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The Men Duet #1-2
Men of Mayhem & Vengeance
Peaky Blinders meets Boardwalk Empire in this spicy historical why choose romance that will immerse you in a world of bootlegging, organized crime, and men who will do anything for their girl. Enjoy a tantalizing, action-packed trip to the thirties with Men of Mayhem and Vengeance. Explore themes of power and redemption as the gangsters face enemies, fall in love, and take over New York City's seedy underworld. With an array of captivating characters, edge-of-your seat thrills, and scenes that can trigger strong emotions, Men of Mayhem and Vengeance is the perfect book to get lost in.
Men of Mayhem and Vengeance is a MEDIUM GRAY dark historical why choose romance.
**This is a combo of both halves of the Duet and can be read as a standalone instead of reading both parts. The second half of this story is heartbreaking but trust in my ability to give you a worthwhile HEA**
My life could only begin once I lay beneath death... I was sick of my mundane life and tired of being told I would never be enough, so when two men walked into the diner and demanded I come with them, I went. Criminals. Outlaws. Mobsters. Whatever you wanted to call them, I was their collateral. I expected them to be unkind to me and that I'd end up meeting the Reaper face to face. What I didn't expect was to find myself at the center of their world, welcomed into a life I never thought possible. Silvia as I knew her was gone. Instead, I became known as doll, love, Sil, or sweets. I never expected to fit into their life as if I always belonged. The more I learned about them, the more I should have been afraid. Instead, I found love within the darkest depths of their hearts. And they became my family. Even once they showed me the underbelly of their lifestyle, I chose to stay. And when evil came for me and they bore witness to an unspeakable act, they were my source of comfort. When I needed revenge, they helped me get my vengeance. Would I be able to find my peace within their mayhem?
This book contains both Men of Mayhem and Men of Vengeance , the novella duet from Lauren Biel’s “after dark” collection. This SPICY and DARK novella duet is for adult readers only.
Men of Mayhem and Vengeance is a MEDIUM GRAY dark historical why choose romance.
**This is a combo of both halves of the Duet and can be read as a standalone instead of reading both parts. The second half of this story is heartbreaking but trust in my ability to give you a worthwhile HEA**
My life could only begin once I lay beneath death... I was sick of my mundane life and tired of being told I would never be enough, so when two men walked into the diner and demanded I come with them, I went. Criminals. Outlaws. Mobsters. Whatever you wanted to call them, I was their collateral. I expected them to be unkind to me and that I'd end up meeting the Reaper face to face. What I didn't expect was to find myself at the center of their world, welcomed into a life I never thought possible. Silvia as I knew her was gone. Instead, I became known as doll, love, Sil, or sweets. I never expected to fit into their life as if I always belonged. The more I learned about them, the more I should have been afraid. Instead, I found love within the darkest depths of their hearts. And they became my family. Even once they showed me the underbelly of their lifestyle, I chose to stay. And when evil came for me and they bore witness to an unspeakable act, they were my source of comfort. When I needed revenge, they helped me get my vengeance. Would I be able to find my peace within their mayhem?
This book contains both Men of Mayhem and Men of Vengeance , the novella duet from Lauren Biel’s “after dark” collection. This SPICY and DARK novella duet is for adult readers only.
218 pages, Paperback
Published July 27, 2022
358 people are currently reading
1816 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Biel
37 books4,717 followersLauren’s stories are often emotionally raw, with lots of twists and turns. She describes her writing as “where light meets dark”, which represents how her witty humor compliments the darkness in every story. Instead of trying to mold her writing to fit in a box, she chooses to be unapologetically herself. While her focus is on Romance with dark elements, subgenre is no constraint for her. The common theme in every book is finding love when you least expect it. She enjoys putting her characters through tribulations, allowing their triumphs to be that much more poignant. Make sure you have your seatbelts secured. It’s always a bumpy ride.
When she’s not working, she’s writing. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her husband, her friends, or her pets. You might also find her on a horseback trail ride or sitting beside a waterfall in Upstate New York. She has a pretty normal life, yet her stories are anything but.
When she’s not working, she’s writing. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her husband, her friends, or her pets. You might also find her on a horseback trail ride or sitting beside a waterfall in Upstate New York. She has a pretty normal life, yet her stories are anything but.
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May 1, 2023Men of Mayhem is a single pov rh novella. It's part one of a two part novella duet. MY NOVELLAS ARE PART OF LAUREN BIEL 'AFTER DARK' AND ARE SPICIER/STEAMIER FAST PACED STORIES! Be aware that there's some heavy possibly triggering content in book 2 which includes a graphic on page non con scene. Book 1 is the calm before the storm that is book 2. Take a chance on this unique story!
May 25, 2024
This was a change of pace from the other books I've read from this author. I wasn't disappointed at all. RH books are some of my favorites!! I love the throw back to the 1920's.
August 16, 2025
Yet another one of those that’s been on my tbr for eva 😂
Set in the 1930’s put FMC ends up with four nefarious guys, she decides to stay with them as her life up until that moment had been lonely and not going anywhere. Suffice to say when you have four ‘mobsters’ in your life it does tend to spice it up a little, add on all the other criminal activities and boom you’ve got yourself a doozy of a life!
It was a quick read and I really enjoyed it, as usual with Lauren’s books it was well written and her descriptive writing made you feel it all.
Set in the 1930’s put FMC ends up with four nefarious guys, she decides to stay with them as her life up until that moment had been lonely and not going anywhere. Suffice to say when you have four ‘mobsters’ in your life it does tend to spice it up a little, add on all the other criminal activities and boom you’ve got yourself a doozy of a life!
It was a quick read and I really enjoyed it, as usual with Lauren’s books it was well written and her descriptive writing made you feel it all.
June 13, 2024
I didn't realize this book was a duet until I started to read it. In Men of Mayhem we are introduced to Sylvia, who appears unlovable (in her words), because she is barren. Fate brings four mobsters into her life, via a family link and she is held for ransom. A ransom that can't be paid, but in that time she finds a connection with these 4 men and feels she has found fulfillment in her life. The story delves into how these men are the way they are and how they all are a part of a puzzle that each piece fits into the other.
In Men of Vengeance their story takes a darker turn as their world is prized apart. Through trauma and their thirst for vengeance their bond grows even stronger, forging forward in their wee family in the only way they know how. A lot of violence, a lot of trauma and a lot of vengeance. But what shines through is the love that glues them all together, forging them as a family, albeit one they never thought they would have or deserved.
A fabulous read, fast paced, bloody, violent (so check your TW's), found family, spicy, why choose 🖤🥀🔥🫶
In Men of Vengeance their story takes a darker turn as their world is prized apart. Through trauma and their thirst for vengeance their bond grows even stronger, forging forward in their wee family in the only way they know how. A lot of violence, a lot of trauma and a lot of vengeance. But what shines through is the love that glues them all together, forging them as a family, albeit one they never thought they would have or deserved.
A fabulous read, fast paced, bloody, violent (so check your TW's), found family, spicy, why choose 🖤🥀🔥🫶
October 27, 2024
This book was an absolute mess.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2025
DNF at 30%
Honestly that was generous amount of time to give this one.
I'm not always here for the substance but this, this had none.
She is so wishy washy and the guys are blegh.
This is the only way I know how to explain.
Honestly that was generous amount of time to give this one.
I'm not always here for the substance but this, this had none.
She is so wishy washy and the guys are blegh.
This is the only way I know how to explain.
January 11, 2024
I wish I DNF’d.
I don’t know where to start with this book. The first person narration is the most inconsistent writing I’ve read in a while. The first chapter introduces the FMC with a charming, if not explicit, southern dialect (think a more vulgar Tiana from The Princess and the Frog) only to drift into 21st century wording (“what the fuck ever” - a direct quote). It’s like the author would remember every few chapters that the narrator is supposed to say “ain’t” often and would revert back to a more southern voice just to drift back to modern/northern dialect within a few paragraphs.
On top of that, the entire story read like a book report. “This happened and then that happened and then this happened.” The narrator was constantly summing up what was going on, it’s like you weren’t even reading a novel but a history book. You could be reading about the characters sitting on the couch and then three sentences later they’ve finished this huge brawl against intruders. It felt so rushed and superficial. There was no depth at all to the story or writing. The characters were shallow and unlikeable because you didn’t even get a chance to know them. There was no build-up, no interactions outside of mediocre sex scenes. Reading this whole story was a jarring experience because it felt like things just kept getting thrown at you and you were expected to sympathize with the characters but you didn’t even read the part where they fell in love. It just happened in a sentence when the narrator admitted she was in love. Again, no build up but not even any warning or reasoning.
One last thing I will say is I hate a plot that is solely driven by the rape of a woman. For a story that was advertised as having Peaky Blinders vibes, the only thing this author could come up with to write about was a very brief few scenes about selling booze during prohibition in the first book and having the FMC raped and then avenging herself in the second? You wrote a story with outlaws based during the prohibition and this is what you choose to do with them? It felt like such lazy writing.
This book was so awful it has made me lose all motivation for reading. Hopefully I can force myself to read something decent to make it feel like not such a chore again.
I don’t know where to start with this book. The first person narration is the most inconsistent writing I’ve read in a while. The first chapter introduces the FMC with a charming, if not explicit, southern dialect (think a more vulgar Tiana from The Princess and the Frog) only to drift into 21st century wording (“what the fuck ever” - a direct quote). It’s like the author would remember every few chapters that the narrator is supposed to say “ain’t” often and would revert back to a more southern voice just to drift back to modern/northern dialect within a few paragraphs.
On top of that, the entire story read like a book report. “This happened and then that happened and then this happened.” The narrator was constantly summing up what was going on, it’s like you weren’t even reading a novel but a history book. You could be reading about the characters sitting on the couch and then three sentences later they’ve finished this huge brawl against intruders. It felt so rushed and superficial. There was no depth at all to the story or writing. The characters were shallow and unlikeable because you didn’t even get a chance to know them. There was no build-up, no interactions outside of mediocre sex scenes. Reading this whole story was a jarring experience because it felt like things just kept getting thrown at you and you were expected to sympathize with the characters but you didn’t even read the part where they fell in love. It just happened in a sentence when the narrator admitted she was in love. Again, no build up but not even any warning or reasoning.
One last thing I will say is I hate a plot that is solely driven by the rape of a woman. For a story that was advertised as having Peaky Blinders vibes, the only thing this author could come up with to write about was a very brief few scenes about selling booze during prohibition in the first book and having the FMC raped and then avenging herself in the second? You wrote a story with outlaws based during the prohibition and this is what you choose to do with them? It felt like such lazy writing.
This book was so awful it has made me lose all motivation for reading. Hopefully I can force myself to read something decent to make it feel like not such a chore again.
September 5, 2023
Men of Mayhem (The Men Duet, #1)
3 stars
I love this historical has taken place in the 30s and during the prohibition era. Sylvia is a barren (you'll understand why and why she brings it up) 30 something woman who was taken as payment by 4 mobsters Reaper, Vernon, Ricky and Morris for her mothers current husbands debt. I just felt nothing super substantial plot wise has happened in this one and I'm not sure if its to blame the novella size length. It was a quick steamy read as Sylvia gets involved with all four as there's nothing going on in her life because she can't have kids. I'm reading the next one next.
Men of Vengeance (The Men Duet, #2)
3 stars
Starts out 1 year later from the ending of book one. I think this one was a bit darker than Men of Mayhem. This one ends in completion of Sylvia's past. Overall pretty good fast reads.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3 stars
I love this historical has taken place in the 30s and during the prohibition era. Sylvia is a barren (you'll understand why and why she brings it up) 30 something woman who was taken as payment by 4 mobsters Reaper, Vernon, Ricky and Morris for her mothers current husbands debt. I just felt nothing super substantial plot wise has happened in this one and I'm not sure if its to blame the novella size length. It was a quick steamy read as Sylvia gets involved with all four as there's nothing going on in her life because she can't have kids. I'm reading the next one next.
Men of Vengeance (The Men Duet, #2)
3 stars
Starts out 1 year later from the ending of book one. I think this one was a bit darker than Men of Mayhem. This one ends in completion of Sylvia's past. Overall pretty good fast reads.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
December 18, 2022
Four gangsters are better than one!
Where book one held so much insight to how these men became who they were and how Silvia came to take her place in the gang, book two holds all the excitement and trauma that made them into the family they never knew they needed. It also proves that sometimes even the bad guys get their own kind of HEA. This duet is bloody and violent but these four men and Silvia love each other more than any of them ever thought they deserved.
Where book one held so much insight to how these men became who they were and how Silvia came to take her place in the gang, book two holds all the excitement and trauma that made them into the family they never knew they needed. It also proves that sometimes even the bad guys get their own kind of HEA. This duet is bloody and violent but these four men and Silvia love each other more than any of them ever thought they deserved.
June 7, 2025
I wrote a long review but for some reason it disappeared.
This is nothing like the Peaky blinders and this book makes it sound like there was only two gangs in New York making moonshine in the 1930s and no one else.
I didn't like anything about these men or Silvia. There was no depth to any of them. No real build up, No reasoning behind why Silvia's life was spared, No build up of their life, how or why they all fell in love, how they found all these empty houses or why they were empty.
This is nothing like the Peaky blinders and this book makes it sound like there was only two gangs in New York making moonshine in the 1930s and no one else.
I didn't like anything about these men or Silvia. There was no depth to any of them. No real build up, No reasoning behind why Silvia's life was spared, No build up of their life, how or why they all fell in love, how they found all these empty houses or why they were empty.
June 19, 2024
Quick, dirty, and interesting!
4⭐️5🌶 This was fun and different. A prohibition why-choose with some violent dark subject matter thrown in the mix. It was a nice little pallet cleanser.
4⭐️5🌶 This was fun and different. A prohibition why-choose with some violent dark subject matter thrown in the mix. It was a nice little pallet cleanser.
January 21, 2024
Such a fun why choose set in the 30’s and the men all being reckless outlaws makes it so awesome! Silvia’s been made to believe no man will ever want her and then she gets four who loveeeee her! As per usual, the craziest of the Lauren men is my favorite (Vernon) and he is so unhinged it’s fantastic- it’s also amazing when Silvia gets her revenge on some people and goes postal! Def recommend for a unique why choose romance:)
February 26, 2024
How I managed to dislike Vernon from the beginning only to have a soft spot for him by the end to continue to surprise me.
This why choose is a dark romance so check your triggers before venturing into this one.
Lots of murder and lots of spice that ends in a HEA for our "bad guys"
This why choose is a dark romance so check your triggers before venturing into this one.
Lots of murder and lots of spice that ends in a HEA for our "bad guys"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2025
This was dirty and I really liked it. I'm not too big on why choose and reverse harem BECAUSE I don't read it much AND can't always get into it. I could with this one tho. I liked all the characters. There was enough going on to hold my interest and I wasn't bored.
Biel is slowly becoming one of my favorite authors, i love her writing style and 'smut factor'. i also enjoy the plots she thinks of for her stories.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5🌶️
🎉🎈💃🏽let's toss the party favors for no sword crossing💃🏽🎈🎉
Biel is slowly becoming one of my favorite authors, i love her writing style and 'smut factor'. i also enjoy the plots she thinks of for her stories.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5🌶️
🎉🎈💃🏽let's toss the party favors for no sword crossing💃🏽🎈🎉
December 27, 2023
RH gangsters
This is 2 related novellas, I think I liked the first novella better than the second. I Read a lot of historical fiction/erotica. My expectations are typically pretty low and I'm not reading these books seeking a historical record, but I felt the dialogue to be too modern and colloquial For 1932 I'm pretty sure nobody was using the phrase "WHATEVER" in the context written.
Be sure to check the trigger warnings... There's a lot of violence and plenty of raw sex. I realize there's only so much character development you can do in the novella format, but it felt like there was so much more left off the page. Each of the characters was very interesting and I think the intimate scenes would have been hotter if the characters were a bit more fleshed out...no pun intended.
This is 2 related novellas, I think I liked the first novella better than the second. I Read a lot of historical fiction/erotica. My expectations are typically pretty low and I'm not reading these books seeking a historical record, but I felt the dialogue to be too modern and colloquial For 1932 I'm pretty sure nobody was using the phrase "WHATEVER" in the context written.
Be sure to check the trigger warnings... There's a lot of violence and plenty of raw sex. I realize there's only so much character development you can do in the novella format, but it felt like there was so much more left off the page. Each of the characters was very interesting and I think the intimate scenes would have been hotter if the characters were a bit more fleshed out...no pun intended.
Read
September 9, 2022This is the combo Paperback of BOTH Men of Mayhem and Men of Vengeance.
January 27, 2024
I've never read a Lauren Biel before and after I finish clutching my pearls, I think I might just have to read some more.
I'm no stranger to mafia romance, and am just starting to dip my toes into dark romance, which is why when I saw this title included in a Stuff Your Kindle Day promo, I grabbed it. SYKD is such a perfect way to sample an author or new genre with no risk, and something tells me Ms. Biel knew what she was doing by offering this book in the promo. I think I have another book of hers on my shelf, and at this point, I feel confident I'll be looking for more.
Kindle has a nasty habit of starting books on the first page of the chapter, skipping over the cover art, title page, dedication, table of contents, and most importantly the trigger/content warning page. This book has triggers. Please observe them. There's also some slurs used that are rather dated and I don't really hear them in today's vocabulary, but they're still there.
Because this is my first Biel novel, I don't know if this is an accurate representation of her work or not, but I found the plot a little thin and at times had to squint my eyes and tilt my head to preserve the illusion. Formerly goody-too-shoes waitress gets kidnapped by mobsters and decides to forsake all sense of self-preservation to join their posse? Ehhhhh, I'm not really buyin' it, but it was fun, nonetheless. FMC Sylvia is just as gritty as the boys she bootlegs with, which is a little surprising for a 30 year old waitress, but okay.
Men of Mayhem and Vengeance is dual novellas packaged as one book, with a one year gap between the two stories. Nothing much happens in that year, so readers shouldn't have any trouble going from the first novella to the second, although the second (as Biel herself warns) is darker. The pacing for both novellas is wildly fast and this is absolutely a page turner. There's very little build up or convincing that needs to happen to drive the plot forward. Things happen quickly and frequently, there's very little downtime.
Rated 3 stars because it was enjoyable but not amazing. Spice was 3.5 peppers (this book definitely had quantity over quality, in my opinion, but there was a little hint at k!nk)
I'm no stranger to mafia romance, and am just starting to dip my toes into dark romance, which is why when I saw this title included in a Stuff Your Kindle Day promo, I grabbed it. SYKD is such a perfect way to sample an author or new genre with no risk, and something tells me Ms. Biel knew what she was doing by offering this book in the promo. I think I have another book of hers on my shelf, and at this point, I feel confident I'll be looking for more.
Kindle has a nasty habit of starting books on the first page of the chapter, skipping over the cover art, title page, dedication, table of contents, and most importantly the trigger/content warning page. This book has triggers. Please observe them. There's also some slurs used that are rather dated and I don't really hear them in today's vocabulary, but they're still there.
Because this is my first Biel novel, I don't know if this is an accurate representation of her work or not, but I found the plot a little thin and at times had to squint my eyes and tilt my head to preserve the illusion. Formerly goody-too-shoes waitress gets kidnapped by mobsters and decides to forsake all sense of self-preservation to join their posse? Ehhhhh, I'm not really buyin' it, but it was fun, nonetheless. FMC Sylvia is just as gritty as the boys she bootlegs with, which is a little surprising for a 30 year old waitress, but okay.
Men of Mayhem and Vengeance is dual novellas packaged as one book, with a one year gap between the two stories. Nothing much happens in that year, so readers shouldn't have any trouble going from the first novella to the second, although the second (as Biel herself warns) is darker. The pacing for both novellas is wildly fast and this is absolutely a page turner. There's very little build up or convincing that needs to happen to drive the plot forward. Things happen quickly and frequently, there's very little downtime.
Rated 3 stars because it was enjoyable but not amazing. Spice was 3.5 peppers (this book definitely had quantity over quality, in my opinion, but there was a little hint at k!nk)
September 11, 2025
Un mafia dark romance storico ambientato negli anni del proibizionismo e del contrabbando di liquori.
Silvia è una ragazza normale che, ai suoi occhi, non potrà mai essere bella e trovare un uomo con cui mettere su famiglia a causa della sua sterilità.
Verrà rapita per convincere la madre a pagare quanto dovuto a delle persone losche, ma da questo rapimento ne “uscirà” con una nuova famiglia composta da tipi misteriosi, pericolosi e bisognosi di amore e comprensione quanto lei - una particolare famiglia disfunzionale.
Questo romanzo è un picco di adrenalina che non vorresti mai mettere giù e i suoi personaggi sono unici, atipici ma ci si può empatizzare molto facilmente.
La scrittura dell’autrice è scorrevole, incalzante e segue perfettamente i saliscendi della storia senza lasciare scampo al lettore che sarà trascinato nella storia.
E’ stato il mio primo libro di Lauren Biel e sono stata felice di aver acquisto l’ebook in lingua originale. E’ una storia ben costruita e l’inglese è facile da comprendere se si hanno le basi.
Inoltre, i personaggi sono stati caratterizzati molto bene: ognuno di loro ha un passato fatto di traumi, di scelte difficili e conseguenze da affrontare che li ha resi quelli che sono nel corso di “Men of Mayhem and Vengeance”. Sono uomini che vivono fuori dalla legge ma che per la loro ragazza farebbero di tutto.
Un romance why chose abbastanza dark che vi porta nella New York a cavallo tra gli anni ‘20 e ‘30 facendovi entrare nel vivo del contrabbando.
Se amate i dark romance con un po’ di mafia e un pizzico di amore, allora non potete perdervi questo romanzo.
Voto: 4 /5 ⭐
Silvia è una ragazza normale che, ai suoi occhi, non potrà mai essere bella e trovare un uomo con cui mettere su famiglia a causa della sua sterilità.
Verrà rapita per convincere la madre a pagare quanto dovuto a delle persone losche, ma da questo rapimento ne “uscirà” con una nuova famiglia composta da tipi misteriosi, pericolosi e bisognosi di amore e comprensione quanto lei - una particolare famiglia disfunzionale.
Questo romanzo è un picco di adrenalina che non vorresti mai mettere giù e i suoi personaggi sono unici, atipici ma ci si può empatizzare molto facilmente.
La scrittura dell’autrice è scorrevole, incalzante e segue perfettamente i saliscendi della storia senza lasciare scampo al lettore che sarà trascinato nella storia.
E’ stato il mio primo libro di Lauren Biel e sono stata felice di aver acquisto l’ebook in lingua originale. E’ una storia ben costruita e l’inglese è facile da comprendere se si hanno le basi.
Inoltre, i personaggi sono stati caratterizzati molto bene: ognuno di loro ha un passato fatto di traumi, di scelte difficili e conseguenze da affrontare che li ha resi quelli che sono nel corso di “Men of Mayhem and Vengeance”. Sono uomini che vivono fuori dalla legge ma che per la loro ragazza farebbero di tutto.
Un romance why chose abbastanza dark che vi porta nella New York a cavallo tra gli anni ‘20 e ‘30 facendovi entrare nel vivo del contrabbando.
Se amate i dark romance con un po’ di mafia e un pizzico di amore, allora non potete perdervi questo romanzo.
Voto: 4 /5 ⭐
August 27, 2023
Let me start by saying this was an amazing book. I definitely suggest reading it. It’s historical mafia dark romance. Don’t like the “historical” stop you from reading this book. It’s not historical in the fact that it’s old fashioned. She takes themes, beliefs, dress style, language style, prohibition, and old school mafia and makes in into something amazing.
Lauren Biel is my absolute favorite author and good friend. If she writes it, I’m reading it. That being said, I can now be a dramatic bitch.
I felt every damn thing from this book. It was very well written. The characters and themes are dark enough to that even the darkest readers would enjoy it. But they are also light enough that the light gray readers would enjoy reading this.
When I say I felt everything, I felt it all. At one point I was so mad at Lauren Biel, I just couldn’t believe she would do me like that. I was so mad that I sent her a message telling her I was mad. I almost couldn’t finish the book because I was so mad and heartbroken. I did finish it and she did redeem herself. Kind of. Because I’m still mad. Lol. When you read it you’ll know what I’m talking about. This book will leave you saying “This bitch”.
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Entertaining ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing style ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
World building ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Darkness 💀💀💀
Spice 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🌶🌶🌶
Lauren Biel is my absolute favorite author and good friend. If she writes it, I’m reading it. That being said, I can now be a dramatic bitch.
I felt every damn thing from this book. It was very well written. The characters and themes are dark enough to that even the darkest readers would enjoy it. But they are also light enough that the light gray readers would enjoy reading this.
When I say I felt everything, I felt it all. At one point I was so mad at Lauren Biel, I just couldn’t believe she would do me like that. I was so mad that I sent her a message telling her I was mad. I almost couldn’t finish the book because I was so mad and heartbroken. I did finish it and she did redeem herself. Kind of. Because I’m still mad. Lol. When you read it you’ll know what I’m talking about. This book will leave you saying “This bitch”.
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Entertaining ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing style ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
World building ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Darkness 💀💀💀
Spice 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🌶🌶🌶
June 16, 2024
DNF. Idk where Peaky Blinders vibes come into this but this book ain’t it.
FMC is Silvia, a 30 year old woman who can’t have kids, lives with her remarried mother and works at a diner. Shes desperate for a life outside of the one she lives.
MMCs are Reaper (leader), Vernon, Ricky and Morris. Mobsters that kidnap Silvia for ransom, due to her mom and stepdad’s inability to pay for protection.
Book starts off as a usual story where FMC explains her life and dislike of it. When Reaper and Vernon show up she doesn’t fight them. They take her to a house where she meets Ricky and later meets Morris. During her time there Reaper refuses to let anyone touch her but the minute her mom/stepdad don’t wanna pay he decides to let her go. Thing is Silvia doesn’t want to leave. Morris then forces her to fuck him and convince him she’s worth keeping.
At this point so little has happened in the book that I’m bored. The amount of time passing between her feeling like she may have found a family or is starting to like the guys is questionable at best. It just feels rushed, with no real plot behind why the guys are wanted men and just a book to write down a woman being fucked by multiple men. As a reader that reads more for plot than spice this book didn’t do it for me.
FMC is Silvia, a 30 year old woman who can’t have kids, lives with her remarried mother and works at a diner. Shes desperate for a life outside of the one she lives.
MMCs are Reaper (leader), Vernon, Ricky and Morris. Mobsters that kidnap Silvia for ransom, due to her mom and stepdad’s inability to pay for protection.
Book starts off as a usual story where FMC explains her life and dislike of it. When Reaper and Vernon show up she doesn’t fight them. They take her to a house where she meets Ricky and later meets Morris. During her time there Reaper refuses to let anyone touch her but the minute her mom/stepdad don’t wanna pay he decides to let her go. Thing is Silvia doesn’t want to leave. Morris then forces her to fuck him and convince him she’s worth keeping.
At this point so little has happened in the book that I’m bored. The amount of time passing between her feeling like she may have found a family or is starting to like the guys is questionable at best. It just feels rushed, with no real plot behind why the guys are wanted men and just a book to write down a woman being fucked by multiple men. As a reader that reads more for plot than spice this book didn’t do it for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Dark Romance
Spice: 🥵 yes
Series: Stand alone
Thoughts - what a love story 🥰 I mean sure, there’s violence, murder and vengeance (please check your triggers) but oh the love people, the love between them all just shines so bloody bright!! I know we don’t have favourites but Vernon 🫠 definitely recommend if you’re after a prohibition era RH that’s full of passion, murder, found family and love, Lots of love.
Plot - down on her luck, Silvia is about to accept that he life with never be filled with the love and wanting she thought she might have. Until two extremely large men take her as collateral for her mother unpaid debt. Suddenly finding herself trapped in a house with four men, she should be scared but it’s the most exciting thing to happen in a long while. So naturally she wants to stay, she just needs to prove her worth to them … to all of them 🫠
* Strong MFC
* Found family
* ⚠️ trigger warnings
* Reverse Haram
* Murder and vengeance
“We’ll get our revenge, doll. I ain’t letting this go.”
Genre: Dark Romance
Spice: 🥵 yes
Series: Stand alone
Thoughts - what a love story 🥰 I mean sure, there’s violence, murder and vengeance (please check your triggers) but oh the love people, the love between them all just shines so bloody bright!! I know we don’t have favourites but Vernon 🫠 definitely recommend if you’re after a prohibition era RH that’s full of passion, murder, found family and love, Lots of love.
Plot - down on her luck, Silvia is about to accept that he life with never be filled with the love and wanting she thought she might have. Until two extremely large men take her as collateral for her mother unpaid debt. Suddenly finding herself trapped in a house with four men, she should be scared but it’s the most exciting thing to happen in a long while. So naturally she wants to stay, she just needs to prove her worth to them … to all of them 🫠
* Strong MFC
* Found family
* ⚠️ trigger warnings
* Reverse Haram
* Murder and vengeance
“We’ll get our revenge, doll. I ain’t letting this go.”
August 7, 2025
I always love a good Lauren Biel book, but the h, Silvia, I could not stand her. I don’t know what it is about her character that got on my nerves but omg lol. It was hard to finish the book because of her. I think it was because of her attitude and how she automatically thought she was one of them, after only being around them for a few days. Like come on, you were just kidnapped and you’re already thinking about sex with Vernon? She didn’t come off as a bad ass FMC like the story tried to portray her to be. All she cared about 98% of the book is being dicked down by 4 men and she so happened to carry a gun at times. She was just so blah. Idk maybe I’ll do a reread later on in life and my attitude about her will change.
I didn’t like Vernon at first either, but he eventually grew on me. I was EXTREMELY happy at the end when we learn that Morris actually survives! I literally squealed! Him and Reaper were my all time favorites. If I could cuddle up between those two I would be in heaven 🤪😂
Now on to my next Lauren Biel story ♥️
I didn’t like Vernon at first either, but he eventually grew on me. I was EXTREMELY happy at the end when we learn that Morris actually survives! I literally squealed! Him and Reaper were my all time favorites. If I could cuddle up between those two I would be in heaven 🤪😂
Now on to my next Lauren Biel story ♥️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2024
Silvia
Vernon- the crazy one- likes to watch
Reaper (Robert)- in charge- strength
Ricky- the angel and sweetheart
Morris (Stefforn)- dark hair and gray eyes business manlike- the ghost that nobody knows his real name- mixture of all the men
3.5/5🌶️
Silvia is taken as incentive for her mom to pay the men she owes. Silvia is barren and single. She has a smart mouth and isn’t afraid of her captors. When her mother ultimately can’t pay, they decide to kill her. Only when the time comes, Reaper can’t pull the trigger and decides to let her go. Silvia says she doesn’t want to go. So Reaper takes her into the bedroom and makes her his, while Vernon watches. She is now part of their little crime family.
This is a dark historical romance and I loved every minute of it.
Silvia is such a badass fmc
Spoilers:
Morris 😭😭😭 Stefforn born and raised in Kansas… noo 😭😭😭
Then he’s alive after all 🤯
Vernon- the crazy one- likes to watch
Reaper (Robert)- in charge- strength
Ricky- the angel and sweetheart
Morris (Stefforn)- dark hair and gray eyes business manlike- the ghost that nobody knows his real name- mixture of all the men
3.5/5🌶️
Silvia is taken as incentive for her mom to pay the men she owes. Silvia is barren and single. She has a smart mouth and isn’t afraid of her captors. When her mother ultimately can’t pay, they decide to kill her. Only when the time comes, Reaper can’t pull the trigger and decides to let her go. Silvia says she doesn’t want to go. So Reaper takes her into the bedroom and makes her his, while Vernon watches. She is now part of their little crime family.
This is a dark historical romance and I loved every minute of it.
Silvia is such a badass fmc
Spoilers:
Morris 😭😭😭 Stefforn born and raised in Kansas… noo 😭😭😭
Then he’s alive after all 🤯
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2024
“Her head ain’t what I want to touch.”
-Vernon
“You gang up with schmucks like Strawdog, and you become one of Strawdog’s schmucks. Ain’t no way to differentiate it.”
-Reaper
“It’s as if having all four of them there with me made up each chamber of my heart.
Only with all four of them could I be whole.”
-Silvia
So let me get this straight. Silvia’s mom cares so little about her that she let four hooligans kidnap her daughter and not fight to get her back? Someone is not going to be nominated for mother of the year.
Now time for Silvia and her men. Okay, what? Not mad about the situation, but this is some crazy twist on Stockholm syndrome. I do like how being with the four of them has helped her take back what was stolen from her behind the shop. I do not like how this could very well just be transference. Has she actually healed, or is this just something to hide behind?
Morris? What? I was shook.
In other news… Who wants to go to a speakeasy with me?
-Vernon
“You gang up with schmucks like Strawdog, and you become one of Strawdog’s schmucks. Ain’t no way to differentiate it.”
-Reaper
“It’s as if having all four of them there with me made up each chamber of my heart.
Only with all four of them could I be whole.”
-Silvia
So let me get this straight. Silvia’s mom cares so little about her that she let four hooligans kidnap her daughter and not fight to get her back? Someone is not going to be nominated for mother of the year.
Now time for Silvia and her men. Okay, what? Not mad about the situation, but this is some crazy twist on Stockholm syndrome. I do like how being with the four of them has helped her take back what was stolen from her behind the shop. I do not like how this could very well just be transference. Has she actually healed, or is this just something to hide behind?
Morris? What? I was shook.
In other news… Who wants to go to a speakeasy with me?
March 14, 2025
1/5 Stars @29% & that was me pushing to get there
I found this book on, “Stuff Your Kindle Day” & I think the blurb I saw about it was incorrect? Or the author doesn’t realize what she’s wrote.
I thought this was going to be a historical why chose romance with lots of plot. It says, “will immerse you in the world of bootlegging, organized crime, & men who will do anything for their girl”. Let me break it down:
1. Historically there was so many inconsistencies & I think it might have been better if the author didn’t try to throw in the historical aspect, OR the historical aspect needed to be better executed
2. I must not have gotten to the bootlegging & organized crime. By the time I DNF’d they were criminals & everything but the plot was just lacking & I was expecting more
3. This made me realize maybe I don’t like dark romance?? I’ve never really read any before but like I’ve never had an issue with smut & this one had me wanting to hide my eyes
I found this book on, “Stuff Your Kindle Day” & I think the blurb I saw about it was incorrect? Or the author doesn’t realize what she’s wrote.
I thought this was going to be a historical why chose romance with lots of plot. It says, “will immerse you in the world of bootlegging, organized crime, & men who will do anything for their girl”. Let me break it down:
1. Historically there was so many inconsistencies & I think it might have been better if the author didn’t try to throw in the historical aspect, OR the historical aspect needed to be better executed
2. I must not have gotten to the bootlegging & organized crime. By the time I DNF’d they were criminals & everything but the plot was just lacking & I was expecting more
3. This made me realize maybe I don’t like dark romance?? I’ve never really read any before but like I’ve never had an issue with smut & this one had me wanting to hide my eyes
February 19, 2024
This was my first historical romance and I really enjoyed it. I loved how fast burn it was and how it gave gangster vibes. Make it reverse harem and I was panting like a dog in heat! I also had been looking for a FMC who wasn't problematic and was a submissive. This one delivered that. What started out as a ransom situation, Silvia was ready to get out of her shitty life and away from her uncaring mother. She finds herself on the run 3 felons and a man who is too good for the criminal crew he surrounds himself with but Ricky turns out to fit in nicely. Silvia also goes from being the victim of a kidnapping to becoming a vixen who is ready to take on not only these 4 men, but the dangerous lifestyle that comes with them. The spice in this book!! CHECKED EVERY SINGLE BOX! Lauren does throw us a twist at the end that I did not see coming, but boy did I appreciate it! Great read!
May 31, 2024
Men of Mayhem and Vengeance by Lauren Biel is a duet combo and a historical psychological romance novel. What an interesting novel. Lauren Biel always has a way to make you truly fall in love with the villains in the story. They can do tons of horrendous things but you still end up wanting them.
In Men of Mayhem Sylvia is living in her family home where she pretty much feels unloved. Through fate she meets our four ruthless mafia men and is held for ransom. Fate has a twist though and they grow close as their futures entwine together.
In Men of Vengeance after growing closer their bond has strengthened and their thirst for vengeance is now apparent. This book is definitely darker. Through trauma and vengeance grows love and family.
What a ride! Definitely check this out if you enjoy dark romance with a twist.
In Men of Mayhem Sylvia is living in her family home where she pretty much feels unloved. Through fate she meets our four ruthless mafia men and is held for ransom. Fate has a twist though and they grow close as their futures entwine together.
In Men of Vengeance after growing closer their bond has strengthened and their thirst for vengeance is now apparent. This book is definitely darker. Through trauma and vengeance grows love and family.
What a ride! Definitely check this out if you enjoy dark romance with a twist.
June 11, 2024
Men of Mayhem and Vengeance
This is books one and two in the duet. It is released as separate and as one book. Book two takes please a few months after the first book.
If you’re looking to be ruined by another inanimate object from Lauren Beil then this is not the book for you. If you’re looking for a lighter little RH novella in which there’s some super spicy DP, then look no further!! This is on the lighter side of LB books but still dark so check the TW :)
When Silvia is abducted my men of the mafia she never expected to fall for them and fall she did!!! One would think they would live happily ever after but they are in ten mafia after all ;)
Please check TW. This isn’t as dark as other LB books but it is still dsrk and includes sensitive topics including infertility. 🖤
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
TW: 🖤🖤🖤
This is books one and two in the duet. It is released as separate and as one book. Book two takes please a few months after the first book.
If you’re looking to be ruined by another inanimate object from Lauren Beil then this is not the book for you. If you’re looking for a lighter little RH novella in which there’s some super spicy DP, then look no further!! This is on the lighter side of LB books but still dark so check the TW :)
When Silvia is abducted my men of the mafia she never expected to fall for them and fall she did!!! One would think they would live happily ever after but they are in ten mafia after all ;)
Please check TW. This isn’t as dark as other LB books but it is still dsrk and includes sensitive topics including infertility. 🖤
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
TW: 🖤🖤🖤
February 11, 2024
Per the usual with Lauren Biel’s books, I loved this! I’m a sucker for a good why choose and found family story. I really loved that Silvia was a strong FMC and took what she wanted. Even with her moment of vengeance she did exactly what she said she would. As brutal as it was. 😅
The moment of Morris’ “death” though… ugh! Pulled on my heart strings a bit. I was shocked but relieved he found his way back to them in the end. Where he belonged. 🫶🏻 Also, each one of their pet names for her… perfection! I love when the MMC calls the FMC “doll”. I don’t know why but I love it.
Overall, If you are looking for a good why choose with “touch her and you die” vibes with Peaky Blinders-esque men this is the book for you!
The moment of Morris’ “death” though… ugh! Pulled on my heart strings a bit. I was shocked but relieved he found his way back to them in the end. Where he belonged. 🫶🏻 Also, each one of their pet names for her… perfection! I love when the MMC calls the FMC “doll”. I don’t know why but I love it.
Overall, If you are looking for a good why choose with “touch her and you die” vibes with Peaky Blinders-esque men this is the book for you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2024
What a twist!!
Silvia was headed for a life without love, marriage or children according to her mother. With a debt needing payment, Silvia was taken to scare her mother and stepfather to pay what was owed. Silvia was never meant to stay with the 2 men that took her. She soon found herself at the mercy of not 2, but 4 men. Criminals at their very core, Reaper, Vernon, Ricky and Morris are bootleggers in 1923.
Silvia was given the chance to leave after Reaper said he wouldn't let her walk out alive. With no place to go and the men that want her to stay they embark on a ride of their lives.
Action, love and the acceptance of who they are
Twists and turns make this a fantastic read.
Silvia was headed for a life without love, marriage or children according to her mother. With a debt needing payment, Silvia was taken to scare her mother and stepfather to pay what was owed. Silvia was never meant to stay with the 2 men that took her. She soon found herself at the mercy of not 2, but 4 men. Criminals at their very core, Reaper, Vernon, Ricky and Morris are bootleggers in 1923.
Silvia was given the chance to leave after Reaper said he wouldn't let her walk out alive. With no place to go and the men that want her to stay they embark on a ride of their lives.
Action, love and the acceptance of who they are
Twists and turns make this a fantastic read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews