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Hell or High Water

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Nolan Burke has gotten rid of one enemy — and bought himself an even more deadly one.

After months of coordination with the Syndicate, Seamus O’Brien is finally dead. Nolan and the Syndicate leaders have spent the last five weeks preparing for Baren Maguire’s next move, but when it comes, it’s even more shocking than anyone expected.

Bridget Monaghan isn’t free yet.

Her debt to Seamus may be forgiven, but killing Baren’s son, Sean, means she has an even bigger one to pay. Refusing to hole up on Gerald Island with her parents, she hunkers down in Southie with Nolan, waiting for the right time to tell him about the one remaining secret between them.

As Baren makes every deadly move in the IRA playbook, South Boston becomes a battlefield. A new arrival only increases the stakes — and the body count — forcing Nolan and the Syndicate to pull out all the stops in an effort to take control of the territory once and for all. As the situation becomes more dangerous, Bridget and Nolan become locked in a battle for their community, their future — and their very lives.

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 27, 2018

36 people are currently reading
47 people want to read

About the author

Michelle St. James

116 books584 followers
Michelle St. James is a Southern California expat now living in New York's Hudson Valley.

She is the critically acclaimed author of over fifty published novels and seven novellas. Her first series (under her not-so-secret real name) received starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist and was one of Booklist's Top Ten Debut novels. Her work has also been an Indie Next selection and has appeared on prestigious lists such as the Lonestar List, New York Public Library's Stuff for the Teen Age, and Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best. Her books have been published in over thirty countries and translated into over twenty languages.

Michelle lives in a converted barn with a leaking roof, a 70-pound puppy, and three perpetually annoyed cats. She spends her free time doing yoga, watching Love Island UK, and anxiously awaiting the next season of Ozark and the Great British Baking Show.

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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Maureen.
1,019 reviews
May 12, 2024
Kobo+. Contemporary Romance Challenge 2024. 2nd in Boston Mob trilogy. MC's h Bridget Monohaghn 25,Lawyer and H Nolan Burke, Lawyer, mobster born into a wealthy Boston blueblood family.


Syndicate Families
Nico & Angel Vitale ( Children)(Rome)
Farrel & Jenna Black (Children) (London)
Christian & Charlotte Marchand (Paris)
Luca & ? Cassano (Miami)

Final book in the Boston Mob trilogy. There is a little bit of a mystery still to be solved. Nolan Burke is probably running the Syndicate's operation in Boston but it wasn't definitive. Niall Devlin is still at large. Ronan Murphy helped back Nolan. The next stories are about the Murphy brothers.
I gave this series 4 stars overall. This last book I would give 3.5 stars as I think the last chapters could have been a little better.
What I liked in the last book: The story of Owen and Bridgets acceptance of his choice of ending his life when it is too painful. I liked that Nolan accepted the truth about Bridget taking his mother's pay off to leave him alone 5 years before. He was angry but went over to talk to his mom as soon as he found out the truth from Bridget. His mother admitted she was wrong and asked for forgiveness.
When Nolan was going after Baren and Niall with the other members of the Syndicate: Farrell, Luca, Christophe plus Ronan Murphy and two other Syndicate men, he made provisions for Bridget before he went out. He gave her half his wealth to do with as she wished. He left everything to her of his own in his will. At the end of the story he proposed after blindfolding her and showing her an old house in Southie near her parents home to fix up. Nolan was a knight in shining armor. He did what was necessary to protect those he loved the most.

Review I liked: Love these Syndicate Men...5++Stars
Michelle St James has written another hit book about her Syndicate Men. The final saga is coming to an end with this book, the story of Nolan and Bridget and their love. How they endure trying to stay alive and end the hold the IRA is trying to hold on the city. Bridget has a target on her back since she killed one of the leader's son. The good-looking Syndicate men from Michelle's other books are in this book and I love them all. They are all strong, wealthy men who love their women and children. I hate to see this series end as it has been one of my very favorites. I always look forward to reading Michelle St James books. I recommend you read this book and if you haven't read the series, don't wait. You will love each book I promise!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
613 reviews11 followers
November 29, 2018
Love these Syndicate Men...5++Stars
Michelle St James has written another hit book about her Syndicate Men. The final saga is coming to an end with this book, the story of Nolan and Bridget and their love. How they endure trying to stay alive and end the hold the IRA is trying to hold on the city. Bridget has a target on her back since she killed one of the leader's son. The good-looking Syndicate men from Michelle's other books are in this book and I love them all. They are all strong, wealthy men who love their women and children. I hate to see this series end as it has been one of my very favorites. I always look forward to reading Michelle St James books. I recommend you read this book and if you haven't read the series, don't wait. You will love each book I promise!
Profile Image for Shaunette.
139 reviews4 followers
December 12, 2018
Bridget and Nolan’s story has come full circle. It’s time to come clean (no more secrets) and that could mean it’s a double edged sword for Bridget. For Nolan it’s closure and for both it’s a test of their love and the strength of their relationship. Taking out Baren and Devlin will be more than a victory, it’s a glimpse into the future and possibly a life in the Syndicate. Do they get to have it all even though there are so many odds stacked against them. Nolan is determined and Bridget is unmoving. The Syndicate always take care of their own but with unpredictable ex IRA soldiers, nothing is guaranteed. See how it all plays in the conclusion of the Boston Syndicate.
Profile Image for Leah Doumousiaris.
109 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2018
This was probably my favorite of the 3 books for this series. I wish there was more action / suspense but still it’s a good story. I couldn’t help it I cry whenever they talk about Owen. I wish it was a curable disease. I love Will he’s a great best friend, very understanding. Of course I love all the syndicate leaders! I love the all have parts to the stories. Nolan and Bridget is great together I didn’t expect her secret to break them up. And I like how she became stronger as the series went on. Good books, job well done Michelle!
Profile Image for Nicole Brown.
169 reviews4 followers
December 3, 2018
This book is amazing. I hate to see this end. I loved the Boston Syndicate. Brilliant and clear writing. Immediate draw. Tantalizing love story. Amazing characters that you never want to give up. The draw is from the first page and Michelle keeps you on the edge of your seat and biting your nails all the way to the end. My heart is fully invested in the Boston Syndicate. Your characters chemistry is off the charts and will keep you trying to turn the page until it is long passed. What a great read.
Profile Image for Jenifer.
1,080 reviews13 followers
December 4, 2018
The hunt is on.
There is still one more man to take down before Boston belongs to the Syndicate again. One crazy, psycho, vengeful man hunting Nolan & Bridget down.

This finale is so tense. It's all about the hunt and being hunted. And hoping that Nolan, Bridget and everyone from the Syndicate makes it out safe.
Great read!
But I'm a little sad that this is the last series of trilogies in the Mob Boss & Syndicate 'world.'
(If you haven't read them - what are you waiting for?! Do that now!)
Profile Image for Nicole Mcclain.
795 reviews9 followers
December 13, 2018
What a ride! Bridget and Nolan got the ending they deserved. I really loved Nolan’s dedication to her and her family. What a guy!
The action was present as well and the romance. It gives all the excitement that every Syndicate novel before has given us. Them Irish...they bad dudes.
I’m going to miss these characters and really wish for updates (novellas please!!!).

*I voluntarily accepted an advanced review copy for my honest review*
212 reviews3 followers
November 25, 2018
This is the third book in the Boston Syndicate series! If you want action this is the book! This has the syndicate against former IRA leaders, it’s has friendships, loyalty, family and the love of a good woman! I love Bridget and Nolan’s story! I couldn’t put this book down! Great ending to this series!
26 reviews
November 30, 2018
This is the third book in the Boston Syndicate series. Nolan and Bridget are now up against the IRA trying to take control of Boston. With the help of the Syndicate, Nolan finds himself coming into his new position, while Bridget is trying to find her peace with Nolan and Owen. A great ending to the series!
18 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2018
Hell or High Water (Boston Syndicate Book 3). Is a beautifully written book. What an end for a series. I loved this book. Do not pass it up. Michelle sucks you in as you read every word. By the end of this trilogy, you will love Nolan and Bridget. I highly recommend the entire syndicate series from beginning to end.
Profile Image for Ninive Dominguez.
802 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2018
Great ending to an amazing story

I have read every single book in the Syndicate series and I love all of them. I love the details and the characters that keep me wanting more. His book was no exception. The characters and the storyline was intense and full of drama and love. Congratulations to the writer on another amazing addition to the Syndicate series.
Profile Image for Leeann Pule.
1,112 reviews2 followers
April 20, 2019
Boston under control

As Nolan and Bridget dive deeper into their love, secrets come to light and the Boston territory is under attack. Hopefully the secrets and danger will not end their love.

I loved this extension of the series. I was hoping for more cities but looks like we are on to Murphy's Law.
Profile Image for Geneva Perilla.
79 reviews
May 6, 2021
Hot, Real and Raw

I cried, I laughed, I held my breathe, I had so many emotions with this book, but I loved every minute of it!! I love how raw and real Bridge and Nolan’s relationship is. I love the friendship between Nolan and Will. I know I always say this but this is my favorite story lol. I wish we could have more of Nolan and Bridge!
154 reviews
November 25, 2018
Third and final book in the Boston Syndicate. Nolan, Bridget and the Syndicate are up against Baren and Niall for control of Boston.
As always Michelle's books have suspense, intrigue and romance.
This book also gives you a glimpse into the next saga - Murphy's Law.
Profile Image for Andrea Gugliotta.
123 reviews
November 29, 2018

This is the 3rd and final book in the Boston Syndicate Series. Nolan and Bridget work with the syndicate to try to completely take over the Boston territory. The book has an ending that will not disappoint.
182 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2018
While the Syndicate is making plans to make a final move to take over the Boston area Bridget and Nolan’s relationship is becoming stronger. In this conclusion of the Boston Syndicate the story is filled with strong characters, suspense, action and romance. Great ending and worth the read!
Profile Image for Kelly.
480 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2018
Well this is a great conclusion to a fab series. I love Bridget and Nolan (and Will). They are still trying to find Baren and looking at taking him down. Some other things happen but I don’t want to spoil the surprise
1,890 reviews6 followers
June 29, 2020
Well, I devoured this final instalment with Nolan & Bridget. Things heat up as Nolan & the Syndicate work hard to eliminate the serious threats surrounding them. Bridget comes into her own and is stronger. Owen’s health is deteriorating and will admit to lots of tears. I love Nolan..what a sensitive sweet man. This was a great ending to this trilogy. I have really enjoyed the journey with this author.
Profile Image for LORRIE.
3,535 reviews63 followers
November 25, 2018
This was fantastic and the perfect conclusion to this series.
Profile Image for Marti Jentis.
98 reviews4 followers
November 25, 2018
This final chapter t o the Boston Syndicate trilogy did not disappoint. Nolan and Bridget got their happy ending and all loose end were tied up.
96 reviews4 followers
December 3, 2018
This is Nolan and Bridget's final book and what a great ending !! Love them and hate to see it end
Profile Image for Angel Bare.
350 reviews
July 11, 2019
4 & 1\2 ☆s

This book, right along with the first two in this series is awesome. This series is in the same standards as Michelle's other series. Enjoy
253 reviews4 followers
August 10, 2020
Great ending to the series but still a few things a little uncertain. Adds to the mystery.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
16 reviews2 followers
December 14, 2018
Hell or High Water is the third and final book in the Boston Syndicate series. It is also the last Syndicate series. I was very happy with the ending, as Michelle knows how to bring her stories to a satisfying close. I will miss the hot, virile Syndicate alphas and their equally hot and headstrong women. I am looking forward to new and exciting characters in future releases. Michelle St James is a must read!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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