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Praying Mantis
Motorcycles, Mobsters, and Mayhem author event proudly presents The Mayhem Makers Series .
These standalone novels are brought to you by several bestselling authors specializing in writing twisted chaos. You'll get all the bikers, mobsters, and dark romance your heart can handle.
Follow us so you never miss a new release, as they can be added in at any time!
Science taught us that the female praying mantis bites the head off their male mate after having sex. They say it’s for helping with nutrients during mating season for laying eggs. The female praying mantis is one creature you don’t want to mess with, especially during mating season. Louisa “Lou” Marshall learned at an early age that her body is both a gift and a curse. Having been groomed to exploit the weakness of men and women. She uses her body and a certain skill-set to fix the wrongs of those who think they deserve some justice of their own. Because of this, she has always followed a strict set of rules and nothing or no one can make her falter from it.
Rule 1: Love is for suckers.
Rule 2: Use your body to your advantage.
Rule 3: Don’t fall for a mark.
Sean Fortin lives a life he made for himself by walking away from the family business. Being born in Ireland and moving to America at a young age, he watched his father build the O’Hannon family business. He followed his own path, making him estranged from his father, but when an accident brings him to a crossroads in his life, he has a decision to make or someone is going to make it for him.
Louisa has never broken her rules before, but she’s never met a man like Sean.
Sean is an FBI agent hunting a serial killer while his family life is exploding and has no time for love or relationships. He can’t lose his focus, especially when things start to go wrong.
Can Louisa be the answer to his questions?
These standalone novels are brought to you by several bestselling authors specializing in writing twisted chaos. You'll get all the bikers, mobsters, and dark romance your heart can handle.
Follow us so you never miss a new release, as they can be added in at any time!
Science taught us that the female praying mantis bites the head off their male mate after having sex. They say it’s for helping with nutrients during mating season for laying eggs. The female praying mantis is one creature you don’t want to mess with, especially during mating season. Louisa “Lou” Marshall learned at an early age that her body is both a gift and a curse. Having been groomed to exploit the weakness of men and women. She uses her body and a certain skill-set to fix the wrongs of those who think they deserve some justice of their own. Because of this, she has always followed a strict set of rules and nothing or no one can make her falter from it.
Rule 1: Love is for suckers.
Rule 2: Use your body to your advantage.
Rule 3: Don’t fall for a mark.
Sean Fortin lives a life he made for himself by walking away from the family business. Being born in Ireland and moving to America at a young age, he watched his father build the O’Hannon family business. He followed his own path, making him estranged from his father, but when an accident brings him to a crossroads in his life, he has a decision to make or someone is going to make it for him.
Louisa has never broken her rules before, but she’s never met a man like Sean.
Sean is an FBI agent hunting a serial killer while his family life is exploding and has no time for love or relationships. He can’t lose his focus, especially when things start to go wrong.
Can Louisa be the answer to his questions?
- GenresRomanceDark Romance
191 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2023
18 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Jaime Russell
59 books121 followersMovies, gaming and books…Oh My!
Jaime Russell resides in Southern Indiana. Growing up you would've never seen Jaime reading a book but now she takes a paperback and her kindle everywhere she goes.
Jaime is an avid gamer which she includes in her books as she writes her first series, “Love Me” and all the other surprises she has up her sleeves. Stay tuned to see what she’ll come up with next.
Jaime Russell resides in Southern Indiana. Growing up you would've never seen Jaime reading a book but now she takes a paperback and her kindle everywhere she goes.
Jaime is an avid gamer which she includes in her books as she writes her first series, “Love Me” and all the other surprises she has up her sleeves. Stay tuned to see what she’ll come up with next.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 3, 2023
Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner
I really enjoyed this story, it was a shortish one but filled with a lot of action and drama. Sprinkled throughout the book was some great humour that brought a smile to my face as well as a chuckle or two. Even though it was primarily a more serious book the touches of humour balanced things out well.
The two lead characters were so different but they worked together. Louisa was a bit of a chameleon and she was an expert at it too. Her lifestyle didn’t include or really allow her to have close relationships until she met Sean. Now, he turned her head immediately and vice versa but I liked how they didn’t jump into a full on relationship straight away as it wouldn’t have fit their scenario. Once they did get together they certainly burnt up the sheets and discovered how compatible they were as a couple, Louisa threw away her rules well and truly. Both held onto big secrets though.
I loved Matthew, Louisa’s best friend, he was such a fun character and perfect for her. Clara, Sean’s mother surprised me as we got to know her better too, I liked her gumption and backbone. I won’t give away any of the story but suffice to say I was a bit surprised in one way by how things turned out as far as Sean goes. But, grief and big change can do drastic things so 🤷🏻♀️.
Praying Mantis was an enjoyable and entertaining story.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
I really enjoyed this story, it was a shortish one but filled with a lot of action and drama. Sprinkled throughout the book was some great humour that brought a smile to my face as well as a chuckle or two. Even though it was primarily a more serious book the touches of humour balanced things out well.
The two lead characters were so different but they worked together. Louisa was a bit of a chameleon and she was an expert at it too. Her lifestyle didn’t include or really allow her to have close relationships until she met Sean. Now, he turned her head immediately and vice versa but I liked how they didn’t jump into a full on relationship straight away as it wouldn’t have fit their scenario. Once they did get together they certainly burnt up the sheets and discovered how compatible they were as a couple, Louisa threw away her rules well and truly. Both held onto big secrets though.
I loved Matthew, Louisa’s best friend, he was such a fun character and perfect for her. Clara, Sean’s mother surprised me as we got to know her better too, I liked her gumption and backbone. I won’t give away any of the story but suffice to say I was a bit surprised in one way by how things turned out as far as Sean goes. But, grief and big change can do drastic things so 🤷🏻♀️.
Praying Mantis was an enjoyable and entertaining story.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
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May 1, 2023
I wrote this review for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner.
I really enjoyed this story, it was a shortish one but filled with a lot of action and drama. Sprinkled throughout the book was some great humour that brought a smile to my face as well as a chuckle or two. Even though it was primarily a more serious book the touches of humour balanced things out well.
The two lead characters were so different but they worked together. Louisa was a bit of a chameleon and she was an expert at it too. Her lifestyle didn’t include or really allow her to have close relationships until she met Sean. Now, he turned her head immediately and vice versa but I liked how they didn’t jump into a full on relationship straight away as it wouldn’t have fit their scenario. Once they did get together they certainly burnt up the sheets and discovered how compatible they were as a couple, Louisa threw away her rules well and truly. Both held onto big secrets though.
I loved Matthew, Louisa’s best friend, he was such a fun character and perfect for her. Clara, Sean’s mother surprised me as we got to know her better too, I liked her gumption and backbone. I won’t give away any of the story but suffice to say I was a bit surprised in one way by how things turned out as far as Sean goes. But, grief and big change can do drastic things so 🤷🏻♀️.
Praying Mantis was an enjoyable and entertaining story.
May 3, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read by either author and it won’t be the last. The characters were well developed, and the storyline was intriguing and entertaining. As soon as they met in Louisa and Sean hit it off, but neither of them did relationships. They burnt off the sheets and it made them rethink their stance on relationships. When things start heating up for Sean with work, will Louisa be the answer?
May 24, 2023
This a me being new to these authors and wanting more of them. This book was a fast paced attention holding read. The characters , though they are at different points in their lives right now, they have similar backgrounds and upbringing.
He’s an FBI agent but from an Irish Mob family. She is a hired hip woman, who was made that way by her parents. He is investigating her hits, and she is trying to find a way to get out, and take out her mom.
They come together and the the secrets are coming out and he takes over his family’s Boston Business and she sits beside him as his Queen. They work together to take out the the person who put a hit out on him and then he takes out her mother.
They will rule Boston as the Royalty they are and keep their love alive.
He’s an FBI agent but from an Irish Mob family. She is a hired hip woman, who was made that way by her parents. He is investigating her hits, and she is trying to find a way to get out, and take out her mom.
They come together and the the secrets are coming out and he takes over his family’s Boston Business and she sits beside him as his Queen. They work together to take out the the person who put a hit out on him and then he takes out her mother.
They will rule Boston as the Royalty they are and keep their love alive.
August 7, 2023
This was a great quick read! Lots of suspense, spice and emotions. This is the first book I've read with a hitwoman and an FBI agent with a bit of a mob twist thrown in. Louisa is a hitwoman who lives a normal life with some danger on the side. Sean is an FBI agent who was raised in the Irish Mob but chose a different future for himself. And when they meet and start dating the adventure begins. I really enjoyed this story but would have loved some more information about Louisa's childhood and how Sean grew up before choosing his path. That epilogue was great though!
September 11, 2023
Cut and dry
The story was a little hard for me to get into at first. But once things start for the couple everything comes in clearer. I loved this story because of the way it shows the world within it. Meaning things aren't always as clear cut as its made out to be.
These authors are new to me. I must say that I am pleased with this story by them. I will be looking for more books by them.
The story was a little hard for me to get into at first. But once things start for the couple everything comes in clearer. I loved this story because of the way it shows the world within it. Meaning things aren't always as clear cut as its made out to be.
These authors are new to me. I must say that I am pleased with this story by them. I will be looking for more books by them.
May 23, 2023
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0
~~~~~~~~~~Julie's 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Review~~~~~~~~~~
This storyline is full of emotions, betrayal, death and love.
Louisa was a huge surprise for me but the more you get into her story, it all just clicks. Sean is doing his best to find this killer while dealing with his family. Great writing.
~~~~~~~~~~Julie's 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Review~~~~~~~~~~
This storyline is full of emotions, betrayal, death and love.
Louisa was a huge surprise for me but the more you get into her story, it all just clicks. Sean is doing his best to find this killer while dealing with his family. Great writing.
June 4, 2023
This is the first book written by Jamie Russell and Melissa Filla that I have read. Both authors are new to me but I have already purchased more books from these authors. Louisa really is a bad @ss bitch! And Sean is a class A book boyfriend! Together they are steamy, funny and dramatic. Read.this book, you will love it too.
June 28, 2023
I enjoyed Louisa and Sean’s story. She’s a hit woman and he’s FBI. Both have secrets but when his father passes their secrets come to light. When a contract is sent to her about her next target which happens to be for the man she’s fallen in love, together they will take out the threat. This is a fast paced read that will draw you in.
May 23, 2023
surprising read
This storyline is full of emotions, betrayal, death and love.
Louisa was a huge surprise for me but the more you get into her story, it all just clicks. Sean is doing his best to find this killer while dealing with his family. Great writing.
This storyline is full of emotions, betrayal, death and love.
Louisa was a huge surprise for me but the more you get into her story, it all just clicks. Sean is doing his best to find this killer while dealing with his family. Great writing.
June 21, 2023
I could not put this book down! Louisa was everything a strong female character should be and then some. Sean is quite the guy with secrets of his own.
WOW, I truly truly enjoyed this entire book and it caught me right from the start. A few surprises along the way but absolutely loved it.
WOW, I truly truly enjoyed this entire book and it caught me right from the start. A few surprises along the way but absolutely loved it.
August 7, 2023
Wowzers!!
This was an awesome story to read and I enjoyed the fact it was not your average insta-love story! That both Main Characters were hiding apart if themselves but by finding each other, they could let it out and shine bright as their true selves!
This was an awesome story to read and I enjoyed the fact it was not your average insta-love story! That both Main Characters were hiding apart if themselves but by finding each other, they could let it out and shine bright as their true selves!
May 9, 2023
Love this series
Sean and Louisa intense emotional heartstopping suspenseful love story
All the feels
Need more of the ohannon family
Sean and Louisa intense emotional heartstopping suspenseful love story
All the feels
Need more of the ohannon family
January 14, 2024
as good as always
Melissa and Jaime never disappoint. Always a great read by these two. Looking forward to reading more from books them.
Melissa and Jaime never disappoint. Always a great read by these two. Looking forward to reading more from books them.
February 23, 2024
Sean & Louisa
Wow!!!! Melissa Fills & Jaime Russell, Praying Mantis in the Mayhem Makers MMM was so amazingly mesmerizing and I just couldn’t sleep until finishing this book.
Wow!!!! Melissa Fills & Jaime Russell, Praying Mantis in the Mayhem Makers MMM was so amazingly mesmerizing and I just couldn’t sleep until finishing this book.
December 13, 2025
Loved this story
I absolutely loved this story. I started reading this book because it’s a part of the Mayhem Makers series. I look forward to reading more of the author’s books.
I absolutely loved this story. I started reading this book because it’s a part of the Mayhem Makers series. I look forward to reading more of the author’s books.
May 3, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Lou is a girl who has always used her feminine wiles to exploit the weakness in men and women. Using her body and a certain skill set to fix the wrongs of those who think they deserve some justice of their own. This has always caused her to follow a strict set of rules that she never falters from. Love is for suckers. Use your body to your advantage. Don't fall for a mark. Sean is a man who has made a life for himself. He decided to walk away from the O'Hannon family business. Needless to say this has caused him to be estranged from his father. However he is now at a crossroad of his life because of an accident. He has a decision to make or someone is going to make it for him. He is a FBI agent and the minute he meets Lou he knows that she is the woman for him. However she knows that she has her rules that she has never broken but Sean might just be the only man in the entire world to cause her for the first time ever to falter from her rules. Their attraction is instant. But it might just never be acted upon because Sean is right in the middle of his hunt for a serial killer and just can't afford a distraction and he sure doesn't have time for love or relationships. Little does he know that the girl who he is super attracted to just might hold the answers he has been looking for.
This is not a very long story but it also doesn't feel like you don't read a full story. This book really has moments that will have you laughing out loud but also filled with a lot of drama and action. I really loved that we got to see some humor and it really made the serious moments seem not so hard to take. I loved the characters. They really do have quite the story to tell.
Lou is a girl who has always used her feminine wiles to exploit the weakness in men and women. Using her body and a certain skill set to fix the wrongs of those who think they deserve some justice of their own. This has always caused her to follow a strict set of rules that she never falters from. Love is for suckers. Use your body to your advantage. Don't fall for a mark. Sean is a man who has made a life for himself. He decided to walk away from the O'Hannon family business. Needless to say this has caused him to be estranged from his father. However he is now at a crossroad of his life because of an accident. He has a decision to make or someone is going to make it for him. He is a FBI agent and the minute he meets Lou he knows that she is the woman for him. However she knows that she has her rules that she has never broken but Sean might just be the only man in the entire world to cause her for the first time ever to falter from her rules. Their attraction is instant. But it might just never be acted upon because Sean is right in the middle of his hunt for a serial killer and just can't afford a distraction and he sure doesn't have time for love or relationships. Little does he know that the girl who he is super attracted to just might hold the answers he has been looking for.
This is not a very long story but it also doesn't feel like you don't read a full story. This book really has moments that will have you laughing out loud but also filled with a lot of drama and action. I really loved that we got to see some humor and it really made the serious moments seem not so hard to take. I loved the characters. They really do have quite the story to tell.
May 7, 2023
Rating: ☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Angst: 💔💔💔
Cliffhanger? ❌️
Do I recommend it? ✅️
Tropes: dark mafia romance
Science taught us that the female praying mantis bites the head off of their male mate after sex. This is to provide nutrients during mating season for laying eggs. This makes for one dangerous creature. Louisa "Lou" Marshall has known from a young age that her body is both a blessing and a curse. She was groomed to exploit both men and women's weaknesses. She uses a specific skill set along with her body to fix the wrongs of those who think they deserve justice. For this reason, she follows a strict set of rules: 1) Love is for suckers 2) Use your body to your advantage 3) Don't fall for a mark. After leaving Ireland for America, Sean Fortin creates a life separate from his family. When an accident brings him to a crossoads, a decision must be made. Louisa has never broken her rules before, but she's also never met a man like Sean. He's an FBI agent hunting a serial killer while his family falls apart. He can't lose focus, especially when things go wrong. Can Lou be the answer to his questions?
This was another entertaining read in this series. I knew that with the name of the title, it would be intriguing, and it didn't disappoint. The characters were well developed with a plot that had me addicted from the get-go. My butt hung off the edge of my seat from the suspense and the perfect amount of angst. The action and angst made it almost impossible to put down for too long. I am definitely recommending this read. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Angst: 💔💔💔
Cliffhanger? ❌️
Do I recommend it? ✅️
Tropes: dark mafia romance
Science taught us that the female praying mantis bites the head off of their male mate after sex. This is to provide nutrients during mating season for laying eggs. This makes for one dangerous creature. Louisa "Lou" Marshall has known from a young age that her body is both a blessing and a curse. She was groomed to exploit both men and women's weaknesses. She uses a specific skill set along with her body to fix the wrongs of those who think they deserve justice. For this reason, she follows a strict set of rules: 1) Love is for suckers 2) Use your body to your advantage 3) Don't fall for a mark. After leaving Ireland for America, Sean Fortin creates a life separate from his family. When an accident brings him to a crossoads, a decision must be made. Louisa has never broken her rules before, but she's also never met a man like Sean. He's an FBI agent hunting a serial killer while his family falls apart. He can't lose focus, especially when things go wrong. Can Lou be the answer to his questions?
This was another entertaining read in this series. I knew that with the name of the title, it would be intriguing, and it didn't disappoint. The characters were well developed with a plot that had me addicted from the get-go. My butt hung off the edge of my seat from the suspense and the perfect amount of angst. The action and angst made it almost impossible to put down for too long. I am definitely recommending this read. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
May 12, 2023
This was a great addition to the Mayhem Makers World. I loved Lou and Sean.
She's been trained since she was young that her body can be used as a weapon. Louisa "Lou" wants out that world, but she has to deal with her handler first. Will she ever be free to live her life on her terms?
Sean decided from a young age that he did not want to follow in the family business, so he took his own path. It put a strain on his relationship with his father, but he needed to forge his own path in the world. While working a case for the FBI he knows he has no time for a life, but when he runs into a sexy woman at the gym he finds that he wants more in his life.
I loved this book, it was such a great story in the MMM World and it was so different from the others. Lou is a woman living a double life, but she wants to get away from the life she was trained to live and make a life with Sean. Sean wants to live a life away from his father's business, but his father is determined to have him take the rains and continue the family legacy. Each of the characters have to find a way to live the life they want within the world they are from. This was my first book of Jaime Russell's and Melissa Filla's but I loved the story and the writing and will be looking for more of their stories to read.
She's been trained since she was young that her body can be used as a weapon. Louisa "Lou" wants out that world, but she has to deal with her handler first. Will she ever be free to live her life on her terms?
Sean decided from a young age that he did not want to follow in the family business, so he took his own path. It put a strain on his relationship with his father, but he needed to forge his own path in the world. While working a case for the FBI he knows he has no time for a life, but when he runs into a sexy woman at the gym he finds that he wants more in his life.
I loved this book, it was such a great story in the MMM World and it was so different from the others. Lou is a woman living a double life, but she wants to get away from the life she was trained to live and make a life with Sean. Sean wants to live a life away from his father's business, but his father is determined to have him take the rains and continue the family legacy. Each of the characters have to find a way to live the life they want within the world they are from. This was my first book of Jaime Russell's and Melissa Filla's but I loved the story and the writing and will be looking for more of their stories to read.
May 18, 2023
Louisa & Sean
Talk about differences drawing people together. These two are as different as two can be and I'm not talking about her OCD. A teacher of young kids along with her bestie, Matthew, --at least that's what everyone thinks--Sean's an FBI agent currently working on a serious serial killer case. His father wants him to take over the family business he has repeatedly refused to do. When a huge family issue comes up he has to rethink.
While this goes on the two meet and are drawn together. Will they find a future with the vast difference between them?
Surprises, danger, enemies, a loving family, steam, and so much more. Her bestie, Matthew, often provides the comic relief needed for the couple and the story. New authors to me made sure I'd read more of their work. While not a long story it has all the aspects needed for a good read.
Talk about differences drawing people together. These two are as different as two can be and I'm not talking about her OCD. A teacher of young kids along with her bestie, Matthew, --at least that's what everyone thinks--Sean's an FBI agent currently working on a serious serial killer case. His father wants him to take over the family business he has repeatedly refused to do. When a huge family issue comes up he has to rethink.
While this goes on the two meet and are drawn together. Will they find a future with the vast difference between them?
Surprises, danger, enemies, a loving family, steam, and so much more. Her bestie, Matthew, often provides the comic relief needed for the couple and the story. New authors to me made sure I'd read more of their work. While not a long story it has all the aspects needed for a good read.
May 11, 2023
Sean made a life for himself when He decided to walk away from the family business and become an FBI agent.He is an accident and has a decision to make.
Lou doesn’t believe in love. She uses her skills to weaken men and find their secrets.
When Sean and Lou meet, Sean knows she is the one. Lou feels the attraction and knows he could knock down all her walls.Their attraction is instant and wild.
This book has you laughing with all the drama, action,
This is not a very long story but it also doesn't feel like you don't read a full story. This book really has moments that will have you laughing out loud but also filled with a lot of drama and action.
Lou doesn’t believe in love. She uses her skills to weaken men and find their secrets.
When Sean and Lou meet, Sean knows she is the one. Lou feels the attraction and knows he could knock down all her walls.Their attraction is instant and wild.
This book has you laughing with all the drama, action,
This is not a very long story but it also doesn't feel like you don't read a full story. This book really has moments that will have you laughing out loud but also filled with a lot of drama and action.
May 2, 2023
This is Sean and Louisa’s journey, which is a quick and intriguing read. This is a well written action-packed story, with drama, secrets, romance, humor, witty banter, family, friendships, loss, grief, and love, which leads to an entertaining, unpredictable, and steamy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
May 7, 2023
Talk about opposites attracting! Sean and Lou are definitely opposites who blend together perfectly. Praying Mantis is their fast paced, quick read. It's full of emotion and you feel all of them. This is a slow burn kinda story that pulls you in and keeps you there until the end. Oh yeah, I can't forget the BFF Matthew, EVERYBODY needs a Matthew!
"All the best people are a little crazy."
"All the best people are a little crazy."
May 26, 2023
💘💖💘 Sean and Louisa 💘💖💘 She's a teacher, He's an FBI agent! He's after her but she doesn't know and neither does he. This is a great book by 2 awesome authors, Jaime Russell and Melissa Filla! Love this book and love the MMM series!
I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review.!
I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review.!
July 11, 2023
What a great read this was, Mafia meets paid assassin with FBI hot on the trail.My only complaint was I wanted more of the main characters and so much more of the background of the assassin. Highly recommend
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews