Allesandro I won’t kneel to a traitor. I won’t let my enemies rip my Family apart. If they think they can take my power away, I’ll bring death right to their door.
Emilio Memories seep into me, taunting me, choking me. I feel like I’m crumbling and have no idea how to make it out. Can I keep myself together or will death stalk me too?
What happens when vengeance isn’t enough?
Trigger warnings: Contains graphic violence, extreme sexual situations, homophobic scenes, and other material that may be distressing. It is intended for a mature audience of 18+ Please see inside for more warnings.
This is a continuous series. The first four books must be read prior to this one. Ends on a cliffhanger.
Leigh is a dark M/M romance author from Texas who writes villains of varying degrees. She considers coffee a major food group and her family fears broken coffeemakers. She writes in her spare time, forced to the keyboard by characters entirely too vocal in her opinion and often falls victim to plot monkeys. In between creating mayhem with her characters and friends, her hope is to transport readers to fictional places and provide darkness with a twist.
Okay, prepare yourself for an accelerating journey, the title is quite correct.
Emilio is shattering, he has to tell his Master what happened to him when he was captured by Peter, it’s too horrible, too painful, too shameful.
In this dominant mafia society, no softness is allowed, but little cracks in the armor of some give us a peek of it.
In the middle of all the chaos is Alessandro, he’s getting furious when people think he’s good, or better than his dad, I think he’s getting even more furious at himself for the feelings he has for Emilio.
Both Keegan and Brendan have their reasons to destroy Alessandro, gain power, revenge, you name it.
Don’t get attached to anybody, your feelings get hurt. When you expect closeness you’ll be disappointed.
The men on top, all have a form of megalomania as if they are indestructible as if they are gods. One of them is very homophobic. Whomever they act or are, you can trust nobody!
It a rough read, with strong language and attitudes. They don’t talk they only calculate and snarl. They all are murderers, violent, and love to torture. There is only one way and that’s their way. What I missed, is some sanity, humanity, some counterbalance to all the rough and tough, but that’s on me. The author knows how to bring a reader to the edge. The series is getting even crueler if that’s possible ha! Can’t wait for what war will bring!
Is he for or against Il Padrone? Where does his allegiance truly lie? And no I can't tell you who I'm referring to because crackling fires of hades this war just became a twisted game of chess
Things begin a bit slow in this episode as the pieces are being slotted carefully into place I was thrown several times when the direction of certain allegiances took a complete 180 Then having to watch my sweet Emilio find his place again...sigh broke 💔my heart But I knew he would land on his feet eventually I'm not sure how to get Keegan to see past the lies he believes (or maybe he is right and I am just biased? ) How do you get someone to see that the good outweighs the bad? Then there is Marcus- He didn't have a choice or maybe we lack faith in him? Food for thought - Things are going to get a whole lot bloodier Darker And more twisted Before we come close to any answers Until then I will wait Impatiently mind you 😏
I love this series and Alessandro is everything, but... this book was empty for me. There weren't any excitement at all, and I missed that. That is the one constant thing in this series, you just don't know what will happen with whom, and you are ready for a cliffhanger. But not this time. I wasn't bothered with the ending at all - I just finished it and was sad, because I missed that feeling.
I don't mind multiple POVs, but I think Brendan's was just unnecessary. Nothing happened when we were in his mind, only the rape and the 'I'm not gay' mindset. Nothing important for the storyline, no added excitement.
I missed more Luca and more Alessandro. And I don't know what Padrone sees in Emilio? I mean when and how had he fallen such deep in love with him? It was crazy to read about his thoughts about love. I don't mind mob bosses in love when I see and feel their journey, but this time Padrone wasn't a mob moss just a teenager(LOL) in love.
That scene at the end was my favorite, but only that - Luca, Alessandro and Emilio. I love these three together, and I really hope they end up together in a threesome because they work best that way!
Keegan? What now? And who you can trust? There are still unanswered questions, but at this point I think it's just too long when we will get answers. I hope the next book is the last, because it will get boring really quick.
I still love the series, but this wasn't my favorite.
Five books in and the excitement is still going strong! If you've not read the previous books in this series, you need to do so now, otherwise you'll be completely lost.
I'm in deep with this family, no saving my darkened soul now. When one is attacked, except Luca, I feel enraged, and I enjoy the demise of the fool/fools who were stupid enough to go after my guys. There were many foolish enough to try, and holy cow, Lio let his badass shine. Allesandro tearing through his enemies, marching straight into a place without knowing what's waiting inside, had me feeling a bit hot and bothered. That man is pure confidence and dominance.
Lio losing yet another person, someone innocent, was hard to read because I so desperately wanted them to be saved. Those last words left me with an ache in my chest. Brendan is unraveling so quickly, he's let his full psycho out for the world to see, and now more than ever needs taken down. I wish Lio could've been in that office towards the end.
Keegan has me torn on how to think or feel towards him. I'm grateful Marcus has been kept safe, and yes I know he's a "traitor" to us, but I'm not ready to give up on him yet. Keegan thinks he has so much control and power, but I think he's in for a few surprises. As long as his sights are set on Allesandro, he'll continue to be the enemy in my eyes.
Allesandro and Emilio are golden together. I love their connection, their way of knowing exactly what the other needs. I would honestly be perfectly content if Allesandro ended up with just Lio as his sexual/life partner. Their relationship is beyond what he's capable of feeling towards the other Boys. Lio is a game changer for him, at the end of the day I believe he would burn everything, and everyone, to the ground for His Boy. I know Lio would do the same for his Master. No one is more important than they are to one another, and there's nothing that could keep them apart. And, it's cute how the big bad Il Padrone is unable to deny Lio certain things at certain times. Don't you worry though, he's still very much the intimidating, deadly man you never want to cross.
I am pumped with anticipation of what book six will bring. My head was spinning from the things that go down at the end of this book. Questions, I'm incredibly full of questions that refuse to quiet down. Please, let book six come soon!
Morte was everything I could want in a book, but heed your trigger warnings. A couple scenes are intense. With the name of the book and all the events that led up to this one, I kept a body count!
There’s a lot of story to be told and it’s handled in such a way that you keep turning the pages until suddenly you’re out of story. There’s great depictions of mental health in this and some hilarious lines about what I think of as murder therapy.
Not only is the story progressing, but the characters are victims of their own choices and decisions and that plays out beautifully here. This book felt a little different, but absolutely appropriate for where I hope the story is going.
As always, there are some wonderfully written side characters. War, anyone?
This is why I love following a set of characters from book to book. I can’t wait for what’s next.
This is my new favorite book in the series, but not for the reasons you might think.
Morte is the fifth book in the dark and deliciously sexy Vendetta series. As with each book you need to read it as the fifth book, these are not standalones. Leigh Kenzie does an amazing job of building each book up from the last and you'll be lost if you try to start anywhere but the beginning. Here things that have been brewing in the background for a long time come into play. Here is where the author shows off her talent as a writer. Each book has gotten better and better but this one is truly the best.
Lio is where he belongs and he's ready to embrace everything that is being Allesandro's but to do that, he must let go of the nightmare that's holding his fragile sanity hostage. It's in this book that we truly see how strong Emilio is, as he grows and changes right before our very eyes, becoming the man he was always meant to be.
Allesandro scrambles to help his boy as he prepares to take the war with the Irish to the next level. Here Allesandro uncovers parts of himself he didn't know existed. It's not easy and he fights tooth and nail to stay in denial, but the truth is there, hanging in the shadows, ready to come into the light, Lio and his master only have to take it. This is where Leigh's talent really shows through. As this is what we call character growth. She doesn't change the characters fundamentally, she only allows them room to evolve and become the true people they were always meant to be. Lio and Allesandro slowly begin to understand that what they have between them will only make them stronger.
On the other side of things, the Irish are doing everything they can to take Allesandro and his Family out. Too bad they're too dimwitted to see what's happening right under their noses.
I loved every second of this book. It is hard to read in some parts. Leigh really took to heart the "dark" parts of the story, but it also has a different vibe at the same time. It's not sweet, or light, at least not in our "normal" terms, but it's perfect for the characters.
What I love most about this book is the ending. Each ending took me by surprise for one reason or another but this one tops them all in a different way. It's what elevates this book to my favorite.
This book lives up to all the warnings in place for it so heed those if you have any triggers. The bad guys are truly bad.
this was wonderful.. interesting and sexy... curious and complex... kept me guessing and action packed.. i loved it and it was my favorite so far in this series.. the emotions are real and raw and the characters are fun. wonderful !
Love this series! Definitely one of my favourite dark reads. Touch slower for me as things fell into place this time. Lio remains emotionally unstable. Sidelined.
Alessandro continues to surprise me, the little nuances, his thought process, leadership. Regardless of his often twisted discipline, his own ‘education’, his Boys are is family.
I’m desperately awaiting Guerra’s release. Please read the content warnings. My idea of dark is another scale altogether with dark mmmm psychological thrillers such as this. 4.25⭐️
This wild story picks up right where the previous one left off, and if you haven't read the previous books, you will definitely be lost.
At this point, Allesandro is still trying to work out Emilio's issues from being held and tortured by Peter. He is trying to jumble his feelings for Emilio while, at the same time, trying to maintain his position of strength and dominance. He is also trying to stay one step ahead of Brendan/Keegan while also trying to figure out what is going on in his own organization, i.e. issues with his drug suppliers.
Meanwhile, we have Brendan hell bent on taking Allesandro down, but he is out of control and using and abusing Devin in the process. His erratic behavior is causing some real problems and Keegan is working to stay one step ahead while sticking to his own plan to take over. He has Marcus by his side, but even as their bond/relationship seems to be growing, can he be trusted when was already disloyal to one Master?
it seems Brendan might be a sleeper, and I am really hoping that is the case. I would love to see him reunited with Il Padrone, et al. despite what might have already gone down.
This installment wasn't as fast-paced or exciting as the previous ones, but it is still a page turner nonetheless. I'm hooked, just as I have been from the start, and cannot wait to ride this out to the end. It's dark, violent and a bit crazy, but it's an exciting wild ride if that's your cuppa. Definitely recommend.
I think this is my favorite installment so far! By the way, you absolutely need to read the first 4 books first or you'll be thoroughly lost, just heed the warnings, they're there for a reason, and believe me, this is a DARK book and most of the characters go through a lot, including rape, drugging, torture, violence, etc. So, you've been warned. Also, this review will/might contain spoilers from previous books, so proceed at your own risk.
Emilio is back with Il Padrone, dealing, or trying to, with the aftermath of being held captive by Peter for so long. I was impressed by his strength, he really has grown a lot since we met him first. Allesandro has changed, too, he's fighting it tooth and nail, but it's obvious for everyone that having Emilio in his life has affected him in ways he never envisioned.
I got my wish and we got to know Keegan better and good riddance for one of my most hated characters. I can safely say I didn't expect Marcus, though, and I can't wait to see what Kenzie Leigh has planned for us next.
Overall, if you like darker reads, you can't go wrong with this series. It keeps getting better and better with each new book and the twists and turns will keep you on tenterhooks. Recommendable, just don't forget to read the warnings!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
This is the fifth book in the Vendetta series, and it won’t be the last, because Morte ends on a cliffhanger.
I will say the character Allesandro truly shines in this novel. What he’s been in denial about for his whole life after being groomed by his father to become Il Padrone is crawling out from beneath the rug where Allesandro has hidden who he truly is.
As for Emilio, he also goes through major character growth. After what he endured (I won’t say what, lest I wind up adding a spoiler by accident), he’s fighting to survive the nightmare of it all.
These two developments in the characters are the meat of this novel. Everything else, unfortunately, is rinse and repeat. The war is building with the Irish, so there are scenes with them which aren’t really necessary. There is a lot of sex that seemed, to me, to be filler, except for the scenes with Allesandro and Emilio that was related to plot and more character growth. These were done brilliantly.
Luca, as always, is great in his scenes. And he’s outshining Emilio for me, because I find Luca seems better suited for Allesandro. They have some wicked chemistry together.
Morte is a great read for fans of Allesandro. I really liked his development in this novel.
Standard sequential narrative disclaimer here: this is part of a series, and you’ll want to make sure that you’ve read previous books before starting this one. At this point, a lot has happened, and the dynamics of the world are pretty well established– it’s cruel, brutal, violent, and any cracks in the facade of strength or challenges to the rigid hierarchy are fragile and fleeting. It’s a lot, but if you’ve made it this far, it’s because you’re on the “a lot in a good way, or at least in a way that’s hard to look away from” page, and that’s where I am. There’s intrigue and characters who are absolutely dark/twisty/troubled and yet still deeply compelling, and I continue to really want to know what comes next. I’ll avoid spoiling specific plot events– they’re worth experiencing on their own– and just say bring on the next book in the series.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
As the fifth book in this series, I would expect the story to change more. However, it still feels like a repetition of events, only changing around different characters/situations. We do get to see more of the main characters and their changing feelings. While I would still not consider this story a romance, it might slowly be getting there. It's still dark and twisted though, so don't worry if romance is not your thing. It's merely there in between the line. A tiny little bit.
As alliances change again, I can't predict where the story is going, so it's making me want to keep on reading. There are still no real surprises for me, but it's still an entertaining series and I want to grab the next book to see where everything is going.
At the end, not really a cliffhanger, but a setup for the continuation of the series.
Rollercoaster continues! I keep saying that these books will definitely keep your attention, and they don’t usually go the route you expect them to take. Which is great! I will say I didn’t enjoy this as much of the others, but I’m not calling it bad or boring at all! There’s a lot of movement here. Plots afoot and characters going in and out. Thank gosh about Peter! He’s such a pill! And I really loathed reading Brendan’s chapters, just because he is a horrible character. Not horribly written! I just mean such a horrible person and you can feel it whenever it’s in his POV. Poor Davin. And you really get to uncover the depth of Marcus! I was not expecting that but I think we should have. All of the Boys have something up their sleeve. So again, still enjoyed book 5!
One thing I like about these books, is that I have no idea what direction it will take. People I thought would be along for a long time was taken out earlier in the series. Same with this book, you never know what will happen with who, and who is on which side. Things progress slowly in this one, going between the same pov as the previous one, but not much happening until the very end. At one point I found myself skipping Brandon's scenes because it was mainly him raping and harming Devin in worse and worse ways. I like Allesandro and his boys together, and I hope there will be more of it in the future, showing the family ties they have created.
Highly emotive read. The Boys all seem to have found room in their hearts for others, but Brendan gets in the way. Brendan unravels in front of your eyes. Keegan thinks he's got everything under control. Emilio is struggling and has to be broken down so he can build himself back up. Watching him and Allesandro grow together and come to a realisation that they don't want to voice is very sweet. And a lovely twist at the end. Lots going on, keeps you gripped and you just can't put the book down. Next please.
I received an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.
While Allesandro and Emilio build stronger bonds in their relationship and reveal/accept more aspects of their true characters there is so much danger and evil creeping about in the background that there isn't any time for them to really relax and process their development. The Irish are still coming and must be dealt with and both sides are plotting and scheming to achieve their ultimate vengeance. Don't start this one unless you're prepared to have to finish it. Can't wait to read book #6.
This is the 5th book in the series and my favorite. There is more feelings in this book that really brought the series together. Leigh really knows how to bring you the dark and depraved and still give you feelings. Be aware you will fall in love with these characters
Emilio is still fighting demons from what happened to him in the past. I feel Allesandro would destroy anyone in his path for Emilio. This is an excellent read but you must read the first four in the series or you’ll be completely lost. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advance copy that I received.
Heavens. Fans self. Hot? Well yea. Plots within plots. Yup. Fighting and fu@king. Of course. Repeat, rinse, repeat. Okay then. More characters, more twists, more loyalty and betrayal, more more more of everything that made the first four books amazing. Definitely! Do I recommend? Only if mm mafia stories are your thing. If they are get reading!
Wow I'm amazed any criminal activity can get down in this town. With all the lust, love and hate (some with videotape) when can these testosterone machines find the time and energy to do their jobs? Though it's great entertainment reading . Can't wait to see who cums out on top or bottom (heh heh).
Calling this series a soap opera is not a dis. I get so involved with the characters, have the feels - I did not cry! - and wonder what's next for them. Dark? Oh, yeah, but you can have a lot of fun in the dark.
This was another epic story in the continuation of Vendetta. Lio fighting through all he had been through, Luca growing, Marcus and all his moves. It is a must read!!
All I have to say is part 6 better get here soon! Emilio has found his place. Marcus is reeking havoc. Il Padrone is once again feeling in control. And now there’s a little girl in the picture!
This is such an excellent series erotic and very dark . If you love that you’ll love these books. I literally couldn’t put them down and binged on them all. A must read series
He will never kneel before them as they are a traitor. He will keep fighting against the traitor until his last breath if needed. Where will it all go? Will he keep fighting? How will it all go? Follow him to find out
Things come to a definite head in this one with Marcus (War) playing a pivotal role. Brendan shows how depraved and bigoted he is, Emilio grows in strength and Keegan is a great character.
The last few chapters I reread four times because they were probably the best in the entire book. I am completely hooked on this series. I cannot wait for the next book
Morte-Death! I thought everything would be revealed within but no there is still a master chess player in the mix. I thought there would be a happy ending but it's happier for now.