Knocked Up by the Killer

Leone Crime Family #5

by B.B. Hamel

I’ll take my time. Do it right.
And in the morning, she’ll be dead or all mine.

I was sent to kill pretty Elise Borghi, daughter of Don Borghi himself. I figured she’d be an easy job.

Instead, I spent the night making her feel very, very alive.

Now I don’t want to let her go. Elise doesn’t deserve to die just because her father’s a monster.

So I’ll protect her. Turn my back on my employers. Burn a hundred bridges to keep her safe.

But it’s never that simple. Nothing in my messed-up life ever is.

Because just when I’m starting to realize how far I’m willing to go for her…

Turns out she’s having my baby.

Now the whole city will burn before they touch my girl or my child.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Mafia Romance, Dark Romance

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2020

About the author

I'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

Reviews

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A princess and a charming psychopath!



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚💛💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 👤👤👤👤👤

The setting: Philadelphia

The Hero: Tanner – a hitman for hire (Contract Assassin); He is one of the best in his field and is hired by the Leone crime family to take out the daughter of another mob boss. They want her death to send a message that he needs to leave town.

The heroine: Elise – her father was a Mob boss in New York and she left him as soon as she was old enough because she didn’t want to be associated with him or that world. However, he recently moved to Philadelphia to be near her, even though she doesn’t want anything to do with him. He has carved out some territory in Philadelphia and has angered the Leone crime family when he started to encroach on their territory.

The Love Story:Tanner gets close to Elise by matching with her on an online dating site and he takes her out to dinner. He decides not to go through with the hit and they have to figure out where to go from that point.

Tanner is so normal. He is easy going and talkative, and nice. I would expect a muscular hitman to be a bit more silent and broody. He was sexually dominant at times and Elise was a bit scared of him from time to time, at first it was hard reconcile that with how affable he was. Also at the start he was a bit cocky and not modest at all. There was more than one time he joked about how handsome he was. I kind of like a guy who is handsome but doesn’t know it or at least doesn’t say it out loud.

The funny thing is that I ended up really liking Tanner a lot. The storyline was terrific and character development was awesome. Tanner ended up being somewhat psychotic but he was the most likable psycho I have ever read about. The action was thrilling and so much was unexpected. I really ended up happy with this book!

I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the best book I read from B.B. Hamel!! I can even see a huge improvement in the writing style, it flowed like never before. So well done!

Tanner is a hitman hired by an Italian mob to take out the daughter of his rival. It might sound cliche that he falls for her but it's not really like this. I liked the resources that Tanner used to get close to Elise, so real for the world we live in. And she actually liked him before knowing what "he does for a living" so you can't blame her for still liking him once she finds out. Tanner is the perfect killer even if he fails to kill Elise. Professional, serious, precise, ruthless and I was grateful for it cus it kept both of them alive. Oh the thrill, the adrenaline, the suspense. I enjoyed it all. But the best was his fricking personality in or out of the job. I found him exactly as he called himself later in the book in a rather dangerous situation: "a delight" . That's the perfect word to describe him. Loved the plot, loved the development of the characters but he is the cherry on the cake! 5 killing stars!

[arabia · Rating 2 out of 5]

** 2 stars **

Just didn't have much of anything going for it. The heroine's father is a doofus, there's nothing special about the heroine herself, and for the life of me I couldn't understand what motivated the hero to completely derail his own life just to spare the heroine.

Originally, I started reading this because I'd been in the mood for some kind of crime family story and/or some kind of surprise pregnancy thing, and this had both, but the pregnancy part hardly played into the overall storyline (despite it being in the title!) and the crime family aspect felt poorly handled.

This one was just not for me, I guess.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. Tanner is hired to kill Elise. When he shows up he sees that she is an attractive woman. He then decided to protect her instead. Of course this makes thing difficult. Thankfully in the end they are able to get their happy ending.

[B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hitman Tanner And Elise Borghi Cross Paths On The Brink Of A New Turf War In Philly As Don Borghi Intends To Make Inroads On Don Leone’s Territory.


This is the fifth book in a series about the Leone Crime Family of Philadelphia. It is a stand-alone, although reading the first four books does provide background information on the Family. The books thus far include: Obsessed with His Bride, Taken by Her Prince, Tempted by the Sinner, Protected by the Monster, and now Knocked Up by the Killer. Dante from Obsessed with His Bride plays a small role here, but reading that book first is not at all necessary. Don’t’ forget to download the free bonus scene via the link at the end of the book!

With his unassuming wardrobe and cane, Luciano Leone looks like any other grandfather might look. Once he steps into his role as Don Leone, head of the Leone family, it is clear he has earned his position. He is ruthless but strategic in his approach to running the family. His word goes unchallenged.

From book one:

There had been trouble when the Chinese attempted to move in years ago, but a relative peace existed amongst the various criminal elements of Philadelphia since. The Russian Bratva have their own territory, but both Don Leone and Maksim Volkov know that peace is more profitable for both sides because war draws attention from the authorities. But tensions are ignited when a low-life from Dante’s territory foolishly pulls a robbery on one of Vlas Volkov’s clubs.

This is Dante and Aida’s story. Dante and Aida navigate their feelings while a new war brews with the Volkovs.

From book two:

Two years have passed since Dante won new territory – Gray’s Ferry and Eastwick – and selflessly proposed to Don Leone that Steven, his trusted Lieutenant and long time friend, be promoted to Capo. Don gave his blessing and gave Gray’s Ferry to Steven, who has since worked to build and strengthen his team to ensure his control. But the time has come for him to make a name for himself and show that he is a capable leader in his own right. He decides to take aim at the Celtic Club.

This is Steven and Colleen’s story. Steven and Colleen clash over family and loyalty while a new war brews with the Celtic Club.

In book three:

The story opens sometime after Steven and Colleen have married. The Russians remain weakened. Maksim Volkov, their leader, has a disgraced son living in Chicago. Their organization has lost territory. And now Maksim’s leadership is being challenged from within. One of his men has rebelled and the writing is on the wall. Don Leone sees a timely opportunity in his rival’s difficulties, and he calls home his son Vincent from New York, where he had been sent to establish a footing for the Leone Crime Family eight years ago. Don Leone enlists Vincent’s help in a proposed alliance with the Russians. It is the Don’s belief that such an alliance will cement his and Maksim’s mutual power. By helping Maksim retain power, it helps the Leone Family because if the Russians fold and the Leone Family assumes too much power, it invites increased attention from the authorities. A little rivalry is better in the long run. Vincent disagrees with his father, as usual. He feels that his father is underestimating he Russians. There is nothing to prevent them from regrouping and starting a war down the road, but at age seventy, perhaps the Don isn’t terribly concerned about that eventuality.

This is Vincent and Mona’s story. In this story, Don’ Leone’s son and future heir is introduced to the series, as is a small New York operation.

From book four:

Two years have passed since the Jalisco were weakened, but they still won’t leave Philly. Angered about the Leone Family’s alliance with the Russians and being replaced with Steven’s supplier out of New York, they don’t want to give up. And as the most powerful Mexican cartel south of the border, they have the resources to continuously send in replacements. They are angry and desperate at this point. If they don’t get a win soon, they will need to pack up and leave for good.

Clair hates the mafia. Her father was the brother of Don Leone of Philadelphia, while her mother comes from the Riva family of Chicago. Her mother’s estranged brother Fazio has been a major underboss in Chicago for years. That is, until now. Clair finds her self sequestered in a Leone Family safe house against her will when her Uncle Fazio dies and decides to leave his millions and his Chicago properties to her. And according to Don Leone, that makes her a target of the Jalisco. Luca, Lieutenant for Capo Steven Bianco, is asked by Don Leone to watch over Clair until legal matters are settled.

This is Luca and Clair’s story. Their romance is about a mafia heiress and the lieutenant assigned to keep her out of danger.

In this book:


Things haven’t been going well for Don Leone as of late. His mansion was shot up and half burned down, and the reconstruction is a huge mess. To top it all off, there is a new player in town and Don Leone is not happy. Don Borghi is a famous mob name in New York, but he has decided to make Philadelphia his new home. He has a daughter in town that happens to be unprotected – an easy target and the perfect warning to keep Borghi in check. Nothing personal – just business. Dante, who now runs nearly all of west Philly, has been ordered to facilitate the transaction. As a made man, he follows orders.

Tanner, early to mid thirties, is a tattooed and arrogant bad boy. Women love him, and he enjoys women. One and done. Always. But he has played the field extensively and is ready for something more permanent. Unable to find anything in the real world, he turns online. Loverocks.com matches him with a petite dark-haired beauty that catches his eye. And coincidentally, he just accepted a contract for her life. As a hitman, Tanner has the best reputation in Philadelphia and is known all along the East Coast to be a reliable contractor. He is careful and meticulous in his job. He can kill anyone, anywhere. He has done great work for the Leone family in the past, and this time around they are paying extra for a last minute hit. He hasn’t killed many women, and doesn’t particularly care to. He decides to set up and go on the date for reasons he doesn’t exactly understand, planning to then kill her afterwards. For the first time he can remember, he has a great time on the date. He makes a real connection, completely forgetting that she is his target. Afterwards he cannot bring himself to kill her. He thinks it is because she is completely innocent, but if he is honest with himself, she makes him feel something once again and he loses himself with her.

Elise Borghi, twenty-two, left home when she turned eighteen and never looked back. She saw too much blood, too much sex, and too many drugs at a young age not to be messed up. But she knew well enough to leave New York and her father behind as soon as she was capable of walking away. She started a life Philadelphia, arriving with nothing to her name. She got a little education and fell into a job in advertising that she loves. So when her father starts up new business in Philly and reaches out to Elise, hoping to reestablish his relationship with her, she wants nothing to do with him or his lifestyle. He hadn’t left his business, only expanded it, and she is adamant about leaving him in her past. As for her love life, she has had very little luck. She has certainly dated – men find her attractive – but she always messes up in one way or another. Some cheat, others lose interest quickly. She is tired of it and wants something more steady, so she turns to loverocks.com. She has never had an internet date before, but feels a real connection with Tanner, who makes her laugh. So much so that she invites him in after their first date – another first. She loses herself around him. So when Tanner tells her he was hired to kill her and messes her up a little, she is terrified and angry. He tells her to go to her father for protection if she wants to live, and leaves her to her own devices. But she will never return to her father.

Tanner and Elise meet in an unconventional way, but both are looking for something more in life. Neither had a normal childhood, and although Elise has tried to put it all behind, her father’s actions have brought her back into the crosshairs. The couple has a real connection, but their lives are out of their control when they find themselves in the epicenter of the dispute between the families. The couple eventually earns their happy ending.

Hitman Tanner and Elise Borghi cross paths on the brink of a new turf war in Philly as Don Borghi intends to make inroads on Don Leone’s territory. Their story is nicely written and plot-driven. The plot is complex. The characters are nicely developed. The story is written first person. The POV alternates between Tanner and Elise. I rate this book four stars.

I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hitman and the Surprise

Tanner is a hitman for the mob and Elise is his next target. She has no idea what his intentions are and after spending time with her at dinner he’s not sure what his intentions are anymore either. Elise is the daughter of a mafia boss from New York and has moved to get away from this lifestyle that she wants no part of. Only problem is her father has followed her to Philly right smack dab into another mafia boss’s territory. So the Leone family has put a hit out on Elise to get her father to leave and head back to New York. Tanner picked up this contract to put this innocent girl to death.

This book is full of steam, action, betrayal and more steam…hence the title of the book! This author knows how to bring it all to you in one fast and action packed book.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elise is the daughter of a Don and she is the target when Tanner is hired to kill her. Tanner is a hitman and when he sets his sights on Elise they end up spending the night together, and when she confesses that she is pregnant he is quick to stand up to plate and take responsibility, and he is determined to protect her no matter what. This is a well written story which is fast paced, action packed, and filled with drama, danger, suspense, twists, and love, with a added touch of humour, which had me totally enthralled throughout this addictive page turner. I highly recommend this authors’ work for all readers.

[Cheryl Graham-Petit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knocked Up by the Killer is the final book in the Leone Family series. If you're a fan of well written, action-packed mafia romance stories with a possessive, dirty-talking hitman, drama, danger, obstacles, suspense, off-the-charts chemistry, and a happily ever after, then this is the book for you.

I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tanner is a hitman and was hired to kill Elise, the daughter of a crime boss. He ends up sleeping with her instead. What will happen when he discovers she is pregnant. Can he keep her safe? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and lots of twists and turns. Great characters with intense chemistry. I liked it.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hitman and incognito mafia princess meet on the cusp of a new war.

This is the 5th book on the Leone Crime family of philly. Previous characters make appearances and play roles in Tanner and Elise’s journey.

Don’t’ forget to download the free bonus scene via the link at the end of the book!

book 1: is about Dante and Aida’s story. The family is on brink of war with Chinese. While having a profitable peace with Bratva. But a misunderstanding with underlines leads to war. Dante plays a role in Tanners contracts with the family and facilitating contact.

book 2: is two years later and about Steven, Dante’s right hand has been promoted to Capo of newly acquired territory after Dante took over space after the war with Bratva. They get into it with the local Irish mafia-Celtic Club. Where Colleen comes into play and their love interest begins.

book 3: is after Steven and Colleen marry. This book is about Vincent, the Don Leone’s son, and an up and coming reporter Mona. More issues arise with the Russians and later lead to issues with cartels.

book 4: Two years later the Jalisco cartel is weakened but still a problem. Due to the alliance with Russians they continue to be a thorn in the Leone side as they have acquired too much bargaining power over drug trade. This book is about Clair and Luca. Clair is The Dons niece and has been raised to hate the mafia after father was killed and she was raised by her mother. But her mother brother dies suddenly and leaves her a LOT of money and real estate in Chicago. The cartel wants this to fund their war and Don want me it to expand to Chicago. Luca tasked as bodyguard to Clair by Don and Clair are in the middle and on the run trying to stay alive.

In this book: 5–in the aftermath of the previous books war and destruction things are a mess. Of course while rebuilding new blood roles onto the scene, Don Borghi. The story is written first person. The POV alternates between Tanner and Elise. I rate this book 4.5 stars. I liked the plot and the twists and turns. As well as the conflict Elise is faced with. As well as the conflict Tanner faces as a hot man suddenly growing a conscience for the innocence of Elise. Elises father Borghi has encroached on Leone territory saying he cane to connect with her after she left four years ago to get away from him and his life. But made men never have only altruistic goals other than the love interests in the book. He cane to make money and gain power. Damn be the consequences to his daughter in the cross hits who has a hit out on her to make a point by the Leone family. Tanner was tasked with the mark to kill but couldn’t do it feeling she was innocent and drawn to her. The story is all about his plight to protect her and broker Peace between two sadistic mob bosses.

I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Catheryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's all chip in and get Tanner a day at the spa. He must be tired from carrying this entire story.

Seriously thought...Tanner was the ONLY redeeming part of this story. Everyone else was forgettable or annoying. I feel like there was so many missed opportunities between Elise and Tanner.

It was an interesting take on a mafia story. But I wasn't crazy about it.

-----Spoiler Rant---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was so frustrated that during the time that Tanner and Elise spent together that their relationship didn't grow. I wish there would have been more of a connection. We only a little bit of them actually liking each other towards the very end and no steamy scenes after their first night together. I would have enjoyed the story more if Elise wasn't constantly badgering and questioning Tanner about everything. He was a trained hitman...I think he knows what he is doing. Honestly, as the reader, I couldn't see why he would give up his livelihood and possibly life for her.

[Tonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by B. B. Hamel
Elise and Tanner were the perfect pair. Tanner was determined to keep Elise safe..

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining book and a good addition to a series where all the “hero” male leads are actually mafia criminals, so they are really the bad guys. Elise and Tanner are first together because he is a hit man who takes a contract to kill her, the daughter of a mafia crime boss. He doesn’t understand why he is so drawn to her photo on an Internet dating site. Instead of just breaking into her apartment and killing her in the middle of the night, he takes her out on a date first. They have an instant connection. Both are very lonely and they each feel a powerful pull towards the other.

Tanner decides he’s going to break the contract, and he even warns her about it because he knows that somebody else will be sent to do the job. Tanner has a dirty mouth and a quirky sense of humor. He has never had a real, personal connection with another human being, and he cannot understand his own inability to walk away from Elise. For her part, Elise moved away from her father’s mafia family as soon as she turned 18 because she did not want to be involved in that type of life. 4 years later, she still wants nothing to do with that world. She doesn't want to want Tanner, but she finds him irresistible.

You can enjoy this book as a stand-alone, but if you read the others in the series it’s fun to see familiar characters reappear in this story. The plot is engaging and fast-paced, and you wonder how on earth there is going to be an HEA. The author comes through though, and the ending is great, as is the very cool epilogue.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last story in the Leone Mafia Family and we get to meet Tanner who is a hired killer for the Leone family. With his current contract he is being paid to kill a young woman, Elise whose family is from the mafia in NY and moving in on the Leone territory. Tanner goes out on a date with Elise and can not believe the connection and attraction he has with her and ends up spending the night with her and leaving the next morning with the truth of her situation. Elise left home to get away from the type of life the mafia is and with her fathers current actions he has made her a target. Tanner has grown up in the foster system and never had anyone support him so he has an unexplainable need to protect her and goes out on a limb over and over to keep Elise safe. Others are sent to complete the contract and Tanner keeps on showing Elise he cares for her and will protect her no matter what. These two spend a lot of time together and form a beautiful connection and Elise still fights it and once the danger becomes too much Elise believes she better with her father even though he is not a good man. Elise learns to stand up for herself and ends up showing Tanner what she is made of, strength and determination to live away from the mafia. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Loran Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knocked Up by the Killer is the fifth book in the Leon Crime Family Series. It's a mafia romance, and it can be read as a standalone. Tanner is a contract killer who is sent to kill Elise, the daughter of a mafia boss in New York City, but he finds himself unable to kill her after spending the evening with her. Instead, he turns his back on the job and vows to protect Elise. The story follows Tanner and Elise as he tries to keep her alive and create peace amongst the two mobs.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The characters were easy to root for, and I also loved the way the book was written. It made it easy to read and moved at a quick pace. However, this book was filled with dialogue, but lacked many details I would have loved to see, like more on the thoughts of Tanner and Elise. For example, I'd love to have seen more of an inner struggle from Elise when she finds that someone was sent to kill her or how Tanner came to the conclusion that he wanted to protect Elise. I felt like I couldn't really get into the character's minds and that made it hard for me to root for their happy ending at times. Yet, Hamel still captured my attention, and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick, mafia romance read!

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanner is a hired gun and hitman and he is excellent at his job!!!! He is contracted to kill Elise, but first he wants her guard down, so why not take her to dinner!! Nothing says dessert like a fresh kill, right? But after spending time with her, he wants to protect, own and keep Elise for himself!! But he knows if he doesn't finish they will send someone else to do the job. Can he be the man that he wants to be for her?

Elise is a Mafia Princess even if she doesn't own it. She left that life behind, or she thought she had. When he father comes to Philly, everything goes crazy and her life is now in danger and being protected by a hitman. Can she go to her father and convince him to do the right thing and leave Philly and Don Leone alone? When he says no, she must fight for her life. But what if her feelings for Tanner become too much? Can she hide her feelings and escape the life again? Or can they be happy and safe?

This story has everything you will ever need from drama, violence, protection, love, lust, romance, mystery and so much more!! You will want to read this one!! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author.

[Skie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wrote better narratives at 9, better characters at 11, and better sex at 13. This book is so bad I can't even make fun of it, I just want it gone.

All the characters share one brain cell and it is dead. And I'm serious. We have different characters repeating the same speeches and talking points, we have absolutely asinine decisions from supposed professionals, and I don't think we have anyone here who could pass as an actual human being capable of logical thinking.

Homeschooled fanfic writers understand human relationships, sex, rational thinking, and crime better than B. B. Hamel. I've been reading their books for a while because they are always so bad I have fun, but I think this is rock bottom and the end of the road for me. I really tried, but this sad excuse for a book that could have been written by AI (and probably was) is so terrible hating it doesn't have any kicks to it.

If you want to read about people banging each other, I'm begging you to go to AO3. It's free and you'll at least find actual human writing there.

[Susan Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings us Tanner and Elise. Tanner is a contract killer for the mob, and is sent to eliminate Elise, who is the daughter of a mob boss also. Elise has nothing to do with her father - as she despises what he does. However, he recently moved to Philly to reconnect with his daughter, and has upset the Leone family. This is why they put out a hit on her. However, when Tanner is assigned to do the "work", there is something about Elise that he just can't go through with killing her. Tanner has really not had anyone in his life that he can count on - and trusting is hard for him. However, the more time they spend together, the more they realize that there is a connection. I enjoyed how strong Elise was, even though she was a complete mess, and that Tanner realized that there was something special about Elise. I loved this book and I highly recommend it. I did receive an arc for an honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving her Possessive Mafia series! Tanner doesn't belong to the Leone Family. He is THE man they all call when someone needs to be taken out and he is very good at his job, actually he is the best. His reputation is everything, so when he decides to take his mark out to dinner he doesn't think too much about it. Tanner knows he should finish his job after dinner, but there is something about Elise Borghi, daughter of Don Borghi, that he can't resist. Tanner figures one hot night can't hurt anything, until the next morning when he realizes he can't complete his job. Now he is in the precarious position of explaining himself to Don Leone, while trying to convince Elise's father to cooperate. The drama escaltes quickly, as does the passion between Tanner and Elise. They are both in impossible positions and it will take all their scheming to come out alive. Loved this last book in the series!!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book that captivates you from the beginning to the end, so sad it’s the end of this brilliant series, there’s great chemistry, lots of romance sexy with a touch o humour, a real page turner and so hard to put down. Tanner a notorious hired assassin for the Leone family has difficulty fulfilling his latest mark, he didn’t expect that having to kill Don Borghi’s daughter Elise an innocent women would cause him such a dilemma and turn his life upside down, maybe it was taking her out on a date first or the steamy night of sex that caused his confusion and for him to deviate from his usual plan but one thing was for certain the Leone family would not be happy and there would be repercussions. There’s plenty of twists and turns and suspense, a mafia book at its best. I was given this as an ARC by the author in exchange for a voluntary honest review which I was happy to provide.

[Carol.Dreamer · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very attractive hitman hired to kill a woman have a change of heart after having one hot night with her, and decide to protect her instead. Soon, they're on a run for their lives together, having to hide in a hotel room for an uncertain period of time. One could hope that with this elements and being a mafia themed story it would make for one super hot book, right? I know I did. I thought we were set up for lots of smutty scenes. I was sorely disappointed by the vanquish of the initial atraction and chemistry between H and h due to the appearance of the insufferable personality of the h. This girl was born and raised into the mob, a prominent New Yorker italian family, and yet she is extremely idiotic. Her character was poorly written and I found a problem with almost everything about her. An ok mob story writer would know how to write her properly. Honestly, it didn't took long for me to feel sorry for the hitman.

[Elsie Pitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy from the author and am Leaving an honest voluntary review.
I love this author! She gives as good as she gets and not once have I read a book I did not like from her.
This is the final book within this series. You can read this as a standalone but I HIGHLY recommend that you read all the books that way you get the full picture of this family and also because this is one series you DO NOT WANT TO MISS!
If you like dirty alpha males and even dirtier females than this is for you! I love the dynamics of this family. It is beautifully written and it flows so smoothly. Now it does have its fair share of drama, suspense, and a Flash of brutality, but nothing that the reader can not handle. This book was a bit dark but you see the light at the end!
PHENOMENAL job! I can not wait for more from Miss Hamel!

[K. Smock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth and I believe last book of this series. You have Tanner, who is a hitman for the mob. He has been doing this job his whole life and is good at it. His target is Elise. She thinks she is going out on an internet date and has a really good time. She has no idea what his true purpose is but when he gets a taste of Elise he decides she is an innocent and does not deserve to die. Her father is in the mafia as well though they are estranged. Her father is trying to set up territory in Philly so he can be closer to his girl. Things get interesting when Tanner decides to not fulfil the contract and then has to protect her. There is good characters and good steam with a plot line that keeps moving. Good action packed story.

I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.

[Susanh · Rating 4 out of 5]

BB Hamel always comes up with the most interesting premises

Elise wants to live her life. Having a man would be a bonus so she signs up for a dating sight. She’s matched with Tanner and everything goes really well. Until he tells her he’s been sent to kill her. Seems her father is an underworld big-wig and wants to move to Philly to be near his little girl and the powers that be aren’t happy. Even though she left her father and his life when she was eighteen she’s still an innocent target. How is she going to survive?

Tanner is the best. To be the best you have to outwit everyone, stay out of jail and kill a lot of people. And he’s succeeded. But after one night with Elise, he’s ready to give it all up. But now he has to convince the city’s powerful Don to let his last target live. How?

[Zelda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 5 in the Leone crime family series & can be read as a standalone. Tanner is the hit man hired to execute Elise, daughter of Don Borghi. Things don't quite go to plan-the title gives it away-and Elise & Tanner are now both in mortal danger. The story has dead flat parts (stakeouts & in hiding) so when the action comes, it's a bit unexpected & feels bigger. I liked Elise's ambivalence towards Tanner (and her father). Tanner was a bit quirky for an assassin, and I enjoyed that too. Although the stakes were quite high, there were light-hearted moments with the violence. Cameo appearances by Dante & Vincent.

I received a copy of this book. My honest opinion is voluntarily provided.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what a switch. He's sent in to kill her, then risks everything to keep her alive.
Standalone with no cliffhangers.
Tanner is a cold hard killer, and he's the best there is in Philly. Only this time is different, he kills bad guys not innocent women. He should have never taken her on that date.
Elise moved out of New York and left her terrible father behind, only now he's followed her and it's going to get her killed.
Follow this unlikely pair as they try to stay alive and bring 2 rival Don's to one table for a peace treaty.
There will be death but there is also love.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Kerry Boulanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in advance for a voluntary honest review. Gotta love BB Hamel books, short (but not too short) and steamy. Tanner is a hitman for the Leone family and was ordered to kill Elise, so he decides to take her on a date first and then one thing leads to another. After a sweaty night between the sheets Tanner warns Elise and takes off. Soon Tanner can’t help himself and when the Leone family won’t back down he decides he will protect Elise. It’s an alpha hot killer meets mafia princess trying to make her own way, far from her father kind of story. Too bad her father decide to move closer to her and puts her life in danger. Great final chapter in the Leone crime series.

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 4 out of 5]

KNOCKED UP BY THE KILLER was a good read. It wasn’t flashy or heart pounding amazing, but it did keep my interest most of the book. Although, it started to wane a bit towards the end with how the plot seemed to drag out a little too much for my taste. I really enjoyed the banter and flirting in the beginning between both Tanner and Elise and they seemed to keep it up throughout the story. They had a fun chemistry that you couldn’t help but adore them.

All in all, a good read. I saw a couple more of Hamel’s stories that caught my eye. Hopefully in the near future I can check them out. 4 Stars.

[Stephanie Abeyta · Rating 3 out of 5]

he falls for her and can’t understand it

He falls for her and cannot understand how he went back on a contract. He was supposed to end her. But instead he couldn’t figure out he wanted to keep her. Alive.

He teaches her that he can be both brutal and genuinely caring man.

This book had LOTS of sit around and wait. The action was minimal. They were in a stake out of hotel room waiting almost the whole time because they were on the hitlist.

The spice was glossed over minute two scenes. Book dragged but still a typical great mafia story. Barely had anything to do with the Leone family.

2.5/5 chilis

[Syd Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. I loved this whole book. Elise and Tanner were great together. I really liked the instant connection and how they felt the pull towards each other throughout the book. I loved Tanner's dirty mouth and his inability to walk away from Elise. Elise doesn't want to want Tanner but she does; she can't help herself. This was a great, action-pack, page-turning conclusion to this series and I can't to see what B.B. comes up with next.

I received a free e-book copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.