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His Remorseful King
SKELETONS CAN BE BURIED, BUT DIRTY LAUNDRY ALWAYS GETS AIRED. Being second-in-command in Boston’s Irish Mob taught Patrick “Paddy” Murphy just how disastrous secrets and lies were—they barely held together the unstable foundation of his family after all. But the limit of falsity he can maintain is fast approaching, and if the seal on his lips breaks… Well, the truth would rip apart the Murphy’s and destroy the crumbling facade they upheld. His desire for men, or rather one man, was one of those secrets. If the family or—even worse, a rival family—found out about Michael Griffin, life as Paddy knew it would cease to exist. It was as if the universe knew this and tried to keep the pair apart. From Army Deployments and near death experiences to a secret baby, everything that could go wrong for the childhood best friends turned lovers did. Can Paddy and Michael reach the end of the dark tunnel they traverse and find happiness together? Or will they remain each other’s dirty little secret?
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2023
141 people are currently reading
462 people want to read
About the author
A.N. Stauber
15 books172 followersA.N. is a wife and mother to three children. She enjoys writing dark romance novels with strong female leads, always with a HEA. When she isn't reading and writing, she spends her days with her family. Other passions include: crafting, horseback riding, and procrastinating
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 14, 2023
I CRIED!
I LAUGHED!
I WANTED TO DO SOME REALLY VIOLENT THINGS!
AND THEN I CRIED SOME MORE!
Paddy and Griff have my whole heart. This is one of my top favorite mafia stories, and I'm so glad it was written as a M/M because there really isn't enough variety in the Mob universe. Let's be real, I'll probably reread it again in a few days lol. Their story was so perfectly laid out and the steam was *chef's kiss*. I appreciate all of the time jumps back to their deployments so that we can learn more background on them both, but even the background on Haley is really awesome, so you get to know her a little better. I can't wait to see Saoirse story (and I'm really interested in who Sean ends up with because he's one of my favorite characters in the universe).
I LAUGHED!
I WANTED TO DO SOME REALLY VIOLENT THINGS!
AND THEN I CRIED SOME MORE!
Paddy and Griff have my whole heart. This is one of my top favorite mafia stories, and I'm so glad it was written as a M/M because there really isn't enough variety in the Mob universe. Let's be real, I'll probably reread it again in a few days lol. Their story was so perfectly laid out and the steam was *chef's kiss*. I appreciate all of the time jumps back to their deployments so that we can learn more background on them both, but even the background on Haley is really awesome, so you get to know her a little better. I can't wait to see Saoirse story (and I'm really interested in who Sean ends up with because he's one of my favorite characters in the universe).
January 21, 2023
Holy fire I do not have words for this story! I waited over a year for this story and let me tell you it did not disappoint!
This is the 2nd book in the Black Hearts series and follows Patrick, the 2nd in command of the Murphy family behind his brother Callum, and his on again/off again secret boyfriend/love Griffin, who have been friends since childhood.
This story has everything and more that you could ever want in a book- great, well rounded characters, relationship troubles (that do resolve into a happy ending), surprise pregnancy, mafia ties and the problems that arise from being tied to the mafia and strong family bonds. You name it, it is there. Plus, you get spice between our two MMC's that is just out of this world but not overdone at the same time.
What I really loved about this book was that you didn't just get the present day story between Patrick and Griffin. There were multiple flashbacks to their army days and one from their childhood that really give you an in depth insight of their relationship. When I got my hands on the first book in the series last year, I did not think that I would fall in love with any other members of the Murphy family the way that I did Callum and Haley and this book just seriously changed my mind. I hate to say it, but I almost think that I love Paddy and Griffin more than I did Callum and Haley, which is hard for me to say because I feel like I will never get enough of those two and have no since day 1. There was just something about Paddy and Griffin and their relationship that was so heartbreaking at times that I found myself rooting for them and wishing things were different so they could have been happy without all of the drama (but then, without the drama, would the story even be as good? Probably, but you need the drama!).
I sucked this book down in just a bit over a day and seriously am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book in the series! It certainly will be hard for any other book to top this one this year!
This is the 2nd book in the Black Hearts series and follows Patrick, the 2nd in command of the Murphy family behind his brother Callum, and his on again/off again secret boyfriend/love Griffin, who have been friends since childhood.
This story has everything and more that you could ever want in a book- great, well rounded characters, relationship troubles (that do resolve into a happy ending), surprise pregnancy, mafia ties and the problems that arise from being tied to the mafia and strong family bonds. You name it, it is there. Plus, you get spice between our two MMC's that is just out of this world but not overdone at the same time.
What I really loved about this book was that you didn't just get the present day story between Patrick and Griffin. There were multiple flashbacks to their army days and one from their childhood that really give you an in depth insight of their relationship. When I got my hands on the first book in the series last year, I did not think that I would fall in love with any other members of the Murphy family the way that I did Callum and Haley and this book just seriously changed my mind. I hate to say it, but I almost think that I love Paddy and Griffin more than I did Callum and Haley, which is hard for me to say because I feel like I will never get enough of those two and have no since day 1. There was just something about Paddy and Griffin and their relationship that was so heartbreaking at times that I found myself rooting for them and wishing things were different so they could have been happy without all of the drama (but then, without the drama, would the story even be as good? Probably, but you need the drama!).
I sucked this book down in just a bit over a day and seriously am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book in the series! It certainly will be hard for any other book to top this one this year!
February 26, 2023
Nothing super complex about this one. It was entertaining, but it didn’t make me think. It was an easy plot to follow. I hated the whole thing with Camille. That whole storyline could’ve been flushed out more and I hated Paddy’s response to finding out the truth. He was way too fine with everything.
May 14, 2023
I initially didn't think ill love it so much
I hate cheating 😒 but i love love love
I hate cheating 😒 but i love love love
July 5, 2023
why have i never read a queer book i HAVE BEEN MISSING OUT
this was amazing and so funny and it still made me cry and i love them so much UGH
michael and paddy are my new favourites
goodbye
ONTO THE NEXT
this was amazing and so funny and it still made me cry and i love them so much UGH
michael and paddy are my new favourites
goodbye
ONTO THE NEXT
May 17, 2023
3⭐️ - cute story, love the series so far, this book just felt lacking to me. Kinda choppy and not really filled with much, mostly fluff.
Patrick and Michael have been together since finally acting on their feelings for one another while in the army, several years later, Patrick tells Michael he cheated on him and now the girl is pregnant.
Michael is, very rightly so, pissed off at Patrick and breaks things off with him, despite being in love with him still. Patrick refuses to marry this woman that he got pregnant because he doesn’t want to be trapped in a marriage when he loves someone else. He is willing to do anything it takes to earn back Michael’s trust.
When Patrick’s brothers, the Murphy brothers, get involved, things get a little crazy. Sean, the hacker of the family, finds the footage from the night Patrick cheated, only the find out he was roofied and the girl got pregnant on purpose. Michael doesn’t know what to do with this information or how to move forward from here.
I liked the story overall, I loved the communication the two guys shared, just seemed really meh. There wasn’t a lot of depth there, and it seemed like the same argument/issues over and over again. Overall I didn’t mind reading it, and I’ll definitely keep reading the series.
Patrick and Michael have been together since finally acting on their feelings for one another while in the army, several years later, Patrick tells Michael he cheated on him and now the girl is pregnant.
Michael is, very rightly so, pissed off at Patrick and breaks things off with him, despite being in love with him still. Patrick refuses to marry this woman that he got pregnant because he doesn’t want to be trapped in a marriage when he loves someone else. He is willing to do anything it takes to earn back Michael’s trust.
When Patrick’s brothers, the Murphy brothers, get involved, things get a little crazy. Sean, the hacker of the family, finds the footage from the night Patrick cheated, only the find out he was roofied and the girl got pregnant on purpose. Michael doesn’t know what to do with this information or how to move forward from here.
I liked the story overall, I loved the communication the two guys shared, just seemed really meh. There wasn’t a lot of depth there, and it seemed like the same argument/issues over and over again. Overall I didn’t mind reading it, and I’ll definitely keep reading the series.
January 18, 2023
Paddy is second in command and brother to the head of the Mafia family. Paddy and Griff have been in love for years, but they have to keep it secret. They worry if anyone finds out it could be catastrophic. I was intrigued by the progression of their relationship over the years with flashbacks while in the service helping show their commitment and love and back to current happenings. Then Paddy gets Camille pregnant, effectively cheating on Griff.
There is so much angst, lies, manipulation, a long game played, acceptance, well written steam and the power of love. Our author has taken a Murphy brother and given us a great story. Her world building and character development continues to give her readers a great story. And I enjoyed catching up on some of the other family members.
There is so much angst, lies, manipulation, a long game played, acceptance, well written steam and the power of love. Our author has taken a Murphy brother and given us a great story. Her world building and character development continues to give her readers a great story. And I enjoyed catching up on some of the other family members.
January 20, 2023
I don't know how I feel about this one. I was incredibly excited about Paddy and Griff's book because I really needed their story, but it fell a bit into the blah section for me. I don't mind being able to predict what/how the major plotline will fall, it happens a lot for me. I needed something more. I wish I could be more specific but I can't. I will continue to read because I think this series has excellent potential.
Reader beware though - if you are a lover of epilogues that a glimpse of the couple into the future, you sorta get that here but it's more of a closure moment for Paddy and Griff.
Reader beware though - if you are a lover of epilogues that a glimpse of the couple into the future, you sorta get that here but it's more of a closure moment for Paddy and Griff.
January 20, 2023
Just like the first book (Her Vengeful King), I was HOOKED. AN Stauber really takes you through a whirlwind of emotions: stress, love, grief, I mean the list goes on. The storyline is amazing, and it also jumps back and forth from the past to present to really help the reader to understand Patrick Murphy (Patty) and Michael Griffin (Griff)’s relationship.
The only reason I gave a 4 star instead of 5 is because there were unanswered questions, but I’m hoping they are answered in the next book. 🤞🏻
The only reason I gave a 4 star instead of 5 is because there were unanswered questions, but I’m hoping they are answered in the next book. 🤞🏻
May 3, 2023
Meh
It’s a nice book if you want to read something not really good but not that bad. I don’t know we have times like that.
The smut is pretty nice 🤷♀️ and the overall relationship between the two is cute
More than the first one
Anyways
Disclaimer: contains heavy topics read the disclaimer before buying it
It’s a nice book if you want to read something not really good but not that bad. I don’t know we have times like that.
The smut is pretty nice 🤷♀️ and the overall relationship between the two is cute
More than the first one
Anyways
Disclaimer: contains heavy topics read the disclaimer before buying it
February 7, 2025
yes yea yes
I love a good MM mafia love story and yes this was a good one ! My only problem with this story is it felt rushed close to the end. I also feel like paddy didn’t quite understand what happened to him but all in all good read thank you A.N. Stauber this book was a masterpiece
I love a good MM mafia love story and yes this was a good one ! My only problem with this story is it felt rushed close to the end. I also feel like paddy didn’t quite understand what happened to him but all in all good read thank you A.N. Stauber this book was a masterpiece
April 2, 2023
I love a good MM Mafia romance
I immediately read book two based on the clifhannger! OMG I immediately fell head over heels for Griffin and Paddy, they are my favourite MM couple so far. I would highly recommend and possibly reread.
I immediately read book two based on the clifhannger! OMG I immediately fell head over heels for Griffin and Paddy, they are my favourite MM couple so far. I would highly recommend and possibly reread.
April 25, 2023
Loved both main characters and the constant flashback but it felt like no build up for the couple until they were just together and then happy. Definitely lots of drama but not as much as I'm used to between the main couple. Steamy though and love that! No cheating, presumed, HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2023
I really enjoyed Paddy and Griff's story. This MM romance seriously gives your heart a workout with its gripping combination of deep emotions, taut drama, angst, sweetness, heart and steam that just inspires so many feels. This is my frank, freely posted review.
September 14, 2024
-mafia
-friends to lovers
-MM
-pregnancy
This was the first book I've read where a man was SA and was the victim. It was thought-provoking. This is the second book in the series, and it was just as good as the first. I will say I wish there were more flashbacks to how it all started.
-friends to lovers
-MM
-pregnancy
This was the first book I've read where a man was SA and was the victim. It was thought-provoking. This is the second book in the series, and it was just as good as the first. I will say I wish there were more flashbacks to how it all started.
January 24, 2023
Not as good as the first one
April 14, 2023
Amazing story, loved the writing style and characters 💛
April 25, 2023
"I really cannot read the room right now. I’m not sure if I want to.
Scratch that. I know that I want to. I live for the drama." 😂
Scratch that. I know that I want to. I live for the drama." 😂
May 8, 2023
My 1st ever GAY romance 🫠🫠 and which is Mafia 🫠🫠 IT WAS 🔥❤️🔥 I loved when paddy took matters in his hands in the bedroom 🤤🤤🤤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2023
better that the previous one, but still not great
June 23, 2023
A great read
Paddy and Griffin were so hot together in this MM story. Emotional, steamy and suspenseful with some dark moments. I really love this series.
Paddy and Griffin were so hot together in this MM story. Emotional, steamy and suspenseful with some dark moments. I really love this series.
July 11, 2023
I think this one needed more work on the plot. The Camille and family angle was interesting. Paddy and. Michael are just adorable. I laughed out loud with the family group chat.
July 30, 2023
This is great. This is how childhood friends to lovers is supposed to go. It's friends to brothers to lovers with a dash of "it's always you" and some mafia politics. I was laughing so much.
January 20, 2023
mm mafia
This is book two in the Black Hearts Series and is a mm mafia/military best friends to lovers trope.
This has all the twists and turns of a mafia book with bloodshed and betrayal but what sets this apart is the absolute love Paddy & Griff share.
This is book two in the Black Hearts Series and is a mm mafia/military best friends to lovers trope.
This has all the twists and turns of a mafia book with bloodshed and betrayal but what sets this apart is the absolute love Paddy & Griff share.
October 14, 2024
Stauber's plots are strong and then the wheels fall off. This needs more organization, more detail in some areas, and editing. She needs someone to take a fine tooth comb to this story and series.
June 22, 2023
The most romantic thing I've read!
I love that the second book in the series is already a queer romance. One partner is out and the other worries that his sexuality could put both of their lives in danger. But the Murphy family pulls through. The power balance in the bedroom is intriguing. I cried for multiple chapters, that’s how good the writing is.
Personality: Smooth talker is drowning in his own secrets and submits to his partner. Headstrong childhood best friend battles PTSD and the challenge of trusting with a bi partner.
I love that the second book in the series is already a queer romance. One partner is out and the other worries that his sexuality could put both of their lives in danger. But the Murphy family pulls through. The power balance in the bedroom is intriguing. I cried for multiple chapters, that’s how good the writing is.
Personality: Smooth talker is drowning in his own secrets and submits to his partner. Headstrong childhood best friend battles PTSD and the challenge of trusting with a bi partner.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews