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Single Malt Drama

Marco Marchionni, New Orleans’ most infamous playboy, has one rule–never go on a second date.

Relax, it’s not as bad as it seems.

He never makes promises he can’t keep, and the ladies know the score. And before you say it, he’s not a commitment-phobe. He’s been in love with the same girl since he hit puberty. The problem is…

…she friend-zoned him about the time his voice changed.

Nicolina Lazio is a model, wannabe fashion designer, and a mafia princess. When she’s ordered to marry a man she doesn’t love, she’ll do anything to get out of it, including a daring escape from her ruthless father. The thing is…

…she’s going to need a little help from her best friend…who just so happens to be her future brother-in-law.

When Marco proposes a fake marriage to keep her father from forcing her down the aisle with his brother, Nico knows better than to say yes. After all, when the mob is involved even the best laid plans have a tendency to end in bloodshed.

Not to mention, the pretend commitment could cost her more than her heart.

You’ll love this romantic comedy chocked full of suspense, because everyone loves a bad boy trying to be a good man.

9 pages, Audible Audio

Published June 25, 2021

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About the author

Kathryn M. Hearst

43 books290 followers
Kathryn M. Hearst is a southern girl with a love of the dark and strange. She has been a story teller her entire life, as a child she took people watching to new heights by creating back stories of complete strangers. Kate lives in North Carolina with her chocolate lab, Jolene; and two rescue pups, Jagger and Roxanne. She is a self-proclaimed nerd, raising a nerdling.

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5 stars
117 (55%)
4 stars
66 (31%)
3 stars
24 (11%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Syndi.
3,961 reviews1,065 followers
February 1, 2023
I cut through this series and reading book number 3. I think I should read the first book. Because I am not really connecting with the whole mafia drama. I do not like Marco. He is stiff and good two shoes lawyer. His control over his feeling toward Nico is annoying sometimes. Oh and he seems too naive too.

Nico is much smarter. She understands more about the mafia drama. Sadly I am clueless. The writing is easy to follow.
At the end I just give this book middle star.

3 stars
Profile Image for Veronica Ticker.
901 reviews68 followers
December 22, 2021
(audiobook) It wasn’t bad at all, but it was definitely more mafia than romcom. It’s okay, I loved the mafia politics. And Nico and Marco were great together.

For most of the book, we’re in the middle of a subtle mafia war. Or a chess game. Alliances, betrayals, putting the right piece in the right place at the right time, anticipating the enemy’s move. What I really enjoyed? That though Marco was the main player, it was Nico who knew the rules of the game. Marco was ‘just’ a lawyer. He had no clue about the power struggle inside the Cosa Nostra.

In fact, there was a clear comparison between the old traditional mob values and how the new generation wants to shape the organization. The older members are all about arranged marriage, executions, manipulation, etc. The Marchionni brothers are not. Especially Marco, since the woman he loves is supposed to marry his brother. He’s ready to take over if it means keeping Nico by his side.

There was also a bit of feminism here, with women who are seen as things and not human beings–made for possession, exchange, and nothing more–but either secretly have some control, or take it back from men’s hands.

Though the mafia part was preeminent, there was still a lot of humor here. It wasn’t very subtle–playing on Marco’s fear of reptiles and spiders wasn’t exactly the epitome of subtle. But it balanced well with the family drama that could be kind of heavy at times.

Nico and Marco as friends were adorable, as lovers they were everything. There was so much love and support here. It takes time for them to get there though, be prepared for a slow burn. I loved that they were equal, each with their own role to play in the couple.

Narration was good. I enjoyed the female narrator’s Italian accent–just enough to color her words, but perfectly understandable and not too caricatured. With both narrators, I had sometimes trouble identifying the various characters, but to be fair, there were a lot.

A pleasant combination of fun, action and drama all in all.

Quickie

- Series: Bourbon Street bad boys’ club #3 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #romcom #mafia romance #friends to lovers #arranged marriage #fake marriage #virgin
- Triggers: mild violence
- Main couple: Nicolina Lazio & Marco Marchionni
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + the family drama is delightful!
- – more mafia than romcom this time; not that I didn’t like it, but romcom mafia is a bit misleading
Profile Image for Bette.
3,553 reviews24 followers
September 29, 2021
Outstanding Story & Listen🎧 Compelling & Heartfelt!
Single Malt Drama
Bourbon Street Bad Boys' Club, Book 3
By: Kathryn M. Hearst
Narrated by: Aaron Shedlock, Charlotte Claremont

Kathryn M. Hearst continues to wow me with another amazing novel, the third in her“Bourbon Street Bad Boys’ Club” series. I loved the first two books of this series and have been looking forward to Marco Marchionni and Nicolina “Nico” Lazio’s story. Marco and Nico have been friends since they were young and he agrees to help her get out of the arranged marriage her father set up as a power play to strengthen their two families in the mafia world both in the US and Italy. Nico did not act well to the news of her arranged marriage to Enzo, she tried her best to get Enzo to not marry her, little did she know Enzo was not happy with the arrangement either, Marco was not happy either and comes up with a solution, but he needs to get them both on board. It was great to see there was so much more to Nico, she came off as the bratty mafia princess in Enzo’s book, we learned it was a facade to deter the arranged marriage. Marco stood up for her and by her, but then again, he is the one who knows her best and he may harbor feelings for her, ones he is not ready to admit to. I loved how everything played out in this book, the story is cleverly plotted, there was nothing fake about the romance between Marco and Nico. the chemistry between them is smoking hot. Besides the fabulous friends to romance, there are plenty of twists and turns in the mafia world which leads to a lot of drama, I am rooting for the Marchionni brothers all the way. I am looking forward to see what these changes will bring. Kathryn M. Heart, thank you for another fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 And for the wonderful narration, you could not ask for a better cast to bring these characters and their story to life. Aaron Shedlock and Charlotte Claremont are talented narrators and voice artists. They had a complete understanding of the characters they portrayed, giving each a voice that fit that character’s persona to a tee, sounding believable in every role they played and just as I pictured the characters to sound. Aaron Shedlock is mastering the roles as the Bourbon Street Bad boy, his Marco was spot on, Charlotte Claremont aced Nico’s role, accent and all. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured the characters’ emotions and projected them into their performance. Both are talented voice artists and entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another fabulous listen.
11.2k reviews129 followers
March 25, 2020
This is the 3rd book I've read written by Kathryn M. Hearst; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
9,377 reviews141 followers
April 5, 2020
The third book in the Bourbon Street Bad Boy's Club brings Marco and Nico's story. The author does a great job building the story and pulls you in with a thrilling page turner with strong characters and an entertaining story line. It's well written with detailed and descriptive scenes,moves fluidly and is an action packed romance. I loved and would highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
4,722 reviews
April 7, 2020
A well-written story with detailed and descriptive scenes that's a page-turner! Marco and Nicolina are childhood best friends, the thing is that they're part of two different Mafia families and now they want Nico and Enzo ( Marco's brother) to be married.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Fos.
1,457 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2023
Audiobook

Nicolina and Marco
Much better character development with Marco, his fear of reptiles, insects makes him memorable. The Bayou makes it memorable too. Most interesting and memorable Characters in series so far!
Profile Image for Patty.
5,422 reviews54 followers
August 13, 2021
Single Malt Drama
Bourbon Street Bad Boys' Club, Book 3
By: Kathryn M. Hearst
Narrated by: Aaron Shedlock, Charlotte Claremont

How far would you go to not go along with an arranged marriage? Nicolina has been slated to marry Enzo, joining the two mafia families and strengthening their power. Neither wants to go along with it, but something has to be done. Playing the bratty fashionista does not seem to be deterring her father's plan But running away with the help of her best friend Marco, Enzo's brother may be the answer. He proposes a marriage in name only to stop the madness. But neither realizes the feelings they actually have for each other. Will the sham of a marriage work? Will the families be happy? Deceit, lies, passion, escape, danger and love all play into this funny light mafia! While it can be listened to as a standalone, it's best to get the family history and start with book 1! I am loving this series, it has me laughing out loud and falling in love, the best feelings you can have!

It does not hurt to have Aaron Shedlock and Charlotte Claremont read me this story either! This talented team delivers a fantastic performance. Aaron has the Marchionni men, each with their own voice. I love his portrayal of Marco. He has a sincerity in his voice that is undeniable, and his determination to keep what is his is unmistakable. Claremont breathes life into our princessa, with a light bratty texture, but quickly morphs into the true gem that is Nico. It's a fabulous listen and must not be missed!
6,379 reviews31 followers
April 8, 2020
A good premise.

But what didn’t work for me is that Marci, while crushing on his bestie, still hooks up and one night stands endless girls and justifies it by he wants Nicolina. That’s just didn’t work for me. If that was edited out, we’d have a great book.

Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,982 reviews57 followers
August 15, 2021
Nicolina Lazio. Principessa. Model. Fashionista. Wife? Her father has ordered her to marry Enzo Marchionni but her heart secretly belongs to his younger brother Marco. So when Marco, a confirmed bachelor, proposes a fake marriage a part of her swoons while the rest of her prepares for heartbreak. He may be more dangerous to her well-being than growing up in the mafia world.

I love the Marchionni Brothers but I was a little afraid of this one. Marco's 'Happy Playboy' demeanor and Nicolina's spoiled behavior don't appeal to me. I could not have been more wrong. Marco turned out to be much more intelligent than expected. But the best surprise was Nico. I loved her. My favorite of the ladies so far. Sweet, innocent, and lacking healthy self-assurance made her a delightful character. Her appearance screams beautiful worldly woman but her personality whispers down-to-earth wishful maiden. She was sheltered and pure, she couldn't keep her American sayings straight and had no idea about pop culture. She could also shoot the lights out, navigate intricate political maneuvers in the male-dominated mafia world, and face down scary spiders and snakes. She was a lovely contradiction and made this my favorite book in the series so far.

The drama level soared in this book. Mafia dangers, Mother Marchionni shenanigans, Papa Lazio's crimes, not-so-scary big brothers, shattering secrets, and a honeymoon in the swamp kept me highly entertained. So many twists and turns. I can't figure out what comes next but I feel the Marchionni's have their most competent leadership yet. Thi husband-wife combo will turn the mafia inside out. Did this book hint at a spin-off? Will we find out more about the Lazio boys? Please!
Profile Image for Cat.
2,362 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2023
I swear these books seem to be getting better and better,the stories are becoming more engrossing,intriguing and mysterious.
The next Marchionni brother to find his love is Marco.
He is a playboy and never wants to settle down,that is until his best friend Nicolina Lazio is betrothed to his brother Enzo.
Nicolina is a model and a fashion designer but most importantly she is a Mafia princess,her father is a scheming and cruel,heartless man.Since the day she was born her father has been plotting to marry her off to Enzo,to form an alliance with the Marchionni's and to claim more power.
But Nicolina doesn't love Enzo she is in love with her best friend and Enzo's brother Marco.
Marco will do anything to help Nicolina out of a loveless marriage so he proposes to her himself because if she is already married how can she marry Enzo?
But their union could cause it's own problems with all the mafia families and so to protect themselves they go into hiding.
In a ramshackle fishing cabin in the Bayou secrets are revealed and their love for one another is declared...but there is so many more secrets to be exposed and danger to avoid.
Can their new found love survive ?
Single Malt Drama is exactly what the title suggests because there is so so much drama and you have to pay attention to keep up.It is like reading a Mafia soap opera..lol..and I loved and enjoyed it because it keeps you guessing throughout the story.
Kathryn M Hearst is really impressing me with her imagination and storytelling and I am loving it,this series is definately keeping my attention,because I am just fascinated by these Brothers.
A very enjoyable friends to lovers Mafia read.
Excellent.
5 Stars
Profile Image for Amy Shannon.
Author 179 books134 followers
August 17, 2021
Magnificent new story!

Hearst pens a magnetic mafioso comedy in Single Malt Drama. I've read a lot of work from Hearst, and as I'm reading the Bourbon Street Bad Boys' Club, all in order, the first thing I should say is that I just love the titles of the stories. They fit the story, and with Single Malt Drama, we have another set of characters, set off in New Orleans and the mafia. Who could ask for more? Romance, and drama, yes, a lot of drama. It's about different person's lifestyle, for good or for bad, and how they connect, and linger on with each other. This book deserves a second read! (and maybe more). It is a very well-written story, and I enjoyed it. This is a magnificent story that kept this reader turning the pages. A definite attention grabber, so much I couldn't put it down. The thrills and intrigue is written clearly, and the characterizations are engrossing. Very impressive story telling. Single Malt Drama is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author.
1,718 reviews13 followers
April 7, 2020
Marco helped Nicolina escape her father and the mafia and she took her servants who helped bring her up. She did something her father would never forgive but she only cared for the safety of the people she loved. she and Marco go through some rough times but he has his brothers and his dad and an old man to rely on, but of coarse if Marco had done what he was suppose to he would not have misplaced his bride. Giancarlo and his sister come to an understanding finally and they all get the best surprise ever except one someone whose has a total meltdown.. This is a very interesting story line about the mafia enter workings and how the Marchionnii's handle it Characters are great. Romantic suspense as well as action. Book 2 of the series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for LeMiliere.
2,975 reviews20 followers
April 8, 2020
The Playboy and the Princess - I am loving this series, this is the third one in the Bourbon Street Bad Boys Series but there is still one brother's story to come. This one is about Marco, the Playboy and Nicolina the Mafia Princess. She's the love of his life but she put him in the friends' category years ago, hence his playboy reputation. Now she's being forced to marry his brother!

Although all the books can be read individually I think you get a better understanding of the story when reading them in the order they are written. The author does a great job of intermixing the relevant parts of each brother's story whilst still concentrating on the current storyline

When Nicoline asks for Marco's help the last thing she expected was a fake marriage. Can Marco's plan work or will she lose her heart for real? Can he keep them both safe? Is there a HEA in store for these two?
Profile Image for Kayla Pocernich.
1,811 reviews8 followers
April 11, 2020
Marco Marchionni is considered New Orleans’ most infamous playboy, has he has one rule that he live and that is that he never goes on a second date. Marco is bad at making promises that he can't seem to keep. His slight problem is that the girl he really wants put him in the friend-zone. Nicolina Lazio is a model, wannabe fashion designer, and a mafia princess. When Nicolina is forced to marry a man that she doesn’t love, and she’ll do anything to get out of it, including an escape from her father. Nicolina decides that she is going to need help from her best friend and the problem there and Marco proposes a fake marriage to keep her father from forcing her down the aisle and marring his brother instead. Great book if you love mafia romances.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tammy Bulcao.
918 reviews12 followers
October 25, 2021
Another great romance!

First, I have to get this off my chest. This may not be a “dark” mafia romance but IMO it’s also not a Mafia “RomCom as described. I’ve listened to the first three books, all of them are fantastic but I would describe them as a “light” mafia or just mafia romance.
I love this storyline. I felt it was well written and in particular the way it crossed over book 2. I loved that it was directly connected and seamlessly flowed together.
The narration was really good for the most part. Nicolina was a pretty important character in book 2, however, in this book her character accent was almost non existent by the female narrator. That said, IMO, Charlotte Claremont is a wonderful narrator, I just think her accent needs work. Aaron Shedlock did a great job.
This is book 3 with an HEA and can be read as a standalone.
I highly recommend this book.

Sisters Spotlight 💜
2,286 reviews13 followers
April 9, 2020
I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I really enjoyed this story about Nico and Marco. They have been best friends since they were little. Both of their families were in the Italian Mafia. But unlike Marco, Nico lived a very sheltered life. Her family is trying to push her and Enzo, Marco's brother, into a marriage of power. But neither wants that outcome. Marco has harbored feelings for Nico for a long time but she friend zoned him. Now she had to rely on Marco to get her to safety from hey family. But something and someone had been plotting against them. Lots of suspense, betrayal, fighting and live. Great HEA in the end

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for kgagnon.
2,510 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2021
I had so much fun listening to this thrilling friends to lovers romance! This series is getting better with each book and Marco and Nicolina's story is my favorite so far. Marco and Nico have been close friends since they were kids. Now to help strengthen their families, and avoid a war, they want her to marry Marco's older brother, Enzo, who we met in the previous book. Nico has tried everything she can think of to get out of that marriage, so now she has run away, and Nico is helping her. When that backfires as well, Marco and Nico decide to get married instead and hide out on a honeymoon until things settle down. But Nico's dad is not happy and will stop at nothing to bring Nico home. I really loved both Marco and Nico together. Nico was so smart, strong and determined, and Marco made me swoon with how supportive, loyal and protective he was. They were good friends, understood each other, and as they realized how much they have always loved each other, their passion exploded off the charts!
I loved Aaron Shedlock, and Charlotte Claremont's narration. They took my breath away with their expressive performances that bring these characters and this heart-pounding and steamy story to life.
I am really loving this Bourbon Street Bad Boys' Club series, and can't wait to find out what happens with the other Marchionni brothers!
2,259 reviews6 followers
April 5, 2020
Escaping from the mafia isn’t easy. In fact it might be impossible. Marco has love Nicolina since they were kids, but now both their parents are trying to force her to marry his brother Enzo. Niether Enzo or Nico want to marry each other, so March decides that he and Nico should have a marriage in name only for six months and hopefully that will give his older brother time to pull their family out of the mafia. But Nico’s father won’t stop threatening them. Why is he so bent on Nico marrying Enzo? The further they investigate the more secrets come out. Twenty six year old secrets. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
21.4k reviews372 followers
April 7, 2020
Marco Marchionni is known as New Orleans’ well-known playboy because he will date a woman only once. His reason is that he is in love with a woman who put him in the friend-zone a long time ago, but she is the only one he will ever want.

Nicolina Lazio is a model and a mafia princess, the woman Marco loves. So when she is being forced to marry someone else – actually Marco’s brother -- Marco comes to her rescue and suggests a fake marriage to mess up the plans. But this is a risk for Nicolina – she just may lose her heart for real, as well as her life by thwarting the mob! Can Marco’s plan work? Can he protect her and find his own HEA?
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,068 reviews36 followers
April 8, 2020
Single Malt Drama is the third book in the Bourbon Street Bad Boys' Club series and is a great mafia romantic suspense story.

This book takes you on a thrilling ride with two branches of the mafia as Marco and Nicolina agree to a fake marriage to stop her father from marrying her off. What family secrets will be uncovered when the truth comes out? This book is well written and has fabulous characters, lots of action, drama, suspense, and romance.

I loved this book and cannot wait for the next one in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,869 reviews11 followers
March 26, 2020
Marco and Nico have been friends since they were young they just hadn't want to admit that they felt more than friendship for each other. Nico is supposed to marry Enzo, who is in love with Shanna, so Marco suggests she marry him instead. However, going against the family when the family is Mafia is not going to end well. Secrets are unearthed and lives are changed in this thrilling addition to the Bourbon Street Bad Boys Club series. The characters are great and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Dani Marlowe.
Author 3 books8 followers
April 8, 2020
Kathryn M. Hearst did a great job on Single Malt Drama, the story had a strong plot that had many feelings. The story was written well. Marco and Nicolina were strong characters. Their journey goes way back. They've had a strong connection from the moment they had met, they completed each other but their journey had it's ups and downs but they were good for each other. Their bond and chemistry was strong. I enjoyed their story.
This was a great story. Thank you, Kathryn M. Hearst. Great work :)

4,763 reviews21 followers
April 8, 2020
Marco and Nico were childhood friends so when Nico must run away from her family she knows exactly who to call. Of course what happens next is full of action, suspense, guns - lots of guns - and family. It was a fun wild ride that made me laugh and groan and root for both Marco and Nico. I also wanted to really slap them both and say grow up and talk to each other truthfully. I liked that the other members of the families show up. I was entertained and laughed a lot throughout the story. Pure entertainment with a Mafia to good guys (maybe) twist.
Profile Image for Shannon.
4,124 reviews31 followers
April 8, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

This is the third book in the Bourbon Street Bad Boys Club, it can be read as a standalone story..
I really enjoyed this friends to lovers romance, Marco has loved Nicolina forever unfortunately she friendzoned him when they were younger but he will do anything for his best friend. Now, she needs help to avoid marrying a man she doesn't love, Marcos brother.

There is plenty of drama throughout this story, interesting storyline. Characters are both really likable. Enjoyable story!
1,994 reviews16 followers
April 9, 2020
Marco and Nicolina almost grow up together, both children of the Sicilian Cosa Nostra. Nico put Marco in the friend group, but things change, when her father wants her to marry his brother. With Marco's and one of his brothers' help she flees to New Orleans and to be protected she marries Marco. Surpressed feelings come to the forefront and together they fight with Marco's family to find a way out of the Cosa Nostra.
An interesting story-line, more than just a friends-to-.lovers story....
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,103 reviews22 followers
April 14, 2020
What I love about this story is Marco. He is so not what he thinks he is. I love his attitude, his love of Nico and his stubbornness. I also love Nico. She is so sweet and loving and just a little bit lost in that family of hers. The action, the mystery and suspense along with the secondary characters bring so much purpose and depth to the book. I do wish I had read the prior stories but overall it did not effect my joy in this book much.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jackie Roberts.
927 reviews8 followers
April 25, 2020
This romance story was an excitement filled love story with tons of action and a fast moving plot line.
This was a great heart pounding read. The story was very well written with great characters. The story was very well written with great characters. It drew me in and I had it finished in one sitting. I would highly recommend this read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Pamela Fleming.
148 reviews5 followers
October 12, 2021
Marco and Nicolina
Nicolina is expected to marry Enzo but he is in love with someone else. Marco, his brother wants to marry her so Enzo doesn’t have to, plus he has known her forever. Mafia marriages are usually prearranged. Marco Marries Nicolina and all hell breaks loose in both families. Many secret are revealed and twists also. I recommend this book. Narration was on point! Sisters Spotlight 💕
Profile Image for Chris.
1,729 reviews29 followers
December 10, 2021
This one was my favorite of the series! I loved Marco, but it took me a bit to like Nico. I enjoyed this story that was pretty much non-stop action, funny scenes and lots of spice! My fave part with Nico was her trying to cook. She was trying so hard and not succeeding at all, but she was a trooper. My fave part with Marco was the snake on the dock. I laughed so hard.
Aaron Shedlock was freaking perfect in this one! Charlotte Claremont is new to me and she killed it as Nico!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews