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Fog City #4
Queen's Ransom
Everyone leaves.
Love is risky business when you’re an assassin.
Helena Madigan has lost loved ones to the family business before. Now that she’s in charge, she’s determined never to risk her heart again.
Except every time Celia enters the room, she takes Helena’s breath away.
But the one time someone stays…
Celia Perri likes to be helpful.
She just wants to run the family auto shop, raise her kids, and help her brother plan his wedding.
But when a drive-by shooting targets the garage, Celia’s simple life is upended.
Now ensconced within the Madigan family, there’s no escaping Helena, the blonde bombshell she’s been crushing on for months.
It could cost her everything.
As the Madigans investigate, Celia witnesses their love and loyalty up close.
And their business.
Instead of being afraid, she sees a place for herself among them. She could be a confidant and caregiver—if only Helena would stop pushing her away. If only she’d admit their mutual attraction might lead to more.
And if only someone would stop shooting at them long enough to find out.
Queen’s Ransom is the fourth book in the Fog City romantic suspense series. It can be read as a stand-alone but is best enjoyed after reading books one through three of the series.
Love is risky business when you’re an assassin.
Helena Madigan has lost loved ones to the family business before. Now that she’s in charge, she’s determined never to risk her heart again.
Except every time Celia enters the room, she takes Helena’s breath away.
But the one time someone stays…
Celia Perri likes to be helpful.
She just wants to run the family auto shop, raise her kids, and help her brother plan his wedding.
But when a drive-by shooting targets the garage, Celia’s simple life is upended.
Now ensconced within the Madigan family, there’s no escaping Helena, the blonde bombshell she’s been crushing on for months.
It could cost her everything.
As the Madigans investigate, Celia witnesses their love and loyalty up close.
And their business.
Instead of being afraid, she sees a place for herself among them. She could be a confidant and caregiver—if only Helena would stop pushing her away. If only she’d admit their mutual attraction might lead to more.
And if only someone would stop shooting at them long enough to find out.
Queen’s Ransom is the fourth book in the Fog City romantic suspense series. It can be read as a stand-alone but is best enjoyed after reading books one through three of the series.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2021
72 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Layla Reyne
57 books1,031 followersLayla Reyne is the author of What We May Be and the Agents Irish and Whiskey, Fog City, and Perfect Play series. She writes sexy, intense LGBTQIA+ romance featuring competent adults in kitchens, sports arenas, car chases, and other high-stakes situations. Whether it’s adrenaline-fueled suspense, rival athletes, vampires and shifters in alt-realms, or love mixed with mouth-watering foodie goodness, queer folks finding happily-ever-afters is guaranteed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
February 17, 2021
'ARC provided by both NetGalley and The Publisher in exchange for a honest review'
**'Everything in life is writable only if you as a staunch writer have the guts to do it and the imagination to improvise because the worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt..'
Interesting read!
I have to confess to all interested readers that I did not read the previous 'Fog City' books in this ongoing series but because of the alluring blurb of this book #4, I just could not let it pass me by. Was sucked in from the first paragraph and never let up until i got to the ending -- not disappointed in the least because the plotline was well written and good for my fictitious mind.
With it's vivid storytelling of the basic close knit family dynamics, the ongoing high-tension drama that involved other crime families & drug dealers and those neighborhood wannabe bad guys -- add the portrayal of these different relationships, whether emotionally draining for a few or the romantic side for others. Ms.Reyne never held back on how she weaved each stressful aspect and issues that pertains to all the different relationships mention.
Apart from the action, ever so often there was this intermingling of the two main families involved;- the two sisters from each family having this complex friendship while trying to figure out these feelings and this underlying attraction for each other. Helena, the boss of her family business, is ruthless, intimidating and has her own unique brand of justice but have this soft side to everything Celia, who is now trying to get her life back on track, is also kind-hearted and can defend herself when the time permits.
Overall, 'QUEEN'S RANSOM' can be read as a standalone with all the intimate moments between each couple, the culminating hard-hitting action, the many family interactions and support from close friends do result in order being restored when everything is said and done in this thrilling ongoing series.
Highly recommended!
**'Everything in life is writable only if you as a staunch writer have the guts to do it and the imagination to improvise because the worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt..'
Interesting read!
I have to confess to all interested readers that I did not read the previous 'Fog City' books in this ongoing series but because of the alluring blurb of this book #4, I just could not let it pass me by. Was sucked in from the first paragraph and never let up until i got to the ending -- not disappointed in the least because the plotline was well written and good for my fictitious mind.
With it's vivid storytelling of the basic close knit family dynamics, the ongoing high-tension drama that involved other crime families & drug dealers and those neighborhood wannabe bad guys -- add the portrayal of these different relationships, whether emotionally draining for a few or the romantic side for others. Ms.Reyne never held back on how she weaved each stressful aspect and issues that pertains to all the different relationships mention.
Apart from the action, ever so often there was this intermingling of the two main families involved;- the two sisters from each family having this complex friendship while trying to figure out these feelings and this underlying attraction for each other. Helena, the boss of her family business, is ruthless, intimidating and has her own unique brand of justice but have this soft side to everything Celia, who is now trying to get her life back on track, is also kind-hearted and can defend herself when the time permits.
Overall, 'QUEEN'S RANSOM' can be read as a standalone with all the intimate moments between each couple, the culminating hard-hitting action, the many family interactions and support from close friends do result in order being restored when everything is said and done in this thrilling ongoing series.
Highly recommended!
March 9, 2021
A pretty cool romantic suspense series about an Italian mob family.
This is the only f/f romance book in the Fog City series and the only one I’ve read. The earlier three are m/m romances. While this book can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading in sequence, otherwise be prepared to spend time figuring out who’s who like I did as the characters have history together. The main characters Helena and Celia start off this book already attracted to each other, with Helena, the mob boss trying to stay away, but it’s difficult because they are about to be one family. Their brothers Hawes and Chris, who were the main characters in the first three books, are engaged to each other and even though I don’t know what went down before this, their relationship is sweet.
I really like how family is portrayed here. This mob family appears dangerous on the outside, but behind closed doors, it is a fully functional family with kids. It is close-knitted one and everyone has each other’s back. I like how Celia fits right in with them, learning her place in the family and figuring out when to ask questions and when not to. It’s heart-warming to read, considering Celia’s situation. She’s a battered wife with kids in tow, estranged from an abusive ex-husband. She clearly deserves better and Helena is more than better. The dynamics between Helena and Celia is great and they are a perfect fit for each other.
Besides the romance, there’s also an equal amount of action and suspense throughout the book that got me reading on and Reyne did a good job balancing them out. There’s also some tension between Helena’s other brother Holt and his best friend Brax that is a lead up to something interesting in book five and fans of this series will definitely have something to look forward to.
I received an ARC from Valentine PR & Literary Management in exchange for an honest review.
This is the only f/f romance book in the Fog City series and the only one I’ve read. The earlier three are m/m romances. While this book can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading in sequence, otherwise be prepared to spend time figuring out who’s who like I did as the characters have history together. The main characters Helena and Celia start off this book already attracted to each other, with Helena, the mob boss trying to stay away, but it’s difficult because they are about to be one family. Their brothers Hawes and Chris, who were the main characters in the first three books, are engaged to each other and even though I don’t know what went down before this, their relationship is sweet.
I really like how family is portrayed here. This mob family appears dangerous on the outside, but behind closed doors, it is a fully functional family with kids. It is close-knitted one and everyone has each other’s back. I like how Celia fits right in with them, learning her place in the family and figuring out when to ask questions and when not to. It’s heart-warming to read, considering Celia’s situation. She’s a battered wife with kids in tow, estranged from an abusive ex-husband. She clearly deserves better and Helena is more than better. The dynamics between Helena and Celia is great and they are a perfect fit for each other.
Besides the romance, there’s also an equal amount of action and suspense throughout the book that got me reading on and Reyne did a good job balancing them out. There’s also some tension between Helena’s other brother Holt and his best friend Brax that is a lead up to something interesting in book five and fans of this series will definitely have something to look forward to.
I received an ARC from Valentine PR & Literary Management in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2021
This book is a brilliant addition to the Fog City series.
Its star pair also take a place on the Shelf of Hotness just the same as their respective brothers did in the first three entries.
Queen's Ransom firmly puts the focus on the women at the heart of the Perri and Madigan families as they dance around the attraction between them.
I was fascinated by the sparks flying between Celia and Helena every time they met and here they finally explode 😁
The romance is a mix of frustrations and feelings, Helena takes a while to get her head in the game, although it's pretty clear her heart's already invested.
There's only a couple of smexy times but they are definitely heated and full of passion.
Their second garage encounter in particular demonstrates perfectly the push and pull between the two women.
They work their way up to a steamy set of orgasms that starts with a heated kiss on a dolly, skirts the top of Whiskey Walker's vintage car, and ends up with them wrung out in a panting heap in the office.
Helena's fears about the dangers anyone who gets involved with her family might face were a driving force throughout.
And they came into a full on collision with Cee's waste of space ex husband Dex.
Anyone who's read the other books knows how dangerous Helena is, but Cee's no weakling either.
So when someone shoots up her garage after she and Helena's first kiss, she's not willing to just sit back.
I really liked the suspense element of the plot. It worked for me within the narrative, it flowed well, mingling adrenaline rush moments with nerve tingling tension points.
I won't go into depth, I don't want to spoil the clever way Layla intertwines the two families together with a shared threat.
And while Chris and Hawes are getting closer to their wedding and are as strong as ever, Brax and Holt are struggling and my heart was breaking at their interactions.
Their book is going to round off the Fog City series and I absolutely cannot wait for that.
We also get a few Easter Egg name drops for Layla's other San Francisco set romantic suspense series' and it made me smile every time.
I don't think it's easy to throw a different pairing romance into an established MM series but it absolutely works here imho.
#ARC kindly received from the publishers via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Its star pair also take a place on the Shelf of Hotness just the same as their respective brothers did in the first three entries.
Queen's Ransom firmly puts the focus on the women at the heart of the Perri and Madigan families as they dance around the attraction between them.
I was fascinated by the sparks flying between Celia and Helena every time they met and here they finally explode 😁
The romance is a mix of frustrations and feelings, Helena takes a while to get her head in the game, although it's pretty clear her heart's already invested.
There's only a couple of smexy times but they are definitely heated and full of passion.
Their second garage encounter in particular demonstrates perfectly the push and pull between the two women.
They work their way up to a steamy set of orgasms that starts with a heated kiss on a dolly, skirts the top of Whiskey Walker's vintage car, and ends up with them wrung out in a panting heap in the office.
Helena's fears about the dangers anyone who gets involved with her family might face were a driving force throughout.
And they came into a full on collision with Cee's waste of space ex husband Dex.
Anyone who's read the other books knows how dangerous Helena is, but Cee's no weakling either.
So when someone shoots up her garage after she and Helena's first kiss, she's not willing to just sit back.
I really liked the suspense element of the plot. It worked for me within the narrative, it flowed well, mingling adrenaline rush moments with nerve tingling tension points.
I won't go into depth, I don't want to spoil the clever way Layla intertwines the two families together with a shared threat.
And while Chris and Hawes are getting closer to their wedding and are as strong as ever, Brax and Holt are struggling and my heart was breaking at their interactions.
Their book is going to round off the Fog City series and I absolutely cannot wait for that.
We also get a few Easter Egg name drops for Layla's other San Francisco set romantic suspense series' and it made me smile every time.
I don't think it's easy to throw a different pairing romance into an established MM series but it absolutely works here imho.
#ARC kindly received from the publishers via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review.
February 14, 2021
It's been a while since I read the last book in the series, but it took no time at all to be swept into the whirlwind that was the Madigan family. Every sibling was featured prominently but this time it was Helena Madigan who was at the wheel.
I liked Helena from previous books. She is loyal, funny and can kick a$$ like nobody's business. But here we also see her as a woman with desires for her own happy ever after. I liked her gentle side, sweet moments with Celia, Chris's sister, as well as snarky banter with her brothers. Both women suited each other well, had nice chemistry and complimented each other. Celia was a surprise. She finally stood up for herself with her abusive ex, became more self confident and was such a positive presence in Helena's life.
Like with previous books the pace was fast, the events of the book happened within a week and were a slight continuation of the plot from previous books. There was a bit of angst, some suspense, steamy encounters that I personally enjoyed reading as well as cute Perri/Madigan families shenanigans. I can't wait to read Holt and Brax rocky road to HEA. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review.
I liked Helena from previous books. She is loyal, funny and can kick a$$ like nobody's business. But here we also see her as a woman with desires for her own happy ever after. I liked her gentle side, sweet moments with Celia, Chris's sister, as well as snarky banter with her brothers. Both women suited each other well, had nice chemistry and complimented each other. Celia was a surprise. She finally stood up for herself with her abusive ex, became more self confident and was such a positive presence in Helena's life.
Like with previous books the pace was fast, the events of the book happened within a week and were a slight continuation of the plot from previous books. There was a bit of angst, some suspense, steamy encounters that I personally enjoyed reading as well as cute Perri/Madigan families shenanigans. I can't wait to read Holt and Brax rocky road to HEA. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review.
May 2, 2021
***3.5 Stars***
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March 11, 2021I haven’t been able to get into the few f/f romance books I’ve tried. I’m going to be honest. I don’t think they are my thing. They don’t do much for me. And I pretty much knew this going into this one. But I had to read this for three reasons:
1) They may not be my thing as far as those steamy parts. But I appreciate a good love story and had gotten to love Helena and Celia in the first three books. So I wanted to read their story.
2) I knew the last book in the series was coming out and these aren’t really ones you can skip books with, in my opinion. And speaking of that next book, give me Holt and Brax NOW!!! 😭🤣🥰
3) I missed the gang and wanted to hang out with all of them again. (Especially books 1-3’s couple, Dante and Hawes! 😍)
So I had my reasons. And I have no regrets that I read it. Action and plot wise, I found it a little messy, confusing and over the top. Which is how I found the first three. Still enjoyable though. I love the whole crazy Madigan family and extended family.
I’m not rating because the things that were underwhelming were a case of me and not the book. And taking those out of consideration leaves me confused on how to rate the rest. 🤷🏻♀️
1) They may not be my thing as far as those steamy parts. But I appreciate a good love story and had gotten to love Helena and Celia in the first three books. So I wanted to read their story.
2) I knew the last book in the series was coming out and these aren’t really ones you can skip books with, in my opinion. And speaking of that next book, give me Holt and Brax NOW!!! 😭🤣🥰
3) I missed the gang and wanted to hang out with all of them again. (Especially books 1-3’s couple, Dante and Hawes! 😍)
So I had my reasons. And I have no regrets that I read it. Action and plot wise, I found it a little messy, confusing and over the top. Which is how I found the first three. Still enjoyable though. I love the whole crazy Madigan family and extended family.
I’m not rating because the things that were underwhelming were a case of me and not the book. And taking those out of consideration leaves me confused on how to rate the rest. 🤷🏻♀️
February 28, 2021
Layla is one of my favorite authors, so I was so excited to get my hands on Queen’s Ransom. I’ve loved Helena since the first Fog City book, so I’m thrilled she gets her much-deserved HEA. She and Celia complement one another perfectly. I always enjoy Layla’s high-octane pacing and no BS approach to writing. Every word counts. There is no fluff or fillers, but the story is full of emotion. It’s a delicate dance to pull off and Layla accomplishes it beautifully. This writing style suits Helena and Celia perfectly and showcases all the facets of these complex, amazing women. What’s better than a book with a fabulous female lead? A book with two fabulous female leads. Celia isn’t just a soft place for Helena to land. She’s badass in her own right. It would be easy for her to get lost in the shadows of Helena’s bolder personality, but Layla makes sure it doesn’t happen. I highly recommend.
February 23, 2021
I've been waiting for Helena's book since I read A New Empire and this was absolutely amazing!!
Loved Helena and Celia together. They are both perfect for each other and I was so happy to see Celia stand up for herself.
Helena is one of my favourites out of all characters and I love how the author writes strong and badass women so well. Her snarky banter with Chris is so good!
This is book 4 in the Fog City series and cannot be read as a standalone. There is an overarching plot and read the previous book would give a better understanding. Really loved seeing Hawes and Chris and I cannot wait for the next book. Holt and Brax have so much potential and I'm so excited for their book, especially because it's best friends to lovers!
*ARC provided by the author via Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
Loved Helena and Celia together. They are both perfect for each other and I was so happy to see Celia stand up for herself.
Helena is one of my favourites out of all characters and I love how the author writes strong and badass women so well. Her snarky banter with Chris is so good!
This is book 4 in the Fog City series and cannot be read as a standalone. There is an overarching plot and read the previous book would give a better understanding. Really loved seeing Hawes and Chris and I cannot wait for the next book. Holt and Brax have so much potential and I'm so excited for their book, especially because it's best friends to lovers!
*ARC provided by the author via Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
February 27, 2021
Outstanding addition to the Fog City trilogy. Helena met her match in Celia and now they just have to win each other over. There’s teasing, some pining, and lust galore.
This moves the overarching series plot along, adds some extra angst to poor Holt and Kane, sees Dante and Hawes as an established happy couple, and adds to the wonderful family dynamics and friendships.
If you’ve never read an FF book before, starting here would be a great gateway (especially if you’ve read the first three books). Seriously...give Helena and Celia a try and then come back for more FF recs.
Beyond highly recommend.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLxlfovAc...
This moves the overarching series plot along, adds some extra angst to poor Holt and Kane, sees Dante and Hawes as an established happy couple, and adds to the wonderful family dynamics and friendships.
If you’ve never read an FF book before, starting here would be a great gateway (especially if you’ve read the first three books). Seriously...give Helena and Celia a try and then come back for more FF recs.
Beyond highly recommend.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLxlfovAc...
June 20, 2022
Like others, I did not read the first three books in the series because m/m romance isn't my jam. But I read that this could be a standalone, so with a cover like that, how could I pass it up? Let the locks flow, I say.
However I really had a hard time getting into it because the reader is thrown into all of these characters and references to past plots that happened before with no context. I don't agree that it's a standalone. While I muddled through it eventually, it definitely hampered my experience.
MC Helena and MC Celia are two strong independent and fiercely loyal women, so, HUZZAH. I believed in their attraction, and the build up was well done. This author can certainly write. However I found the plot loose and predictable, and their story kind of felt like an after thought. Again, don't know how the men fared in previous books, so maybe this is just a style. The family dynamics were pretty tight though, the care and dedication to one another very apparent. Interesting that pretty much everyone in the family is gay, HAPPY PRIDE EVERYONE. When the ladies do finally hook up, the tone felt like it was written by someone who mostly writes m/m romance. It felt off, lacked emotion and connection, still sexy but a wee bit empty.
So overall I did like it, but realize my rating of 3.25 may have been higher had I knew more of the family stories.
However I really had a hard time getting into it because the reader is thrown into all of these characters and references to past plots that happened before with no context. I don't agree that it's a standalone. While I muddled through it eventually, it definitely hampered my experience.
MC Helena and MC Celia are two strong independent and fiercely loyal women, so, HUZZAH. I believed in their attraction, and the build up was well done. This author can certainly write. However I found the plot loose and predictable, and their story kind of felt like an after thought. Again, don't know how the men fared in previous books, so maybe this is just a style. The family dynamics were pretty tight though, the care and dedication to one another very apparent. Interesting that pretty much everyone in the family is gay, HAPPY PRIDE EVERYONE. When the ladies do finally hook up, the tone felt like it was written by someone who mostly writes m/m romance. It felt off, lacked emotion and connection, still sexy but a wee bit empty.
So overall I did like it, but realize my rating of 3.25 may have been higher had I knew more of the family stories.
Read
March 15, 2021Happy to return to the Fog City series with this awesome addition. Helena and Celia are two alpha women who absolutely deserve an HEA with each other!
February 23, 2024
Book 4 in this series is about Helena Madigan, younger sister to Hawes aka The Prince of Killers and Holt Madigan.
When Helena first met her future brother-in-law, Chris Perri's sister Celia, she’d been captivated by the gorgeous stranger with long brown hair and blazing brown eyes. Lust at first sight.
But for Celia too had taken note of Helena, One look at the petite blond at Chris’s hospital bedside and hummingbirds had taken flight in Celia’s belly, making her lightheaded.
But Helena leads a dangerous life, a life she does not want Celia and her family exposed to, so Helena decides to put a stop to the rising heat and attraction between them. Especially since it looks like someone is hunting the Queen of Assassins.
Part of the Fog City Series and must be read in order:
March 1, 2021
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the fourth book in the series - and I would say that you definitely need to read the previous three to understand the underlying plots, and family relationships. Helena and her two brothers run the above and below board Madigan businesses. She is now in charge, and taking on a lot in addition to being a practicing lawyer. Hawes and Chris are about to marry, and Holt is devastated by Brax staying away.
Chris's sister Celia has drawn Helena's attention, and then when she visits Celia at work there is a drive by shooting. This catapults them together, as Celia's children and mother move into the mansion to stay safe. Suddenly the two women are much closer than they ever expected. Celia is just out of a horrible marriage to Dex, and never had any other relationships, so she is rather beautifully innocent, but definitely interested in Helena.
As we see the complications of the family business and interplays with other local underworld criminal organisations play out, there is little opportunity for romance - but the heat is there and the hope for both of them to find happiness together. You will have to read it and find out just how it works out!
I am even more in need of Holt and Brax's story - those two are not doing well at the moment.
This is the fourth book in the series - and I would say that you definitely need to read the previous three to understand the underlying plots, and family relationships. Helena and her two brothers run the above and below board Madigan businesses. She is now in charge, and taking on a lot in addition to being a practicing lawyer. Hawes and Chris are about to marry, and Holt is devastated by Brax staying away.
Chris's sister Celia has drawn Helena's attention, and then when she visits Celia at work there is a drive by shooting. This catapults them together, as Celia's children and mother move into the mansion to stay safe. Suddenly the two women are much closer than they ever expected. Celia is just out of a horrible marriage to Dex, and never had any other relationships, so she is rather beautifully innocent, but definitely interested in Helena.
As we see the complications of the family business and interplays with other local underworld criminal organisations play out, there is little opportunity for romance - but the heat is there and the hope for both of them to find happiness together. You will have to read it and find out just how it works out!
I am even more in need of Holt and Brax's story - those two are not doing well at the moment.
March 19, 2021
I had hopes for Queen's Ransom but, unfortunately, I struggled to finish it. I was mostly bored. It was lovely seeing more of Hawes and Chris, though, as they went through wedding planning, and my heart broke a little for Holt.
Why the low rating? Did I mention I was bored? There's also these things:
1) There was little, to no, romance - the series plot arc overtook it.
2) While I like Helena -- she is seriously badass -- I really dislike hot and cold running MCs. I don't like the way she treated Celia, at all. One minute she would be coming on hot and the next, she'd totally play the martyr and ghost her. Rinse, repeat. And after what Cee went through with her ex, I just found that pretty fucked up.
3) Cee was a total doormat for Helena, just like she was with her ex for over a decade. The rest of the story was ok, but I found myself skimming just to get to the end. I hope I like book 5, better.
Why the low rating? Did I mention I was bored? There's also these things:
1) There was little, to no, romance - the series plot arc overtook it.
2) While I like Helena -- she is seriously badass -- I really dislike hot and cold running MCs. I don't like the way she treated Celia, at all. One minute she would be coming on hot and the next, she'd totally play the martyr and ghost her. Rinse, repeat. And after what Cee went through with her ex, I just found that pretty fucked up.
3) Cee was a total doormat for Helena, just like she was with her ex for over a decade. The rest of the story was ok, but I found myself skimming just to get to the end. I hope I like book 5, better.
May 1, 2021
3.5 Stars. First of all you can't really read this book without having read the previous books but I loved them so I do recommend this series. This was least favorite of the books - maybe because the romance was lacking. The previous books all centered around Hawes and Chris and it took more than one book for their romance to really take shape which was great because we got a lot of development between them. In this book Helena and Celia are the romantic interests. Now they have met in prior books but the relationship between them didn't get much page time. In this book it didn't always either mostly because Helena blew hot and cold (which I really don't like in my characters). Helena is a badass and we get to see a softer side to her but I didn't like the should I/shouldn't I that she did in this book. Mostly I just wanted to get to the next book about Braxton and Holt.
April 12, 2022
CW: past intimate partner violence
I read the first three books in this series just so I could get to this one and it sure paid off! Celia and Helena’s chemistry has been building but I was worried they’d just jump right into things, despite what Celia’s been through. Luckily, enough time has passed before this book begins. Celia is now divorced and she’s gotten counseling and is in a domestic violence support group. She’s doing much better and Helena’s back in town after a long business trip. However, their friendship-turned-romance has to be put to the side when a drive-by shooting happens at Celia’s auto shop.
The suspense plot was well balanced to things slowly heating up between Celia and Helena. Celia has known she’s pan but she’d only ever been with her ex-husband. There’s a little internalized panphobia to work through and Helena was great about that, as well as Celia’s nervousness about not knowing exactly what to do. Helena was really worried about bringing Celia into her life and possibly endangering her but Celia’s outsider perspective and caretaking nature was exactly why she’s so perfect for Helena. I loved watching them figure things out!
It was so satisfying to see their two families come together as Hawes and Chris’s wedding drew near. Celia’s kids are great and I get a kick out of her mom too. There’s some big set up stuff for Holt’s book and I’m really looking forward to seeing how that one turns out.
The first three books are about one couple (Celia’s brother Chris and Helena’s brother Hawes) and I don’t know that I would have enjoyed Queen’s Ransom as much if I didn’t know what all had happened to the Madigans before this. However, this book is by far stronger than those three stories so it’s hard to advocate for anyone to read them first unless they really want to. (They probably should have just been combined into one strong book, instead of three middling novellas.) That said, I can barely read anything suspenseful these days and this series has really held my attention!
Characters: Helena is a white bisexual lawyer and head of an organized crime group of assassins. Her cats are named Daisy and Tulip. Celia is a white pansexual mechanic. They are both over 30. Celia has a 16 or 17 year old daughter named Mia and a 13 year old son named Marco. This is set in San Francisco.
Content notes: drive-by shooting, attempted murder, violence, past intimate partner violence , ex-husband cheated, internalized panphobia (countered), alcohol, divorced, FMC has tinnitus in left ear from work, diet culture, on page sex, gendered insults, ableist language, prisoner murdered in his cell and his murdered died by suicide, secondary character discusses past heart attack, past ethical violation , mentions of past death of parents, mentions of weight loss due to stress (secondary characters), mention of past death of secondary character’s daughter (who is MC’s niece), reference to cocaine (secondary character)
I read the first three books in this series just so I could get to this one and it sure paid off! Celia and Helena’s chemistry has been building but I was worried they’d just jump right into things, despite what Celia’s been through. Luckily, enough time has passed before this book begins. Celia is now divorced and she’s gotten counseling and is in a domestic violence support group. She’s doing much better and Helena’s back in town after a long business trip. However, their friendship-turned-romance has to be put to the side when a drive-by shooting happens at Celia’s auto shop.
The suspense plot was well balanced to things slowly heating up between Celia and Helena. Celia has known she’s pan but she’d only ever been with her ex-husband. There’s a little internalized panphobia to work through and Helena was great about that, as well as Celia’s nervousness about not knowing exactly what to do. Helena was really worried about bringing Celia into her life and possibly endangering her but Celia’s outsider perspective and caretaking nature was exactly why she’s so perfect for Helena. I loved watching them figure things out!
It was so satisfying to see their two families come together as Hawes and Chris’s wedding drew near. Celia’s kids are great and I get a kick out of her mom too. There’s some big set up stuff for Holt’s book and I’m really looking forward to seeing how that one turns out.
The first three books are about one couple (Celia’s brother Chris and Helena’s brother Hawes) and I don’t know that I would have enjoyed Queen’s Ransom as much if I didn’t know what all had happened to the Madigans before this. However, this book is by far stronger than those three stories so it’s hard to advocate for anyone to read them first unless they really want to. (They probably should have just been combined into one strong book, instead of three middling novellas.) That said, I can barely read anything suspenseful these days and this series has really held my attention!
Characters: Helena is a white bisexual lawyer and head of an organized crime group of assassins. Her cats are named Daisy and Tulip. Celia is a white pansexual mechanic. They are both over 30. Celia has a 16 or 17 year old daughter named Mia and a 13 year old son named Marco. This is set in San Francisco.
Content notes: drive-by shooting, attempted murder, violence, past intimate partner violence , ex-husband cheated, internalized panphobia (countered), alcohol, divorced, FMC has tinnitus in left ear from work, diet culture, on page sex, gendered insults, ableist language, prisoner murdered in his cell and his murdered died by suicide, secondary character discusses past heart attack, past ethical violation , mentions of past death of parents, mentions of weight loss due to stress (secondary characters), mention of past death of secondary character’s daughter (who is MC’s niece), reference to cocaine (secondary character)
March 8, 2021
3.75 Stars
If you've read the previous three books in the series (which I recommend doing), you're already familiar with both the protagonists. If not, well, Helena and Celia had an attraction-at-first-site. There shouldn't be anything stopping them from being together. Celia's abusive ex is out of the picture, her kids have no issue with Helena, and they both have feelings for each other. And as much as I don't like starting with a negative, the "issue" keeping them apart is so flimsy.
When we start the book, the two haven't seen each other in months. Partially because Helena was on a business trip and partially because she thinks dating Celia will put her in danger. Except Celia's brother is getting married to her brother. So Celia's already in plenty of danger! And it was annoying that this conflict prevailed throughout the novel when all that time could've been spent with Helena and Celia reconnecting and falling in love. The book already has an external conflict with the investigation into whoever shot up Celia's shop, and it didn't need a dumb internal one.
But beyond that, I didn't have much of an issue. I liked both Celia and Helena, and I thought they were cute together. I also loved the family dynamic in the book, with both the Madigans and Perris. And I loved the teaser/set-up for the next book, one that I've been waiting for since the second Fog City novel.
The writing, I think, has also improved. There weren't as many instances of over-description of physical gestures as in her last release, Variable Onset . The pace was good, though this is a pretty short read. The crime plotline was done well and, overall, this was a good read. I really enjoyed it, I liked all the characters, and I'm definitely looking forward to the last book in the series. I think it'll be angstier than this one, and I still want it so bad.
If you've read the previous three books in the series (which I recommend doing), you're already familiar with both the protagonists. If not, well, Helena and Celia had an attraction-at-first-site. There shouldn't be anything stopping them from being together. Celia's abusive ex is out of the picture, her kids have no issue with Helena, and they both have feelings for each other. And as much as I don't like starting with a negative, the "issue" keeping them apart is so flimsy.
When we start the book, the two haven't seen each other in months. Partially because Helena was on a business trip and partially because she thinks dating Celia will put her in danger. Except Celia's brother is getting married to her brother. So Celia's already in plenty of danger! And it was annoying that this conflict prevailed throughout the novel when all that time could've been spent with Helena and Celia reconnecting and falling in love. The book already has an external conflict with the investigation into whoever shot up Celia's shop, and it didn't need a dumb internal one.
But beyond that, I didn't have much of an issue. I liked both Celia and Helena, and I thought they were cute together. I also loved the family dynamic in the book, with both the Madigans and Perris. And I loved the teaser/set-up for the next book, one that I've been waiting for since the second Fog City novel.
The writing, I think, has also improved. There weren't as many instances of over-description of physical gestures as in her last release, Variable Onset . The pace was good, though this is a pretty short read. The crime plotline was done well and, overall, this was a good read. I really enjoyed it, I liked all the characters, and I'm definitely looking forward to the last book in the series. I think it'll be angstier than this one, and I still want it so bad.
March 8, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Queen’s Ransom is the fourth book in Layla’ Reyne’s exciting Fog City series. While the first three books form a trilogy focused on Hawes and Chris, this newest story brings together a new couple in Celia and Helena. While this book isn’t quite as connected to the main series arc, Helena and Celia do appear in the earlier books, and all the series characters show up here as well. There is also a lot of assumed knowledge about past events, so this one is really best read by those familiar with the other books.
Celia and Helena have a great connection and I enjoyed seeing them together. Helena comes across a little icy and reserved in the original trilogy and so I liked seeing her softer side here. She is still tough as nails and could kill you 50 different ways, but she has a bit of vulnerability, as well as a sweetness that comes through to round out her character. Celia is caretaker, but also with a tough side. She is strong and independent and there is a nice balance to her character as well.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Queen’s Ransom is the fourth book in Layla’ Reyne’s exciting Fog City series. While the first three books form a trilogy focused on Hawes and Chris, this newest story brings together a new couple in Celia and Helena. While this book isn’t quite as connected to the main series arc, Helena and Celia do appear in the earlier books, and all the series characters show up here as well. There is also a lot of assumed knowledge about past events, so this one is really best read by those familiar with the other books.
Celia and Helena have a great connection and I enjoyed seeing them together. Helena comes across a little icy and reserved in the original trilogy and so I liked seeing her softer side here. She is still tough as nails and could kill you 50 different ways, but she has a bit of vulnerability, as well as a sweetness that comes through to round out her character. Celia is caretaker, but also with a tough side. She is strong and independent and there is a nice balance to her character as well.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
Read
August 23, 2024This was my first FF book and I loved that both main characters were equally strong women and they were able balance one another. Celia brings such a sense of home and hearth to the Madigan clan and has the potential to be the glue that holds the Madigan and Perri families together. And Helena is as alpha as they come. She gives her brothers a run for their money and I love her ongoing snarky relationship with Chris. Overall, I enjoyed catching up with the Fog City team and look forward to the next book.
May 1, 2025
Helena et Celia avec un Culomètre à 🍑
📣 Livre reçu en service presse.
Voilà une courte romance, mais intense, qui nous remet dans le bain de la famille Madigan !
Héléna est la nouvelle chef de famille après son frère lui ai laissé les rênes. Et elle compte bien montrer à Célia, la sœur de son beau-frère, qu'elle a des sentiments pour la jeune femme et qu'elle la veut. Sauf que le danger règne encore et qui va falloir trouver les personnes qui attentent à sa vie et à celle de sa famille.
Ce tome n'est pas aussi développé que les précédents, mais j'ai trouvé que ça suffisait pour ce qu'il vendait. On reste sur la même dynamique que le reste de la saga, mais en s'intéressant cette fois-ci à la sœur de Hawes, qui aura le droit à son happy-end bien mérité !
Il y a tellement de moments avortés entre les deux femmes, comme si le destin ne voulait leur laisser aucun répit, l'attirance est déjà là, mais c'est vraiment le danger qui les guette. Entre les complots, les réunions de crise et les descentes pour aller abattre les ennemis, on voit se rapprocher Héléna et Célia, la première voulant protéger la seconde tout en lui offrant son cœur au passage.
La romance donne des moments très touchants ainsi que quelques moments intimes où on voit vraiment l'alchimie entre les deux protagonistes. Même les moments dans le cadre familial rajoute quelque chose de plus à leur relation et j'ai apprécié cela.
Bref, j'ai pas mal aimé ce tome quatre et j'ai hâte de découvrir le dernier !
📣 Livre reçu en service presse.
Voilà une courte romance, mais intense, qui nous remet dans le bain de la famille Madigan !
Héléna est la nouvelle chef de famille après son frère lui ai laissé les rênes. Et elle compte bien montrer à Célia, la sœur de son beau-frère, qu'elle a des sentiments pour la jeune femme et qu'elle la veut. Sauf que le danger règne encore et qui va falloir trouver les personnes qui attentent à sa vie et à celle de sa famille.
Ce tome n'est pas aussi développé que les précédents, mais j'ai trouvé que ça suffisait pour ce qu'il vendait. On reste sur la même dynamique que le reste de la saga, mais en s'intéressant cette fois-ci à la sœur de Hawes, qui aura le droit à son happy-end bien mérité !
Il y a tellement de moments avortés entre les deux femmes, comme si le destin ne voulait leur laisser aucun répit, l'attirance est déjà là, mais c'est vraiment le danger qui les guette. Entre les complots, les réunions de crise et les descentes pour aller abattre les ennemis, on voit se rapprocher Héléna et Célia, la première voulant protéger la seconde tout en lui offrant son cœur au passage.
La romance donne des moments très touchants ainsi que quelques moments intimes où on voit vraiment l'alchimie entre les deux protagonistes. Même les moments dans le cadre familial rajoute quelque chose de plus à leur relation et j'ai apprécié cela.
Bref, j'ai pas mal aimé ce tome quatre et j'ai hâte de découvrir le dernier !
March 13, 2021
I enjoyed this book, but I didn't love it--though I didn't expect to. I liked both of these characters individually in the first 3 books, but I wasn't particularly interested in them as a couple, as it felt a little forced. And my opinion didn't really change here. I still liked them both, I just didn't really buy them as a couple or feel at all invested in them being together in any way. The main reason I even read this was because I *am* interested in the pairing in the next book, and have been since basically the first book in this series as the author did a much better job of selling their connection. This was fine, but though I can definitely get behind femslash, this pairing didn't do it for me.
March 18, 2025
Pour ce quatrième opus de la saga Fog City, on délaisse le prince des tueurs et le flic infiltré/détective privé pour se concentrer sur leurs sœurs. On avait déjà perçu le coup de foudre d’Helena – désormais Reine, cherchant à améliorer les affaires de la Famille – pour Célia, la sœur de Chris, qui vient tout juste de quitter son mari violent, lors de leur première rencontre dans un tome précédent.
Comme cette attraction est manifestement réciproque, on ne passe pas vraiment par l’étape de séduction, ce qui m’a un peu manqué. Même si leurs situations respectives compliquent le début de leur relation, j’ai trouvé que l’émotion entre elles faisait défaut.
L’enquête, quant à elle, reste assez classique et remplit son rôle. Ce n’est pas un casse-tête comme dans les trois précédents tomes, et elle se lit facilement (peut-être trop).
Les deux héroïnes sont badass chacune à leur manière : Helena, cheffe de famille mafieuse, adepte des grosses cylindrées et inséparable de ses couteaux, et Célia, une vraie surprise avec sa combinaison couverte de cambouis, bien décidée à rompre avec son passé et à s’affirmer plus qu’on ne l’aurait imaginé. Malgré tout, quelques moments tendres entre elles viennent adoucir le récit. Et même si j’ai ressenti un manque d’émotion, j’ai tout de même apprécié ma première romance FF.
Une lecture en demi-teinte, car tout se déroule un peu trop vite, mais je poursuivrai avec plaisir la saga jusqu’à son dernier tome !
Comme cette attraction est manifestement réciproque, on ne passe pas vraiment par l’étape de séduction, ce qui m’a un peu manqué. Même si leurs situations respectives compliquent le début de leur relation, j’ai trouvé que l’émotion entre elles faisait défaut.
L’enquête, quant à elle, reste assez classique et remplit son rôle. Ce n’est pas un casse-tête comme dans les trois précédents tomes, et elle se lit facilement (peut-être trop).
Les deux héroïnes sont badass chacune à leur manière : Helena, cheffe de famille mafieuse, adepte des grosses cylindrées et inséparable de ses couteaux, et Célia, une vraie surprise avec sa combinaison couverte de cambouis, bien décidée à rompre avec son passé et à s’affirmer plus qu’on ne l’aurait imaginé. Malgré tout, quelques moments tendres entre elles viennent adoucir le récit. Et même si j’ai ressenti un manque d’émotion, j’ai tout de même apprécié ma première romance FF.
Une lecture en demi-teinte, car tout se déroule un peu trop vite, mais je poursuivrai avec plaisir la saga jusqu’à son dernier tome !
March 8, 2021
Check out our full post for QUEEN'S RANSOM on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
The fourth book in Layla Reyne’s Fog City series focuses on Helena Madigan, now leading the family business, and Celia, the sister of her future brother-in-law. I love that this is an f/f romance and that the author isn’t afraid to write about different types of couples in her series. This can be hard to find in the romance world.
A drive-by shooting leads to Celia and her kids moving into the Madigan mansion for protection. This gives the women who are already attracted to each other, more opportunity to flirt and see where things may go between them. The women have great chemistry but what I loved about Helena and Celia is that while their romance is sexy, I felt a lovely comfort when they were together. Like they just belonged with each other.
Aside from the romance, the action continues as the Madigans investigate the drive-by while they are preparing for Hawes and Chris’ upcoming wedding. This is a fast-moving story that kept me engaged the whole time. There is plenty going on. Including something is going wrong between the third Madigan sibling, Holt, and his best friend, Brax. The hints and glimpses we get into Holt and Brax have left me desperate to get my hands on their story, which is the final instalment in this series.
I loved Queen’s Ransom. It had good action, combined with a lovely romance, and getting to spend more time with Hawes and Chris was good too. This is a quick and satisfying read. I can’t wait for the final instalment of the Fog City series, Silent Knight, which is due out in May.
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in the series and I would say that you definitely need to read the previous three to understand the underlying plots and family relationships. Helena and her two brothers run the above and below board Madigan businesses. She is now in charge and taking on a lot in addition to being a practicing lawyer. Hawes and Chris are about to marry, and Holt is devastated by Brax staying away.
Chris's sister Celia has drawn Helena's attention, and then when she visits Celia at work there is a drive-by shooting. This catapults them together, as Celia's children and mother move into the mansion to stay safe. Suddenly the two women are much closer than they ever expected. Celia is just out of a horrible marriage to Dex and never had any other relationships, so she is rather beautifully innocent, but definitely interested in Helena.
As we see the complications of the family business and interplays with other local underworld criminal organisations play out, there is little opportunity for romance – but the heat is there and the hope for both of them to find happiness together. You will have to read it and find out just how it works out!
I am even more in need of Holt and Brax's story – those two are not doing well at the moment.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
March 1, 2021
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
The fourth book in Layla Reyne’s Fog City series focuses on Helena Madigan, now leading the family business, and Celia, the sister of her future brother in law. I love that this is an f/f romance and that the author isn’t afraid to write about different types of couples in her series. This can be hard to find in the romance world.
A drive by shooting leads to Celia and her kids moving into the Madigan mansion for protection. This gives the women who are already attracted to each other, more opportunity to flirt and see where things may go between them. The women have great chemistry but what I loved about Helena and Celia is that while their romance is sexy, I felt a lovely comfort when they were together. Like they just belonged with each other.
Aside from the romance, the action continues as the Madigans investigate the drive by while they are preparing for Hawes and Chris’ upcoming wedding. This is a fast moving story that kept me engaged the whole time. There is plenty going on. Including something is going wrong between the third Madigan sibling Holt, and his best friend Brax. The hints and glimpses we get into Holt and Brax have left me desperate to get my hands on their story, which is the final instalment in this series.
I loved Queen’s Ransom. It had good action, combined with a lovely romance and getting to spend more time with Hawes and Chris was good too. This is a quick and satisfying read. I can’t wait for the final instalment of the Fog City series, Silent Knight, which is due out in May.
The fourth book in Layla Reyne’s Fog City series focuses on Helena Madigan, now leading the family business, and Celia, the sister of her future brother in law. I love that this is an f/f romance and that the author isn’t afraid to write about different types of couples in her series. This can be hard to find in the romance world.
A drive by shooting leads to Celia and her kids moving into the Madigan mansion for protection. This gives the women who are already attracted to each other, more opportunity to flirt and see where things may go between them. The women have great chemistry but what I loved about Helena and Celia is that while their romance is sexy, I felt a lovely comfort when they were together. Like they just belonged with each other.
Aside from the romance, the action continues as the Madigans investigate the drive by while they are preparing for Hawes and Chris’ upcoming wedding. This is a fast moving story that kept me engaged the whole time. There is plenty going on. Including something is going wrong between the third Madigan sibling Holt, and his best friend Brax. The hints and glimpses we get into Holt and Brax have left me desperate to get my hands on their story, which is the final instalment in this series.
I loved Queen’s Ransom. It had good action, combined with a lovely romance and getting to spend more time with Hawes and Chris was good too. This is a quick and satisfying read. I can’t wait for the final instalment of the Fog City series, Silent Knight, which is due out in May.
February 23, 2021
I was not sure what to expect in this book but I was hooked once I started reading it. Celia and Helena's book was action packed and had a new set of questions that the family needed to find answers to.
Celia, freshly divorced from her abusive husband, finds herself in a drive by shooting unsure if she is the target or if it is someone else. While looking for the answers and protecting her family and preparing for her brother Chris's wedding to Hawes at the Madigan compound she begins questioning her attraction to Helena and desires to explore it for more.
Helena, newly returned from an extended family business trip also finds herself in the drive by shooting with Celia and questioning the target. She too struggles with her feelings for Celia but just desires to keep everyone safe from the unknown threat..
This book was an action packed, addictive read. The chemistry between Celia and Helena was off the charts. The return of the characters from the previous books was great and the interactions between all of the characters felt natural and enjoyable. As the story unfolds, more questions get asked as everyone works for a resolution. I will be sorry to see this series end as I have enjoyed all of the books but I will admit that I can not wait to see what happens in the final installment for Brax and Holt's story. Overall, this was a great read that I would recommend to others.
Celia, freshly divorced from her abusive husband, finds herself in a drive by shooting unsure if she is the target or if it is someone else. While looking for the answers and protecting her family and preparing for her brother Chris's wedding to Hawes at the Madigan compound she begins questioning her attraction to Helena and desires to explore it for more.
Helena, newly returned from an extended family business trip also finds herself in the drive by shooting with Celia and questioning the target. She too struggles with her feelings for Celia but just desires to keep everyone safe from the unknown threat..
This book was an action packed, addictive read. The chemistry between Celia and Helena was off the charts. The return of the characters from the previous books was great and the interactions between all of the characters felt natural and enjoyable. As the story unfolds, more questions get asked as everyone works for a resolution. I will be sorry to see this series end as I have enjoyed all of the books but I will admit that I can not wait to see what happens in the final installment for Brax and Holt's story. Overall, this was a great read that I would recommend to others.
April 2, 2021
Queen’s Ransom is the fourth book in the Fog City series by author Layla Reyne. I have not read the previous books in the series and I was not lost. It is recommended to really enjoy to the series to the fullest to read the books in order.
FF is not a genre I take a lot. I found sometimes they really lack connection and storyline; this one however is amazing. I highly recommend it. There is a great connection. Snark, strength, and mystery in this book.
Helena is an assassin. She has lost many loved ones to the family business. She is in charge now; she is determined and strong. She is never going to risk getting hurt again and she is protecting her heart for all she is worth.
Celia, she likes to be helpful. She wants to run the family auto shop, raise her kids, help her brother plan his wedding, normal things. She is part of the Perri family.
She has been through a lot, and both women have come out stronger for it. They are well-matched. There is a ton of chemistry in this book. I now want to go back and read the books I missed.
When you want a great romantic mystery, this is the book to pick up.
Five Shooting Stars
FF is not a genre I take a lot. I found sometimes they really lack connection and storyline; this one however is amazing. I highly recommend it. There is a great connection. Snark, strength, and mystery in this book.
Helena is an assassin. She has lost many loved ones to the family business. She is in charge now; she is determined and strong. She is never going to risk getting hurt again and she is protecting her heart for all she is worth.
Celia, she likes to be helpful. She wants to run the family auto shop, raise her kids, help her brother plan his wedding, normal things. She is part of the Perri family.
She has been through a lot, and both women have come out stronger for it. They are well-matched. There is a ton of chemistry in this book. I now want to go back and read the books I missed.
When you want a great romantic mystery, this is the book to pick up.
Five Shooting Stars
August 26, 2022
Not alone
I love the contradictions that make up the Madigans and Perris. Cores of steel softened and strengthened by love and family. Separately they’re amazing but together they’re unstoppable. I wish I could be one of them. I am so happy that Celia and Helena found their way to each other and that these families have another connection that binds them together. “I was trying to stay away, trying to keep you safe, but I want you. I’ve wanted you since I first laid eyes on you.” Helena and Celia burn and quite frankly I’m not sure which one scares me more but I absolutely am enamored with them both. These women are fierce, strong and anyone would be lucky to have them as a friend or more. Lucky for us we get it all: stellar action, electrifying steam and scintillating suspense. Did I mention that I NEED Holt and Brax yesterday? Oh and I still want mistletoe cannoli.
I love the contradictions that make up the Madigans and Perris. Cores of steel softened and strengthened by love and family. Separately they’re amazing but together they’re unstoppable. I wish I could be one of them. I am so happy that Celia and Helena found their way to each other and that these families have another connection that binds them together. “I was trying to stay away, trying to keep you safe, but I want you. I’ve wanted you since I first laid eyes on you.” Helena and Celia burn and quite frankly I’m not sure which one scares me more but I absolutely am enamored with them both. These women are fierce, strong and anyone would be lucky to have them as a friend or more. Lucky for us we get it all: stellar action, electrifying steam and scintillating suspense. Did I mention that I NEED Holt and Brax yesterday? Oh and I still want mistletoe cannoli.
November 14, 2021
This was my first FF book and I really liked it. We know Cecila and Helena from Hawes and Chris books and it was nice catching up with both of them.
Helena is a very responsible person and due to the fact that she is now the queen, she is very protective of the people she loves.
Cecila is a great person and I loved how she stood up to her ex. how she gained strenght and overcome the abuse.
the storyline was well done and I liked the suspense part (not necessarily Helenas reaction to it but she learned in the end). it also made me appreciate Holts and Brax story more
the audio version was well done and I really liked the voices Samantha Garcias gave the family.
all in all a very good book in this series
Helena is a very responsible person and due to the fact that she is now the queen, she is very protective of the people she loves.
Cecila is a great person and I loved how she stood up to her ex. how she gained strenght and overcome the abuse.
the storyline was well done and I liked the suspense part (not necessarily Helenas reaction to it but she learned in the end). it also made me appreciate Holts and Brax story more
the audio version was well done and I really liked the voices Samantha Garcias gave the family.
all in all a very good book in this series
March 8, 2021
This was a good story interesting characters it did take me some time to connect to the characters though . The storyline did take me some time to get into but it held my attention . I’m looking forward to reading more by the author in the future .
March 12, 2021
It’s nice being back with the Madigans. That’s why I pushed through this book, for the little glimpses of the family and their business. I liked seeing Chris being part of the family and seeing Helena step up to lead and Avery proving herself a real trustworthy lieutenant but while the world was there and the crime family bit of it was good the romance fell so flat for me.
I like Helena, I really do and back in the first three books I liked Cee, mostly because I love a good outsider-looking-in but here her refusal to know more bugged me because I don’t understand that lack of curiosity. And I did not feel the heat between these two, possibly because I kept being told it was there rather than being shown.
When we start this book, there’s already been the almost-moment and this was just the apology make-up reel. Not a second-chance romance just a...I don’t know? A get together? A rethinking of choices? The whole time I was reading this I felt like people were telling me they should be together but I never really FELT it.
It was rushed, there wasn’t enough crime and for the head of a family of assassins (by night who is a lawyer by day) that felt just wrong. I wanted to like this but mostly I was just bored. I needed more build up to believe these two should be together, instead I was left feeling a bit irked by the fact that a single look in a hospital room (which was described in a cliche cheesy way) was apparently all it took for either of these two to decide that was it.
No thanks, not here for the insta-love, and we weren’t treated to some fun insta-lust as a consolation prize that turned into love. Basically this book was a filler used to talk about Chris and Hawes’ wedding while building tension for Brax and Holt’s book. And possibly to introduce us to a spin-off character in the form of Hawes’ ex Augustus?
I like Helena, I really do and back in the first three books I liked Cee, mostly because I love a good outsider-looking-in but here her refusal to know more bugged me because I don’t understand that lack of curiosity. And I did not feel the heat between these two, possibly because I kept being told it was there rather than being shown.
When we start this book, there’s already been the almost-moment and this was just the apology make-up reel. Not a second-chance romance just a...I don’t know? A get together? A rethinking of choices? The whole time I was reading this I felt like people were telling me they should be together but I never really FELT it.
It was rushed, there wasn’t enough crime and for the head of a family of assassins (by night who is a lawyer by day) that felt just wrong. I wanted to like this but mostly I was just bored. I needed more build up to believe these two should be together, instead I was left feeling a bit irked by the fact that a single look in a hospital room (which was described in a cliche cheesy way) was apparently all it took for either of these two to decide that was it.
No thanks, not here for the insta-love, and we weren’t treated to some fun insta-lust as a consolation prize that turned into love. Basically this book was a filler used to talk about Chris and Hawes’ wedding while building tension for Brax and Holt’s book. And possibly to introduce us to a spin-off character in the form of Hawes’ ex Augustus?
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