Leo

Vigilance #3

by Silvia Violet

I used to be CIA. Now I'm a tattoo artist and a vigilante.

When a new hire at my shop gets too curious about my less-than-legal activities, he needs all the protection I can give him.

He wants a lot more. More than I should be willing to give. And yet, the longer I keep him close for his own safety... the more I want him in my bed.

Genres: M M Romance, BDSM, Romance, Crime, Contemporary, Military Fiction, Gay

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 28, 2020

About the author

Silvia Violet writes fun, sexy stories that will leave you smiling and satisfied. She has a thing for characters who are in need of comfort and enjoys helping them surrender to love even when they doubt it exists. Silvia's stories include sizzling contemporaries, paranormals, and historicals. When she needs a break from listening to the voices in her head, she spends time baking, taking long walks, and curling up with her favorite books. Keep up with her latest ventures by signing up for her newsletter.

For insider information, early looks at works-in-progress, and other rewards, join Silvia on Patreon.

Reviews

[♡ cal ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropey but still highly enjoyed it!

[Kaity · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Hmm wished I liked it more but I honestly have been looking forward to X’s book the most!

[Simona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked Ezra and I really think he and Leo are my favourite so far

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually liked this one.
Now off to Xavier and Elliott's story

[Skirmish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2021/05/21/...
Rating: 3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked it

[Badh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curiosity killed the cat

Being curious and eavesdropping isn't necessarily a good thing, but I think it definitely helped Ezra in this case. And it certainly helped Leo.

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as a standalone, and while I did enjoy it, I think it would have been better for me to read the series in order. I was able to quickly catch up on the romantic side of things, but the whole plotline involving Swain and Vigilance was a bit over my head. I loved the idea of gruff, controlling Leo falling for a clumsy innocent boy like Ezra, and for the most part I thought their relationship was nicely written. Ezra's klutziness was a little too over-the-top for my liking, and I wasn't a fan of how moon-eyed he got over Leo before he even knew him, but as I read further into the story those issues faded to the background. Leo and Ezra had some insanely hot chemistry, despite how much Leo tried to stay away. Their bedroom moments were overwhelmingly steamy, and it was so sweet to see them form an emotional connection along the way as well. While I adored Ezra and Leo's growing relationship, I have to admit that I found their indecisiveness about whether they would stay together after Swain was taken care of frustrating. I wanted Leo to really embrace that growly, possessive side and declare to the whole world that Ezra was his, but instead he wavered back and forth for ages before finally admitting the truth I could see the whole time. Ezra's fleeting moments of confidence weren't ever enough to overcome his fear of not being worth Leo's time, which didn't help move their relationship along at all. At the end of the day, these two thankfully pulled themselves together, but I honestly wasn't sure they'd manage it for a big chunk of the story. 

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions. 

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book for me is just a 3, it wasn’t bad, just was lacking the rush the other characters. I have LOVED the Marchesi Family and Vigilance, this story just didn’t have the “can’t put this book down” factor for me.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really been enjoying this series so much! Leo and Ezra's sroy was great...filled with so much heat, passion, drama, and emotion. I just love how Silvia Violet takes these big, bad alpha men and shows their softer side as they fall in love.
Michael Dean was great as always, bringing such an intensity to the narration at the perfect times and then such soft, sweet emotions at other times. There were a lot of previous characters from this series and the Marchesi series that had a big part in this book and sometimes I had a little trouble with consistency of the voices, but overall it was a great listen!

[ML · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leo tried to resist Leo for a loooong time but honestly resistance is futile to quote Star Trek. Written in dual POV.

Rope play and bit of dominance makes the chemistry really smoke with these two characters. So so hot!

Leo is still trying to take down Swain and was worried being involved with Ezra would put him in danger. And of course it does but Ezra is no shrinking violet and can hold his own surprisingly well!

Vigilance plays a major role and you see characters from book 1 and 2 which I really liked. AND we get a book 4! YES!
This ends on a very sweet HEA.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Former CIA agent Leo meets sweet, clumsy  Ezra at his local coffee shop.
They are total opposites but that doesn't stop the immediate attraction they both feel.

Leo lives in a dangerous world,  light years away from how most people live.
Ezra is hired by Leo as the tattoo shop receptionist

I liked the pacing of Leo and Ezra's story. I was invested in their growing relationship as well as the ongoing search for Swain.  I also liked the alternating pov's. It gives great insight into how both men are dealing with everything as it happens.

I liked the shibari. Together they were pretty hot and steamy.

I can't wait for X's story!!

[Samantha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sigh. *heart eyes* This book is fantastic. Ezra and Leo were meant to be together. As the third book in the Vigilance series this book brings the same level of angst and danger you've come to expect but somehow it's even better. The heat level was also high and there was so much sexual tension. I really loved seeing the growth that both Ezra and Leo went through but mostly Ezra. He became so confident and I love that. This book gives us a tiny hint about the upcoming book and X's story is next! I can't wait because I'm not gonna lie I've been wondering about X throughout this entire series and I'm stoked to see his HEA.

[Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed how Leo and Ezra were guarded and tentative as they first meet; each has their own reasons, but the chemistry and attraction was undeniable. I particularly liked Leo's take-charge attitude, After all, who doesn't like a tough alpha male who's determined to get the job done? Underneath this tough exterior though is a man with a good heart, and it was evident to see his softness where Ezra and his welfare were concerned. Looks can be deceptive because I thought Ezra was just as tough in his own way too. I loved the teasing and banter between between the Vigilance guys, trust them to tell it like it is! I enjoyed this romance which had a great backstory and looking forward to X's story.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo is the third book in the Vigilance series by author Silvia Violet. This story is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone and understood just fine. This story is told in dual POV I liked that I got to experience Leo and Ezra’s internal talk and mindset.

I have read this series in order. I found for me this is the weakest in the series thus far. While the heat and action are here, I felt the emotional angst was too drawn out for my tastes. I was starting to dislike Ezra and Leo at some points. Both were very much in their own way. The ending though saves this story for me. I am very glad to have read it and stuck it out.

Ezra is a waiter when we meet him. He is doing badly at it. He is a good soul. He is funny, kind, and sweet.

Leo needs a front desk person for Vigilance. So, he hires Ezra. He is perfect for him in every way. This becomes a problem for the protectively sweet Leo. How can he be close to a man he has to protect from the world as Leo knows it.

I liked this story and I liked where it eventually went. I just had to have patience with this story to get there. I cannot wait for more from this series in the future.

Five Shooting Stars

[Judy Ferrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crush

Leo was his crush. Leo asked him to work at the tattoo shop. Ezra is sure Leo doesn't know about the crush. Then he finds out about all the stuff Leo is involved in.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man, Leo! YUM! Ezra and Leo were amazing.

[Anabela.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the other books in the series, Leo was a well paced, exciting and gripping romance.

The main characters, Leo and Ezra were compelling, well drawn and layered. Leo was a captivating mix of thoughtful, cold, perceptive and caring, with a dominant side that took his sexiness to the stars. Ezra was cute and endearing. Honest, kind, intelligent, he stood up for himself and didn't let Leo trample all over him. I liked them together and the buildup of emotions between them was fascinating, as I saw them deny their feeling even if they were obviously perfectly matched. I loved seeing them eventually develop a dynamic, combustible and longstanding relationship.

Between the intense romance, the action and the interesting secondary characters, this book was un-putdownable. Absolutely recommended.

[read•me•romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo // Vigilance 3 // Silvia Violet

Leo and Ezra are checking all my favorite couple boxes. Size difference? Check. Touch him and ☠️? Check. D/s complete with shibari and all the dirty talk? Check. Check. Check. This series is hot hot hot. It’s giving all the dominance and submission, morally gray secret cinnamon rolls and the pretty boys they can’t say no to, you could want. I am here for it! I have a feeling these are going to become comfort listens for me! Y’all are gonna love Leo and Ezra. 🖤

🎧 Fantastic Audio
🗡️ Team of Assassins
💻 Boss / Employee
😈 Tattoo Shop
💪🏻Gigantic, Dominant Assassin
🌹 Sweet, Spastic Twink
🔥Shminky
✨Former Playboy MC / Innocent MC
⏰Age Gap
❤️‍🔥Insta Lust
☠️Possessive, Protective, Touch Him &☠️
💥 Action, Suspense
🔥 High Heat

🔥
Strict Top/ Bottom: yes.
Size Difference - all the carrying,lap sitting, etc.
Dominance / Submission
Commands / Obedience
First Time
Pleasure Pain
Breath Play
Shibari
Punishment
Edging
Dirty pictures

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ex CIA-agent Leo needs a new receptionist for the tattoo parlor that acts as a front for the vigilante group he works for. Ezra is a waiter at the cafe next door, and while he’s a terrible waiter, he’s pretty much perfect for Leo. I loved Ezra as a character-- he’s young, but he’s not naive, and while he’s submissive, he’s not a pushover. He’s smart, intuitive, and kind. In fact, he’s absolutely the right fit for Leo, although for a long time Leo prevents himself from seeing the obvious. The lengths Leo is willing to go to delude himself were occasionally frustrating-- he’s so wedded to his fantasy of Ezra as a damsel in distress and himself as the noble martyr that he not only hurts Ezra emotionally, he literally puts him in danger. That they act on their physical chemistry while Leo continues to withhold an honest emotional connection, or at least an acknowledgment of that connection, made for great drama, but for at least ¾ of the book I was firmly convinced that Ezra deserved better. Of course, when Leo gets his act together he does it in a big way, and then there are plenty of feels to go along with the scorching hot physical connection. Tldr; Ezra is awesome, Leo is exhausting, there’s plenty of steam and eventually a well-deserved HEA.

*I received and ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review*

[Shana_Bobana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Vigilance series and Leo’s story is no different! We got to meet Ezra is the previous book and he made an amazing main character opposite Leo.

Leo is a former CIA operative who now works for Vigilance. He wants Ezra but he also wants Ezra to be safe. Once Ezra is in danger and Leo has to protect him he can’t deny how he feels. Leo tells himself he’ll end things with Ezra once the danger is passed, but as he starts to fall in love he doesn’t know if he can do that.

Ezra has had a crush on Leo since he first saw him and once he gets one kiss from Leo he knows he’s never going to be able to give him up. With danger all around them he knows he’s safe because Leo will never let anything happen to him.

Leo & Ezra are perfect together! They are sweet, caring & steamy. With the main villain carrying over from the previous two books is was really fun to read how the story progresses. I love that each book is connected by the main operation. It’s a really fun way to tie the series together. I’m already excited for X’s story.

I did receive a free ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews but that did not influence my review.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

While reading the first half of this book I was struggling, then the second half was better for me. This is just my personal opinion, and feelings, which I believe are going to be heavily in the minority. I don’t know, maybe I'm just being a moody bitch right now. With that said, here's my thoughts. Leo was great, I really liked him through the entire book. A total badass covered in tattoos, yep, my kind of man. Now, Ezra was more difficult for me to like. He's one of those characters that I've seen people refer to as tstl. My 12yr old son is less of a mess, and would make smarter decisions than Ezra did. Eventually, I did find him more tolerable, and thus being why the second half was better for me. I enjoyed the action, and the guys on Leo's team. With everything he's been through, the feelings of not being good enough for love, I was so glad that Leo did find love and happiness. I encourage you to read this yourself, and make your own conclusions about it.

[Nissy Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Bad aka Leo fell for tiny man Ezra. I really did enjoy the dynamics between the two, only not so much the Dom/Sub kink. I am really not into that. Just because its not mine does not mean it was a bad book. The story around the first meet and continued story was really good and well written. Leo and his team members were finally able to do the job from the first book in the series with a little help from little ole Ezra. Even though their dynamic was different, Leo just wanted to protect and care for Ezra totally without realizing he had already fallen for him. But in between all of the drama he figured it out. This was another well written, imagination capturing read. It had everything from, violence, suspense, drama, and super sexy times. Even my little hang ups with the kink scene was ok with the book. I totally enjoyed it.
I received an ARC from the GRR Team and voluntarily read it for an honest review

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tatted up, sexy ex-CIA agent and member of Vigilance Leo finally meets his match in younger, awkward, mystery book reading cafe worker Ezra. Both men are more than what you see on the surface, but when Ezra takes the offered job at Leo’s tattoo studio they both get more than they bargained for. Leo is used to putting his life in danger, but when that danger comes calling for Ezra he will do whatever it takes to keep him safe. Even if that means his own life is in jeopardy. Ezra along with the other members of Vigilance have a plan, but will they be in time to save Leo and Georgio? And will we finally see the end of the organization they have been fighting against or, like the mythical Hydra, will another head just pop up in its place? We got a tease of book 4 and I can’t wait!! I love these stories of big, strong men who oftentimes skirt the wrong side of the law find their perfect match in someone they would never expect ❤️❤️

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leo used to work for the CIA but is now a tattoo artist and a member of Vigilance. When he hires Ezra and he is too curious about his less-than-legal activities he will need all the protection Leo can give him. However, Ezra wants far more of a relationship than Leo should be willing to give to him, but the longer Leo keeps him close for his safety the more Leo wants him in his bed.

I enjoyed this story with the two men who wanted each other from the start but Leo tried to do the honourable thing and stay away to protect him but Ezra was determined to get his man even if it was for a short time. I loved the way that the rest of the Vigilance team were all for Ezra and that when everything came to a head one of them accepted Ezra and his help. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM story with mature content.

[E.Muddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favourite couple from the Vigilance world. I absolutely loved both Leo and Ezra and I thought they complemented each other perfectly. Ezra is adorably awkward and clumsy, and basically impossible not to love. He’s crushed on Leo for months but it takes some forced proximity and being in danger for Leo to finally give in to the magnetism between them. Leo had me swooning with how he thinks Ezra deserves the moon but refuses to see that he is the perfect person to offer him this. He is so tender and sweet and protective with Ezra, my heart just about melted.

A bit of action and suspense, some serious steam and chemistry, and so much tenderness - Leo is definitely another hit in the Vigilance series!

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound to you

This series is explosive, intense and super-charged. Hmm, that’s just like Leo too. But he’s also protective, caring and shielding a softer side—as long as you’re Ezra—that you’ll treasure once revealed. Ezra is surprising. I thought I knew what to expect—and I think Leo did too—but he continued to amaze us all and the more his actions revealed, the harder I fell.

“There’s nothing casual about the way I feel about you.” There’s nothing casual about how I feel about this book and the men in it. In fact, I may borrow a page from Leo in the strength and depth of emotions that I possess when reading this exciting, fantastic and engrossing series. Oh, how I want X’s book to be here already!

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Leo has been my favorite character so far in this series but I I can't wait for more. I fully admit I questioned the author when she she pair Ezra and Leo at First but after watch Leo fight the chemistry between the two so hard for so long I was all for Leo crashing and burning for Ezra hard. I don't blame Ezra for getting so curious about Leo, I would have done the same thing. Though I hated to see Ezra be put in so much danger and have Leo fight the attraction so hard, it wasn't until towards the end of the book that Leo gets his head out of his ass and realizes what Ezra means to him. If I was Ezra I would have made him work harder but I guess that's just me.

Former CIA Agent now works for a Vigilante group meets his match in a waiter he can't take his eyes off of. I received this book as an ARC free of charge.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo is the third book in the Vigilance book and I enjoyed this one also. Leo and Ezra are attracted to each other from the moment they meet. Ezra is sweet, clumsy, and catches Leo's eye the first moment he bumped into him. Leo wants Ezra, but don't think he should be involved with him because of his extra activity outside of his tattoo shop. He hires Ezra to be his receptionist and he tries to avoid him at all cost. Ezra is put in danger and Leo has not other choice but to protect him. The threat is closer than they think and Leo finds out the hard way that Ezra is capable of taking care of himself. The book is sweet, funny, romantic, action-packed, some intense moments and their sexy times are hot. I am looking forward to the mysterious Xavier book.

[Anna Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories with action and romance, a lot! That is why this series is very dear to me.

Ezra is adorable, I love how he acts around Leo, excited and nervous at the same time, but not because he is scared of Leo but because he is so attracted to him. I love how spontaneous he is whenever he is around Leo.

Leo has this air of mystery around his character, maybe due to the job that he does for Vigilance or because he was former CIA. And I think that is one of the reasons that Ezra is attracted to him. He is capable and he is determined. The way he wants to protect Ezra is just beautiful, although he was conflicted at first because he thinks Ezra deserves so much better.

One of my favorite tropes and I will never get tired of reading it.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to finally read Leo's story and Ezra is so perfect for him. He brings in forefront his caring and protective part, he learns to trust and to love unconditionally and to do everything in his power to keep safe the one he has feelings for. At beginning he's reluctant because of his job at Vigilante and his past, but he soon discovers he can't be without Ezra. Their journey to happiness is one filled with adrenaline, emotion, danger, heartbreak, a journey that ends with love, devotion, happiness and family.
I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to see what happens next.