What do you think?
Rate this book
Morelli Family #3
Enticed by the Enemy
He’s an FBI profiler who’s half my age. Contact between us is forbidden. But I can’t stay away from him.
As the Morelli Underboss, I'm the Family problem-solver. So when a task force blames the Morellis for a series of murders in Central Park, it's up to me to restore our reputation.
But Fate puts me on a collision-course with an agent on the very task force dedicated to bringing down my Family…
And we end up on the run together.
My heart has been ice-cold for decades, but something about him sets my blood on fire.
It would be crazy of me to trust a Fed. But he claims he wants to prove my innocence. That the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
We each want to solve this case for different reasons, but we’ll both end up dead if he can’t follow my lead.
So to make him behave, I’ll use every weapon I have—including my body.
But why do I feel like I’m the one losing control?
Enticed by the Enemy is a M/M mafia romance set in the world of the Morelli Crime Family. It can be read as a standalone, but it's even more fun to read the series in order. Characters and events from previous books are referenced.
As the Morelli Underboss, I'm the Family problem-solver. So when a task force blames the Morellis for a series of murders in Central Park, it's up to me to restore our reputation.
But Fate puts me on a collision-course with an agent on the very task force dedicated to bringing down my Family…
And we end up on the run together.
My heart has been ice-cold for decades, but something about him sets my blood on fire.
It would be crazy of me to trust a Fed. But he claims he wants to prove my innocence. That the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
We each want to solve this case for different reasons, but we’ll both end up dead if he can’t follow my lead.
So to make him behave, I’ll use every weapon I have—including my body.
But why do I feel like I’m the one losing control?
Enticed by the Enemy is a M/M mafia romance set in the world of the Morelli Crime Family. It can be read as a standalone, but it's even more fun to read the series in order. Characters and events from previous books are referenced.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2021
246 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Leighton Greene
45 books372 followersLeighton Greene has been writing stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Her first book was a choose-your-own-adventure style book about deciding what to eat for breakfast. It didn't shake the New York Times bestseller list, but she still has a copy of it.
After spending some time writing in academia, fanfiction and corporate reporting, Leighton decided she should probably do what she actually wanted to do, which was to write commercial fiction. So she did. She writes gay romance and, when the mood strikes, erotica as L.J. Greene.
Leighton lives with her partner and her cockatiel on the east coast of Australia.
(Source: Amazon.com)
After spending some time writing in academia, fanfiction and corporate reporting, Leighton decided she should probably do what she actually wanted to do, which was to write commercial fiction. So she did. She writes gay romance and, when the mood strikes, erotica as L.J. Greene.
Leighton lives with her partner and her cockatiel on the east coast of Australia.
(Source: Amazon.com)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
May 27, 2023
*3.5* Baxter (26) is a newly graduated, FBI agent. He wrote his masters thesis on the types of personalities involved with organized crime, and Angelo was one of his subjects.
I believed Angelo Messina to be a good man who had never really had a chance to be anything but bad.
Angelo (45?) has been the right hand man to the Morelli family for years. He has set aside all personal needs in order to serve the family…until he met Bax.
I was acting like a fool over Baxter Flynn, letting dimples and a luscious mouth distract me from more important things.
This blooming relationship was cute. I would classify this as mafia-lite.
✔️ Age gap
✔️ Forced proximity
✔️ Only one bed
✔️ Grumpy/sunshine
✔️ Murder mystery
The few moments that Finch was in his story, solidified what a strong character he is. It also made me realize his books (1 & 2) were much more entertaining than this one.
One thing I was sure of, Finch D’Amato was definitely the craziest of the Morellis. And that was my professional diagnosis.
I believed Angelo Messina to be a good man who had never really had a chance to be anything but bad.
Angelo (45?) has been the right hand man to the Morelli family for years. He has set aside all personal needs in order to serve the family…until he met Bax.
I was acting like a fool over Baxter Flynn, letting dimples and a luscious mouth distract me from more important things.
This blooming relationship was cute. I would classify this as mafia-lite.
✔️ Age gap
✔️ Forced proximity
✔️ Only one bed
✔️ Grumpy/sunshine
✔️ Murder mystery
The few moments that Finch was in his story, solidified what a strong character he is. It also made me realize his books (1 & 2) were much more entertaining than this one.
One thing I was sure of, Finch D’Amato was definitely the craziest of the Morellis. And that was my professional diagnosis.
December 2, 2021
***I received an eArc from the author in exchange for an honest review.***
This is the newest addition to the Morelli Family mafia romance series. I cannot stress enough that this grumpy/sunshine mystery/romance is filled with intrigue, suspense, and amazing chemistry between the two leads.
I enjoy each installment of this series and this one is a great addition to the series. Both characters are fully developed and go on their own journey, but when they interact and rely on each other the story really shines. I loved this story and anxiously await the next installment of this amazing series.
This is the newest addition to the Morelli Family mafia romance series. I cannot stress enough that this grumpy/sunshine mystery/romance is filled with intrigue, suspense, and amazing chemistry between the two leads.
I enjoy each installment of this series and this one is a great addition to the series. Both characters are fully developed and go on their own journey, but when they interact and rely on each other the story really shines. I loved this story and anxiously await the next installment of this amazing series.
September 21, 2025
This was another great addition to the series! I'd been looking forward to Angelo's story since he first appeared, and while I wouldn't say I was disappointed, I did feel like something was missing in the first 2/3 of the book 😅 The last 1/3 was great though once things really clicked into place. I almost want to give it 5* because I had such a good time with it (and the ending was 🔥), but unfortunately it didn't push quite enough of the 5* buttons for me to do that. It's definitely a solid 4* read, and Michael Ferraiuolo was amazing as always in the audiobook 😌
January 23, 2021
These two killed me. A slow slow burn romance with a great reward in the end. I need more!
September 1, 2024
Talk about a straight first person point of view shooter.
September 23, 2023
“Babyface?” Hanson said at last. “Well, I guess you can call him Ishmael.”
This was a lot of fun, and I'm happy to say that I ended up enjoying it more than the first two books in the series. I think I just never really completely warmed up to Luca and so I was never really rooting for the couple, especially amidst all of the overblown mafia stuff that I didn't totally care about. But this was so so good because I'd always liked Angelo, and I enjoyed Baxter as a character from the first moment, and they had so much instant chemistry that it was easy to love them, and the pages kept turning themselves. This is enemies to lovers, as Angelo is a mafia underboss and Baxter is an up-and-coming FBI agent on a task force dedicated to bringing the mafia down. They get thrown together when a bunch of low level Family members start showing up dead, and they're soon forced to work together to figure things out.
Their dynamic had me hooked from the beginning, because Bax has literally studied Angelo, literally written papers about him, analysing what they know of his psychology, and while it's not exactly hero worship (because he's determined to take the mafia down) there's always been a fascination there, and maybe even a little respect. It was so good in the beginning, when Hanson intimates that Bax considers Angelo to be his white whale. That kind of latent obsession... chef's kiss. I love it, sorry. I loved all their verbal sparring, how Angelo refused to give anything away at first, and then Bax slowly started chipping away at his walls, and they slowly uncovered things about each other that made it clear just how much they fit together. Lots of great tension when they're still in their enemies phase, and lots of great forced proximity that obviously leads to the lovers phase. Angelo ended up being more nuanced than I would have thought, and I just felt so soft about them both.
The plot was fine. I don't think I'll ever love mafia romance, but this was okay. There were lots of slow sections, lots of stakeouts and going through files and whatnot; activities that had a purpose, but nevertheless felt like filler? I didn't mind, because all of the character interaction we got between the guys was great, but it just wasn't the most cohesive way to get to the endgame. Said endgame wasn't completely predictable, but it didn't wow me or anything either. Honestly, I just fell in love with the romance, and even though this takes place in a pretty short period of time, the author sold me on it. I'll definitely be continuing the series soon.
I’d built up an expert system of barriers and roadblocks over the years in myself, to make sure I didn’t think too long or too hard about the things I shouldn’t. The things that could undo me. But Baxter Flynn hadn’t seemed to notice. Hadn’t even climbed over all those obstacles—he’d just walked right through them like they didn’t exist, swanned into the most private parts of my soul, and made himself at home.
April 15, 2025
Baxter esta recién graduado del FBI y lo aceptaron como perfilador en un grupo de "Tareas" que esta encargado de "desmantelar" a las familias de mafiosos en la ciudad de New York. El problema es que comenzaron a aparecer diversas personas asesinadas y todas de las diferentes familias, menos los Morelli. Pero Baxter esta seguro que no son ellos los culpables, esta seguro que es asesino solitario, pero que esta detrás de los Morelli. Así que comienza a seguir a uno de los mas famosos de los Morelli, Angelo Massini, y se encuentra huyendo en medio de un tiroteo con el mismo Massini. Pero será que el asesino realmente va por él? Porque lo quiere muerto? Quién esta detrás de todo esto?
Al comienzo me pareció interesante como manejaron el tema del encuentro entre estos dos personajes de mundos tan diferentes, y como el autor logró que se despertara la química en su encuentro. Me gusto todo lo que lucho cada uno para no dejarse "caer en la tentación", y me gusto que no se cambiaran sus personalidades ni sus suspicacias aún después de tener sexo. También me gusto conocer un poco mas de la vida de Massini, y como llego a ser el guardaespaldas personal del mismo Don. Sin embargo, el misterio del asesino fue fácil de ver, casi desde el principio, y como llego a descubrirse fue muy tonto, y además que ni siquiera pudieran sacarle una confesión? De verdad? Hubiera esperado un final feliz un poco mas contundente. Pero bueno, fue una lectura entretenida. La serie ha resultado interesante, y voy a continuar con ella.
Al comienzo me pareció interesante como manejaron el tema del encuentro entre estos dos personajes de mundos tan diferentes, y como el autor logró que se despertara la química en su encuentro. Me gusto todo lo que lucho cada uno para no dejarse "caer en la tentación", y me gusto que no se cambiaran sus personalidades ni sus suspicacias aún después de tener sexo. También me gusto conocer un poco mas de la vida de Massini, y como llego a ser el guardaespaldas personal del mismo Don. Sin embargo, el misterio del asesino fue fácil de ver, casi desde el principio, y como llego a descubrirse fue muy tonto, y además que ni siquiera pudieran sacarle una confesión? De verdad? Hubiera esperado un final feliz un poco mas contundente. Pero bueno, fue una lectura entretenida. La serie ha resultado interesante, y voy a continuar con ella.
October 9, 2021
Enjoyed! But..
I thoroughly enjoyed this and it would've gotten a strong 4-star rating from me but the story was left too open-ended for my liking.
I would've preferred things to have been resolved rather than how it ended on an HFN. I don't hate HFNs but they're not my favourite. I like things tied up properly.
Anyway, the author stated in the acknowledgements that Angel and Bax woukd be making a cameo in an upcoming West Coast Mafia series so I hope things would be addressed and fully sorted in that.
Right now? Although I enjoyed this story, it left ne feeling unfulfilled/unsatisfied ...
I thoroughly enjoyed this and it would've gotten a strong 4-star rating from me but the story was left too open-ended for my liking.
I would've preferred things to have been resolved rather than how it ended on an HFN. I don't hate HFNs but they're not my favourite. I like things tied up properly.
Anyway, the author stated in the acknowledgements that Angel and Bax woukd be making a cameo in an upcoming West Coast Mafia series so I hope things would be addressed and fully sorted in that.
Right now? Although I enjoyed this story, it left ne feeling unfulfilled/unsatisfied ...
September 17, 2021
Angelo’s story is epic!
Love that Angelo got an HEA.
A very unlikely source too! A fed! Bax was a lovable joy. Perfect counterpart to grumpy and cautious Angelo. Their dynamic was SO hot! Loved their chemistry. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
The bad guy in this one was unexpected! The mystery and intrigue kept me guessing, that’s for sure.
I loved this book. An excellent addition to the series. Now off to read book 4!
Love that Angelo got an HEA.
A very unlikely source too! A fed! Bax was a lovable joy. Perfect counterpart to grumpy and cautious Angelo. Their dynamic was SO hot! Loved their chemistry. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
The bad guy in this one was unexpected! The mystery and intrigue kept me guessing, that’s for sure.
I loved this book. An excellent addition to the series. Now off to read book 4!
April 30, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
Mafia meets FBI and then the passion starts for the two strong characters.
Wonderful writing and great storyline that keeps you hooked.
💋💋💋
Mafia meets FBI and then the passion starts for the two strong characters.
Wonderful writing and great storyline that keeps you hooked.
June 4, 2021
I had been wanting to read about Angelo since the first time I came across his character in Book 1. Something about this quiet deadly Underboss of Don Morelli had intrigued me from the start.
His story did not disappoint and I find his love interest Special Agent Baxter Flynn is a good match, eventhough most of the time Bax seems like a hyper puppy awaiting for action. That was probably the point. Angelo had a hard life as a mafiaso, maybe a little dead inside from all the bloodshed. Bax is young and eager, he make Angelo feel passion and finally choose to do something for himself instead of always putting this Morelli family first. They are so different, yet fit so we'll together.
I would say this book has less action. With Angelo and Bax working together to solve this mysterious killing, it seems like more detective work rather than all out assault. However, it gives more time for Angelo and Bax to know each other. Angelo's past was interesting, especially in regard to his bond with the old Don.
I'm not quite sure with the ending in here. There are too many loose end and I think Angelo and Bax deserve another book. But anyway, there is a definite HFN here for this unlikely duo.
His story did not disappoint and I find his love interest Special Agent Baxter Flynn is a good match, eventhough most of the time Bax seems like a hyper puppy awaiting for action. That was probably the point. Angelo had a hard life as a mafiaso, maybe a little dead inside from all the bloodshed. Bax is young and eager, he make Angelo feel passion and finally choose to do something for himself instead of always putting this Morelli family first. They are so different, yet fit so we'll together.
I would say this book has less action. With Angelo and Bax working together to solve this mysterious killing, it seems like more detective work rather than all out assault. However, it gives more time for Angelo and Bax to know each other. Angelo's past was interesting, especially in regard to his bond with the old Don.
I'm not quite sure with the ending in here. There are too many loose end and I think Angelo and Bax deserve another book. But anyway, there is a definite HFN here for this unlikely duo.
February 21, 2022
Ooh I'm so excited we got Angelo's story! He's so intense, quiet, and badass and I've been wondering what's going on in his head. I really liked learning about his past, but I'm sad that he's been through so much trauma and was basically made into a ruthless killer who's ashamed of being gay. Then young, cocky FBI agent Baxter comes barreling into his life, shaking everything up and challenging everything he believes in.
Baxter could be a bit irritating at times, he runs full speed into things without thinking of consequences for himself or others. Even so, it's clear he's a good match for Angelo. It gives him someone to care for and watch out for, but Bax also pulls Angelo out of his shell and makes him laugh. I enjoyed this couple and the chaos they get into and I hope to see them more in future books!
Baxter could be a bit irritating at times, he runs full speed into things without thinking of consequences for himself or others. Even so, it's clear he's a good match for Angelo. It gives him someone to care for and watch out for, but Bax also pulls Angelo out of his shell and makes him laugh. I enjoyed this couple and the chaos they get into and I hope to see them more in future books!
March 31, 2024
Mafia Monster Loves Cuddles
Baxter Flynn is a bright eyed, bushy tailed new agent under his mentor Villiers, writing his thesis on mobsters. Since his youth he's been obsessed by the mob and wanting to take them down.
Angelo is the Underboss to Luca, strong, scary and bloody determined.
Unfortunately the FBI Agent and Mob underboss end up hiding out together when Bax is framed for a crime.
Despite being enemies, the attraction between them is through the roof, and there are moments Bax wonders if Angelo is all bad.
This is full of intrigue, danger, shoot outs, lies, sex and sorrow.
Terrific stuff.
Baxter Flynn is a bright eyed, bushy tailed new agent under his mentor Villiers, writing his thesis on mobsters. Since his youth he's been obsessed by the mob and wanting to take them down.
Angelo is the Underboss to Luca, strong, scary and bloody determined.
Unfortunately the FBI Agent and Mob underboss end up hiding out together when Bax is framed for a crime.
Despite being enemies, the attraction between them is through the roof, and there are moments Bax wonders if Angelo is all bad.
This is full of intrigue, danger, shoot outs, lies, sex and sorrow.
Terrific stuff.
July 28, 2021
Well, I just about stayed up all night reading this book. I love the continued politics and drama of the Morelli family and truly enjoyed the story Bax and Angelo had to tell. Watching these two men form a trusting, loving bond was a beautiful thing. Their love was a slow-burn, forbidden romance and, I am totally addicted to their story and this series!!!
January 18, 2021
This novel has exactly as much angst and drama as you might expect from a story about an FBI agent and a mafia underboss forced into close quarters to avoid being framed for murder. That is to say: a lot. It’s also surprisingly sweet, as Bax and Angelo turn out to be perfect for each other emotionally, as well as having scorching hot physical chemistry. Bax has endless patience for psychology (if not for anything else) and he gives Angelo a safe space to feel, and to reckon with his past. Angelo’s gift for methodical preparation and his innate caution keep Bax alive, while his fierce protectiveness makes him feel safe, and wanted, in a way that’s been missing in his life. I loved everything about their forced-proximity bonding, and was delighted to watch them grow closer together. My only complaint is that the ending, while it leaves their relationship on a more-than-solid note, leaves some key aspects ( resolution, vindication) from the plot hanging. I hope to see them tied up in future novels, though, and overall, I really really enjoyed this one.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
January 29, 2021
I LOOOOOVE the Morelly Family so much, and I was so excited to read Angelo Messina's story! And the best - I was afraid that we wouldn't see Finch and Luca - but I was wrong! Ahh loved that Finch and Luca were both there and helped our two love birds!
Angelo and Bax's story is a real enemies to lovers story. An FBI agent and a MOB underboss? What can get more enemies than this? And I loved every page of it!
Loved both Angelo and Bax, but when they got together - just wow! Scorching hot! There weren't enought erotica and sex in the book (for my taste), but those few scenes... WOW! I said it a million times already, but I loooove how Leighton writes erotica! So enjoyable and so detailed, hot and real, just the best!
The romance was a bit slow burn, but oh so well written. Insta love, but not as sudden, and that's the way I love it! The characters know that they are weak to their emotions and eventually will fall in love with the enemy, but try to fight against it. THE BEST!
Really loved reading this book, and the only thing I haven't gave 5 full stars to it (4,75) because Finch and Luca is the ultimate favorite, but Angelo and Bax are close second! Aww so good!
Angelo and Bax's story is a real enemies to lovers story. An FBI agent and a MOB underboss? What can get more enemies than this? And I loved every page of it!
Loved both Angelo and Bax, but when they got together - just wow! Scorching hot! There weren't enought erotica and sex in the book (for my taste), but those few scenes... WOW! I said it a million times already, but I loooove how Leighton writes erotica! So enjoyable and so detailed, hot and real, just the best!
The romance was a bit slow burn, but oh so well written. Insta love, but not as sudden, and that's the way I love it! The characters know that they are weak to their emotions and eventually will fall in love with the enemy, but try to fight against it. THE BEST!
Really loved reading this book, and the only thing I haven't gave 5 full stars to it (4,75) because Finch and Luca is the ultimate favorite, but Angelo and Bax are close second! Aww so good!
February 2, 2021
FBI and the Mafia Underboss
Angelo has never been convicted of killing anyone, but everyone knows he is a vicious killer for the mob. Now he is 2nd in command in the Morelli crime family and needs to figure out who is killing members of other crime families; making it look like Morellis are taking down other players.
Baxter Flynn is an FBI profiler and on his first team case. A person of interest for the Police dept is Angelo Messina. Baxter has his own interest in Messina as he did his graduate paper on Messina. He can't help but follow Messina around and wait for him to kill someone.
But things happen, police officers are getting killed along with mob members. And suddenly Baxter is a person of interest and he and Angelo are on the run.
Loved it. Such a good story. I thought I knew who did it, then I thought it was someone else, at any rate, the story is full of surprises. Great story.
Angelo has never been convicted of killing anyone, but everyone knows he is a vicious killer for the mob. Now he is 2nd in command in the Morelli crime family and needs to figure out who is killing members of other crime families; making it look like Morellis are taking down other players.
Baxter Flynn is an FBI profiler and on his first team case. A person of interest for the Police dept is Angelo Messina. Baxter has his own interest in Messina as he did his graduate paper on Messina. He can't help but follow Messina around and wait for him to kill someone.
But things happen, police officers are getting killed along with mob members. And suddenly Baxter is a person of interest and he and Angelo are on the run.
Loved it. Such a good story. I thought I knew who did it, then I thought it was someone else, at any rate, the story is full of surprises. Great story.
January 2, 2022
Review : (english) I liked that the book will not deviate from the reason they joined, I loved the action and the story line as much as their relationship grew slowly. A very beautiful prose .
Reseña :(español)
Me gustó que el libro no se desvíe de la razón por la que se unieron, me encantó la acción y la trama tanto como su relación creció lentamente. Una prosa muy hermosa.
Reseña :(español)
Me gustó que el libro no se desvíe de la razón por la que se unieron, me encantó la acción y la trama tanto como su relación creció lentamente. Una prosa muy hermosa.
January 20, 2021
This is the first I’ve read in the series. I was given a free copy from Gay Romance Reviews so I started with the latest but after reading this one I plan on catching up. The story puts together a mafia underboss, Angelo, who is starting to burn out. This has been a lonely existence for him since he was a child. During an multi agency investigation profiler Baxter is able to center his attention on Angelo who he has had a fixation on since his school thesis. Naturally Angelo is aware that the inexperienced agent is following him and this starts the cat and mouse game. These two together are engaging. Baxter somewhat drives Angelo nuts while Angelo is an unknown to Baxter. I love the Baxter character. He doesn’t fit any mold. He isn’t afraid or maybe he is somewhat stupid. I also enjoyed the secondary characters. The story flow kept me turning pages. The story kept me entertained. As I stated I will go back and read the previous stories in this series.
January 12, 2026
It’s been almost two years since I read the previous book in this series; I still remembered the detailed plot and protagonists, which is fairly rare for a romance novel.
This mafia romance had me hooked from the first chapter, and I stayed up way too late for two nights listening to this story. Michael Ferraiuolo’s narration elevated this to a five-star review. His voice as a mobster from the Italian mafia in New York City was perfection. Since Ferraiuolo narrates the next book in the series, I won’t wait another two years to listen to it.
MM Romance, Mafia, Enemies to Lovers, and Opposites Attract. There are a few open-door scenes.
This mafia romance had me hooked from the first chapter, and I stayed up way too late for two nights listening to this story. Michael Ferraiuolo’s narration elevated this to a five-star review. His voice as a mobster from the Italian mafia in New York City was perfection. Since Ferraiuolo narrates the next book in the series, I won’t wait another two years to listen to it.
MM Romance, Mafia, Enemies to Lovers, and Opposites Attract. There are a few open-door scenes.
January 20, 2021
Love on the Run
Angelo Messina, the Underboss of the Morelli family, is intrigued by Baxter Flynn, a FBI profiler and crime family task force member.
Someone is killing our men in Blue in Central Park and trying to blame Angelo and then Baxter.
They decide to work together to clear their names and each day they both become more notorious, but closer to each other.
Baxter gets to meet Don Morelli and Finch and they develop a friendship and things progress and change from there.
I liked this story it was both suspenseful and romantic.
Angelo Messina, the Underboss of the Morelli family, is intrigued by Baxter Flynn, a FBI profiler and crime family task force member.
Someone is killing our men in Blue in Central Park and trying to blame Angelo and then Baxter.
They decide to work together to clear their names and each day they both become more notorious, but closer to each other.
Baxter gets to meet Don Morelli and Finch and they develop a friendship and things progress and change from there.
I liked this story it was both suspenseful and romantic.
January 20, 2021
Excellent Series
This series is a 1 click button for me. I love it! Each book is like the next episode of your favorite action movie franchise. You just can't wait to see the next one as soon as the current one is over. These characters are wonderful and rooting for the bad guys has never been so good.
This series is a 1 click button for me. I love it! Each book is like the next episode of your favorite action movie franchise. You just can't wait to see the next one as soon as the current one is over. These characters are wonderful and rooting for the bad guys has never been so good.
September 1, 2023
So much to love in Angelo's book
The third entry in Leighton Greene's Mafia series is just as good as the first two books. Angelo is character who has been very close to Luca and Finch. He has progressed from bodyguard to mentor. Baxter is a brand new FBI agent in the Behavioral Unit. He wrote his master's thesis in part on Angelo.
So much to love here. Familiar characters like Finch and Luca are set in their world. Angelo, always the Don's man, has not had anything he chose for himself. The book does a great of opening our eyes as Baxter finds his own opened. Is Angelo the Morelli Monster or not? Or is he something more complicated that very few ever see?
The third entry in Leighton Greene's Mafia series is just as good as the first two books. Angelo is character who has been very close to Luca and Finch. He has progressed from bodyguard to mentor. Baxter is a brand new FBI agent in the Behavioral Unit. He wrote his master's thesis in part on Angelo.
So much to love here. Familiar characters like Finch and Luca are set in their world. Angelo, always the Don's man, has not had anything he chose for himself. The book does a great of opening our eyes as Baxter finds his own opened. Is Angelo the Morelli Monster or not? Or is he something more complicated that very few ever see?
June 10, 2021
This was wonderful! Angrelo was hard and disciplined and had sacrificed everything for the Family and then he met Baxter who was so sweet and honest and naive and the combination explosive and it was so great to see them fall in love and for Angelo to realize how much had been taken from him by his mentor and learn to deal with it thanks to Baxter. Now on the run in the West I wonder how their story will end.
February 2, 2021
I could not get into these two and their relationship. The writing didn't really convey a deep relationship. It happened too suddenly. It almost seemed the author realized she was running out of time to have them connect. It was a disappointing addition compared to the last two books.
August 23, 2021
2nd read:
Solid 4 stars now. This series is brilliant.
Solid 4 stars now. This series is brilliant.
January 29, 2021
I received an ARC in exchange for a review ...
I never start a series anywhere but the beginning, but I was intrigued by the description of this one, that I went ahead and dove in. Like a lot of people, I am a fan of "Criminal Minds" and have seen "The Godfather" series, so when I saw that "Enticed by the Enemy" paired up a young BAU agent with a hardened, older mafia boss, I was IN. Who doesn't want to read about a Spencer Reid-type falling for a mobster?
I keep on thinking that I am not into romantic suspense, and then I read it, and I'm like "Yes, I AM into romantic suspense." At least, when it's written as well as this one is.
FBI Special Agent Baxter Flynn is assigned to a special task force in New York to solve the killings of city mobsters in Central Park. Angelo Messina is a Family Underboss sent to do the same by his Don. The case brings the two together, especially when they are both named top suspects in the crimes. On the run together, Baxter gets an up-close-and-personal look at the mafiaso he's been studying for years while Angelo does his best to keep up the hard walls around his mind and heart.
The plot moves along pretty quickly, and the reveal of who the actual culprit is took me by surprise! I will note that this book is a HFN, so not everything is solved by the end. So while I wait for the next part of Angelo and Flynn's story to come out, I am happy to back track and see how Angelo's Don rose to power and fell in love with his husband.
As this one of the main characters is an active mob member and has been for most of his life, there is violence and killing involved in the story -- which I appreciate because I don't see how it couldn't have those things and still feel real. There's also trauma related to those deaths as well as other deaths in Baxter's life. The steam level solidly in the middle range, but it isn't gratuitous and actually ties into the plot quite a lot; Baxter is warned against Angelo's seduction. Age gap is present in this story, but it doesn't have a lot of conflict built around it, and there's no Daddy stuff.
I never start a series anywhere but the beginning, but I was intrigued by the description of this one, that I went ahead and dove in. Like a lot of people, I am a fan of "Criminal Minds" and have seen "The Godfather" series, so when I saw that "Enticed by the Enemy" paired up a young BAU agent with a hardened, older mafia boss, I was IN. Who doesn't want to read about a Spencer Reid-type falling for a mobster?
I keep on thinking that I am not into romantic suspense, and then I read it, and I'm like "Yes, I AM into romantic suspense." At least, when it's written as well as this one is.
FBI Special Agent Baxter Flynn is assigned to a special task force in New York to solve the killings of city mobsters in Central Park. Angelo Messina is a Family Underboss sent to do the same by his Don. The case brings the two together, especially when they are both named top suspects in the crimes. On the run together, Baxter gets an up-close-and-personal look at the mafiaso he's been studying for years while Angelo does his best to keep up the hard walls around his mind and heart.
The plot moves along pretty quickly, and the reveal of who the actual culprit is took me by surprise! I will note that this book is a HFN, so not everything is solved by the end. So while I wait for the next part of Angelo and Flynn's story to come out, I am happy to back track and see how Angelo's Don rose to power and fell in love with his husband.
As this one of the main characters is an active mob member and has been for most of his life, there is violence and killing involved in the story -- which I appreciate because I don't see how it couldn't have those things and still feel real. There's also trauma related to those deaths as well as other deaths in Baxter's life. The steam level solidly in the middle range, but it isn't gratuitous and actually ties into the plot quite a lot; Baxter is warned against Angelo's seduction. Age gap is present in this story, but it doesn't have a lot of conflict built around it, and there's no Daddy stuff.
January 22, 2021
Angelo and Bax's book, Enticed By The Enemy, is the third in the Morelli Family series. It should come as no surprise given the title that it's very much an enemies to lovers story with the opposites attract, age gap and forced proximity tropes thrown in for good measure.
We already know Angelo from the previous books. He's the older, right hand man to Don Morelli - a career Family man - who very much sets store in the 'traditional' Family values. Bax, meanwhile, is younger. He's a recent graduate from Quantico and now working as a behavioural analyst with the joint task force investigating the murder of a police officer with ties to the Morellis. The two MCs are thrown into each other's orbit when a significant twist in the investigation occurs and they have to hide out in Angelo's safe house together. At the same time, Bax is awed by being close to the longtime subject of his interest and determined to do what he thinks is the right thing for justice. Angelo's torn between doing the right thing for the Family and his growing attachment to the young lawman.
This is a great book. The plot is well paced and, even though I guessed some of the twists fairly early on, I totally enjoyed both the investigation procedural and the Mafia perspectives. The characters are also very well written and I loved the development of their relationship...so my jam. You can read Enticed By The Enemy as a standalone but, honestly, why would you? This is a wonderful series so I would heartily recommend starting from the beginning. One tiny note of caution...this book reads to me very much as an HFN. There's definitely scope for picking up where we left off here and I really hope we get (lots!) more of Bax and Angelo. 5*
An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
We already know Angelo from the previous books. He's the older, right hand man to Don Morelli - a career Family man - who very much sets store in the 'traditional' Family values. Bax, meanwhile, is younger. He's a recent graduate from Quantico and now working as a behavioural analyst with the joint task force investigating the murder of a police officer with ties to the Morellis. The two MCs are thrown into each other's orbit when a significant twist in the investigation occurs and they have to hide out in Angelo's safe house together. At the same time, Bax is awed by being close to the longtime subject of his interest and determined to do what he thinks is the right thing for justice. Angelo's torn between doing the right thing for the Family and his growing attachment to the young lawman.
This is a great book. The plot is well paced and, even though I guessed some of the twists fairly early on, I totally enjoyed both the investigation procedural and the Mafia perspectives. The characters are also very well written and I loved the development of their relationship...so my jam. You can read Enticed By The Enemy as a standalone but, honestly, why would you? This is a wonderful series so I would heartily recommend starting from the beginning. One tiny note of caution...this book reads to me very much as an HFN. There's definitely scope for picking up where we left off here and I really hope we get (lots!) more of Bax and Angelo. 5*
An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
February 4, 2021
M/M mafia romance with lots of steam, little humor and amazing heart…loved it!
I was not disappointed in the book I’ve been waiting for: Angelo’s story. He’s a hard person and even harder to “read” his character. He is all business in both of the previous books in this series about the Morelli Familia. Now Angelo has a chance to have his own life instead of only being the D’Amato’s Underboss and Problem Solver. Will he take it? More specifically, will he take a chance on Special Agent Baxter Flynn? Murders are occurring that appear to finger the Morellis. Baxter is on the task force to get to the truth and killer. When they are forced to go on the run together, how will their respective “business partners” feel about this development? Bax is so young and naïve compared to the older and jaded mafioso but somehow Bax walks right through the emotional barriers that Angelo has had in place for a very long time. While they’re getting to know one another and running for their lives, can they find the real killer?
Another wonderful M/M mafia romance done by Ms. Greene! Fast-paced, deliciously steamy and well-written book. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and it gets high praise if you like explicit M/M romance with heartwarming moments. Cover’s not half bad either. 😋
I was not disappointed in the book I’ve been waiting for: Angelo’s story. He’s a hard person and even harder to “read” his character. He is all business in both of the previous books in this series about the Morelli Familia. Now Angelo has a chance to have his own life instead of only being the D’Amato’s Underboss and Problem Solver. Will he take it? More specifically, will he take a chance on Special Agent Baxter Flynn? Murders are occurring that appear to finger the Morellis. Baxter is on the task force to get to the truth and killer. When they are forced to go on the run together, how will their respective “business partners” feel about this development? Bax is so young and naïve compared to the older and jaded mafioso but somehow Bax walks right through the emotional barriers that Angelo has had in place for a very long time. While they’re getting to know one another and running for their lives, can they find the real killer?
Another wonderful M/M mafia romance done by Ms. Greene! Fast-paced, deliciously steamy and well-written book. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and it gets high praise if you like explicit M/M romance with heartwarming moments. Cover’s not half bad either. 😋
May 25, 2021
Angelo Messina & Baxter (Bax) Flynn.
I’m loving this series. Just finished Angelo’s book late, late last night. The characters — no matter how flawed — are easy to love. And the action/mystery makes it hard to sit the book down. Got a feeling picking my next book after catching up on this series is going to be hard.
Angelo Messina, right hand man to (now deceased) Don Tino Morelli, is now Underboss (aka second in command) to his successor the new Don Morelli, Luca D’Amato. (Insert joke about Dread Pirate Roberts a la Princess Bride). While Messina is happy to serve in whatever capacity his Don needs him in, he finds the leadership role less suited to his nature. (That 1:1 vs 1:N thing.)
His current task is figuring out who is killing rival mobsters in Central Park. A task complicated by the right-out-of-the-academy FBI profiler, Special Agent Baxter Flynn, who is dodging his every move. But the more Angelo pulls Bax into his world, the more he relies on him to help solve this crime spree. One the task force is determined to pin on the Morelli family.
Love Angelo and Bax together. In the past, Angelo has only used his sexuality as a weapon. So when not needed to seduce his prey, he has largely shut down his own libido. Bax has a bit of hero worship going for Angelo. He focused his Academy thesis on the Morelli family in general and Angelo in particular. So when close quarters have them sharing a bed, Angelo initially engages in sexual activity to control Bax. But more and more their mutual attraction comes through. And the closer they get, the further they let each other into their world. (And, yes, Messina eventually has to bring him before Don Morelli and his husband. Finch recognizes their mutual attraction and encourages it.)
I’m loving this series. Just finished Angelo’s book late, late last night. The characters — no matter how flawed — are easy to love. And the action/mystery makes it hard to sit the book down. Got a feeling picking my next book after catching up on this series is going to be hard.
Angelo Messina, right hand man to (now deceased) Don Tino Morelli, is now Underboss (aka second in command) to his successor the new Don Morelli, Luca D’Amato. (Insert joke about Dread Pirate Roberts a la Princess Bride). While Messina is happy to serve in whatever capacity his Don needs him in, he finds the leadership role less suited to his nature. (That 1:1 vs 1:N thing.)
His current task is figuring out who is killing rival mobsters in Central Park. A task complicated by the right-out-of-the-academy FBI profiler, Special Agent Baxter Flynn, who is dodging his every move. But the more Angelo pulls Bax into his world, the more he relies on him to help solve this crime spree. One the task force is determined to pin on the Morelli family.
Love Angelo and Bax together. In the past, Angelo has only used his sexuality as a weapon. So when not needed to seduce his prey, he has largely shut down his own libido. Bax has a bit of hero worship going for Angelo. He focused his Academy thesis on the Morelli family in general and Angelo in particular. So when close quarters have them sharing a bed, Angelo initially engages in sexual activity to control Bax. But more and more their mutual attraction comes through. And the closer they get, the further they let each other into their world. (And, yes, Messina eventually has to bring him before Don Morelli and his husband. Finch recognizes their mutual attraction and encourages it.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews