Vengeful Commander

New Orleans Malones #2

by Laylah Roberts

Brutal. Savage. Vengeful.

Victor Malone is his oldest brother’s right-hand man, the watchful protector. Swift with his revenge if you cross him or his family.

Most people run from him . . .

But not her.

Gracen has no idea that the man who comes into her bakery each morning for his sweet bun fix is one of the most feared men in New Orleans. And when she finds herself in trouble, there’s only one person she can turn to for help.

But what happens once she finds out the full truth of who he is?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, BDSM, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Dark Romance, Smut

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2022

About the author

Laylah loves reading, but she particularly loves a good romance with some seriously alpha men. Protective, possessive men with large hearts. Writing has become her passion and she hopes her readers enjoy her stories as much as she does writing them.

Reviews

[Kristina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was a snore. I’ve never read a Laylah Roberts without the Ddlg age play stuff but honestly the female character was as intelligent as a six year old so it felt the like she was a Little. I read a review of Daddy’s Sassy Sweetheart that said the heroines in these books were progressing from damsels in distress to the mentally handicapped and I agree (though I would use the term developmentally disabled). If Gracen hadn’t found Victor to take care of her, she probably would have needed to be institutionalized or at least had a full time caregiver. I don’t know how she had been walking around for 34 years since she didn’t seem to be able to feed or clothe herself properly and seemed to be baffled by things as simple as putting gas in her car. And Victor was a nothing character. He was just a large and dominant man with a beard, other than that there was nothing to him. The plot was simplistic and one dimensional and the smut was low-key boring. So these New Orleans Malones are some underworld kingpins or something but were the absolute tamest yawn-inspiring crime bosses I’ve ever read. Not sure what they dealt in, it did say several times that they didn’t sell flesh but not once did it even allude to what their business actually was in. Drugs? Arms? I think the author wanted to be vague so she could still claim Victor was a ‘good man’. He’s still a criminal and not peddling in flesh doesn’t make you honourable among villains - drugs and arms dealing or intimidation and extortion are just as terrible. I like my dark heroes to be dark and own their less than savoury sides.
Anyway the villain in the book was obvious and the climax well, it was anticlimactic. Not a good book, not worth reading, will not be continuing this series. This had NONE of the charm of the Montana Daddies series yet all of the problems of a Laylah Roberts book.
One day she should attempt to write her American characters with American accents for some degree of believability, or maybe set her novels in her home country. Sigh.

[Cat H · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.
Why the hell do I have to read so damn fast?!😩🥺
I loved this. Of course. I love everything this author writes.
Victor is so sweet and bossy and protective.
And Gracen is hilarious and adorable.
I love the way she gets completely accepted into the Malone family.
I also really love that she tried so hard to find something sweet that Regent would like.

This was just everything I wanted it to be.
I just wish it was longer, but that’s always my gripe when it comes to a Laylah Roberts book. I want all the pages all the time.

I can’t wait for more Malone crazy goodness. I have her next release on my calendar and I am counting down the days till it comes out.

I just love this author so much.

[Cécile Smits · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laylah Roberts’ Malone men are all dominating and demanding, but with a soft core for the women they love.
That’s why i love coming back to them,time and time again.
No matter if they live in Haven or Chicago,it’s always a joy to reconnect.
Getting the ARC of Vengeful Commander meant i could indulge in a delicious dose of Malone,and all i needed to do,was leave an honest review.
You can understand how lucky i felt!

Victor had always felt less than his brothers,even though they kept telling him he wasn’t.
Protecting them was his job,and he did it well,until….Gracen.
His life wasn’t the same once he saw her,and he needed to make sure she was safe.
Even if he knew he could never have that sweet beauty.
Because he knew he wasn’t good enough for her.
Being near her was sweet torture,but he couldn’t resist taking her to dinner.
Even if it could only be that one time…..
Because when she found out who he was,she’d never want to see him again….right?

Gracen struggled to get through life after losing most of her family.
And her ex dumping her,saying she was too fat,too boring,too…everything.
Even her niece Anita looked down on her,and she only worked at Gracen’s bakery because it was easy money…
The only person that could make her smile was her bestie,Sammy.
And lately her mystery man…the one that kept showing up in the morning to buy a sticky bun.
He made her feel safe,and she liked that feeling.
If only he didn’t seem so sad at times…
She wanted to make him smile,and if her being tongue-tied made that happen,so be it.
The things she blurted out when talking to him….
Finding out who he was from Anita,knowing he kept it from her,that hurt though.

Being apart was hard on both,and checking the cameras he’d installed was the only reason Victor didn’t lose it completely.
When Gracen was done thinking,she reached out,wanting to tell him how she felt.
But the enemies of the Malones had plans,fatal plans….
Would she be able to tell him she loved him,or was it too late??

I loved how sweet,but still demanding,Victor was with Gracen.
And i loved how Gracen accepted Victor for who he was,without any reservations.
They both needed someone to love them as they were,to embrace them,flaws and all.
Their story was one i enjoyed very much,and it left me with a smile,knowing they got their well-deserved HEA.

[JD (on semi-hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having your cake and eating it, too

This is the third book about the New Orleans branch of the Malone family. Thus far, we've gotten stories about brother Jardin and sister Lottie; here, the action centers on brother Victor, the enforcer in his criminal family. For weeks he's been pining for baker Gracen, but will she return his feelings once she learns who he really is?

Ms. Roberts' books are very formulaic; since there are so many of them, they really blend together. Her strengths are possessive, protective men who would do anything for their women; women who aren't doormats; mutual respect and support between the MC; entertaining dialogue; and consent. In addition, few do grumpy/sunshine, good girl/bad boy, light/dark, (have I missed any terms for this trope?) like she does. Those who like any of the above will enjoy this. In this case, I appreciated that Gracen was slightly older than many MFCs; that while her quasi-Cinderella status was typical for this author, she wasn't quite so much of a victim; a realistic quasi-resolution to a problematic familial relationship; and prose that while extraordinarily repetitious was at least better-edited than usual.

I do wish Ms. Roberts would stop presenting every working-class neighborhood as toxic (she injects classicism into almost every book); and the distinction between "good" mobsters and "bad" ones is ludicrous. Is there a "good" way to earn money illegally? No -- probably why the author is so vague about the Malones' business dealings. And probably how all the people who become involved with this family can assuage their consciences by saying, "well, they're the good criminals."

3 1/2 stars. Maxim will get the next book, but I suspect that we'll see Regent and one secondary character at some point. Note: If you don't want to know how this book ends, I strongly suggest not reading the reviews on Amazon, which, for some reason, allows reviews that recap entire narratives. Too bad there's no spoiler function on there.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit for Laylah Roberts. This is the second book in her New Orleans Malones series and features one of Lottie's brothers, Victor. Lottie's story was the first book and while this can be a stand alone, I would really recommend reading Damaged Princess first so you know who everyone is. These Malones are different from their cousins in Haven but their just as commanding! And for a "crime" family, these Malones are still a loving family and they have no problem taking care of anyone who hurts the ones they love. Gracen and Victor's story was so good and I loved how their relationship grew and changed over time. I'm NOT wild about her niece but who knows, maybe she'll pop up in another book somewhere a changed woman! Such a good story.

[Donna Repsher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vengeful Commander is the second novel in Laylah Roberts' New Orleans Malones series, and I worried that I might feel lost since I'd not read the first book in the series, Damaged Princess, but I had met one of the characters previously in her Haven, Texas series. But the novel worked just fine for me as a standalone, I never felt lost and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It gets 5 stars from this reader.

Just a warning to those unfamiliar with Ms. Roberts' novels--there's no shortage of sizzle in any of them, and this novel is certainly no exception, but it also does contain some graphic violence. However, considering that the hero, Victor Malone, a great big bruiser of a man, works out his rage and anger by engaging in what can only be described as an underground fight club, his opponents, we learn, are truly evil men, and so the violence of the fight scene at the beginning of the novel came as no surprise to this reader, nor did I find it offensive.

It didn't take me long to fall in love with Victor, and his sweet crush on local bakery owner Gracen Stall. He stops at her bakery every morning for a sticky bun, always leaves a large tip and is then on his way without a word. What Gracen doesn't know is that he's so concerned for her welfare that he's been hiding in the shadows every morning as she arrives to start her day, since her bakery isn't in the best of locations, and he makes sure he's there to watch as she closes each night. When he finally does get involved in an argument at her counter as one thug pushes to the head of the waiting the line, and Gracen steps between the two men, Victor makes it clear that she's never to put herself in danger again, and leaves. At this point she still doesn't even know his name.

Several days later, when the two finally sit down to talk over coffee, Victor shows his strong, protective side, his dominant side, his excellent manners, and also his sweetness. Gracen, who considers herself old and overweight and isn't afraid to admit it, just doesn't get his attraction to her or know quite what to do with it, and her verbal fumbles are absolutely hilarious. There's just something about a big guy with a soft heart for one woman that gets to me every time in Ms. Roberts' novels, which is probably why I've been binge-reading her backlist for the past several months.

There's a lot more to this novel than this sweet, sexy, oddly matched couple--as you'll find out, the Malones aren't your typical American family, but since I don't do spoilers, I'll just say that I couldn't put this novel down, and I don't think you will either. I would suggest starting at the beginning of the series, which is exactly what I'm about to do. I hope you enjoy this novel as much as I did.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this novel, provided by the author. The opinions stated in this review are my own.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victor Malone the family’s muscle has found his woman, Gracen and he’ll do whatever to keep her safe
Victor Malone had been watching her for some time and everything about her called out to him but she was sweetness and light and brought happiness and smiles wherever she went much the same as her wonderful baked goods from her family’s bakery.
Gracen had noticed him coming into the bakery every morning for his sweet fix a cinnamon bun without fail. He was huge and always left a generous tip and then would leave the shop without speaking or even having a cup of coffee he swas an enigma?
Imagine her surprise after she went to ballet class with her oldest friend, she was that short she could barely put her foot on the bar and her best friend was just as clumsy. She was nearly a foot taller and equally as un-coordinated and had incapacitated her when she kicked her in the face leaving her with a blackeye and a badly bruised face.
Victor was going to kill who ever had hurt his girl, his “Little Bit”. No one put a finger on what belonged to him and what he cared for, only she had no idea this was how he felt about her. In fact, if truth was told he already knew that he wanted to keep her, she was beautiful and kind and so sweet to everyone and she worked so hard.
Some nights she looked as though she was ready to keel over and even though the bakery was her grandfather’s she knew he would not have wanted her to struggle so hard to keep the business in the Black.
Victor knew that their worlds were very different and yet when he was with her, she made him feel lighter, happier and valued. She touched him and when they were together it was as though they were the only people that mattered.
He has always been loyal to his family and knows he would take a bullet for his brother Regent without hesitation. However, she is part of his family now and he will ensure that she stays safe and that his family accepts that she’s his, woe betide anyone that tries to harm his “Little Bit”.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mom2three · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the New Orleans Malone series but you don't have to have read book 1 to enjoy it. You should read it, I think you should read every book Ms. Roberts has ever written, but it can enjoyed as a stand alone. It has a beast of an Alpha male, Victor Malone, and a sweet bakery owner, Gracen, who have both been dealt some tough blows from life. Neither one of them feel that they deserve or will find love and they are both trying to make peace with their situations. However, fate, or the universe, or whatever you want to call it has other ideas. Their story is one that will tug at your heartstrings, have you laughing out loud, and sighing in pleasure. It's a fantastic read that has dangerous situations, a lot of tender moments, and heat. So much heat. I was able to read it in one sitting, but only because I started it at midnight and decided sleep wasn't essential. If I had read it during the day I would have been very aggravated every time someone would have needed me. I could not put it down! The next book in this series won't be out for a long while, but there isn't a cliffhanger so I can be patient.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vengeful Commander is book two of two of the New Orleans Malones series of interconnected standalones. You don’t have to read Damaged Princess first but I highly recommend it!

Gracen works in the bakery that her grandpa left her and trying to make ends meet, while also making sure her late brothers teen daughter is taken care of. The highlight of her day is when the sexy, bearded giant comes in to get a sticky bun. Hairy Fairy Godfather, I mean Victor, is his brothers right hand man and enforcer. His sole purpose (in his eyes) is to protect his family. He feels like he is too much of a monster to deserve sweet, innocent Gracen. But Gracen is tougher then what he thinks!

This book has action, drama, suspense, romance, humor, and spice. If you like the “touch her and d!e” vibe or the alpha male that goes all soft for his woman, then this book is for you!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. Vengeful Commander is book two in the New Orleans Malones series, though it can be read as a standalone as well. I did not read the first book, and I can attest that reading as a standalone is possible. But! I do plan to go back and read the first book, because this was amazing! I’ve read other series of Laylah Roberts, but none are of the Malone ones… yet!! I guess Roberts is truly an author in which I’ll have to read every single one of her books.
Back to this one. This is a story about a bakery owner, Gracen and the enforcer brother of the Malone family, Victor. I love all the characters, they are life like and the writing so effortlessly perfect, makes for a wonderful binge worthy read.
Be prepared to not be able to put this down once you start.

Now… on to book #1 for me.

[Lula Pantoofle · Rating 3 out of 5]

So we have bakery owner Gracen and big beast Enforcer Victor. I liked the premise of this book. He watches her from afar and keeps her safe. They eventually get together with a bit of crimeworld drama but he comes through as her big protector.

It was an ok read. A few things weren’t so great for me personally though. Why does Victor love Gracen so much? It just felt a bit instalovey. I would have preferred it if they’d had small bits of interaction where she had penetrated his wall of gruffness forcing him to like her.

Gracen was a bit useless. No money, a crap car, a shitty neice and a failing business. I am amazed she’d made it this far in life. I just wanted her to be a bit stronger. She hurts herself and is taken care of. She has nightmares and is taken care of. Sometimes she felt almost childlike.

I just like a heroine with a bit more power.

[Karon Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victor is the Malone who has been trained from childhood that his use is as the enforcer and he's embraced his role while at the same time hating the filth in his life. His one light is Gracen. The curvy little baker has become the one thing he can't leave alone and he is such a protector I just fell immediately in love with him. I loved how open she was to him, how she defended him (even to his own family) and how she loved his protective ways. Victor thinks he's undeserving, but truly, these two are perfect for each other. Great HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so glad Victor got his story. He's always portrayed as big and scary, but you get to see his sweet side. The way he is with Gracen fills you full of the good feels. There is a lot of storyline to this book, picking up from the end of Lottie's book and aside from following that through, the focus is on Gracen and Victor. You get to see a lot of Maxim and Regent which leaves you hankering for more, I can't wait for them to get their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ritu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victor finally embraces his deep feelings for Gracen. Their relationship develops into something deep and meaningful. Gracen is put into danger repeatedly by family. Victor is remarkable throughout this book, as is Gracen. I really enjoyed reading this book, and could relate to Gracen's family situation.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vengeful Commander by Laylah Roberts is probably a new fave. I just love those Malones. Victor was absolutely swoon worthy for me. When he decides the hardworking curvy Gracen is his, he goes into big time alpha protection mode. The two were perfect for each other. The sex was very hot along with some good old fashion bottom warming that only Laylah can write. Fabulous book. Kudos!

[Michele79 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. Victor was dark and dangerous but with Gracen he showed his tender side. The book had moments that you just had to laugh....usually whenever Gracen opened her mouth. It was great.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chrystale Gasaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love reading about the Malones, and Victor was no different! Victor is this big protective man who only has eyes for Gracen and her sticky buns. Gracen runs a bakery and that's where she falls in love with Victor! Laylah outdid herself again!

[Lisa A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO GOOD…
It kept me up half the night. I couldn’t put it down. Victor and Gracen are likable characters and you can’t help rooting for them…
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.

[Thisbe]

*spoilers* I preorder all of Laylah Robert’s book and love them all. Also I must admit that the Malone family, wheter from Haven or New Orleans, have a special place in my beart. I was looking forward to read Victor’s story, because there was not so much revealed about him in the other books.
Victor is Regent’s right hand., the enforcer He was raised by his father knowing he is there to protect the others and that is all he is worth of. He is very closed off, even more than Regent, and does not let anybody in. After somebody snuck into their staff, gave information to a rival and nearly killed Regent by poisoning him Victor blames himself for not preventing it. The only bright spot in his life is Gracen. She runs a bakery and is sweet and innocent. She is a curvy girl and somehow not afraifd of him, like everybody else. Her niece, who is her only family and works with her in the bakery, gives her trouble. She evn calls her fat and old. Gracen is 34 and feels lonely. Victor comes in evey morning and when he sees that she is hurt, he can not stay away any longer. Gracen is so cute, always blurting out what is on her mind. She wants somebody to take charge and protect her and Victor needs to protect her and is naturally a dom. But he is afaid that she will be targeted, when they become close, he also does not want to taint her with his darkness and all the awful things he did and does to protect his family. But she sees Victor as a kind protector, Unlike all the other man in her life he lifts her up and not putting her down. But she is also protective of him, knowing also he is strong and very capable, everybody needs somebody ‚to be their ride or die‘ and when they become close, she finds a family again. There is also a lot of action, how could there not be with the Malones. Allies between Santiago, Patrick McMahon and the Ventura gang were formed against the Malones and Grcaen‘s niece got herself tangled into the mess. This story has it all, action, heart melting moments, an alpha who is in full protective mode and steam. I loved so many moments like the conversation when she learned of who Victor really is and he is giving her the choice to be with him or not, it is so intense, it made me cry. He is so commanding, but also sweet and caring, like a fuzzy blanket, shielding away the dark and protecting her. We get to know a whole different side of Victor, Gracen is his heart and he protects her with everything he is. I also loved that there love was so soild, sometimes in the romantic stories it feels like the whole story revolves about that two people commit to their love, Victor knew she was his from the first moment. I have the feeling I could write a whole book, why I loved this story so much, it has so many special scenes in it. Thank you Laylah Roberts, I am sure this will be a go to story for me, when I feel down and need soemthing for my heart. I am already looking forward for the next stories from the Malones (and everybody else)!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victor is a member of the Malone family. If dirty work needs to be done for the family, Victor steps up. He is protective of his siblings and would rather act as one of their bodyguards than a family member to be protected. He father made him feel that these were the only things he could do for the family. Victor believes he is dark and not deserving of anything good. His one bright spot in his life is the baker Gracen. She is beautiful and caring. Victor knows he doesn't deserve to have her in his life but he can't stop watching over her. He will protect her from anyone who would hurt her even if she never knows. When he steps in to protect her from an irate customer, she notices him and thanks him. Just having her full attention is enough to make him crave more.

Gracen is struggling to make the family bakery a success. Her whole family has died except for her niece. When her brother died, Gracen took in his teenage daughter, Anita. Anita was soon hanging out with the wrong crowds and later moved in with a wanna-be gang member. Anita works at the bakery but isn't the best employee. She keeps saying negative comments about her aunt. The business is struggling. The only bright spot in her life right now is the huge sexy customer who saved her from an irate customer. She is very attracted to Victor and it makes her feel very awkward. However he seems to like her just the way she is and makes her feel desirable. The problem is he is hiding secrets.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Monae Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the New Orleans Malone’s series. This story is about Victor Malone and his lady Gracen.

Victor Malone is known as being brutal, savage and his oldest brother’s right hand man. Victor starts going to a bakery where he starts stalking a woman that works at the bakery. He ends up meeting a woman named Gracen. He always orders her delicious sticky buns. He has been watching her to make sure she is safe. He has her sit down with him in the bakery to talk to her. She has self esteem issues which he corrects by threatening to spank her if she talks badly about herself. She doubts that a man like Victor would be interested in a woman like her who might be a little heavy. He takes her out to dinner and shows her that he is indeed interested in her. He ends up in the hospital one night which his brothers take her to see Victor. The brothers didn’t know that Victor was dating Gracen. Gracen doesn’t know what Victor’s job is with his family. She finds out and is a little upset. Victor takes her to his place which is basically a mansion. She doesn’t know that he was watching her or had her car fixed by one of his brothers. There were a lot of twists and turns in this story which I liked. I loved how Victor was very sweet and protective with his lady. I enjoyed reading this book.

[Donna Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was worthy of five stars. It tormented and teased the senses with its
raw, vulnerable characters and dangerous twists and turns. Victor and Gracen
have been elevated to one of my favorite couples, and what an unlikely couple
they made. Victor was the enforcer for the New Orleans Malone family while
Gracen chipped away, trying to make her bakery profitable. From the moment
they met, I thought that Victor went into daddy mode, he put her safety first.
Victor would not allow anyone to hurt Gracen, including herself. She soon
leant not to make negative comments about herself or face painful consequences.

Victor was an unapologetic alpha anti-hero who did not give a damn, that is, until he met Gracen. Demons plagued him, making him feel that he was unworthy of love. Gracen was sweet, impulsive, and a walking disaster with a penchant for blurting out her thoughts. Her unwavering love for Victor was the beauty of the book for me.

The New Orleans Malone brothers were similar to their Haven cousins. I loved
the banter and how close they were as a family. The men had protective streaks a mile long. I loved this book. Its full of danger, action, and emotional turmoil, but at the heart of it, it is a true love story.

[Anne Young-Cronister · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Gracen and Victor are two wayward souls who truly needed each other to be happy. Events that are out of their control threatened the new couple but when true love has been discovered, nothing on earth can tear it apart!
The New Orleans Malones are much different than their cousins of Haven Texas. All Malones though stick with their family through thick and thin! You don’t have to know who all the Malones are to read this thrilling book. The danger always seems to happen to the New Orleans branch! I loved the steamy scenes between Gracen and Victor. He sounds like the kind of man most women would definitely drool over! Protective, Hugely Muscular with the body parts to match, gentle with the women he loves and willing to do anything to protect his family. My kind of man! Laylah Roberts books are always so good that I just can’t put them down once I’ve started reading one. I would definitely recommend this as a swoon worthy tale!

I reviewed an advanced copy of this book

[D.K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victor Malone is the enforcer for the New Orleans Malone's and this book brought out all of the feelings. Victor reminded me of Prince Matek who's father treated him as nothing more than a body guard as well. While Victor loves his family he has never let them in emotionally. While Victor thinks he is tainted by what he has done in order to keep his family safe, Gracen is beacon of light in his dark world. Gracen owns a struggling bakery in a bad part of time and is definitely in need of help. Unbeknownst to her, Victor has been watching over her keeping her safe for some time. When keeping his distance is no longer possible, Victor starts an relationship with her but never telling her who and what he is. When Gracen finds out she must decide if this is a life she can live, because there is no leaving. There are external forces at play that put all of the Malone's in danger and Gracen and Victor might not get their HEA. Overall, I loved everything about this book but Anita. I really hate that she was given a reprive in the end. 2023 is way to long to get our next New Orleans fix.

[Lori Stepanek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Laylah’s 3rd book featuring a New Orleans Malone. Previously, we had Jardin & Lottie’s story….this is Victor Malone’s time for his story. Victor is the enforcer for his brother Regent. He was taught by his father that he is the ‘expendable’ brother and his job is to protect his family with his life. He is alpha male through and through. Victor is obsessed with Gracen, a local bakery owner), but doesn’t feel he is good enough or worthy of her. Events happen that bring them together and their sparks fly.
There story had it all - great characters, a strong alpha male, danger, intrigue, and chemistry.
Laylah is a click author for me and I loved this one. It is definitely going to be a re-read favorite!
Note: if you familiar with Laylah’s writing style of DD/lg, this one did not follow her regular MO. The H was an OTT alpha and the h needed much care and direction (heavy reminders to eat/sleep etc), but no little girl role playing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laylah Roberts is my numbervone author, she always writes such wonderful stories whatever genre she is writing.. i just love her Malone family they may be tough and rough also domineering, but underneath they have a heart of gold for that one right women.
Victor is regents brother and also his right hand man, most people are afraid of him. He hgas his heart set on one cwomen who runs a bakery, her name Gracen. He will do anything for her and she is the one person who is no afraid of him.

Gracen works long hours in the bakery which used to belong to her grandad. However she has one favourite customer that she really likes, his name is Victor and he really likes her sticky buns. Soon they are going out together, and with her niece and her bad boyfriend and the Malones business
Things are certainly heating up in more ways than one.

I totally enjoyed reading this story and recommend it to all. So totally worth while reading

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Vengeful Commander' is the second book in Laylah Roberts' "New Orleans Malones" series and I think they've become one of my favorite couples. Victor, aka Vicky or Hairy Fairy Godmother, is Regent Malone's enforcer. Their father raised him to believe he was the fodder to keep his brothers and sisters safe at all times, especially Regent. He knows he has more than just blood on his hands and has consigned himself to being alone because of it. That is until he meets Gracen, the owner of the bakery. She is all goodness and light and even though he knows he's not worthy of her, he goes above and beyond to make sure she's safe. This is not only a chemistry-filled story that gave me goosebumps, but one that is filled with mystery, action, betrayal, loyalty, and love. Throw in the twists and turns Ms. Roberts laid out for us and you have a mesmerizing read. I'm hooked on this series and can't wait for Maxim's story next.

[Carmen Alicea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love The Malone family. They are wild, crazy, and so lovable. A family that protects and cherishes the woman in their lives. A family that knows the darkness of the world and learns how to value family and put each other safety first. Maxim Malone is one of the stars of this story. Wow, he's so funny and charming. I can't wait to read his story.

Victor is vicious and scary to his enemies however, with Gracen, he's a big romantic teddy bear. He's so sweet and loving with her, and I love his possessive protective ways with those he loves.

Gracen knows he's a scary man; however, she can see his loneliness and wants to protect him. She can see that he has a big heart and can't help but love him. Victor is her soulmate, and she wants to make him happy.

This story teaches you to never judge a person without getting a chance to know them. Gracen found love and family with Victor, a man feared by everyone. Love only sees his heart and his soul is pure.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little boring but I don't regret reading this! I still enjoy laylah's writing style but I'm finding her 'regular' romance books are very simplistic. The storylines don't drag you in the same way as her DD/lg series (montanta daddies and MC daddies) do and everything just seems....tame? I liked the idea of the strong, silent, and violent Victor secretly watching over Gracen and being an absolute marshmallow of a man for her and only her. I'm a little confused about exactly what or how these Malones are so powerful and feared because we didn't get much of an idea about the business side of things which was frustrating but I don't know if that was an intentional plot to show that Regent protects everyone even his own family from the dark side of New Orleans 🤔. Victor was a sort of enforcer but it was really glossed over 🤷‍♀️. But I'm invested enough that I want Maxim's story and definitely Regent's.

[Khushboo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vengeful Commander is book two of the New Orleans Malones series of interconnected standalones. You don’t have to read Damaged Princess first but I highly recommend it!

Gracen works in the bakery that her grandpa left her and trying to make ends meet, while also making sure her late brothers teen daughter is taken care of. The highlight of her day is when the sexy, bearded giant comes in to get a sticky bun. Hairy Fairy Godfather, I mean Victor, is his brothers right hand man and enforcer. His sole purpose (in his eyes) is to protect his family. He feels like he is too much of a monster to deserve sweet, innocent Gracen. But Gracen is tougher then what he thinks!

This book has action, drama, suspense, romance, humor, and spice. If you like the “touch her and d!e” vibe or the alpha male that goes all soft for his woman, then this book is for you!