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The Castell Brothers #1
In Too Deep
The Virgin and the Gangster.
It was supposed to be three weeks of fun in the sun.
Can the Spanish God she meets be too good to be true?
Ibiza was supposed to be the holiday of a lifetime but it turned out so much more than that for Elsa, especially as she met Xander there - the dark and dangerous beautiful man.
She discovers that there is more to him than meets the eye. One by one, secrets come to light about the man she is falling for.
The chemistry they have together is electric. But is Xander all what he seems?
Elsa embarks on a journey with Xander, but will his secrets and lies taint the love that they have for each other.
It was supposed to be three weeks of fun in the sun.
Can the Spanish God she meets be too good to be true?
Ibiza was supposed to be the holiday of a lifetime but it turned out so much more than that for Elsa, especially as she met Xander there - the dark and dangerous beautiful man.
She discovers that there is more to him than meets the eye. One by one, secrets come to light about the man she is falling for.
The chemistry they have together is electric. But is Xander all what he seems?
Elsa embarks on a journey with Xander, but will his secrets and lies taint the love that they have for each other.
139 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2020
171 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Izzy Williams
48 books32 followersMJ Ray is a mother, author and childminder who lives in Manchester, England with her husband, two children and dog. They spend their summers caravanning with their friends in between having to work.
With her love of being outside, even though the Manchester weather sometimes interferes with her plans, she loves to type away in the sunshine. She always dreamed to write and is inspired to write clean teenage romance, as so many YA books were unsuitable for her teenage daughter to read.
MJ Ray has been writing for many years and her books will always have a common theme…love yourself for who you are and be grateful.
With her love of being outside, even though the Manchester weather sometimes interferes with her plans, she loves to type away in the sunshine. She always dreamed to write and is inspired to write clean teenage romance, as so many YA books were unsuitable for her teenage daughter to read.
MJ Ray has been writing for many years and her books will always have a common theme…love yourself for who you are and be grateful.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 25, 2014
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Cont. Romance
Series : - 1st in the series
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 3.5 rounded up to 4
★Review★
So I actually read the second book in this series as a R2R a couple of months back. I was recently offered the chance to beta read book 3 in the series, which I jumped at as I have been wanting to read that brothers story.
I planned on grabbing this book first anyway, just to get the background and story on the brothers so far, but the author very kindly sent me a copy (not to R2R necessarily) so I could catch up (btw I do love a lovely author!)
At first I struggled to relate to the heroine - she is 20 and on holiday in Ibiza, so the first part of the book was filled a bit too much with them "clubbing" for me. Now I am, well before my time, a bit of a grumpy old woman- so, it had nothing to do with the quality of the writing, just me not being able to relate to that aspect.
But I did like Elsa and Xander. A bit of insta love going on, but it can work and does so here. I did get a bit fed up with Elsa demanding to know all of Xander's secrets straight away - but then again I understood why she felt she needed to.
Xander I really liked, he fell so hard and fast for Elsa and was terrified of losing her. He had not had a proper relationship before her, and had a bit of a tragic past.
I did find myself wanting some Xander POV (again this is a preference thing as I love a male POV) but, again, not having it worked here, as we were kept in the dark as much as Elsa and finding out at the same time as she, what he was keeping hidden.
And then the last chapter, which was in Xander's POV was such a lovely welcome surprise, I actually ended up loving how the author did that. And I love how it was Elsa who at the end made a big grand romantic gesture for Xander. I just smiled through that entire scene.
Again, as with book 2, the odd typo here and there, nothing major at all, and no worse than I have actually seen in some trad published books.
Given this book is the first in this series, and from what I can make out, the second the author has SP - I am overall impressed. In the Castell Brothers, she has made for an interesting set of brothers that I would love to read more of, and as a British reader, having British characters and terms (but not done in such a way as to alienate international readers), by a British author, I am rather happy to have discovered this series and author. (although I could have done with the term "willy" not being used! It should never be used by anyone over the age of 12 or so imo. It was a bit jarring for me. Dick or Cock, fine - Willy - just no. (It was only used twice though as far as I can remember)
Genre : - Cont. Romance
Series : - 1st in the series
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 3.5 rounded up to 4
★Review★
So I actually read the second book in this series as a R2R a couple of months back. I was recently offered the chance to beta read book 3 in the series, which I jumped at as I have been wanting to read that brothers story.
I planned on grabbing this book first anyway, just to get the background and story on the brothers so far, but the author very kindly sent me a copy (not to R2R necessarily) so I could catch up (btw I do love a lovely author!)
At first I struggled to relate to the heroine - she is 20 and on holiday in Ibiza, so the first part of the book was filled a bit too much with them "clubbing" for me. Now I am, well before my time, a bit of a grumpy old woman- so, it had nothing to do with the quality of the writing, just me not being able to relate to that aspect.
But I did like Elsa and Xander. A bit of insta love going on, but it can work and does so here. I did get a bit fed up with Elsa demanding to know all of Xander's secrets straight away - but then again I understood why she felt she needed to.
Xander I really liked, he fell so hard and fast for Elsa and was terrified of losing her. He had not had a proper relationship before her, and had a bit of a tragic past.
I did find myself wanting some Xander POV (again this is a preference thing as I love a male POV) but, again, not having it worked here, as we were kept in the dark as much as Elsa and finding out at the same time as she, what he was keeping hidden.
And then the last chapter, which was in Xander's POV was such a lovely welcome surprise, I actually ended up loving how the author did that. And I love how it was Elsa who at the end made a big grand romantic gesture for Xander. I just smiled through that entire scene.
Again, as with book 2, the odd typo here and there, nothing major at all, and no worse than I have actually seen in some trad published books.
Given this book is the first in this series, and from what I can make out, the second the author has SP - I am overall impressed. In the Castell Brothers, she has made for an interesting set of brothers that I would love to read more of, and as a British reader, having British characters and terms (but not done in such a way as to alienate international readers), by a British author, I am rather happy to have discovered this series and author. (although I could have done with the term "willy" not being used! It should never be used by anyone over the age of 12 or so imo. It was a bit jarring for me. Dick or Cock, fine - Willy - just no. (It was only used twice though as far as I can remember)
Want to read
June 22, 2025💝FREE on Amazon today (8/2/2018)!💝
October 22, 2014
*~* I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review *~*
I need a Holiday!!!!
Elsa is with her two best friends on holiday. When her friends mention MR. Dark and Dangerous has been eyeing her she does not believe it. They have a Holiday romance and he has told her that this is so much more than a holiday romance and she doesn't believe it. Elsa is strong with all that she has been through, while being so young.
Xander (AKA MR. D&D) has met the most beautiful girl of his dreams. He is very caring and compassionate and totally in love with her. He has a very dark past and family. He tried to protect her by keeping her from the truth.
I love all the love between the 2 of them. They are made for each other. I love the way the Xander was trying to protect Elsa may be the reason he losses her. I loved this story and can't wait to read the next!! This is one hOTT and STEAMY book that you will want to read!!!
I need a Holiday!!!!
Elsa is with her two best friends on holiday. When her friends mention MR. Dark and Dangerous has been eyeing her she does not believe it. They have a Holiday romance and he has told her that this is so much more than a holiday romance and she doesn't believe it. Elsa is strong with all that she has been through, while being so young.
Xander (AKA MR. D&D) has met the most beautiful girl of his dreams. He is very caring and compassionate and totally in love with her. He has a very dark past and family. He tried to protect her by keeping her from the truth.
I love all the love between the 2 of them. They are made for each other. I love the way the Xander was trying to protect Elsa may be the reason he losses her. I loved this story and can't wait to read the next!! This is one hOTT and STEAMY book that you will want to read!!!
November 10, 2021
I loved💘it
I really loved reading this story. The characters were wonderful. The plot and storyline were pretty great too. Xander and Elsa were great together. Their chemistry was pretty darn Hot🔥.
Read it for yourself!
I really loved reading this story. The characters were wonderful. The plot and storyline were pretty great too. Xander and Elsa were great together. Their chemistry was pretty darn Hot🔥.
Read it for yourself!
April 1, 2019
This is a reread for me. Read this a few years ago and had it on my mind. I only rated the book and never reviewed it. So here is my review. It was still just as good as when I originally read it back in 2016.
Characters = 4/5
Plot = 4/5
Romance = 5/5
Mystery = 2/5
Action = 3/5
Darkness = 1.5/5
Humor = 1/5
Stars = 4 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Would I recommend this book = Yes
I love the plot. An insta-romance with a dark & dangerous hero and a sweet & innocent heroine. Elsa and Zander are both likeable and complement each other perfectly.
My only take away with this book is the exclamation points (!). My gosh they were everywhere. Seemed to be overused and they drove me crazy.
Characters = 4/5
Plot = 4/5
Romance = 5/5
Mystery = 2/5
Action = 3/5
Darkness = 1.5/5
Humor = 1/5
Stars = 4 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Would I recommend this book = Yes
I love the plot. An insta-romance with a dark & dangerous hero and a sweet & innocent heroine. Elsa and Zander are both likeable and complement each other perfectly.
My only take away with this book is the exclamation points (!). My gosh they were everywhere. Seemed to be overused and they drove me crazy.
June 1, 2023
Elsa and Xander's story was cute and sweet at times. This couple has instalove when they see each other and the attraction happens quickly and within no time they are a serious couple, she moves to Madrid to be with him.
Instant love with a touch of drama!
Instant love with a touch of drama!
May 30, 2015
4 Fighter Stars
Hot steamy read. You can feel the spark between the hero, Xander and heroine, Elsa. MMA fighter romance = a win, win read for me ;D
Hot steamy read. You can feel the spark between the hero, Xander and heroine, Elsa. MMA fighter romance = a win, win read for me ;D
May 2, 2022
Im actually baffled by this book. It almost feels like there was no research prior to the book nor had the author read mafia romance prior. The family is one of the most powerful in Spain yet does not have a private plane. Again, they are high in the mafia yet they do not have a criminal lawyer on retainer or working for them directly. The main male character beats up someone, in his own club, and the other brother calls the police - which NEVER happens in a mafia romance.
The main female character is just annoying. She feels much younger than 21 and is a combination of annoying and uneducated. The timelines for the character are also off.
Overall the writing feels very simple and elementary. While the author may have better work I would not waste my time with this book and series. Im at 75% completed and thinking I may just stop reading.
The main female character is just annoying. She feels much younger than 21 and is a combination of annoying and uneducated. The timelines for the character are also off.
Overall the writing feels very simple and elementary. While the author may have better work I would not waste my time with this book and series. Im at 75% completed and thinking I may just stop reading.
October 31, 2021
I really did enjoy the book at the beginning, it was a sweet romance story. But it felt increasingly rushed and I really don't understand how the main character is so bothered about Xander lying but not about him being involved with the Mafia or killing his father. That seems odd. Moreover, rather than feeling the novel with plot, we get lots of sex scenes who are also very rushed. Even though the virgin thing seems to be a big thing in the summary, it does not really matter. Elsa's expectations of her partner's sex life are very unrealistic too, she is as possessive as Xander even though his possessiveness is bothering her, not much though. Her change of heart at the end of the book seems very random and I really do not get why she goes back to him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2025
Omg, why would you write this?????
This type of relationship is UNHEALTHY!!! WHY would you promote it as being romantic to have someone rule your life???!!!! Let me tell you, it is NOT fun or romantic, it is mental abuse!!! And you're lucky if it doesn't turn physical. This book could cause real damage to some unsuspecting young thing who believes all this crap about over possessive men being What you are looking for. They are not!!!! Run as fast as you can!! This book is a travesty!!!!!
This type of relationship is UNHEALTHY!!! WHY would you promote it as being romantic to have someone rule your life???!!!! Let me tell you, it is NOT fun or romantic, it is mental abuse!!! And you're lucky if it doesn't turn physical. This book could cause real damage to some unsuspecting young thing who believes all this crap about over possessive men being What you are looking for. They are not!!!! Run as fast as you can!! This book is a travesty!!!!!
Read
March 25, 20210.5
January 11, 2022
In too deep
I really enjoyed this book you willing for the two of them to up together and the ending was very emotional
I really enjoyed this book you willing for the two of them to up together and the ending was very emotional
May 4, 2022
This was a hot read but it just seemed a bit unrealistic. He was all over her and was a bit sickening. I thought there would be a roughness to him but he is too perfect.
May 8, 2022
Tw attempted rape, assault
April 30, 2023
In too deep
This was an interesting story. There was a lot of sexy scenes and a bit of danger in this book.
This was an interesting story. There was a lot of sexy scenes and a bit of danger in this book.
September 22, 2023
I don't know how I feel about this story
I got the feeling that English was not this writers first language. The story felt a bit like an old Harlaquin book.
I got the feeling that English was not this writers first language. The story felt a bit like an old Harlaquin book.
July 12, 2024
A strong MFC finds a lovely romance in this great story.
July 28, 2023
Nothing makes sense in this book
May 24, 2015
The story is a 1 person POV story that is nothing short of being great. For me personally I don't know why it has taken this long for me to be introduced to the story. I was able to read this story in 1 day it didn't take me long at all to fall for the characters and the story line. It's one of those kind of stories that you can't help but read cover to cover, the details are wonderful and the romance of it all is even better in fact it's hott. MUST READ!!! I do recommend that everyone read this story.
***I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review, see more of my review @ http://jmhoward2007.blogspot.com ***
***I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review, see more of my review @ http://jmhoward2007.blogspot.com ***
June 5, 2020
this was a fantastic steamy read - you could really feel the chemistry between xander and elsa and really wanted it to work out for them - really enjoy izzys writing style you dont seem to get a lot of british erotic romance authors a so it was nice having some english references - besides making me really want to book a holiday!!
December 29, 2013
Really enjoyed this book, really likeable characters and very sexy Xander! love myself a naughty man! cant wait to read more of the castell brothers. I read izzy Williams first book and enjoyed it but I enjoyed this even more.
February 24, 2016
What a great read, Xander is a hot Spanish nightclub owner but there is more to him than just that, Elsa is a beautiful woman who meets her soul mate but don't be fooled its not all plain sailing. Read it in one day and really enjoyed Xander and Elsa story can't Waite to read more . Worth 5*
March 24, 2014
xander was super sexy and elsa really likeable, cant wait for the next book about Raffael.
April 27, 2023
elsa and xander started off a trilogy for me that I never intended to be a trilogy but loved the characters so much I had to write more about them - im so glad I did
Want to read
March 2, 2024Purch Amz Nov 7, 2020
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews