Holly & The Henchman

The Very Merry Mob #3

by Cassie Mint

I was blackmailed into spying on the kingpin.

Now I’m falling for his right hand man.

I’m a maid, not a secret agent. I don’t belong in this world, and I definitely have no business snooping around the De Rossi compound. Each day could be my last, and I’ll be lucky to make it through Christmas—especially with the way the kingpin’s right hand man stares at me.

Because the enforcer is gruff. Brutal. He’s scarred and brawny, and he watches me like a hawk. How will I ever survive this with his eyes on me all the time?

And… this is so messed up…

Why don’t I want him to look away?

Holly & The Henchman is a short and steamy instalove story, starring a reluctant spy and the mobster who’s watching her every move.

*Each book has an HEA, but the Very Merry Mob series is best read in order.*

Genres: Romance, Novella, Mafia Romance, Holiday, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Christmas

77 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 8, 2022

About the author

Cassie writes outrageous, OTT insta-love with tons of sugar and steam. She loves cookie dough, summer barbecues, and her gorgeous cat Missy.

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Reviews

[Bookiemonster · Rating 4 out of 5]

So ready for Santo’s book! Leggo

[Lolina ⋆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't really enjoy this one- a lot of aspects of the story felt underdeveloped/ felt inconsistent when in comparison to the other in the series-

I'm really looking forward to Santo's book though.

[effin surrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

[Luna ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️
plot: 2/5📖
spice: 2/5🔥
humor: 2/5😂
couple/tension: 4/5🫶🏼
world building: 3/5🌍
happy end?: yes
keywords: mafia, spy, enforcer, politics

—> Holly & Diego are cute af

[atomickitten · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

But I'm rounding it up because I loved it!
And I am soooooooo ready for Santo's story....

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[Lora :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

YO IM EATING THIS SERIES UUUPPP

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly is a maid for a Governor, but he threatens her family and tasked her with spying at the DeRossi compound. Diego is DeRossis right hand man and is instantly smitten with Holly. But he suspects her being the spy... How will all of them feel if they find out ?? Awesome third story in this series 😍 Diego was that big and brawn mobster that fell head over heels for the sweet wan and nobody could stop him from protecting her😍😍 Instalove, sweet, steamy, romantic and safe with a sweet HEA 😍😍😍😍 Can't wait for the grumpy mob boss to fall for his woman 👍👍

[clara · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfection. everything about this was perfect. one of cassie’s best books for sure. i need million more like this one.

[Teghan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the worst of the series. Neither character is developed and they’re both painfully bland names on a page; Holly in particular was so boring. The opening chapter and setup held promise….but wow. I’ve only got one more to read in the series, so I’ll read that - I’m also intrigued to see how the connecting plot wraps up.

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had a cute beginning but rapidly became cringe in the second half. I wanted so much more from this relationship based on the tidbits we got in the previous two books. ;___;

[MissClo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but I didn’t love Holly.

I want more Santo 🤣

[Suelen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ao terminar de ler o livro anterior, criei algumas expectativas com essa história da Holly e do Diego aqui. Infelizmente, me decepcionei. Durante metade do livro eles nem interagem, então não há desenvolvimento do relacionamento. Diego teve um amor à primeira vista, e se entregou ao sentimento. Foi forte, real e claro, de verdade. Já Holly.... bem, ela não me convenceu. Na verdade, não gostei nada dela. Ela é descrita de uma forma (bem inocente), mas suas atitudes revelam uma pessoa bem fria e até calculista, independente de suas motivações. Ela se dizia uma péssima espiã, mas a mulher mentia com muita facilidade. Realmente não gostei nadinha das atitudes dela.

Não acho que Holly amava Diego de verdade. Ela deixou claro que ela tinha um crush, uma paixonite por ele, mas mesmo depois de ficarem juntos, se a irmã pedisse, ela o deixaria e iria embora. Por várias vezes ela fala da vantagem de Diego a amar e dela ficar com ele (ser protegida da máfia e não ser morta por eles, mesmo depois de tudo o que ela fez), fala até mesmo de beijar Diego como se a vida dela dependesse disso e depois ressaltar que dependia mesmo, mas em momento NENHUM da história ela falou que o amava, nem mesmo pensou nisso. Para Diego ela era o amor da sua vida, mas para Holly ele era uma conveniência. Essa foi a impressão que ela me deixou.

O capítulo cinco me irritou profundamente, nada ver a cena dos dois juntos. Tão ruim quanto a cena no capítulo seguinte, com ela cativa e ameaçada e eles lá fazendo tudo aquilo na cadeira. Não caiu nada bem, principalmente porque eles mal tinham passado tempo juntos e tinham zero química, zero conexão. Não, não, definitivamente não gostei. Diego era o criminoso ali, mas no final da história o achei bom demais para Holly. Ela não merecia o amor que ele lhe dispensava, já que durante boa parte da história não mostrou consideração por ele, nem por seus sentimentos. Frustrante e decepcionante.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough about how much I love this series of short novellas featuring the De Rossi family crime syndicate! They are wonderfully written and keep you engaged from start to finish- not to mention if you are looking for a quick read, they are certainly some stories that you could get through in an hour or two tops!

This particular story follows Diego, body guard and right hand man to Santo De Rossi himself and Holly, a maid who has found herself in a particularly troublesome situation that could have dire consequences if she is caught.

What really draws me to these stories is that despite the fact that they all could be read as standalones, they are interconnected in such a way that it gives you an idea as to who the next story is going to follow but they don't go so far in depth that you can't just pick any one out of the bunch and start from there. Plus there is a slight small burn element that I love and when you do finally get to the spice is it fantastic!

I also really enjoy how all of these stories are happening within the same time period (one Christmas season) as opposed to a few years apart. I feel that with how some of these events have played out, it makes them more believable and realistic which is certainly something that has kept me engaged and needing more!

If you are looking for a guaranteed HEA with spice, a mob element and a story that you could finish in a few hours, this is certainly one that you should be checking out.

[Anna M_82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mob series just keeps getting better and better! Do yourself a favor and read this!!! If you love mob romance, hardened alpha males, strong females, blistering hot steam, and fantastic stories, this NEEDS to be your next series!! Book 3 is about enforcer Diego and maid Holly. There’s a mole among them and he’s sure it’s her. But why? And can he ignore his obsession with her to seek vengeance if she is the mole?

Cassie Mint always finds a way to make things new and exciting. She takes something as everyday as sitting in an armchair and turns into, first, one of the sweetest scenes ever, then, into a new and scorchingly hot scene. The suspense of what will happen adds another breathtaking layer to an already fantastic book. The ending was so unexpected but in the best way and I couldn’t get enough. I can’t wait to see what comes next in the world of the De Rossi mob!

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

[**Elle**Bee**Double U** · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly never saw being a maid as a permanant occupation.
However, working for the governor is at least an easy and mindless paycheck. With it being only her and her sister Holly is determined to do what needs to be done to help keep them from living in their car. Even if means she's forced to spy on the De Rossi's to keep her sister from prison and her newly discover niece or nephew safe.
What she didn't expect was for her job to bring her to a man who looks at her like she's his last meal. But if he ever finds out what she's doing working with the De Rossi, he'd be the one tasked to take her out.
Will Holly be able to pull of her task to protect her sister and herself? Or is she doomed to fall for the big teddy bear of an enforcer just to have him hurt her when he finds out she's the spy?.

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

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-3 ⭐️
I thought I wouldn't like this one as much as the last two (and couple two was already rated lower than couple one) from the bits they showed for them previously but I should have known it would be fine as the shorts in this series have consistently been relaxing and fast reads. We didn't see much of these two in the previous stories but we already knew he was obsessed with her, the maid, and it turns out she is too, of course.

Their story was sweet with a little heat toward the end just like the others, but I have to admit that the kingpin, Santo, outshines them from the background (he has been intriguing from the very start) and I am looking forward to seeing his instalove story next.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly may be a maid in the De Rossi home but she's also the mole they have been looking for. And a very bad one at that. Now Santo De Rossi knows she is the mole and he asks his best henchman to take care of her. So Diego does. But Diego is one henchman who only wants to give Holly everything she deserves but only if she wants it. I loved this mob story. Diego and Holly are great and we have Santo De Rossi pulling all their strings. I love this series, it just keeps getting better and better. Holly and Diego are so hot together, absolutely wonderful fun steamy read. Loved it.

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

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Holly & The Henchman: Book 3 of The Very Merry Mob and I love this series. I can’t wait for the final book. Holly had her reasons for spying on Santo and his crew but she doesn’t like it. Unfortunately she has no choice and now that Diego knows it was her what will that mean for their budding relationship? Will Santo want to keep Holly around or will Diego have to take care of the problem. He tries to send her away but it doesn’t happen. This was a great storyline and characters. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.

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

[Kim Mears · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly is blackmailed by her boss, a Senator, into working for the De Rossi Mafia family and spying on them to make sure he doesn't do anything to her sister, who is pregnant with the Senator's son's baby.

Diego is one of De Rossi's right hand men, he is told to find out who the mole is working within their household. He knows it is Holly, but he is attracted to her and doesn't want anything to happen to her.

Will they be able to get a HEA in the end.

This is the 3rd book in the series. I enjoyed reading this book and am looking
forward to reading the next book.

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

[Georgia Herpen · Rating 4 out of 5]

HOLLY AND DIEGO's STORY. Cassie Mint is the master at having a hero and heroine communicate with each other through glances, stares, and a hyper awareness of the other. Holly and Diego are one such couple. By the time they start engaging in a meaningful conversation, they're already halfway in love. I loved reading about each character's perspective on the events. He's a scarred enforcer while she's an innocent lamb blackmailed into spying against her will. Theirs is an unlikely love story, but Mint makes it wok through the characters' dialogue and their need for one another.

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

[Alex Silver · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2/5
Third installment of the Christmas mobster novellas by Cassie mint.
Holly has been blackmailed into being a spy on the mobsters and they are onto her. Diego, as the enforcer, must take her to task. But he is infatuated.
Holly is sweet and demur. It doesn’t make sense how Governor Edwards would send her sister to jail for having his bastard grandchild and how he blackmailed her, but we can forgive that detail.
Diego is a big scarred teddy bear who just wants to love and be loved. He fantasizes about her sitting in his lap and stroking his beard and teasing him about his silver hairs 😍

No epilogue, no cheating. No breakup.

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly (h) spies on mob boss Santo to protect her sister, but enforcer Diego (H) has figured out that the maid isn’t just a maid. He struggles with loyalty to his boss and the feelings he has for the younger woman. them, even if it will incur her brother’s wrath. Sweet mafia Christmastime romance with a side of heat. Lovely third book in The Very Merry Mob series – best read books in series order to get the most out of returning characters and the overarching storyline. Can’t wait for Santo’s story!

[Syd Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book. I enjoyed Diego and Holly together. Holly is just trying to do what is right for her sister and finds herself in a world of trouble. Diego has been obsessed with Holly since he first saw her, but he believes that she is spying on his boss. Holly is sassy with Diego and he loves it. There is some drama in this book but these two get a funny HEA. I can't wait to see what happens in the fourth book.

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

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is another short mafia romance in the Very Merry Mob series. Holly and Diego are both loyal to their family's, which is what brings them together initially. The difference is one is coerced into a role and the other is doing painful digging and uncovering. There is danger up front and center throughout their love story. I liked both of the characters and the fight for their own rights and wrongs. There's conflict and betrayal but also a lot of passion and understanding. Great match

[KMH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I am loving this series! I cannot get through each story fast enough and this one wasn't any different, I happily devoured it. I loved both main characters and also the growing tension between them and then also the suspense of him finding out her secret and the anticipation of what would happen between them... I just couldn't get enough! I'm really hoping his boss gets his own story and that would round the series off very nicely. This is a series I will happily return to again and again, no matter the time of year! I cannot wait to read more from this author... soon!.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly is caught between a rock and a hard place. The governor wants her to spy on the De Rossi family and in return he won't ruin her sister's life. When Diego catches on as to who the mole is in the organization, he is torn with what to do because he has fallen for Holly. Both of them are caught in the middle. Will they get their chance for a happily ever after?

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

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly & The Henchman is Diego and Holly's HEA. Holly hates what she is doing, but has to protect her sister. She's being blackmailed but sees no other way. Diego is an enforcer. It's his job to protect his boss at all costs, but Holly is his Achilles heel. She is the only weak spot in his armor.
Really enjoyed this one! Can't wait for more😊.

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

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a mole around the compound, and it is Diego job to figure it out. He knows who it is, but he wishes it wasn't.

Holly worked as a maid for the mayor, when her sister got into a jam, the mayor used it to threat both of them.

Fast read with danger, suspense and heat that will have you tearing through the story. Love the passion between Holly and Diego.

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

[Priscilla Oliveira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this mobster love affair! Holly ended up in a trap: spy on the most dangerous mafia in town or suffer the consequences. But she was a terrible spy and she fell in love with one of the mobsters she was supposed to spy on! Diego knew who the spy was, but he had already fallen in love with her. A delicate relationship, but one that he did everything to protect. I loved.

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

[Flavia Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this serie!
Continuing the stories of these men who are merciless with their enemies but so soft with the woman of their lives. Holly is strong in facing a world that is hostile to her as she can, and Diego would do anything for her!
With a bit of humor, hot scenes, and a lot of romance and sweetness, this read is ideal for enjoying an amazing time!.

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