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Italian Stallions #5
Hot and Heavy
What’s better than one sexy protector? Two.
Hazel knows she’s in serious trouble when her shady uncle threatens to implicate her in his crimes. When two police officers show up at her apartment, she’s forced to flee Boston in the dead of night. Philadelphia feels like a big enough place to hide…until the seedy motel she’s staying in burns down.
Kayden and Aldo’s protector instincts rise to the surface after they spot a shivering redhead standing alone at the scene of a fire. Discovering everything she owned was destroyed, the sexy cop and charming firefighter offer her a place to stay.
None of them is able to resist their instant, scorching attraction to each other. The three give new meaning to the term “hot and heavy.” Aldo and Kayden want more…hell, they want it all. But Hazel is in too deep, and as her lies begin to unravel, she’s caught between a rock and a hard place.
Especially when the past catches up to her. Unless she puts her fears aside and offers Aldo and Kayden the one thing she’s never given before–her trust–she stands to lose everything.
Hazel knows she’s in serious trouble when her shady uncle threatens to implicate her in his crimes. When two police officers show up at her apartment, she’s forced to flee Boston in the dead of night. Philadelphia feels like a big enough place to hide…until the seedy motel she’s staying in burns down.
Kayden and Aldo’s protector instincts rise to the surface after they spot a shivering redhead standing alone at the scene of a fire. Discovering everything she owned was destroyed, the sexy cop and charming firefighter offer her a place to stay.
None of them is able to resist their instant, scorching attraction to each other. The three give new meaning to the term “hot and heavy.” Aldo and Kayden want more…hell, they want it all. But Hazel is in too deep, and as her lies begin to unravel, she’s caught between a rock and a hard place.
Especially when the past catches up to her. Unless she puts her fears aside and offers Aldo and Kayden the one thing she’s never given before–her trust–she stands to lose everything.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2023
141 people are currently reading
1610 people want to read
About the author
Mari Carr
230 books4,001 followersWriting a book was number one on Mari Carr’s bucket list. A New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller, Mari’s computer is now jammed full of stories — novels, novellas, short stories and dead-ends.
Mari writes contemporary sexy romance novels. To learn more about her spicy stories, click here.
Join her newsletter so you don't miss new releases and for exclusive subscriber-only content.
Find Mari on the web at
maricarr.com
Email: mari@maricarr.com
Mari writes contemporary sexy romance novels. To learn more about her spicy stories, click here.
Join her newsletter so you don't miss new releases and for exclusive subscriber-only content.
Find Mari on the web at
maricarr.com
Email: mari@maricarr.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
August 12, 2023
It’s was fine. Nothing special or unique if you’ve already read her books. I think I would have given it another star if I didn’t pay for it.
March 22, 2024
This is book 5 in Mari Carr’s Italian Stallions series. There’s enough info on previous characters that you aren’t completely lost - but these are best enjoyed in order.
DNF @ 37%. I wanted to like this. I was excited for this one because it was going to be full on MMF and I was looking forward to Kayden & Aldo. Unfortunately, pretty much every part fell flat for me. I was going to keep listening to have the background for future books - but I just couldn’t.
Spoilers from here on out:
Narration:
I’ve enjoyed all the narrators in the previous books and they were terrific here - except the voice Highpoint used for Aldo didn’t work for me. It made him sound kind of dopey. It won’t keep me from listening to to any of them in the future, as I usually tend to love all their performances.
DNF @ 37%. I wanted to like this. I was excited for this one because it was going to be full on MMF and I was looking forward to Kayden & Aldo. Unfortunately, pretty much every part fell flat for me. I was going to keep listening to have the background for future books - but I just couldn’t.
Spoilers from here on out:
Narration:
I’ve enjoyed all the narrators in the previous books and they were terrific here - except the voice Highpoint used for Aldo didn’t work for me. It made him sound kind of dopey. It won’t keep me from listening to to any of them in the future, as I usually tend to love all their performances.
July 20, 2023
Mari Carr knows how to mix a bit of fun, a bit of drama and a whole lot of romance into one story. Kayden, Aldo and Hazel were wonderful. On top of a love story, we learned a whole lot about trust in Hot and Heavy.
Kayden and Aldo knew they were incomplete without a third. It was their dream to find the one woman that would complete them. It took a fire for them to find her and, once found, there was no way they were letting her go. They knew she was hiding something but also knew that the best way to scare her off was to push … push for her secrets and push for what they really wanted. Her, forever. Then, when push came to shove, there was no stopping them or how far they would go to find the woman of their dreams. Hope finally became reality.
What a wonderful story of love, trust and acceptance. Yes, they moved to Hot and Heavy quickly but it was exactly the way it should have been. With the support of family and friends, this “trinity” will master the art of love.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Kayden and Aldo knew they were incomplete without a third. It was their dream to find the one woman that would complete them. It took a fire for them to find her and, once found, there was no way they were letting her go. They knew she was hiding something but also knew that the best way to scare her off was to push … push for her secrets and push for what they really wanted. Her, forever. Then, when push came to shove, there was no stopping them or how far they would go to find the woman of their dreams. Hope finally became reality.
What a wonderful story of love, trust and acceptance. Yes, they moved to Hot and Heavy quickly but it was exactly the way it should have been. With the support of family and friends, this “trinity” will master the art of love.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
July 19, 2023
2.5
I guess all the sycophant arc readers just loooooved Hazel, but she's ridiculous. All of her. She's the weirdest combination of Too Stupid To Live and spine of steel-innocent sex kitten-pride filled goblin. She dumb.
Aldo is baby Gio without the spark. He's extremely unmemorable. Kayden is cool finally, instead of a tight ass brother. Those boys together though... *phew*🔥🔥🔥
ALL Cops are Bastards, that's just universal truth.
Turns out Kayden is also an inept one 🤦♀️ The stupidity is staggering.
This is a retread of Jess, Rhys, and Tony but with bi-energy and spanking and white trash Boston criminals that want to be The Departed-lite.
On another note, Carr has like 30,000 characters in over a million books by now. Can we please for the love of god have one, just one, heroine weigh over 150 pounds?? For fucks sake, you don't have to give up your fatphobia, but jesus, the teeny tiny heroine is fucking tired at this point. Break out, write a heroine who's at least a size 14, you won't die 🙄
I guess all the sycophant arc readers just loooooved Hazel, but she's ridiculous. All of her. She's the weirdest combination of Too Stupid To Live and spine of steel-innocent sex kitten-pride filled goblin. She dumb.
Aldo is baby Gio without the spark. He's extremely unmemorable. Kayden is cool finally, instead of a tight ass brother. Those boys together though... *phew*🔥🔥🔥
ALL Cops are Bastards, that's just universal truth.
Turns out Kayden is also an inept one 🤦♀️ The stupidity is staggering.
This is a retread of Jess, Rhys, and Tony but with bi-energy and spanking and white trash Boston criminals that want to be The Departed-lite.
On another note, Carr has like 30,000 characters in over a million books by now. Can we please for the love of god have one, just one, heroine weigh over 150 pounds?? For fucks sake, you don't have to give up your fatphobia, but jesus, the teeny tiny heroine is fucking tired at this point. Break out, write a heroine who's at least a size 14, you won't die 🙄
did-not-finish
February 8, 2025DNF @ 38%
“What’s better than one sexy protector? Two.”
Although I agree with that statement, and I liked the beginning, something about this story wasn’t landing right for me. Hazel’s character was feeling a little inconsistent, and the connection between Kayden, Aldo and Hazel was more insta-mine than I was expecting.
I’ve liked every other book in the series so far though, so I’ll skip to the next book!
“What’s better than one sexy protector? Two.”
Although I agree with that statement, and I liked the beginning, something about this story wasn’t landing right for me. Hazel’s character was feeling a little inconsistent, and the connection between Kayden, Aldo and Hazel was more insta-mine than I was expecting.
I’ve liked every other book in the series so far though, so I’ll skip to the next book!
July 16, 2023
Wow! The Italian Stallions series by Mari Carr just keeps getting better and better and it was already amazing to begin with. I devoured Hot and Heavy in one sitting and I loved Aldo, Hazel and Kayden together. I adored Hazel who had such a kind heart and deserved to have these two sexy men love and protect her. Glad Aldo and Kayden finally found the “one” to complete them.
July 23, 2023
Skim
Skimming
Skimmed
Redundant
FSoG
Cinderella
Overly MMF
No 😐
Skimming
Skimmed
Redundant
FSoG
Cinderella
Overly MMF
No 😐
July 16, 2023
When you ready a series like this one you always expect a certain level of passion and heat, but most people don’t look at the covers of these stories and expect that they are going to be beginning an epic love story with pain and love for the ages. But that’s Mari Carr for you—she likes to break you heart before she teaches you the true meaning of love, no matte what form she puts it in and what she puts her lover through first. Hot and Heavy takes you through the journey of a woman that has always been on her own even in the midst of those she’s called family as she finds the people that will support and love her like her family always should have. Hazel’s past and present have led her to run from her life, and now she finds herself at loose ends in a town she doesn’t know and in need of a helping hand badly, so when two sexy protectors take her hands, she doesn’t fight as hard as she normally would, never realizing her life would be altered forever. Aldo and Kayden have been searching for the third piece of their hearts for a long time, never knowing that fate would put her directly into their paths one dark night and all they’d have to do is reach out and convince the shaken woman to trust them. As the three of them build that trust and slowly fall in lost, the fire between them quickly blazes out of control and combines them into a beautifully twined sculpture of love, like lightning into sand. With a little luck, a lot of love, and the trust that they’ve earned, Kayden and Aldo show Hazel that they truly can be her future and together the three of them are meant to be happy for the rest of their lives, together as one. I loved every moment of this story, not jus the story between the three lovers, but seeing past relationships developing and continuing and of course getting glimpses of future couples and I cannot wait for the next story in the series (Naughty and Nice). Mari Carr as always dazzles readers with the way she builds trust and blooms love between three unlikely lovers. Magic!
Full Review Coming soon to the Blog @ https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....
Full Review Coming soon to the Blog @ https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....
April 10, 2025
This was GREAT! Each book gets better for me. I enjoy the Moretti's and their peeps so much and I love seeing it through a stranger's eyes, besides Jess.. (I forever can't stand her)
I love how, despite her similarities to Jess, being down on her luck, poor, and whatnot, she still allowed herself to accept. It wasn't easy but she wasn't as hard on herself as Jess and Hazel did take breaks and enjoy herself. They didn't have to force her to stay at the inn unlike Jess who would rather be so prideful and go to a shelter with her son than take the free ride no one was forcing her to get off of smh. Anyway...
I enjoyed that, despite her lack of funds, Hazel allowed herself, after a bit, to indulge and enjoy the guys treating and spoiling her. And unlike Jess she didn't "I'll pay you back" everyone to death. I love to see the women being spoiled without guilt. And after a few days, she got over it and enjoyed.
I loved that there was no denial of the connection. We didn't have the will they, won't they in this one.
Slight spoiler....
Warned...
I love that she ran away but came back. I almost rolled my eyes and checked a 'trope' box. But she came back, on her own! I loved that. She decided to fight back and spill. They didn't have to force her to, she decided to when she came back.
I love how, despite her similarities to Jess, being down on her luck, poor, and whatnot, she still allowed herself to accept. It wasn't easy but she wasn't as hard on herself as Jess and Hazel did take breaks and enjoy herself. They didn't have to force her to stay at the inn unlike Jess who would rather be so prideful and go to a shelter with her son than take the free ride no one was forcing her to get off of smh. Anyway...
I enjoyed that, despite her lack of funds, Hazel allowed herself, after a bit, to indulge and enjoy the guys treating and spoiling her. And unlike Jess she didn't "I'll pay you back" everyone to death. I love to see the women being spoiled without guilt. And after a few days, she got over it and enjoyed.
I loved that there was no denial of the connection. We didn't have the will they, won't they in this one.
Slight spoiler....
Warned...
I love that she ran away but came back. I almost rolled my eyes and checked a 'trope' box. But she came back, on her own! I loved that. She decided to fight back and spill. They didn't have to force her to, she decided to when she came back.
July 16, 2023
Kayden and Aldo are more than best friends. They love each other. However after seeing throuples within their family and friends group, they know they want a woman to complete their relationship.
Hazel is a great person, but has had a hard life. She is one the run and doesn't expect a firefighter and police officer to come to her rescue when she loses everything. Kayden and Aldo take one look at Hazel and know she is the one they've been waiting for. First they offer to help her and then they offer to help her "let go." The attraction between the three is instant and undeniable. While Hazel is willing to give them control in the bedroom, will she ever give them her trust?
This is a fast paced romance. I liked all three main characters. They had great chemistry and there were some hot and heavy scenes. The book is well written and I enjoyed it. This book is part of the Italian Stallions series and I enjoyed getting a peek at some previous characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hazel is a great person, but has had a hard life. She is one the run and doesn't expect a firefighter and police officer to come to her rescue when she loses everything. Kayden and Aldo take one look at Hazel and know she is the one they've been waiting for. First they offer to help her and then they offer to help her "let go." The attraction between the three is instant and undeniable. While Hazel is willing to give them control in the bedroom, will she ever give them her trust?
This is a fast paced romance. I liked all three main characters. They had great chemistry and there were some hot and heavy scenes. The book is well written and I enjoyed it. This book is part of the Italian Stallions series and I enjoyed getting a peek at some previous characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2023
Hot and Heavy is hot and heavy in terms of steaminess and the speed of the relationship that Hazel, Aldo, and Kayden experience. Mari Carr always writes terrific sexy stories with wonderful characters. I couldn’t put it down! Hazel has had a bad life. She is on the run from being set up. She meets Aldo and Kayden even her more catches on fire. Also Aldo is a fireman, and Kayden is a police officer. She can’t trust either of them because they might find or her story. The sweet and sexy dominant protectors have her responding to them before she knows what has happened. They get her to trust them while they are helping her with her problems. It doesn’t hurt that they are all extremely attracted to each other. These kind of relationships with with the Italian Stallions! Can she find happiness once her past is settled? It’s a great ride while you find out!
September 29, 2023
Hot and Heavy by Mari Carr is a menage romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Theo Sinclair, Marina Barrett, and Oliver Highpoint. This is the fifth book in the Italian Stallions series.
I loved the relationship between Kayden, Aldo, and Hazel. I really enjoyed getting all of their points of views throughout the story. It really brought the story to life.
I can't wait for the next book in the series Naughty and Nice to be released on November 14, 2023, So I can get Liza and Matt's story.
Theo, Marina, and Oliver did a great job on the narration. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.
I would recommend this book if you like menage romances, contemporary romances, or romantic suspense.
The Flock Team
I loved the relationship between Kayden, Aldo, and Hazel. I really enjoyed getting all of their points of views throughout the story. It really brought the story to life.
I can't wait for the next book in the series Naughty and Nice to be released on November 14, 2023, So I can get Liza and Matt's story.
Theo, Marina, and Oliver did a great job on the narration. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.
I would recommend this book if you like menage romances, contemporary romances, or romantic suspense.
The Flock Team
July 30, 2023
Great book
I have only read a few Mari Carr books but each one is better than the other and this one is no exception. It is new only being released July 18!
The three main Characters (Aldo, Kayden and Hazel); were all awesome characters - strong, funny, a little crazy, protective and loving. The secondary characters (not including the protagonists - Dennis, et al) were just great! Most from previous books so anyone having read the full series would be able to appreciate more their appearance in this book. However, these books are written so if you have not read all the others or some of the others you still need understand the story and get sucked right into the book. I really tried to finish in one sitting last night but my eyelids kept closing on me.
There is some comedy from everyone and love and of course our three main characters create a ton of steam♨️
I have only read a few Mari Carr books but each one is better than the other and this one is no exception. It is new only being released July 18!
The three main Characters (Aldo, Kayden and Hazel); were all awesome characters - strong, funny, a little crazy, protective and loving. The secondary characters (not including the protagonists - Dennis, et al) were just great! Most from previous books so anyone having read the full series would be able to appreciate more their appearance in this book. However, these books are written so if you have not read all the others or some of the others you still need understand the story and get sucked right into the book. I really tried to finish in one sitting last night but my eyelids kept closing on me.
There is some comedy from everyone and love and of course our three main characters create a ton of steam♨️
July 15, 2023
These three moved at hyper speed in their relationship! But they didn’t leave anything out, they just didn’t wait between the steps. Hazel was extremely likable, so it was no wonder the boys didn’t stand a chance once they met her. And those boys, well, Hazel was gone for them before she even realized it. Great interactions between them all, steamy times that were scorching, and finding a family you can make your own <3
June 30, 2025
4 / 5 ⭐️
4 / 5 🔥
I would have liked more spicy scenes. But the scenes were well written.
It got a little drawn out with the side characters, but that’s the risk you take when you join a series.
Definitely a standalone but just be ready for a lot of secondary characters and backstory to catch you up on relationships. I found i skimmed these parts a dont feel like I missed anything pertinent.
4 / 5 🔥
I would have liked more spicy scenes. But the scenes were well written.
It got a little drawn out with the side characters, but that’s the risk you take when you join a series.
Definitely a standalone but just be ready for a lot of secondary characters and backstory to catch you up on relationships. I found i skimmed these parts a dont feel like I missed anything pertinent.
July 18, 2023
Oh wow!
Right from the start this book is attention grabbing and steamy. These two men see something they want and go after it. Aldo and Kayden have seen what they want in the live of their family members and will settle for nothing else. They are alpha males to their core and know that they won't be completely happy by themselves. Hazel has no idea what she is in for when her life it turned upside down but she is determined to always find the silver lining in everything. She doesnt want to rely on anyone but herself but quickly learns that it is OK to let others help. The chemistry that these three have jumps off the page and makes you want to be one of these characters. This family is the kind of family everyone needs. No Judgment just Love! Can't wait to see what happens in the future for these three and their crazy world.
Right from the start this book is attention grabbing and steamy. These two men see something they want and go after it. Aldo and Kayden have seen what they want in the live of their family members and will settle for nothing else. They are alpha males to their core and know that they won't be completely happy by themselves. Hazel has no idea what she is in for when her life it turned upside down but she is determined to always find the silver lining in everything. She doesnt want to rely on anyone but herself but quickly learns that it is OK to let others help. The chemistry that these three have jumps off the page and makes you want to be one of these characters. This family is the kind of family everyone needs. No Judgment just Love! Can't wait to see what happens in the future for these three and their crazy world.
July 12, 2023
Hot and Heavy indeed! I freaking loved Kayden and Aldo's dynamic and how Hazel flowed in. Kayden and Aldo have had each other for so long, yet someone was missing, and in the midst of tragedy, everything lines up. They were the last thing she was looking for but everything she never had the courage to wish for... but maybe Philadelphia Hazel would.
July 16, 2023
Another wonderful read in the the Italian Stallions series!!
Loved how Kayden & Aldo were there for Hazel when her family wasn't. Happy to see those that needed to get their comeuppance got it!
Nonna & Nonno - ahhhh, loved them! Nonno's jokes...lol!
Oooo, can't wait for the next book...Liz & Matt...oooo, the explosions will be amazing for sure!
Loved how Kayden & Aldo were there for Hazel when her family wasn't. Happy to see those that needed to get their comeuppance got it!
Nonna & Nonno - ahhhh, loved them! Nonno's jokes...lol!
Oooo, can't wait for the next book...Liz & Matt...oooo, the explosions will be amazing for sure!
February 17, 2024
Read on Radish
July 1, 2023
Emotional, fast paced, brilliantly filthy with laughs throughout. This is definitely a keeper!!
#ItalianStallions❤️
#ItalianStallions❤️
November 18, 2024
DNF at 63%.
The storytelling with pretty smooth, the secondary characters continue to give the series a warm, friendly feel and the primary characters were engaging, but the relationship-building started out on the sandy ground of instant desire (from afar, no less), was uneven and had more tell than show.
And the smut was pretty icky.
When the very first sexual scene between the three of them had the male leads pushing her outside of her comfort zone in public without any discussion, it just felt like the same ugly story of two domineering men ganging up on a vulnerable woman to take advantage of her without any care or respect for her. Made worse because she is supposedly naturally submissive (although it certainly doesn't show up any where else in her life) which made her doubly vulnerable to their coercion.
Then the next sexual scene with the whole 'she instinctually couldn't come without their permission' was even worse. Like, give me a break. It didn't just kill any suspension of disbelief, it made the whole scene obnoxious, especially when they made her beg. It is one thing for a female lead to choose to give her power over the male lead/s, it's quite another when it is taken away from her, given to the male leads and they take advantage of it to play their games.
And the third sexual scene, which featured a blow job, was so mechanical and unsexy and condescending towards the female lead, it turned the book into a DNF at 63% for me.
Also, the male leads pushing for her to trust them and be open and honest with them when they were holding back telling her they already had a romantic/sexual relationship with each other and wanted her to fit into it was hypocritical and smacked of more manipulation.
Very disappointing after the responsible and respectful way this author handled the same sort of lite kink in the other two books featuring threesomes in this series.
Do not recommend.
The storytelling with pretty smooth, the secondary characters continue to give the series a warm, friendly feel and the primary characters were engaging, but the relationship-building started out on the sandy ground of instant desire (from afar, no less), was uneven and had more tell than show.
And the smut was pretty icky.
When the very first sexual scene between the three of them had the male leads pushing her outside of her comfort zone in public without any discussion, it just felt like the same ugly story of two domineering men ganging up on a vulnerable woman to take advantage of her without any care or respect for her. Made worse because she is supposedly naturally submissive (although it certainly doesn't show up any where else in her life) which made her doubly vulnerable to their coercion.
Then the next sexual scene with the whole 'she instinctually couldn't come without their permission' was even worse. Like, give me a break. It didn't just kill any suspension of disbelief, it made the whole scene obnoxious, especially when they made her beg. It is one thing for a female lead to choose to give her power over the male lead/s, it's quite another when it is taken away from her, given to the male leads and they take advantage of it to play their games.
And the third sexual scene, which featured a blow job, was so mechanical and unsexy and condescending towards the female lead, it turned the book into a DNF at 63% for me.
Also, the male leads pushing for her to trust them and be open and honest with them when they were holding back telling her they already had a romantic/sexual relationship with each other and wanted her to fit into it was hypocritical and smacked of more manipulation.
Very disappointing after the responsible and respectful way this author handled the same sort of lite kink in the other two books featuring threesomes in this series.
Do not recommend.
July 15, 2023
Hazel Walsh has decided to leave her horrible life behind—her horrible, yes criminally awful family is bleeding her dry, and she’s unfairly painted with the same brush, despite her exhaustive efforts to prove otherwise. Philadelphia seems a likely place to land, except she lands smack onto the radar of Aldo Moretti, a hot firefighter, and Kayden Gallo, an equally attractive police officer.
Mari Carr’s HOT AND HEAVY is the fifth in her Italian Stallions series, and boy, is it a scorcher. While Aldo and Kayden quickly realize that the lovely Hazel is everything they’ve been waiting for, Hazel has been conditioned to assume that nothing good is for her, and that she will never have a place to call home. Of course, ultimately she’s no match for her two very determined protectors…. Ms Carr’s latest is super hot and equally heartwarming! Can’t wait for more in this series!
Mari Carr’s HOT AND HEAVY is the fifth in her Italian Stallions series, and boy, is it a scorcher. While Aldo and Kayden quickly realize that the lovely Hazel is everything they’ve been waiting for, Hazel has been conditioned to assume that nothing good is for her, and that she will never have a place to call home. Of course, ultimately she’s no match for her two very determined protectors…. Ms Carr’s latest is super hot and equally heartwarming! Can’t wait for more in this series!
September 28, 2023
A Winning Trifecta! Amazing Story & Listen🎧
Hot and Heavy
Italian Stallions, Book 5
By: Mari Carr
Narrated by: Theo Sinclair, Marina Barrett, Oliver Highpoint
I am loving this series and the world Mari Carr created, the stories are original with interesting storylines that are captivating from start to end. Each book in the series features different lead characters and while the story stands on its own, characters from the earlier books make appearances and knowing their backstory adds some depth, plus seeing them again is like seeing an old friend. This fifth book is Kayden Gallo, Aldo Moretti and Hazel Walsh’s story, and I absolutely adored these three characters. Hazel is a nurse who loves her job taking care of an elderly woman, but when things go missing from her patient’s home, her children accuse her of stealing, something she would never do. They fire her and threaten to call the police if she does not return the items. Then she finds out who was behind the thefts, her loser, ex-convict uncle, and she feels responsible. Paranoid she was going to take the fall for his crime she flees and ends up in Philadelphia, but her bad luck doesn’t end, there is a fire in the motel she was staying in and she not only loses all her belongings but her car too. A police officer was on the scene and she was hesitant to talk to him because she thinks they are after her, but he and his firefighter friend just wanted to help her. Kayden and Aldo are best friends, they were more to each other at one point, but both of them were too into women to be lovers. That does not mean they stopped hoping to find the perfect woman to make a perfect trouple. And they sense Hazel may be that woman, but they sense something is up with her and they have to be careful to not scare her away. I loved how everything played out in this book, the writing, plotting and world building is fantastic, as is the character growth and development. I thought it was great how helpful everyone was with Hazel and how they accepted her into their group of friends. Mari Carr, thank you for another fabulous and smoking hot romance novel.
🎧📚🎧 And for the wonderful narration, Theo Sinclair, Marina Barrett and Oliver Highpoint were the perfect cast to bring these characters and story to life. They had a complete understanding of the characters they were portraying, giving each a voice that suited that character and was believable in every role they played. You could hear how much heart they put into their performance as they captured all the characters’ emotions and have you feeling every single one. They are entertaining storytellers and their narration enhances an already fabulous story to another level. Thank you for another amazing listen.
Hot and Heavy
Italian Stallions, Book 5
By: Mari Carr
Narrated by: Theo Sinclair, Marina Barrett, Oliver Highpoint
I am loving this series and the world Mari Carr created, the stories are original with interesting storylines that are captivating from start to end. Each book in the series features different lead characters and while the story stands on its own, characters from the earlier books make appearances and knowing their backstory adds some depth, plus seeing them again is like seeing an old friend. This fifth book is Kayden Gallo, Aldo Moretti and Hazel Walsh’s story, and I absolutely adored these three characters. Hazel is a nurse who loves her job taking care of an elderly woman, but when things go missing from her patient’s home, her children accuse her of stealing, something she would never do. They fire her and threaten to call the police if she does not return the items. Then she finds out who was behind the thefts, her loser, ex-convict uncle, and she feels responsible. Paranoid she was going to take the fall for his crime she flees and ends up in Philadelphia, but her bad luck doesn’t end, there is a fire in the motel she was staying in and she not only loses all her belongings but her car too. A police officer was on the scene and she was hesitant to talk to him because she thinks they are after her, but he and his firefighter friend just wanted to help her. Kayden and Aldo are best friends, they were more to each other at one point, but both of them were too into women to be lovers. That does not mean they stopped hoping to find the perfect woman to make a perfect trouple. And they sense Hazel may be that woman, but they sense something is up with her and they have to be careful to not scare her away. I loved how everything played out in this book, the writing, plotting and world building is fantastic, as is the character growth and development. I thought it was great how helpful everyone was with Hazel and how they accepted her into their group of friends. Mari Carr, thank you for another fabulous and smoking hot romance novel.
🎧📚🎧 And for the wonderful narration, Theo Sinclair, Marina Barrett and Oliver Highpoint were the perfect cast to bring these characters and story to life. They had a complete understanding of the characters they were portraying, giving each a voice that suited that character and was believable in every role they played. You could hear how much heart they put into their performance as they captured all the characters’ emotions and have you feeling every single one. They are entertaining storytellers and their narration enhances an already fabulous story to another level. Thank you for another amazing listen.
December 7, 2023
In book 5 of this series of standalones, we finally get answers about Keeley’s brother and his best friend! I liked that Kayden and Aldo each had their Dom moments haha but they also worked well with Hazel and the group scenes 🔥🔥🔥.
I think for me one of the reason I held back giving it 5 stars was because the love was super instant. Like I like fated mates/instant attraction in paranormal romances but not a huge fan in contemporary just because to me (personal opinion) its unrealistic and people normally would do the things and feel the things they did in regards to Hazel so quickly. I will say I loved Hazel and thought she was so strong but liked seeing her lean on the guys and let her walls come down as the book progressed. I loved how all the ladies helped Hazel and showed them what friends could be. The guys had a tough time convincing her that she could accept these things and the things they wanted to shower her with, but eventually she let go (while still keeping her tenacity and feistiness and gave it as good as they gave haha).
I loved the integration of her into their family with Nono and Nona. I won’t give it away but it was adorable and made me get teary eyed when she accept the job, how they didnt even bat an eye and accepted her, how she helped the elders of this family so much. I enjoyed seeing the guys handle their professions with her and once things were found out they helped her handle her family and situation. I liked the reveals we were waiting for in some of the previous books (like Elio and Giana’s little bundle of joy). It made me want to go back and listen to the others ones again haha.
Narration was great in this one too! We get more repeats from the previous narrators and they all do a great job bringing these characters to life. I was confused a little if the guys had any accents because sometimes they would and sometimes they didnt. I also was a little frustrated with the cameos the accents and nuance of their performances didnt match the previous books. Because they are using a lot of the same narrators, that is one thing I would have checked and fixed, having another set of eyes check the continuity between the audiobooks would have been a big help. But still overall I would give the narration 4/5 stars and will continue to listen to the rest of these standalones.
🎧 Audiobook Obsession Reviewer - Flock Team 🎧
I think for me one of the reason I held back giving it 5 stars was because the love was super instant. Like I like fated mates/instant attraction in paranormal romances but not a huge fan in contemporary just because to me (personal opinion) its unrealistic and people normally would do the things and feel the things they did in regards to Hazel so quickly. I will say I loved Hazel and thought she was so strong but liked seeing her lean on the guys and let her walls come down as the book progressed. I loved how all the ladies helped Hazel and showed them what friends could be. The guys had a tough time convincing her that she could accept these things and the things they wanted to shower her with, but eventually she let go (while still keeping her tenacity and feistiness and gave it as good as they gave haha).
I loved the integration of her into their family with Nono and Nona. I won’t give it away but it was adorable and made me get teary eyed when she accept the job, how they didnt even bat an eye and accepted her, how she helped the elders of this family so much. I enjoyed seeing the guys handle their professions with her and once things were found out they helped her handle her family and situation. I liked the reveals we were waiting for in some of the previous books (like Elio and Giana’s little bundle of joy). It made me want to go back and listen to the others ones again haha.
Narration was great in this one too! We get more repeats from the previous narrators and they all do a great job bringing these characters to life. I was confused a little if the guys had any accents because sometimes they would and sometimes they didnt. I also was a little frustrated with the cameos the accents and nuance of their performances didnt match the previous books. Because they are using a lot of the same narrators, that is one thing I would have checked and fixed, having another set of eyes check the continuity between the audiobooks would have been a big help. But still overall I would give the narration 4/5 stars and will continue to listen to the rest of these standalones.
🎧 Audiobook Obsession Reviewer - Flock Team 🎧
July 13, 2023
Hazel Walsch has never had an easy life, with one parent in jail, another drunk and irresponsible and an uncle now trying to implicate her in a theft, causing her to not only lose her job but flee her hometown of Boston as well. While she’s hoping things will be better in Philly, her hopes are quickly dashed when teh hotel she was staying in burns down and she is left with only the clothes on her back.
Kayden and Also have been best friends, and sometimes more, for most of their lives. They are ready to look towards their future, but haven’t been able to find "the one” worth having a future with yet. But, everything seems to change when they show up at a motel fire and see a gorgeous woman shivering and looking lost with nowhere to go. Both protectors at heart as a policeman and fireman, there is no way they are letting her go.
While their attraction is evident, Hazel has a lot of secrets and she doesn’t trust easily. Will she be able to fight her fears and give Aldo and Kayden a chance and let them see everything she is facing, or will she disappear from their lives just as quickly as she entered it?
This romance is Hot and Heavy indeed! With both Kayden and Also being dominant alpha males with their own chemistry going on, Hazel never stood a chance! That being said, even though it seemed to move very quickly, I loved just how patient and genuine both men were in working to not only make sure she was safe, but to earn her trust. It was lovely watching Hazel blossom under their attention once she found herself being seen, heard and loved for who she is and not for her family background. And, while she may be the submissive partner, she by no means is a pushover, and I loved her strength and independence just as much as her caring nature.
Hot and Heavy had some very sweet moments, was steamy as could be, because the chemistry for this trio was off the hook, and had the right amount of angst and suspense to keep me staying up well past my bedtime to see if Aldo, Kayden and Hazel could find their happily ever after together. 5 stars!
Kayden and Also have been best friends, and sometimes more, for most of their lives. They are ready to look towards their future, but haven’t been able to find "the one” worth having a future with yet. But, everything seems to change when they show up at a motel fire and see a gorgeous woman shivering and looking lost with nowhere to go. Both protectors at heart as a policeman and fireman, there is no way they are letting her go.
While their attraction is evident, Hazel has a lot of secrets and she doesn’t trust easily. Will she be able to fight her fears and give Aldo and Kayden a chance and let them see everything she is facing, or will she disappear from their lives just as quickly as she entered it?
This romance is Hot and Heavy indeed! With both Kayden and Also being dominant alpha males with their own chemistry going on, Hazel never stood a chance! That being said, even though it seemed to move very quickly, I loved just how patient and genuine both men were in working to not only make sure she was safe, but to earn her trust. It was lovely watching Hazel blossom under their attention once she found herself being seen, heard and loved for who she is and not for her family background. And, while she may be the submissive partner, she by no means is a pushover, and I loved her strength and independence just as much as her caring nature.
Hot and Heavy had some very sweet moments, was steamy as could be, because the chemistry for this trio was off the hook, and had the right amount of angst and suspense to keep me staying up well past my bedtime to see if Aldo, Kayden and Hazel could find their happily ever after together. 5 stars!
July 23, 2023
Hot and Heavy is the fifth book in the Italian Stallions series, but could be read as a stand alone. Kayden and Aldo meet an overwhelmed Hazel after a fire destroys everything of hers. They have an instant connection none can deny, but when her secrets and past catches up to them, are they able to convince her that she’s safe with them?
Oh wow, this book was pretty fantastic from beginning to end! I loved the heat, I loved the emotional rollercoaster of budding trust, and I really loved the dynamic that was Hazel, Aldo, and Kayden. This book simultaneously tugged at my heart with some of her backstory, yet I was swooning from the work and love her men were willing to show her, and then practically melted from all of the chemistry and deliciousness that came from this trio. Hazel had such a crap family, but showed so much grit and determination and love to those around her. She was also realistic in the sense that the little things both wowed her and scared her, because too much goodness always got torn away. Aldo and Kayden were so great for her, because they helped heal her brokenness, and yet she was the one to complete them! Seriously, swoon! Not to mention, one is a fireman and the other a police officer, hello! All that aside, they were determined to earn her trust and constantly show her that she was worthy of good things and of love. They made such a great relationship with an instant connection that only got hotter as the pages continued. I loved them. I loved the hurdles they needed to overcome, too, with her secrets and past. It added a dynamic that was just as heart pounding as their relationship. I loved all of the side characters, too. This is just a wonderful series and a fabulous addition! Can’t wait for more!
Oh wow, this book was pretty fantastic from beginning to end! I loved the heat, I loved the emotional rollercoaster of budding trust, and I really loved the dynamic that was Hazel, Aldo, and Kayden. This book simultaneously tugged at my heart with some of her backstory, yet I was swooning from the work and love her men were willing to show her, and then practically melted from all of the chemistry and deliciousness that came from this trio. Hazel had such a crap family, but showed so much grit and determination and love to those around her. She was also realistic in the sense that the little things both wowed her and scared her, because too much goodness always got torn away. Aldo and Kayden were so great for her, because they helped heal her brokenness, and yet she was the one to complete them! Seriously, swoon! Not to mention, one is a fireman and the other a police officer, hello! All that aside, they were determined to earn her trust and constantly show her that she was worthy of good things and of love. They made such a great relationship with an instant connection that only got hotter as the pages continued. I loved them. I loved the hurdles they needed to overcome, too, with her secrets and past. It added a dynamic that was just as heart pounding as their relationship. I loved all of the side characters, too. This is just a wonderful series and a fabulous addition! Can’t wait for more!
September 29, 2023
Hot and Heavy
Italian Stallions, Book 5
By: Mari Carr
Narrated by: Theo Sinclair, Marina Barrett, Oliver Highpoint
Ready for some fun? This book is exactly what you need. Mari Carr continues her Italian Stallions series with three people you are sure to love! Hazel is a nurse, and lost her job after being falsely accused of stealing. Knowing the culprit, she knows there is no way out and leaves Boston to start over. Landing in Philadelphia, her luck continues to run out until Kayden and Aldo pick her up. No place to stay, no money and nothing to offer does not deter this couple. They are immediately taken with her. Could she be the missing part of their lives? They have been waiting for the perfect woman to fit into their family, hopefully she will be the one. But the more this trio falls in love, and Hazel doesn't confess her past, the harder life is going to get! Nothing good can come from secrets! What will happen when her past catches up with her? Talk about a great story! Not only does Mari Carr bring back all of the characters from the previous books and make me realize why I love her writing so much, but she creates a story that has my heart hurting and wanting to help! Plus she adds in a good push by our friendly ghosts! Loved this addition to the series and can't wait for more!
The narration of this gem is spot on for each character! I love the trio of Marina Barrett, Theo Sinclair and Oliver Highpoint. Each one fits right into the personalities. From hesitancy to dominant alpha, these narrators know how to find the emotion and make it so I could feel each one in my heart. I loved the ease they work together and the way their voices compliment each other. This is a fabulous listen.
Italian Stallions, Book 5
By: Mari Carr
Narrated by: Theo Sinclair, Marina Barrett, Oliver Highpoint
Ready for some fun? This book is exactly what you need. Mari Carr continues her Italian Stallions series with three people you are sure to love! Hazel is a nurse, and lost her job after being falsely accused of stealing. Knowing the culprit, she knows there is no way out and leaves Boston to start over. Landing in Philadelphia, her luck continues to run out until Kayden and Aldo pick her up. No place to stay, no money and nothing to offer does not deter this couple. They are immediately taken with her. Could she be the missing part of their lives? They have been waiting for the perfect woman to fit into their family, hopefully she will be the one. But the more this trio falls in love, and Hazel doesn't confess her past, the harder life is going to get! Nothing good can come from secrets! What will happen when her past catches up with her? Talk about a great story! Not only does Mari Carr bring back all of the characters from the previous books and make me realize why I love her writing so much, but she creates a story that has my heart hurting and wanting to help! Plus she adds in a good push by our friendly ghosts! Loved this addition to the series and can't wait for more!
The narration of this gem is spot on for each character! I love the trio of Marina Barrett, Theo Sinclair and Oliver Highpoint. Each one fits right into the personalities. From hesitancy to dominant alpha, these narrators know how to find the emotion and make it so I could feel each one in my heart. I loved the ease they work together and the way their voices compliment each other. This is a fabulous listen.
July 19, 2023
Hot and Heavy should be renamed sexy and spicy, because it gave me hot flashes...but the good kind! Hazel, Aldo and Kayden brought the heat as well as the emotions in this 5th installment of the Italian Stallions series...which I am completely in love with!
Hazel didn't know what she was in for when she met firefighter Aldo and police office Kayden, two best friends, and something more. These alpha males want nothing more than to help and protect Hazel as soon as they meet her. Not only because they are good guys, but also, they see in her the woman they've been searching for. The third to their triad.
As much as I adored the three of them together, I love, love, loved Aldo and Kay as both friends and lovers. Their relationship, although on hold in the physical sense, was palpable with every glance touch and word. And Hazel was not put off by that one bit...so yay Hazel!
And can we talk about this young woman and all she's been through? No, because you need to read about it firsthand, so no spoilers. I'm running out of words to say without spilling plot points, so I'll end with this.
Hot and Heavy is just the latest in the 5 star reads from Mari Carr, one of my very favorite authors. I know there's more Italian Stallion stories to be told and I ready and able to drop everything to read them as soon as they are published. So, hurry up, would ya, Mari?!
Hazel didn't know what she was in for when she met firefighter Aldo and police office Kayden, two best friends, and something more. These alpha males want nothing more than to help and protect Hazel as soon as they meet her. Not only because they are good guys, but also, they see in her the woman they've been searching for. The third to their triad.
As much as I adored the three of them together, I love, love, loved Aldo and Kay as both friends and lovers. Their relationship, although on hold in the physical sense, was palpable with every glance touch and word. And Hazel was not put off by that one bit...so yay Hazel!
And can we talk about this young woman and all she's been through? No, because you need to read about it firsthand, so no spoilers. I'm running out of words to say without spilling plot points, so I'll end with this.
Hot and Heavy is just the latest in the 5 star reads from Mari Carr, one of my very favorite authors. I know there's more Italian Stallion stories to be told and I ready and able to drop everything to read them as soon as they are published. So, hurry up, would ya, Mari?!
October 8, 2023
Seriously Hot & Heavy
Dang, Mari Carr has done it again! I know I say this with every book she writes, but its the truth! Kayden & Aldo have always known they were a match, however that just isn't enough for either of them. They are searching for the woman why will claim both of their hearts. Is it possible that the beautiful redhead who just lost everything in the motel fire, is the woman they have been looking for? Hazel is on the run, hoping against all hope that she won't be arrested for a crime she most definitely didn't commit! After running all night from Boston to Philly, she finds herself standing out front watching the motel she stayed in burn to the ground! What the hell? Can anything in her life go right? Enter the Hot Firefighter & Cop ready to save her from herself. Can she really trust them to look after her when everyone in her life has let her down? How about the amazing family & friends that they introduce her to, can that even be real? Can she trust her body to the two men who promise her more than she could ever dream of? Mari is the queen of menage romance & this book definitely does not disappoint! Kayden is the kinky, dominant lover, while Aldo is the strong, sensual lover, can Hazel possibly survive the pleasure they plan to bestow upon her? This book was HOT, HOT, HOT & oh so steamy, check it out today!
Dang, Mari Carr has done it again! I know I say this with every book she writes, but its the truth! Kayden & Aldo have always known they were a match, however that just isn't enough for either of them. They are searching for the woman why will claim both of their hearts. Is it possible that the beautiful redhead who just lost everything in the motel fire, is the woman they have been looking for? Hazel is on the run, hoping against all hope that she won't be arrested for a crime she most definitely didn't commit! After running all night from Boston to Philly, she finds herself standing out front watching the motel she stayed in burn to the ground! What the hell? Can anything in her life go right? Enter the Hot Firefighter & Cop ready to save her from herself. Can she really trust them to look after her when everyone in her life has let her down? How about the amazing family & friends that they introduce her to, can that even be real? Can she trust her body to the two men who promise her more than she could ever dream of? Mari is the queen of menage romance & this book definitely does not disappoint! Kayden is the kinky, dominant lover, while Aldo is the strong, sensual lover, can Hazel possibly survive the pleasure they plan to bestow upon her? This book was HOT, HOT, HOT & oh so steamy, check it out today!
October 9, 2023
This is book 5 in Carr's Italian Stallions series and can easily be read / listened to as a standalone. Wonderfully written and perfectly narrated reverse harem romance. Our main characters are Hazel, Kayden and Aldo. First let me just say that I love that each main character has their own narrator which really helps bring each character to life and keeps the story line flowing even more smoothly. So, yeah, about our characters and storyline - Hazel has had a rough go of it with a family who's done nothing but take advantage and been abusive, so she doesn't trust easily - or really at all. When her uncle puts her in the worse possible situation, she flees not knowing what else to do. Enter Kayden and Aldo (firefighter / cop and best of friends) who are instantly struck with her beauty and positive outlook. They not only protect her but fall hopelessly in love with her only her nasty family and the trouble they have followed her...will Hazel run again so find there are people who can be trusted?!? I love that Hazel is such a complex character who is both strong and vulnerable and of course our hot alpha protectors who will do anything to protect the ones they love!
This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read
This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read
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