect of the businesses from pole dancing to medical care, the different criminal organizations, various languages are all detailed. It's violent from beginning to end. There is no traditional HEA with these characters, yet, they each are special. Knox and Mer, Dixon, Sara, and little Brant are relationships that you want to see work. Charlie is funny, Clifton is so likable, and Aiden, well Aiden is terrifying, but still. With each bullet fired, you fear for the safety of each brother and the three women. I was consumed by this book. I look forward to the second Brother's Book!
July 16, 2017
I really had to sit and let my feelings about this book flow back and forth for a while. I do want to say front and center this is a violent book. No ifs, ands or buts about it. If this was a movie it would get an R for violence if not higher, and then you add in the adult content and you have a book that I would say should be 21+. My husband is in the military and I stopped in the middle of reading to give him the following quote that I think might give a good idea on the violence level:
"Aiden appears behind him like a more monstrous shadow, mirroring the first image. For each of Clifton's weapons, he carries two. He has a knife under his right arm and two on his belt, Rugers decorate his shoulders and sides like Christmas ornaments, two with silencer attachments, and when he turns to swing on his jean coat with the wool lining, I catch a glimpse of a string of hand grenades strapped beneath a floating Steyr machine pistol."
When these brothers go to war it is no joke. That being said they love just as hard as they fight. None of them know how to deal with their feelings well due to being in and out of foster homes, so their personal lives are a mess. When Knox meets Mer at the fighting pit the brothers run as one of their businesses it sets of a chain reaction that is as bloody as it is beautiful.
There is a symmetry to the story line that flows like ripples in a bond. Cause and effect compounding as the story unfolds. The other thing about this book is the length. This is not a short story or small book by any means. It through me off guard a little bit, and I realize that I've become somewhat accustom to shorter books. You should know that even though it is a longer book, it is not full of useless information or "fluff". Everything in it is a necessary part of the whole picture, and takes you on a roller coaster of different shocking decisions, are they safe? moments, and let me show you I love you in the only way I know how heart breaks.
Over all I gave it a 5 star rating: one because of the complex, but fluid story line, and two because of the complex characters that grow through the story, and force you to respect them and care about them in the end even when you didn't want to because you thought they were monsters. Sometimes you become a monster to survive and that's what this book is, a fight for survival.
"Aiden appears behind him like a more monstrous shadow, mirroring the first image. For each of Clifton's weapons, he carries two. He has a knife under his right arm and two on his belt, Rugers decorate his shoulders and sides like Christmas ornaments, two with silencer attachments, and when he turns to swing on his jean coat with the wool lining, I catch a glimpse of a string of hand grenades strapped beneath a floating Steyr machine pistol."
When these brothers go to war it is no joke. That being said they love just as hard as they fight. None of them know how to deal with their feelings well due to being in and out of foster homes, so their personal lives are a mess. When Knox meets Mer at the fighting pit the brothers run as one of their businesses it sets of a chain reaction that is as bloody as it is beautiful.
There is a symmetry to the story line that flows like ripples in a bond. Cause and effect compounding as the story unfolds. The other thing about this book is the length. This is not a short story or small book by any means. It through me off guard a little bit, and I realize that I've become somewhat accustom to shorter books. You should know that even though it is a longer book, it is not full of useless information or "fluff". Everything in it is a necessary part of the whole picture, and takes you on a roller coaster of different shocking decisions, are they safe? moments, and let me show you I love you in the only way I know how heart breaks.
Over all I gave it a 5 star rating: one because of the complex, but fluid story line, and two because of the complex characters that grow through the story, and force you to respect them and care about them in the end even when you didn't want to because you thought they were monsters. Sometimes you become a monster to survive and that's what this book is, a fight for survival.
July 30, 2019
The Hunting town is an action packed romance novel set in the criminal underbelly of a small town. It's filled with cartels, fighting rings, drugs and a lot of violence. It's there that we meet "The Brothers," a group of men that have built their empire in this small town.
We are first introduced to Knox, one of the brothers that becomes entangled with Plumeria; the daughter of a cartel boss. Things quickly go south for Plumeria and it's up to Dixon to save her from Russian mobsters (like I said it is action packed!).
So let's get to my thoughts on this book. Was some of the romance rushed? Yes. Was I still hooked? Heck yes. I think this is definitely one of those books that you can just get lost in and read it in one sitting. I was a little disappointed at how quickly we transitioned from seeing Plumeria and Knox's relationship to everything that was happening with Dixon. I wish we could have gone back a little more to those two towards the end. It took me a while to warm up to Dixon because he was just SO abrasive. I really like Sara's character though, she is sweet and nice but isn't spineless which I appreciate. I cannot wait to see more of Aiden's character develop in the next installment of this series.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
We are first introduced to Knox, one of the brothers that becomes entangled with Plumeria; the daughter of a cartel boss. Things quickly go south for Plumeria and it's up to Dixon to save her from Russian mobsters (like I said it is action packed!).
So let's get to my thoughts on this book. Was some of the romance rushed? Yes. Was I still hooked? Heck yes. I think this is definitely one of those books that you can just get lost in and read it in one sitting. I was a little disappointed at how quickly we transitioned from seeing Plumeria and Knox's relationship to everything that was happening with Dixon. I wish we could have gone back a little more to those two towards the end. It took me a while to warm up to Dixon because he was just SO abrasive. I really like Sara's character though, she is sweet and nice but isn't spineless which I appreciate. I cannot wait to see more of Aiden's character develop in the next installment of this series.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
July 13, 2017
Wow! That's the first thought that comes to mind. I was provided with an ARC of this book and I confess I was unsure about the story line and if it would be something I would like. I tend to gravitate to paranormal or apocalyptic romance themes and this is far from it. But I loved it! I liked and grew attached to each of the five brothers who have had hard lives and have no clue what loved is until it hits them like a steam engine. The story had depth, action, humour and romance and kept me glued to the pages to see what would happen next. The changing pov was also not something I had experienced much before and I really enjoyed the added insight it brought to each character. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series and am looking forward to it.
July 18, 2017
>>>I voluntarily received and reviewed an Exclusive Copy of this book for an honest review.<<<<
It's a lot I would like to say about this amazing book but I don't want to give any plot points away, So this review isn't going to go into anymore than this. I did enjoy the complex characters but thought each brother deserves their individual story also the side characters really added something to the story line. I just felt it was drawn out some. The writing was flawless for a book this size. The words flowed well leaving me unable to put the book down.
It's a lot I would like to say about this amazing book but I don't want to give any plot points away, So this review isn't going to go into anymore than this. I did enjoy the complex characters but thought each brother deserves their individual story also the side characters really added something to the story line. I just felt it was drawn out some. The writing was flawless for a book this size. The words flowed well leaving me unable to put the book down.
July 17, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It did take me a while to get into the story, but once I got there I found it intriguing. The combination of all the characters and their individual stories had me wanting to find out what was going to happen all the time and I couldn't put the book down. Sleep is overrated!!. This is my first Elizabeth Stephens book and I am happy to say that it won't be my last and I can't wait for Part 2!! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
July 18, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. This book is the authors first book and I am amazed in itself of this. This book is written as if it was written by a seasoned author. This is part one and sadly we have to wait till 2018 for the next but it will be well worth the wait.
This book is about 5 savage men that call themselves brothers. It takes you into their world each through their point of view. This book will elicit all emotions from you.
Highly recommend!!
This book is about 5 savage men that call themselves brothers. It takes you into their world each through their point of view. This book will elicit all emotions from you.
Highly recommend!!
July 16, 2017
Wow! This book was such a rollercoaster with my emotions!! I couldn't put my phone down, this book isn't my usual type of read but I am glad that I had the opportunity to read it!! This book played out like a movie in my head as I was reading and not many books can do that anymore! I'm looking forward to more books from Elizabeth Stephens!!
July 5, 2017
First book read by this author and was not disappointed! Book was intense... violence, drugs, sex, lust, and eventually love make you want to continue to read! Great book!
July 14, 2017
Alpha males, violence, intriguing plot lines and well written. Need I say more. Do yourself favor and read it, Elizabeth Stephens will be your new favorite author.
July 16, 2017
Wow
I love the way these vivid characters came to life. I was pulled into this book and could not put it down. A must read!!!
I love the way these vivid characters came to life. I was pulled into this book and could not put it down. A must read!!!
July 20, 2017
Good book. Gritty, raw and delicious. Can't wait for the next one. I read an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
August 6, 2019
The Hunting Town
WOW what great characters and an amazing story, the characters draw you right into the action, through the twist and turns in the story along with them
WOW what great characters and an amazing story, the characters draw you right into the action, through the twist and turns in the story along with them
November 28, 2021
This one didn’t do it for me, I’m sorry
I really wanted to like this, but, I spent more time itching in my book group chat. The plot is great, I love the characters, and the reveals are amazing. But (gah the dreaded but) I kept getting lost in the writing. More than a handful of times I had to go back a page to re-read sentences or sometimes entire passages because the story jumped or I just straight up felt like I missed something. It felt as though during editing, someone took out a couple sentences, figuring they weren’t needed and could condense the size, but by doing so, took out the part connecting A to B. Yea, I figured it out, but it took me out of the story in the process.
One example, just off the top of my head. Mer and Knox (I think that’s his name) were going at it in the vehicle after her fight. I couldn’t keep track if they were in the front seat or the backseat. Then, I swear it said he was already wearing protection so he just went at it, but, so, did he DRIVE THERE wearing it? But, after they finished the first time, it says he reached into the armrest to grab protection. So, was he wearing one or not? I’m assuming he took off the used one, tied it, and was getting another one, but, that wasn’t said. Or, after reading the whole section four or five times, I somehow missed it? I don’t know.
There’s also so much going on and so many characters I had to keep stopping at each character change to process what just happened. Like, a save file in my mind.
If you enjoy your books written like a multiple main character television show, then this is spot on. You get solid intros to each relationship, while the story is developed, then it goes nuts bouncing from character to character until the end. Even though only one of three pairs gets a “Three months later” section at the end. This, for sure, is written like each “Chapter” is a part of an episode. The character changes signal commercial breaks. And the book as a whole is a season of the show.
I really wanted to like this, but, I spent more time itching in my book group chat. The plot is great, I love the characters, and the reveals are amazing. But (gah the dreaded but) I kept getting lost in the writing. More than a handful of times I had to go back a page to re-read sentences or sometimes entire passages because the story jumped or I just straight up felt like I missed something. It felt as though during editing, someone took out a couple sentences, figuring they weren’t needed and could condense the size, but by doing so, took out the part connecting A to B. Yea, I figured it out, but it took me out of the story in the process.
One example, just off the top of my head. Mer and Knox (I think that’s his name) were going at it in the vehicle after her fight. I couldn’t keep track if they were in the front seat or the backseat. Then, I swear it said he was already wearing protection so he just went at it, but, so, did he DRIVE THERE wearing it? But, after they finished the first time, it says he reached into the armrest to grab protection. So, was he wearing one or not? I’m assuming he took off the used one, tied it, and was getting another one, but, that wasn’t said. Or, after reading the whole section four or five times, I somehow missed it? I don’t know.
There’s also so much going on and so many characters I had to keep stopping at each character change to process what just happened. Like, a save file in my mind.
If you enjoy your books written like a multiple main character television show, then this is spot on. You get solid intros to each relationship, while the story is developed, then it goes nuts bouncing from character to character until the end. Even though only one of three pairs gets a “Three months later” section at the end. This, for sure, is written like each “Chapter” is a part of an episode. The character changes signal commercial breaks. And the book as a whole is a season of the show.
April 5, 2023
Gripping book
4.5. I came to this book after already reading the author’s Xiveri Mates series. I understand this is her debut novel and am amazed (although not all that surprised after reading her other books). She is just such a talented story writer. I didn’t give it 5 stars because of the intense and graphic violence in the beginning. I have a hard time with that and it is my own personal preference versus anything on the part of the author. This book brings HEA to two couples and begins the storyline for a third. At first I thought each brother should have their own book but these two couples stories were co-dependent and interwoven in such a way that it makes sense that they are together in one book. Of the two couples, I loved Dixon and Sara best. I think it’s because of Dixon’s brokenness and how he had to overcome his own hate to realize his love for Sara. Whereas it was a bit of insta love for Knox even though I liked him as a character. Knox and Mer’s story was more action based where Dixon and Sara’s was more emotional.
It’s funny, in the beginning of this book when in the midst of the heavy violence section I thought I wouldn’t finish this book much less read the second in the series. Now I can’t wait to follow Aiden and Alina and see what happens. I’m prepared for more violence. While I won’t enjoy it, I know the story will be worth it (and hopefully the violence doesn’t happen to Alina directly like it did Mer).
4.5. I came to this book after already reading the author’s Xiveri Mates series. I understand this is her debut novel and am amazed (although not all that surprised after reading her other books). She is just such a talented story writer. I didn’t give it 5 stars because of the intense and graphic violence in the beginning. I have a hard time with that and it is my own personal preference versus anything on the part of the author. This book brings HEA to two couples and begins the storyline for a third. At first I thought each brother should have their own book but these two couples stories were co-dependent and interwoven in such a way that it makes sense that they are together in one book. Of the two couples, I loved Dixon and Sara best. I think it’s because of Dixon’s brokenness and how he had to overcome his own hate to realize his love for Sara. Whereas it was a bit of insta love for Knox even though I liked him as a character. Knox and Mer’s story was more action based where Dixon and Sara’s was more emotional.
It’s funny, in the beginning of this book when in the midst of the heavy violence section I thought I wouldn’t finish this book much less read the second in the series. Now I can’t wait to follow Aiden and Alina and see what happens. I’m prepared for more violence. While I won’t enjoy it, I know the story will be worth it (and hopefully the violence doesn’t happen to Alina directly like it did Mer).
August 10, 2023
Yikes. Is this the same author who wrote then Xiveri Mates series? I am afraid this book was not for me. I thought I had found a new author to follow. Maybe not, now 😓
I got this as a freebie for subscribing to the author's newsletter, and made it in about 20% before I gave up. I just felt dirty. Why? Very violent, and the brutality and viciousness just didn't let up. Both MCs were a mess. It was awful.
Frankly, I don't give a FF about the psychos who people a mafia organisation, whichever country they happen to come from. (When did it become ok to commit murder, run drugs and manage stables of prostitutes? That isn't morally grey- a very fashionable tag for so-called "dark" romance atm- there is simply no excuse for any of it.) And someone making a living as a fighter in no-rules, underground events just doesn't grab me as hero/heroine material, either.
My reservations regarding the content aside, I found it very difficult to follow the story. The narrative was jerky, it jumped around, and sometimes, I felt the author had forgotten stuff she had written before, and contradicted herself. Perhaps that is another reason I couldn't continue- I kept losing the flow, so I never became truly invested in the characters.
And what's with the sweet, soft, even romantic, book cover?
I got this as a freebie for subscribing to the author's newsletter, and made it in about 20% before I gave up. I just felt dirty. Why? Very violent, and the brutality and viciousness just didn't let up. Both MCs were a mess. It was awful.
Frankly, I don't give a FF about the psychos who people a mafia organisation, whichever country they happen to come from. (When did it become ok to commit murder, run drugs and manage stables of prostitutes? That isn't morally grey- a very fashionable tag for so-called "dark" romance atm- there is simply no excuse for any of it.) And someone making a living as a fighter in no-rules, underground events just doesn't grab me as hero/heroine material, either.
My reservations regarding the content aside, I found it very difficult to follow the story. The narrative was jerky, it jumped around, and sometimes, I felt the author had forgotten stuff she had written before, and contradicted herself. Perhaps that is another reason I couldn't continue- I kept losing the flow, so I never became truly invested in the characters.
And what's with the sweet, soft, even romantic, book cover?
January 22, 2024
Layered stories
I really enjoyed the layering of characters and POVs. As each brother was introduced, I kept thinking there would be a subsequent book with their story. But, the way Stephens built this one, and I'm guessing the next, she lets them all come together at the same time.
Knox and Mer start it off, with a heart wrenching backstory and Knox wanting to be her protector. She is strong enough to handle herself, and he supports her.
Dixon and Sara are great for each other. Something about her yanks Dixon out of his grump and he reluctantly and forcefully falls for her and her son.
Now, Aiden's story is intriguing. I'm always pulled to the one that is quiet and confused about his emotions. We get that with Aiden. I'm hoping book two tells us more about Aiden, Alina and Clifton.
I really enjoyed the layering of characters and POVs. As each brother was introduced, I kept thinking there would be a subsequent book with their story. But, the way Stephens built this one, and I'm guessing the next, she lets them all come together at the same time.
Knox and Mer start it off, with a heart wrenching backstory and Knox wanting to be her protector. She is strong enough to handle herself, and he supports her.
Dixon and Sara are great for each other. Something about her yanks Dixon out of his grump and he reluctantly and forcefully falls for her and her son.
Now, Aiden's story is intriguing. I'm always pulled to the one that is quiet and confused about his emotions. We get that with Aiden. I'm hoping book two tells us more about Aiden, Alina and Clifton.
dnf
August 27, 2025I adore Elizabeth Stephens. I’ve read so many of her books, and I tried hard to like this one, but I just couldn’t get into it. The writing felt a little choppy and some early scenes that felt important moved way too fast for me to feel invested. The insta-love also felt kinda meh, and I don’t typically like POV shifts away from the primary love interests. Of course, there are three primary couples in this story, but I didn’t even make it to the other two at 27%.
May 25, 2021
This one was brutal to read. So much mafia and terror. Definitely shocking at many parts. I thought the whole set up of the book was intriguing, with the changing of perspectives through many characters and all building up to a final boiling point.
December 4, 2021
Wow!
So much is happening in these brothers lives. Their women are their perfect matches and some their complete opposite but they fit so well together.
This is volume I and it ends in a nice place. No cliffhangers. Very beautiful ending.
I can’t wait to read volume II.
So much is happening in these brothers lives. Their women are their perfect matches and some their complete opposite but they fit so well together.
This is volume I and it ends in a nice place. No cliffhangers. Very beautiful ending.
I can’t wait to read volume II.
March 28, 2021
I love this book. It's gritty, and very real.
Plumeria suffers greatly, but is rewarded with Dixon's unconditional love.
Aiden finds the family he has always wanted with Sara, and her son.
Plumeria suffers greatly, but is rewarded with Dixon's unconditional love.
Aiden finds the family he has always wanted with Sara, and her son.
February 24, 2022
I loved this book, but then this is a gifted author and talentet story teller. People are people irrespective of gender, culture, country of origin in her books. Wonderful as always.
February 26, 2018
I'm going in hard from the start with this one. I absolutely LOVED it. Impossible to put down. Nothing got done after I started reading this. No washing, no dishes, no shopping, no sleeping, no NOTHING. I don't even think I ate. It was just that good.
A novel with multiple POV's is tricky, but the Author handled it brilliantly. At no times was it confusing, or disjointed, or out of context. It all flowed beautifully. And what's more, you grew to love each individual character, so when POV changed, it was seamless and riveting.
The story follows a family of foster brothers who run quite a few successful business's. Some of these business's fall into the more 'seedy' type of establishments, and thus the brothers regularly cross paths with the Mafia. And herein lies the problem. When one of the brothers falls hard for a woman who belongs to the Mexican Mafia, it sets off a chain of events that no one could have anticipated. Events that involve both the Russian and Mexican Mafias.
While the foster brothers Knox, Dixon, Charlie, Aiden and Clifton are an extremely tight knit group, they are not without their individual problems and flaws. Most of which stem from a dysfunctional upbringing in the foster system. Whilst some of them handle this better than others, Dixon and Aiden in particular battle with an inability to let others in, and difficulty in expressing their emotions.
Dixon is the father figure of the family, and in the novel is initially completely opposed to any females entering the brothers tight circle. However his brother Knox has fallen deeply for Mer, who has strong connections to the Mexican Mafia, and he fights Dixon to allow her into their group. At first Dixon is furious, so much so, he orders a hit on her. But things change when Dixon himself unexpectedly falls for a stripper at a club they own called Camelot. This completely changes Dixons stance on the 'no female' rule. He cancels the hit on Mer and welcomes her into their family and their home with open arms. But Mers presence has bought with it danger. A danger that none of them could have forseen. I'm not saying anymore, suffice to say, it is an extremely ugly battle when you involve the Russian Mafia, and bringing Mer into their home has done just that.
I found all of the brothers interesting, however I have to admit the most fascinating one is Aiden. The man is an enigma. He appears silently without warning, he speaks without words, and he kills without conscience. He is, for all intents and purposes, a ghost. He's Cliftons twin, they share DNA, but that's all they share, they have nothing else in common. You can't touch him, you can barely speak to him, and you're lucky if you ever get a reply from him. Clifton and Aiden were separated for 15 years before finally ending up back together with their foster mum Marguerite. But what happened to Aiden in those 15 years? What happened to make him a soulless, bloodthirsty killer who revels in the pain and torture of others. My heart first broke for Aiden when it was revealed he can't sleep with the lights off. The strangest quality about him is his total lack of empathy and emotion. The man is one huge block of ice. But...enter the lovely Russian Alina Popov. For the first time Aiden experiences a visceral reaction. Could she be the one to get inside the man no one is allowed to touch? Who knows, because we don't find out in this book. Sadly, we have to wait.
So much else happens in this novel, it is an edge of your seat thrilling ride that never slows. Ms Stephens keeps the pace right up off the charts from start to finish.
I highly recommend this book. I won't lie, the start is violent, but it doesn't stay that way. It just sets the scene and tone of the novel. I can guarantee you will fall in love with all the characters. I know I did, and I can't wait to read the second book.
Worth all the five stars I gave it. Well done Elizabeth Stephens, you smashed it out of the ballpark.
A novel with multiple POV's is tricky, but the Author handled it brilliantly. At no times was it confusing, or disjointed, or out of context. It all flowed beautifully. And what's more, you grew to love each individual character, so when POV changed, it was seamless and riveting.
The story follows a family of foster brothers who run quite a few successful business's. Some of these business's fall into the more 'seedy' type of establishments, and thus the brothers regularly cross paths with the Mafia. And herein lies the problem. When one of the brothers falls hard for a woman who belongs to the Mexican Mafia, it sets off a chain of events that no one could have anticipated. Events that involve both the Russian and Mexican Mafias.
While the foster brothers Knox, Dixon, Charlie, Aiden and Clifton are an extremely tight knit group, they are not without their individual problems and flaws. Most of which stem from a dysfunctional upbringing in the foster system. Whilst some of them handle this better than others, Dixon and Aiden in particular battle with an inability to let others in, and difficulty in expressing their emotions.
Dixon is the father figure of the family, and in the novel is initially completely opposed to any females entering the brothers tight circle. However his brother Knox has fallen deeply for Mer, who has strong connections to the Mexican Mafia, and he fights Dixon to allow her into their group. At first Dixon is furious, so much so, he orders a hit on her. But things change when Dixon himself unexpectedly falls for a stripper at a club they own called Camelot. This completely changes Dixons stance on the 'no female' rule. He cancels the hit on Mer and welcomes her into their family and their home with open arms. But Mers presence has bought with it danger. A danger that none of them could have forseen. I'm not saying anymore, suffice to say, it is an extremely ugly battle when you involve the Russian Mafia, and bringing Mer into their home has done just that.
I found all of the brothers interesting, however I have to admit the most fascinating one is Aiden. The man is an enigma. He appears silently without warning, he speaks without words, and he kills without conscience. He is, for all intents and purposes, a ghost. He's Cliftons twin, they share DNA, but that's all they share, they have nothing else in common. You can't touch him, you can barely speak to him, and you're lucky if you ever get a reply from him. Clifton and Aiden were separated for 15 years before finally ending up back together with their foster mum Marguerite. But what happened to Aiden in those 15 years? What happened to make him a soulless, bloodthirsty killer who revels in the pain and torture of others. My heart first broke for Aiden when it was revealed he can't sleep with the lights off. The strangest quality about him is his total lack of empathy and emotion. The man is one huge block of ice. But...enter the lovely Russian Alina Popov. For the first time Aiden experiences a visceral reaction. Could she be the one to get inside the man no one is allowed to touch? Who knows, because we don't find out in this book. Sadly, we have to wait.
So much else happens in this novel, it is an edge of your seat thrilling ride that never slows. Ms Stephens keeps the pace right up off the charts from start to finish.
I highly recommend this book. I won't lie, the start is violent, but it doesn't stay that way. It just sets the scene and tone of the novel. I can guarantee you will fall in love with all the characters. I know I did, and I can't wait to read the second book.
Worth all the five stars I gave it. Well done Elizabeth Stephens, you smashed it out of the ballpark.
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