Book four in the Brooklyn Sinners series. Tommy Jankowski is hiding from a past he can’t escape and a man he can’t forget. With a new name and resolve, he settles in a small California town. It’s there he catches the eye of a predator. Fearing for his life, Tommy reaches out to his old boss for help. The man who shows up is the last person Tommy is prepared to face.
Mateo Oliveros hasn’t forgiven himself for scaring Tommy so bad he took off running. When Mateo gets a call that Tommy is in danger, he doesn’t think twice before rushing to the rescue, but Tommy isn’t happy to see him. Mateo’s plan is to eliminate Tommy’s problem then walk away, but that’s getting harder and harder to do. The pull between them hasn’t disappeared, in fact, it burns hotter and brighter. With neither man willing to give in, they’re both headed for a fall. It’s only a matter of who goes first.
A Caribbean transplant, Avril now lives in Stone Mountain, GA., with a tolerant Spousal Equivalent. Together they raise an eccentric daughter who loves reading and school (not so much school anymore). Avril’s earliest memories of reading revolve around discussing plot points of Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys with an equally book-minded mother
Always in love with the written word, Avril finally decided to do the writing in August of ’09 and never looked back. Spicy love scenes, delicious heroes, and wicked women burn up the pages of Avril’s stories, but there’ll always be a happy ending; Av remains a believer of love in all its forms.
In Sinner, Savior Tommy Jankowski left Brooklyn after being scared by Mateo Oliveros and his kinky ways.
Tommy is still haunted by his past, and now he has a violent stalker to deal with too. Tommy reaches out to his old boss, Pablo Castillo, for help. But the man who rushes to his help is the last person Tommy is prepared to face.
Mateo Oliveros hasn’t forgiven himself for scaring Tommy so bad he took off running. When Mateo gets a call that Tommy is in danger, he doesn’t think twice before rushing to the rescue. Mateo’s plan is to eliminate Tommy’s problem then walk away, but that’s getting harder and harder to do. The pull between them hasn’t disappeared, in fact, it burns hotter and brighter.
“Stick to the damn plan.”
The story is too short. Poor plot, a weak antagonist, a thin background story for Mateo, and not much for Tommy either.
The romance is not developed, you feel as if you have missed something. Their affair in Sinner, Savior not ended well. They are already in love with each other, and they not even try to hide it. Though both of them think that they have no chance with the other, they are open about their feelings. After revealing another painful story from Tommy’s part, they go for their happily ever after.
Giving in was not giving up. He was giving in to what he felt for Mateo, to what he’d wanted for longer than he could remember.
It’s sweet, and hot, and intimate, but it’s also rushed. It’s not enough! I loved the characters, but I didn’t get engaged in the story.
I’m a huge fan of Ms. Ashton’s books but this one was my least favorite in this series. Actually I didn’t like these two MCs when I read about them in book two but I thought maybe if I read their story my opinion will be changed but didn’t happen. Still I couldn’t connect with both characters and honestly the plot was a bit weak! Told in dual POV, 3rd person and a quick read. It’s the fourth installment in the "Brooklyn Sinners" with character crossover. I hope you enjoy it more than me!
What the hell am I gonna do when this series is over??? I'm gonna cry, that's what I'm gonna do! I love these men! And yes, they are men, not boys. They are dirty and mean and tough and just freakin' HOT!
This little story right here is about Tommy and yummy-yumness Mateo (I have a thing for guys named Mateo, don't know why). Tommy and Mateo's story actually began in book 2. This book, to me, was the closure we needed from that story. Tommy was once broken and Mateo is a total man-whore. Now, here is where one of the things I love most about Avril Ashton comes in. Mateo didn't come in and "heal" Tommy. No, Tommy gradually overcame his ordeal as a child and became a survivor all on his own. With lots and lots of therapy. Like in real life. He still has issues; he’s not completely healed and will probably never be. Again, like in real life. But the boy sure has some stones on him! To do what he did to Mateo in the kitchen when I’m sure he was about this close to pissing himself took some serious guts.
Now, back to Mr. Yummy Man-Whore a/k/a Mateo. He’s so dirty! He’s a complete badass that’s not afraid to own up to his feelings - once he unintentionally spews them like word vomit, that is. He never takes back anything he says; never plays it off as a joke. I admire that a whole helluva lot!
I think the length of this book was perfect for these two. We already knew what was between them from earlier in the series so there was no need for a full length book. That being said, I hope to GOD Levi’s story is full length. I can’t wait! I’m sure it will be bittersweet since it is the last book in the series but I don’t care as I know I will be re-reading them many times over.
Oh, and thank you Avril for giving me a little more taste of my true love, my ultimate book boyfriend, JUAN PABLO CASTILLO. *sigh* I really do love him.
P.S. Not even gonna talk about the phone call Gabe and Rafe got. I can’t even!
*wiggles along with Beyoncé* That we do, ladies. That we do. And this series, Brooklyn Sinners, is chock full of those BK boys who might be a little rough around the edges.
But stand back, ladies! Before you try to gallivant your way here...
The best thing about these books are that these men fuck each other!
Even better...I know. ;D
(Seriously, this short story just put me in the mood of "Soldier" by Destiny's Child. I think it's such a fitting song for Mateo. I'll get to my adoration of Mateo shortly.)
Book # 4 "Sinner's Fall" features tattooed ex-gang member Mateo and his damaged, abused, Tommy in the town of Chico, California. You really must read books #1-3 prior to get the entire backstory of these men. Mateo is called in to protect Tommy (who is on the run across country in Chico) and sparks ignite.
We finally get a HEA for the troubled lovers, a bad guy gets thwarted rather quickly (hey, there's only so many pages), an introduction of future main players of a spin-off series AND follow-up of some of the favorite couples from Brooklyn Sinners past! Chock full of action these pages. ;D
I still have my favorite book (#3) and a favorite bad guy from the series (Syren) but Mateo, I always had an eye on him. Why? Because he oozes street toughness, a quick trigger finger and drips sex without really trying.
That Tommy is one lucky son of a bitch. *fans self*
The sex scenes? With the sensuality and grit?
Mateo has the best name (name fucking rocks!), the best swag, just...he's lucky he's a fictional character! He's definitely book boyfriend material to me. (And reformed man-whore score!)
But...don't think the entire story was a Mateo-fest because there are a few minor issues: I wished the story was longer because the "villain" issue was solved too quickly, the mushfest of 80% and MANTEARS (they were brief and not as much as book #1) but I don't want to think of my ex-gun runners getting choked up for the love of their lives or crying, man.
I want smack downs to ensue, asses that get popped, guns blazing. (Not saying there isn't but the mushiness had equal play this time around)
The next book (#5) for the this series will be the last. *sighs* I think I will mourn this series because I haven't found similar character types in a lot of MM.
Is it 100% realistic? No. But good fun to escape with grit, drama and sugar thrown in.
So I will continue to replay "Soldier", dance along and await the last installment. 3.75 stars rounded up
The Brooklyn Sinners series is a guilty pleasure. I've bitched and moaned about inconceivable storylines and trite plot devices in this series. Despite my blathering, however, I keep coming back for more. Why? I simply like it. It's smutty and unrealistic and the story is - at times - absurd. But, I'm drawn to the characters and find myself rooting for these uncommon heroes.
I've been looking forward to Tommy and Mateo's story. I wanted to see these two get their HEA and they did ... but it was too short. I wanted to know more about what happened to Tommy to damage him so (without going into the gory details). I also would have liked to see more development with their relationship as well as time with Mateo's family (they're a hoot). Tommy and Teo were both enjoyable characters, but their story felt rushed.
Bottom-line: too little of a good thing. Can't wait for book 5.
Wow. Wow. I was SO disappointed in this book. I loved the first 2 books in the series and was expecting something of similar quality. It was nowhere near this - it was almost like a completely different author wrote this one. A very impatient author who rushed just about everything. Things that didn't work for me;
The MCs: - Tommy's personality didn't work for me at all and made absolutely no sense - it was like it completely changed shortly after Mateo's arrival. He'd suffered some of the worst abuse possible, being all weak and miserable when Stephen attacked him, yet suddenly he's threatening Mateo with a knife, demanding to fuck him, watching Mateo shoot his stalker in the knee without blinking and confident as ever about Mateo's family liking him? One second breaking down because Pablo told Mateo about his past, the next boldly showing off the scars on his wrists and talking about his past? And what on earth was up with him suddenly being some pro sex fiend in the bed after what he'd been through, after his limited and very, very bad experience? Seriously, what the fuck. Tommy made absolutely ZERO sense to me and it destroyed the book for me. As for Mateo, what was the man thinking? In the beginning he was logical, feeling sorry about having pushed Tommy too far. But only minutes passed in Tommy's company before he was all up in Tommy's face and days later he was pushing him again for commitment and sex. If this book should've worked just a little bit, they would've had to take their TIME. Slowly grow to know and trust each other again. This went way, way too fast! Everything in this book was just rushed. My neck started hurting from a whiplash with the speed and force of their personality changes. - The FBI agents who just walks in and tells two ex-gangmembers with absolutely no ties to law enforcement about a huge undercover sting? Seriously? Which part of this made sense to anyone? I am... speechless! - Mateo wakes up form a "click" in the living room, yet Stephen doesn't hear Mateo wake up Tommy, explain the situation, the both of them get up, put on their clothes while discussing nick names? Is he deaf? - Mateo and Tommy being so "easy" with their new relationship. We're talking about a tough guy, a gang-member who's had to hide his bi-sexuality the majority of his life of fear of being killed for it because of a volatile environment, someone who spent so many years in a violent gang, who's NEVER had a serious relationship before - and a guy who was beaten and abused his entire childhood, who's never been in a relationship or let other people in before. Yet, wow, look at that, they take it like fish to water. Again, not believable.
It's rare that I write reviews, I usually don't care enough, but this really, really disappointed me. Loved book 1 and 2, didn't get through book 3, but this, eurgh!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
So this is the last of The Brooklyn Sinners for me. Overall I really enjoyed this series and it was made even more enjoyable by the fact that it was a buddy read with Mammarella and I got to make a new friend as well when Tully joined us.
Sinner's Fall focused on Tommy and Mateo, two very different men. Tommy and Mateo's story started in book 2, Sinner Savior and has now come full circle. Tommy's life, especially his childhood was a nightmare and things didn't end well for Tommy and Mateo when Tommy ran away from Mateo. In Sinner's Fall circumstances bring them back together and Mateo is determined to give him the help he needs and then walk away. Something that ends up being easier said than done.
I really enjoyed this series and overall 'A Sinner Born' was my favorite book, but, I'm glad I took the time to read all the stories in this series. I don't think I would have gotten some of the connections that were made between characters and storylines if I hadn't.
I look forward to reading other stories by this author and I've heard rumors there might even be more from this series, a possible spin off I'm told ;-)
As always, Avril Ashton delivers the heat- quite literally.
I was saddened, but understood, when Tommy ran away from Teo. I hadn't expected to get a book about them, but I'm so glad that we did.
Ms. Ashton does a great job of once again connecting the books together and delivering another scorcher in this fantastic series. I'll be eagerly awaiting the next!
5 stars I want more. And yes dammit I want it now! I'm gonna pout like a child until I get it too. Avril you fucken rock this entire series! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!
I liked this one better than the last one I read in this series, which is a good thing since it's almost time to start the next series that these also tie into (Run This Town). Need to read the novella that comes after this one, first.
I'm surprised I enjoyed this as much as I did. I felt a connection with Tommy and Mateo and I liked their chemistry. I'm glad that the sex came late in the book. It was hot but at times I felt like laughing out loud because some of the dialogue was over the top.
I did like the lingo here when Mateo said "what up ma?" or said "son." Felt real New York to me. I wanted more around Steven Nayer and wanted Mateo to really make him pay for what he did, more than what we got but oh well. I enjoyed this novella.
Now where was Dima? In (Watch Me) Break You it was mentioned that Dima made a play for Tommy and I was looking for that scene but didn't happen. Whatever.
I'm so bummed this one was so short!! Mateo is amazing and hilarious and his accent son! and Tommy.... can't help but love him, he seemed so shy and sweet in the other books where we got a glimpse of him, but he's really a dirty talking top man when he's with Mateo! Nice! Like all the others in this story, the bad guy gets whats comin for him although I really wish that cop lady would have. She didn't do anything to help Tommy when he'd been attacked. I didn't like that part, but the rest of it was genius. Love this series and can't wait for the next one!
Ok, I'm done with this series. The first couple walked that drama line where you know it's over the top, but your still salivating over it. This was just miscommunication and a bit of stalking. At least the other ones had that PLUS some kind of overarching story line.
God I loved this series! Flat out loved every minute of it. I don't know what I'm going to do now without Angelo, Pablo, Syren and Teo. I must go find some other Avril Ashton books to add to my TBR.
Matteo and Tommy just did it for me. They were so perfect for one another. I wish Teo hadn’t sowed so many wild oats trying to forget Tommy, but I’ll forgive him that.
Tommy was as gentle as he was fierce. I loved both sides of him. I loved how he had Teo’s back. I just loved them together. I do wish Matteo had been able to deal with Tommy’s stalker a little more harshly, but that’s just because I wanted to avenge cinnamon roll Tommy.
Overall, this was a nice little read and I loved both MCs.
Not going to lie. I was disappointed with this part of Sinners. Mateo and Tommy were good supporting characters but they didn't need their own separate story.
Because me being me I started in the middle of everything, Where was Dima the dominant ex? I was looking forward to that introduction and a little more violence.
Book four in the Brooklyn Sinners series. Tommy Jankowski is hiding from a past he can’t escape and a man he can’t forget. With a new name and resolve, he settles in a small California town. It’s there he catches the eye of a predator. Fearing for his life, Tommy reaches out to his old boss for help. The man who shows up is the last person Tommy is prepared to face.
Mateo Oliveros hasn’t forgiven himself for scaring Tommy so bad he took off running. When Mateo gets a call that Tommy is in danger, he doesn’t think twice before rushing to the rescue, but Tommy isn’t happy to see him. Mateo’s plan is to eliminate Tommy’s problem then walk away, but that’s getting harder and harder to do. The pull between them hasn’t disappeared, in fact, it burns hotter and brighter. With neither man willing to give in, they’re both headed for a fall. It’s only a matter of who goes first.
My Thoughts:
Another awesome installment in the Brooklyn Sinners series. I'm going to be so sad to see it end with the next book which I'm sure now will be about Levi and Donovan. I've been looking forward to that ever since that scene at the end of A Sinner Born where Donovan and Syren are talking and Considering the family we now know Levi comes from, I'm soooo looking forward to reading that.
Anyway, I loved seeing Tommy and Mateo get their happy ending. When we learn in Sinner, Savior about Tommy's past and see Teo so broken up over his leaving, I'd hoped we would get some closure for those two and this was it.
I was surprised to learn that Tommy liked to top. He was so aggressive. It was surprisingly hot as hell. It was lovely to see Teo losing control on the bottom.
I was happy that they talked things over and were able to move forward. This book was short, so things moved forward quickly, but not too quick. I did like that there was something else going on besides just the two of them finding their way back to each other, though that wasn't a major part of the story. It served its purpose. I'm just glad that Teo and Tommy get to be happy.
I also liked getting more of a glimpse at Dutch and Patel. I'm looking forward to reading their story in the spin-off series.
But the thing I'm looking forward to the most is finding out what that phone call Rafe and Gabe got was all about. I have got to know what that was. I think I know, but I'm afraid to get my hopes up. I hope that comes up in the fifth book somehow.
In a Nutshell: Finally got the Mateo and Tommy story resolution I wanted and can’t wait for the next in the series.
Why I Read this Book: I love this series.
What I Liked: Mateo and Tommy have a great romance. Readers know they belong together and their attraction is so intense it leaps off the page. I was nearly panting when Mateo traps Tommy against a door and talks about all he’s NOT going to do until Tommy is ready to give them a chance. Whew! But what I loved most about their romance is that the author doesn’t have them come together the way I expected. Nope, won’t spoil it and say more but how the couple deal with Tommy’s sexual hang-ups illustrates how deep their emotional connection is.
What I Also Liked: The ending between Mateo and Tommy is lovely and this includes cameos from the leads from books one and two in the series. Again, can’t say more but it’s so good!
The other thing I love is this author does a great job of introducing new leads for the series in very organic ways—and in ways that captured my attention. This happened in book three and again here when two FBI agents are involved in the plot of Tommy’s stalker. Their characters are beautifully introduced, as well as the tension that keeps them apart.
What I Didn’t Like: I really liked these two characters and wanted a bit more time with them. Unlike the other books in this series, this one is a novella. I truly think the author did a perfect amount of relationship development but I enjoyed these characters so well that I wanted to spend a bit more time with them and wish their story was longer.
IMO: Hurry up and write me the next in the series! *review copy from publisher*
I think listening to this is the BEST way to enjoy this story. As an ebook this didn’t move me nearly as much as the rest of the series, but listening to it, bumped this to number 3 – just barely behind number 2.
It’s a shorter story – Tommy and Mateo have already met and started their relationship in Brooklyn but Mateo scares Tommy and Tommy runs to Chico, CA. What we don’t know is that Teo didn’t know the full story and when he finds out, he’s so sorry. Because he finds out from Pablo – off page – there is no big reveal, no big moment of truth – but there is a great reunion scene when he confesses his feelings to Tommy and makes his apologies.
I LOVED that Tommy demanded something from Teo before he’d be convinced to try their relationship again. Tommy is no victim and he doesn’t hide behind his past. I loved that Teo was strong enough to give it to him.
There are some moments that felt a little – unrealistic – like the FBI just ignoring the law – but it wasn’t egregious enough to stop me from enjoying the story.
What absolutely made this was the narrator, Renard Pasquale. OMG. He is SO GOOD. He gives Teo this Brooklyn accent TO DIE FOR and since both Angel and Pablo make an appearance we get his AMAZING accents for them as well. He gives Tommy a voice that’s a little too fem for my taste, but it’s not OTT. I loved Teo’s family, too – he did the mom so well!
As a story (alone) I’d give this a 3.5 of 5 stars, but the audio is a 6 of 5 stars so overall I’d give this a 4.25 (rounded up to 4.5) of 5 stars
The things I love about Avril Ashton's writing let me count the ways... First of all I just love this series(hot men, deep love, suspense, action, sex scenes that make ya wake the person next to ya lol) it has everything I crave in a book and things I didn't even know I wanted. Sometimes when creating a story an author will get caught repeating the drama over and over and it takes forever to resolve, misunderstandings, traumas and so on and it drives me loopy. Avril takes serious issues and when you expect the MC to go through the motions her MC fight for their men and make shit happen and address the issues not glazing over them. I also like the fact that she touches on things from previous books as a soft reminder and doesn't spend the first 20% of the book condensing the series. I couldn't stop looking at the % at the bottom of my kindle because I didn't want it to end. I am dying to know who the next book will be about and my only disappointment is that I am absolutely in-love with Kane and wanted some more of him. Thank you, Avril and please keep these wonderful books coming and Ill keep buying them! Lots of Love, Stace
Teo has got to be the most badass alpha of the series. This guy is all cold blooded mean man. Makes it extra hot when he rolls over and begs to take it up his.... I'm glad this one was short. Just sort of a tie up of loose ends. This one has more of a soap opera drama feel, and still no physical descriptions of the guys. I love how they turn their backs, sigh, run frustrated fingers through their hair. And really glad Teo gave up on the whole tying him up thing. His man is too fragile for that and forcing the issue would be cringe worthy. Really great series!
More like a shot instead of a long drink but I enjoyed it anyway. Sweet, almost sappy with little suspense compared to the other books but if you're looking for a quick, tasty drink you could do much worse. Much much worse.
I am so sad this series is over. I've inhaled it from start to finish and I was so happy escaping to this world. While this book is shorter than the rest of the series, it was a great farewell to the guys who all appeared here. Tommy and Teo were just magical together and their hot times were pretty darn nuclear. As I mentioned in a previous review, I adore it when you see hard, tough and often violent men have a soft inside and when they meet their soul mate and will do anything to cherish and protect them. There's nothing I didn't love about this series, I'm in a serious book hangover, but this is why I love reading, now and again a writer crosses your path and blows you away.
Special thank you to my friends Megan and Nat for introducing me to the series and Megan for gifting it me. You are something special my friends x
I actually expected this to be the same length as the previous books in the series but thinking back, I think the length works for the story as it was.
Would I have preferred it to be longer? Definitely. Especially to find out what happened to the stalker and also I would've loved more flesh on the relationship building but it wasn't to be unfortunately.