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Mercenaries and Magic #4
Deepest Cut
The Aurora cult is down to one last powerful member. The enemy of my enemy can be a friend, and the Edgeworths might have to make a deal with the devil herself if they are going to succeed in stopping Serapis.
'Deepest Cut' is the fourth book in 'Mercenaries and Magic,' a fast-paced, contemporary fantasy series full of morally gray characters, found family, passionate romance, and dark humor.
Years ago, Leo left his family with two bullets in his chest and decades full of hurt and resentment. He'll do anything to protect the Edgeworths and Dante from being Colleoni collateral damage, even if it means becoming their ally once more. They have information on Serapis that the Edgeworths need, and Leo is dragged back into the hell of his old life in exchange for it.
Dante isn't about to let Leo go into hell alone, he would be a terrible Beatrice if he did. He is determined to protect Leo; from his family, the Aurora and himself. Dante loves a challenge, and keeping Leo with him is always going to be worth the fight. Leo isn't going to make it easy on him, but it wouldn't be fun if he did. The fight with Serapis is going to dredge up all of their old insecurities, forcing them to face the darkest parts of themselves and each other.
The past is never what it seems, and the whole of the Edgeworth crew are going to learn there have been greater forces pulling their strings for decades. Serapis might believe he's a master of chaos magic, but he's never encountered chaos like the Edgeworths. They have something stronger than magic—they have each other.
'Deepest Cut' is an M/M contemporary fantasy romance that contains graphic violence, swearing, and steamy sex scenes.
'Deepest Cut' is the fourth book in 'Mercenaries and Magic,' a fast-paced, contemporary fantasy series full of morally gray characters, found family, passionate romance, and dark humor.
Years ago, Leo left his family with two bullets in his chest and decades full of hurt and resentment. He'll do anything to protect the Edgeworths and Dante from being Colleoni collateral damage, even if it means becoming their ally once more. They have information on Serapis that the Edgeworths need, and Leo is dragged back into the hell of his old life in exchange for it.
Dante isn't about to let Leo go into hell alone, he would be a terrible Beatrice if he did. He is determined to protect Leo; from his family, the Aurora and himself. Dante loves a challenge, and keeping Leo with him is always going to be worth the fight. Leo isn't going to make it easy on him, but it wouldn't be fun if he did. The fight with Serapis is going to dredge up all of their old insecurities, forcing them to face the darkest parts of themselves and each other.
The past is never what it seems, and the whole of the Edgeworth crew are going to learn there have been greater forces pulling their strings for decades. Serapis might believe he's a master of chaos magic, but he's never encountered chaos like the Edgeworths. They have something stronger than magic—they have each other.
'Deepest Cut' is an M/M contemporary fantasy romance that contains graphic violence, swearing, and steamy sex scenes.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2023
60 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
Alessa Thorn
60 books974 followersAlessa Thorn believes that all monsters and villains deserve their happy endings. She prefers her clothes black, eyeliner winged and books full of hot romance. She thinks heroes are boring, so her first series 'The Court of the Underworld' centers around dark gods, monsters and villains from her favorite Greek Myths.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
February 13, 2023
I'm kinda tired of this series, so I'm glad it ended (I think?). I read this last book mostly because I wanted to know how the series would end.
It's a MM story, however, sometimes it felt like the author was replicating an MF relationship but that being between two men. It didn't sit well with me at all. Dante and Leo were cute, though. But I also think they lack development, as a couple and as individual characters.
Also, it's been a long time since I read the first book, but I don't recall Athena being so unhinged. In this book and the previous one, she was over the top, annoyingly so. She seemed like a completely different character to me.
The plot twist with Sarapis was good. It was different from how the plot unfolded in the previous book and liked that very much. But again, the build-up was great, but the ending was so underwhelming.
Meh.
It's a MM story, however, sometimes it felt like the author was replicating an MF relationship but that being between two men. It didn't sit well with me at all. Dante and Leo were cute, though. But I also think they lack development, as a couple and as individual characters.
Also, it's been a long time since I read the first book, but I don't recall Athena being so unhinged. In this book and the previous one, she was over the top, annoyingly so. She seemed like a completely different character to me.
The plot twist with Sarapis was good. It was different from how the plot unfolded in the previous book and liked that very much. But again, the build-up was great, but the ending was so underwhelming.
Meh.
February 25, 2023
Absolutely loved this book! The banter, the spice *chefs kiss! Found family, who did this to you, grumpy sunshine need I say more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2023
I’ve wanted Leo and Dante’s story every since they first met and interacted previously on the series! The tension and the chemistry between these two is off the charts and boy was all that worth the wait for them to finally get together! These two are perfect! I also loved the storyline in this book! But true to Alyssa, when one storyline ends, another one opens and I am feral for that next story!!! Can’t recommend this series enough!
February 14, 2023
The best in the series yet
Absolutely bloomin fantastic. This book had everything I had hopped for. The mercenaries at their finest. I adore them all.So much
Absolutely bloomin fantastic. This book had everything I had hopped for. The mercenaries at their finest. I adore them all.So much
December 29, 2024
Deepest Cut
Mercenaries and Magic #4
Fantasy
Alessa Thorn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
• ʀᴇᴜɴɪᴏɴꜱ • ᴠᴇɴɢᴇᴀɴᴄᴇ • ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ •
This was a good finale. I really liked getting to know Dante and Leo more, especially their insecurities and desires.
The pacing was good and the characters were great. I liked Leo's brothers and I wish they had their own POVs or even their own books.
The fight at the end between Serapis and Altun felt too easy. They both had very powerful magic but Serapis walked into the trap, lost his magic and then someone else stepped in to kill him. I have my suspicions that he survived though because his body was never found.
I've really enjoyed this series and I'll definitely continue reading books by Alessa Thorn
Mercenaries and Magic #4
Fantasy
Alessa Thorn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
• ʀᴇᴜɴɪᴏɴꜱ • ᴠᴇɴɢᴇᴀɴᴄᴇ • ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ •
This was a good finale. I really liked getting to know Dante and Leo more, especially their insecurities and desires.
The pacing was good and the characters were great. I liked Leo's brothers and I wish they had their own POVs or even their own books.
The fight at the end between Serapis and Altun felt too easy. They both had very powerful magic but Serapis walked into the trap, lost his magic and then someone else stepped in to kill him. I have my suspicions that he survived though because his body was never found.
I've really enjoyed this series and I'll definitely continue reading books by Alessa Thorn
February 11, 2023
“Keep flirting with me, and I’m going to find a gondola to bang you in.”
Dante and Leo were fan favourites, and their story was highly anticipated. And Ms. Thorn knocked it out of the park.
It was steamy and heart tugging and funny. Loved.
If you haven’t read every single book Alessa Thorn has written you are missing out HARD.
Dante and Leo were fan favourites, and their story was highly anticipated. And Ms. Thorn knocked it out of the park.
It was steamy and heart tugging and funny. Loved.
If you haven’t read every single book Alessa Thorn has written you are missing out HARD.
June 16, 2023
Absolutely loved Leo and Dante but I was disappointed about how the plot wrapped up for this series. I do also understand these books were 85% romance oriented but this plot had a lot of potential if the books were longer
February 16, 2023
The anticipation for this book was so high and it did not disappoint. Leo & Dante 🤤🤤🤤🤤 need I say more?
Regardless, I will. They’re both really fkin hot and do really fkin hot things and they’re also really adorable and there’s lots of rep of the whole gang being the loving, chaotic Edgeworth family that we all adore.
AND it set up another book. We’re truly blessed.
I love Alessa’s writing and the fact I can always trust I won’t get dragged down any painful miscommunication tropes and the characters will sort out their issues like adults.
Regardless, I will. They’re both really fkin hot and do really fkin hot things and they’re also really adorable and there’s lots of rep of the whole gang being the loving, chaotic Edgeworth family that we all adore.
AND it set up another book. We’re truly blessed.
I love Alessa’s writing and the fact I can always trust I won’t get dragged down any painful miscommunication tropes and the characters will sort out their issues like adults.
February 16, 2023
"You shot Leo and threw him away. He's my son now," Silas said, and Leo's entire world shifted.
Yeah. Silas is hott as ever. Full throttle daddy. Will always be a 10/10.
Unfortunately, I can't say the same about the book in general. Somewhere along the line, Deepest Cut missed the mark for me. Before I get to that though, let's start out on a positive note with a random list of things I liked / cackled out loud at while reading:
- Ballsacs on family crests
- Athena just being herself and still obsessed with Kon
- Silas.. cuz, obvs. Daddy is king.
- Iz is soooo much the glue.
- Altun could rule the world tbh
- Julian is the perf partner for a woman with the power to rule the world but doesn't
- Kon being hot and everyone knowing it
- Gianna unexpectedly being a sneaky evil (smart) genius
- Rodrigo and Dario. Surprisingly v enjoyable.
Now, back to the real talk - the missed mark for me, and yeah it really pains me to say that. Even more so since I can't exactly pin point where the missed mark was for me. I guess it wasn't what I'd expected. Maybe it was bc Leo #Deo had so much heat as side characters that I expected more... passion(?) drama(?) conflict (?) for / from them. Maybe it was the low conflict... the way something that was a huge baddie in previous books was resolved in a way that wasn't cataclysmic? Not that I think the squad doesn't deserve a break....Or maybe I built them up too much in my mind. One thing I can say with out a doubt, is the ending in particular hit me like an unexpected b!tchslap... probably bc that's exactly what it (metaphorically) was!
But, yeah. If I had to try and pinpoint the exact cause of the disconnect, if I had to put it all on one thing, it would be how short it was. Now hear me out!
Leo in the beginning, he was set on protecting the Edgeworth's.
So much so that he's ready to leave them behind over risking their involvement with his family. He's terrified something will happen to him, and he's terrified of his mother. Dante notices he seems to 'cower', lose confidence in her presence. He's also dealing with an onslaught of panic / anxiety attacks, spiraling while surrounded by his triggers (his mom).
Leo's chest grew tight, and his breathing went shallow. The panic attack that Dante had stopped that morning was returning with a vengeance. Just breathe and breathe and breathe, Leo told himself. As long as he kept breathing, it would pass like it always did.
Clearly Leo is well versed in his attacks. Dante calms him, and he knows when one is coming. Dante recognizes them as well, so yea. They're not new. And these types of things don't just fix. I was prepared for a lot of hyperventilation at inopportune times. Decisions made to avoid the risks to ppl he loved, no matter how dumb they were... and ya you get the idea. That's what I *expected*.
Dante meanwhile, struggled with (the idea of) being left behind. His v obvious abandonment issues are showing, & he thinks back to his childhood, being left with his aunt, etc.
He was going to walk away without a word. Just like everyone else does. Dante punched the tiles in the shower in sheer frustration and powerlessness. He wasn't the little orphan boy anymore who could be thrown away like trash. He wouldn't let Leo walk away from him… from all of them.
Like, that's some serious stuff! Emotional turmoil. Insecurities. He's vulnerable. Relatable AF and made me wanna snuggle the merc and ply him with comfort foods. And again, another thing, life long, that wouldn't just fix...
Except I guess it did. For both of them - fix I mean. I guess they just somehow got over this internal trauma thing, I mean he must have because he just stops getting hung up on it. No. Development. And Just like Dante, Leo seems to be miraculously free of this vulnerability at some point as well.
How? How did they grow?
Was Dante no longer fearing abandonment simply because he decided he'd never allow Leo to leave? Even though later on Leo is the unhealthily possessive one which is v hot (& a character trait, along with other things his bros day, that were intriguing but not built upon). And how was Leo no longer "spiraling" or losing himself to anxiety triggered by the V CLOSE proximity of his mother and her expectations? Maybe it was due to feeling more confident with his people at his back. Having Dante, specifically. That would make sense, after being proven.
But none of that matters because we simply do not know. Because the development just wasn't there. It just all of a sudden... was. Both had the normal self doubt in the beginning - until they simply didn't. Then, Deo was a thing. They loved each other. It was straight forward and to the point. No more vulnerabilities. The only relatable human thing from there was a moment of jealousy on Dante's part, but that didn't happen on page, only mentioned in passing.
And on top of their budding romance, there was also the issue of a magical villain, Athena and Altun's trauma, trying to solve a Colleoni mystery, and a few new discoveries along the way. THAT'S A LOT OF STUFF FOR ONE BOOK - one that's just over 2oo pages at that! Not much development can be had never mind the climax of a long feared villain/puppet master/momster mob boss.
I've enjoyed all Alessa's other books, and this isn't so much a comment on writing so much as it is personal preference, and I just need to make sure that's said first. Now, moving on.
To be clear, I'm not saying I didn't enjoy it. Of course I did. You'd have to be a person of completely no taste nor sense of humor to not soak up any Edgeworth interaction you can get, and enjoy it no matter how measly. So, yeah. Duh. I enjoyed this book for the one very specific fact that I knew and loved this fvcked up found family before I even opened it. They were there bringing the banter and the side public displays of love and funny horny jokes. Without having read the previous books in the series, this would have gone a lot differently.
Overall, Deepest Cut reads like a novella. It was easy, low/no angst, lots of two love birds being obsessed with each other, a side dish of mercenary shenanigans and snarky found fam banter. Recommend for any who do enjoy the lighter side of romantic suspense. That's just not me, but I know there will be many who love this all the same. And I won't talk about the ending because that's the only time I really felt like something was stolen from me vs my very objective review based on personal preference that won't apply to everyone. Straight up it was robbery. End of.
Regardless, #deo still deserve the whole world, despite the ending which made me want to snap my kindle in half.
Oh, and Iz is a queen.
I leave you with this tender moment - on that I swoon for without fail every time it happens in any book I’ve ever read - the secret pinky lock of solidarity. LOVE IT.
Under the table, Dante's pinkie finger reached over and hooked around Leo's.
March 13, 2023
So, first of, overall - GREAT SERIES. I really enjoyed reading them all and would definitely recommend it.
But this last book was kind of like an in between thing for me, all throughout the book I looked forward to the next book which I didnt know was coming at first but I realized that Alessa Thorn was dropping hints and ended up saying this will connect to the Colleoni brothers, I am truly looking forward to those.
I wanted to see how the whole story would end with Aurora- but this books own plot was kind of weak for me. The relationship between Dante and Leo didnt exactly develop, yeah, sure, things progressed but I didnt actually feel it. I am all for M/M, I like any kind of steamy sex scene and those were good but the feelings and development were missing for me. There is an obsession element going on, they both seem needy at times. They are trained assassins and Leo is supposedly very smart but he wasnt, I dont know, maybe I never really liked him in the first place, since the first book I found myself thinking Leo is childish.
Another thing is that Athena was sooo good in the first book, strong heroine, she was slightly disappointing in all the others, especially this one. She transformed into something I thought was annoying. But she is not the center of the story so I guess that's ok.
Also, in all the books, the big bad enemies all died very very easily... I was like what the hell, these people are supposed to be difficult to kill, they have existed for centuries doing bad things destroying people without a blink.
But this last book was kind of like an in between thing for me, all throughout the book I looked forward to the next book which I didnt know was coming at first but I realized that Alessa Thorn was dropping hints and ended up saying this will connect to the Colleoni brothers, I am truly looking forward to those.
I wanted to see how the whole story would end with Aurora- but this books own plot was kind of weak for me. The relationship between Dante and Leo didnt exactly develop, yeah, sure, things progressed but I didnt actually feel it. I am all for M/M, I like any kind of steamy sex scene and those were good but the feelings and development were missing for me. There is an obsession element going on, they both seem needy at times. They are trained assassins and Leo is supposedly very smart but he wasnt, I dont know, maybe I never really liked him in the first place, since the first book I found myself thinking Leo is childish.
Another thing is that Athena was sooo good in the first book, strong heroine, she was slightly disappointing in all the others, especially this one. She transformed into something I thought was annoying. But she is not the center of the story so I guess that's ok.
Also, in all the books, the big bad enemies all died very very easily... I was like what the hell, these people are supposed to be difficult to kill, they have existed for centuries doing bad things destroying people without a blink.
October 1, 2024
I'm going to preface this: Alessa Thorn has done such an amazing job at sprinkling Dante and Leo's story in between the pages of everyone else's story that I was absolutely dying for this book. I couldn't wait to get an entire story dedicated to their banter and learn more about Leo and just seeing more of Dante because let's face it, the dude is adorable. Their romance was so sweet, and having the two of them work through all of their insecurities together was just the most heart-wrenching part of this entire series.
This one has a heavy mafia feel to it, and less of a mercenary, treasure hunter, assassin feel to it. So right off the bat, I was kind of Hmm-ing to myself. But, there was enough connection to the main plot points of the last three books that I found myself entirely invested and devoted to our characters and the story.
There is so much emphasis on the found family trope in this one, and I honestly kept going “aweeee” every time Leo stood up to his Mom and called Edgeworths his family. And every time Silas was all “he's my son now” I cried happy tears on the inside.
This book, out of the four, had the most to it outside of the romance, in my opinion. It really brought a lot to the table, and it was so well done. Especially as a finale to the series, I really didn't feel let down at all, if anything, I loved seeing each of the characters end up the way that they did.
This one has a heavy mafia feel to it, and less of a mercenary, treasure hunter, assassin feel to it. So right off the bat, I was kind of Hmm-ing to myself. But, there was enough connection to the main plot points of the last three books that I found myself entirely invested and devoted to our characters and the story.
There is so much emphasis on the found family trope in this one, and I honestly kept going “aweeee” every time Leo stood up to his Mom and called Edgeworths his family. And every time Silas was all “he's my son now” I cried happy tears on the inside.
This book, out of the four, had the most to it outside of the romance, in my opinion. It really brought a lot to the table, and it was so well done. Especially as a finale to the series, I really didn't feel let down at all, if anything, I loved seeing each of the characters end up the way that they did.
February 19, 2023
I loved this book. It was my first M/M romance and I’m in love with both Dante and Leo. We get both POVs in this book and it flipped between them seamlessly. I loved how we got to see both viewpoints to an event immediately as it happened. Leo is amazing, he is healing from his past and watching him deal with everything was heartbreaking. I related so much with Dante and his insecurities/issues, I felt for him so much. I spent the entirety of this book on the verge of tears - sad tears for all these two went through and happy tears that they finally, finally get their happy every after. Throughout the series I’ve always loved Dante - his banter, especially with Leo! - is fantastic. I also laughed a good percentage of this book because the dynamic between these two and their found family was just epic! I loved getting deeper into Leo’s backstory and his character reveal and his growth is wonderful.
This series has had me in a chokehold since the first book - I adore the world so much. I found it when I needed an epic urban fantasy and wow did this deliver! I adore Alessa’s writing style and her bada** characters!! This book has everything - assassin families, mercenary families, magic, mystery and an epic conclusion. This book gets all the stars! Also, Alessa, if you read this, pretty, pretty please can we have a series on the Colleoni family?! Please!!
This series has had me in a chokehold since the first book - I adore the world so much. I found it when I needed an epic urban fantasy and wow did this deliver! I adore Alessa’s writing style and her bada** characters!! This book has everything - assassin families, mercenary families, magic, mystery and an epic conclusion. This book gets all the stars! Also, Alessa, if you read this, pretty, pretty please can we have a series on the Colleoni family?! Please!!
February 12, 2023
I was so looking forward to Dante & Leo’s book and it was just so good!
"𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘢𝘴𝘴," 𝘓𝘦𝘰 𝘴𝘯𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥. "𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥, 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬'𝘴 𝘴𝘢𝘬𝘦."
"𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳," 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘥, 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘓𝘦𝘰 𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘸𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘧𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘩 𝘳𝘦𝘥.
The banter in this one was top notch. All the Dante & Athena interactions had me cackling. And all the Dante & Leo parts had me going from 😍 one moment, and 🥵 the next.
Here are a selection of some of my favorite quotes:
"𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘯. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘐'𝘥 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶"
"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥."
"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘩𝘮𝘮?"
"𝘏𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯. 𝘓𝘦𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵'𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵," 𝘈𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘢 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘴𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘳.
If you haven’t met these two, or any of the Edgeworths yet, start with 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 to get yourself started. These books are such fun and quick reads and will leave you smiling.
What this book is giving:
✅ DANTE & LEO!!
✅ MM Romance
✅ Pinky graze
✅ Magic
✅ Found Family
✅ Possessive MMCs
✅ Banter, Banter, Banter
✅ Dante + Athena interactions! 😂
Rating:
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ / 5
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ ½ / 5
"𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘢𝘴𝘴," 𝘓𝘦𝘰 𝘴𝘯𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥. "𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥, 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬'𝘴 𝘴𝘢𝘬𝘦."
"𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳," 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘥, 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘓𝘦𝘰 𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘸𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘧𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘩 𝘳𝘦𝘥.
The banter in this one was top notch. All the Dante & Athena interactions had me cackling. And all the Dante & Leo parts had me going from 😍 one moment, and 🥵 the next.
Here are a selection of some of my favorite quotes:
"𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘯. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘐'𝘥 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶"
"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥."
"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘩𝘮𝘮?"
"𝘏𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯. 𝘓𝘦𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵'𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵," 𝘈𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘢 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘴𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘳.
If you haven’t met these two, or any of the Edgeworths yet, start with 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 to get yourself started. These books are such fun and quick reads and will leave you smiling.
What this book is giving:
✅ DANTE & LEO!!
✅ MM Romance
✅ Pinky graze
✅ Magic
✅ Found Family
✅ Possessive MMCs
✅ Banter, Banter, Banter
✅ Dante + Athena interactions! 😂
Rating:
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ / 5
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ ½ / 5
January 20, 2024
it was okay but this book felt like an afterthought. like “fine, here’s the book you wanted from the start, you happy now?”. it didn’t help that this book didn’t include all dante&leo’s firsts bc they were in previous books of other couples.
dante and leo were sweet together but something was lacking. but maybe i’m nitpicking bc i had high expectations.
💕💕
and that meant that serapis wasn’t defeated at all. 🤡🤡🤡 and the whole aurora story didn’t end with this book.
i won’t read other books in the series. i had enough. i loved kon& athena and dante&leo if they had their book earlier in the series. but that’s all.
dante and leo were sweet together but something was lacking. but maybe i’m nitpicking bc i had high expectations.
💕💕
“Under the table, Dante's pinkie finger reached over and hooked around Leo's.”
“Stop looking at my ass," Leo snapped. "We are about to be attacked, for fuck's sake."
"Just reminding myself there's beauty in the world to live for," Dante replied, making Leo scowl and his ears flush red.”
“You are so goddamn annoying," Leo complained and kissed his smirking face.”
and that meant that serapis wasn’t defeated at all. 🤡🤡🤡 and the whole aurora story didn’t end with this book.
“In the end, they never did find Serapis's body. They had been assured that there was no way he could have survived the fall, but they all would've felt better with more proof.”
i won’t read other books in the series. i had enough. i loved kon& athena and dante&leo if they had their book earlier in the series. but that’s all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2023
Thanking all the gods that Alessa blessed us with Dante & Leo earlier than planned.
It’s an absolute joy to be back in the world of mercenaries and magic. Dante and Leo have been teasing us since we first me them and their story is finally here - and it is EVERYTHING.
The way these two balance each other in their over protective stubborn way is *chefs kiss*. Their chemistry is off the charts and I LOVE it!! 🔥🔥
The world building and magic is perfection as always - you can clearly see that Alessa loves writing in this universe. It is filled with spice, rich storytelling and adorable moments that just fill your heart!
And as always I have the overwhelming need to be rescued / adopted by the Edgeworths
If you love the below you’ll love this book
🗡️MM romance
🗡️magic
🗡️grumpy sunshine
🗡️found family
🗡️touch him and you’ll ☠️
It’s an absolute joy to be back in the world of mercenaries and magic. Dante and Leo have been teasing us since we first me them and their story is finally here - and it is EVERYTHING.
The way these two balance each other in their over protective stubborn way is *chefs kiss*. Their chemistry is off the charts and I LOVE it!! 🔥🔥
The world building and magic is perfection as always - you can clearly see that Alessa loves writing in this universe. It is filled with spice, rich storytelling and adorable moments that just fill your heart!
And as always I have the overwhelming need to be rescued / adopted by the Edgeworths
If you love the below you’ll love this book
🗡️MM romance
🗡️magic
🗡️grumpy sunshine
🗡️found family
🗡️touch him and you’ll ☠️
February 11, 2023
"What's been your favorite battle so far?"
Dante turned another page. "You've kept me pretty busy. You are certainly the most challenging one I've had for a while."
-Found family
-LGBTQIA+
-HEA
-Spice 3.75/5🌶️
My favorite book of the series!! I’ve been waiting for Dante and Leo’s story, and it was just soooo good. I loved it. They both deserve happiness 🥹 I also love how the author has woven this world together of magic and mercenaries, and the plot has been so intriguing. I love this found family so much! If you’re looking to read this book, I would definitely suggest reading the others as well to understand the plot and the inner workings of each relationship. Each book is less than 300 pages and available on KU!
Dante turned another page. "You've kept me pretty busy. You are certainly the most challenging one I've had for a while."
-Found family
-LGBTQIA+
-HEA
-Spice 3.75/5🌶️
My favorite book of the series!! I’ve been waiting for Dante and Leo’s story, and it was just soooo good. I loved it. They both deserve happiness 🥹 I also love how the author has woven this world together of magic and mercenaries, and the plot has been so intriguing. I love this found family so much! If you’re looking to read this book, I would definitely suggest reading the others as well to understand the plot and the inner workings of each relationship. Each book is less than 300 pages and available on KU!
February 12, 2023
Leo & Dante have been a favourite from early in the series so I was excited to finally get their story.
Did not disappoint.
This is AT first MM book and I haven’t read much MM prior so it was an interesting experience for me, I enjoyed it!
Leo’s family played a big role and we got more insight into his life prior to meeting the Edgeworth’s. I couldn’t help falling in love with Leo’s brothers and their cocky attitudes.
The story line that has flowed through the entire series finally got its ending. Although I do feel like the secret of Leo’s bloodline didn’t fully get answered so I hope we get more of that in future books. Ending left door wide open for Leo’s brothers stories to be told and I cannot wait!!
Did not disappoint.
This is AT first MM book and I haven’t read much MM prior so it was an interesting experience for me, I enjoyed it!
Leo’s family played a big role and we got more insight into his life prior to meeting the Edgeworth’s. I couldn’t help falling in love with Leo’s brothers and their cocky attitudes.
The story line that has flowed through the entire series finally got its ending. Although I do feel like the secret of Leo’s bloodline didn’t fully get answered so I hope we get more of that in future books. Ending left door wide open for Leo’s brothers stories to be told and I cannot wait!!
February 13, 2023
The perfect conclusion to the Edgeworths' stories. Though, it's definitely still open for more books in this world. We've been teasing Dante and Leo since the first book, so I was SO READY for it once they finally got together in this book. I love Dante and Leo together. What is better than one possessive alpha male? TWO possessive alpha males that complete each in the most delicious ways. These characters and this relationship have been building over the last four books, but I loved finally seeing Leo get really vulnerable as he faced his demons and family. The banter was quick and fun. The smut was steeeeamy.
February 16, 2023
Simply perfect
Leo and Dante’s story is SO worth it! The banter between the Edgeworth’s is perfection. The way this found family just adopts Leo and his family, to an extent, is heartwarming. I just love the weary Alessa brings this family together and how they love each other fearlessly. The 🌶️ is on point and even though MM stories aren’t my usual read, I adore this book! I love Leo and his struggles and how Dante helps him through them. I also love how both Dante and Leo help each other heal and see their worth. I can’t say enough great things about this story. Oh and the action is awesome and typical of any Edgeworth book! This is a must read!
Leo and Dante’s story is SO worth it! The banter between the Edgeworth’s is perfection. The way this found family just adopts Leo and his family, to an extent, is heartwarming. I just love the weary Alessa brings this family together and how they love each other fearlessly. The 🌶️ is on point and even though MM stories aren’t my usual read, I adore this book! I love Leo and his struggles and how Dante helps him through them. I also love how both Dante and Leo help each other heal and see their worth. I can’t say enough great things about this story. Oh and the action is awesome and typical of any Edgeworth book! This is a must read!
February 21, 2023
Ugh, that ending though. Is it done? Are we getting more?
I appreciate the closure we got in this book, everything seemed to tie up nicely and of course, everyone found an SO. But I'm not sure how much farther we can take this series before it starts to get boring. Overall I'd say this is an above-average indie and worth the read.
General Points:
• Mercenaries
• Assassins
• Mob
• Italy
• Magic
• Secret Society
• Gay Couple
Ratings:
• Overall Rating: 4/5 ⭐
• Spice: 4/5 🌶️
• Setting: 3/5 ⭐
• Plot: 4/5 ⭐
• Engagement: 5/5 ⭐
• Characters: 4/5 ⭐
• Style: 4/5 ⭐
Stats:
• Pages: 227
• Avg per day: 113
• Days to read: 2
I appreciate the closure we got in this book, everything seemed to tie up nicely and of course, everyone found an SO. But I'm not sure how much farther we can take this series before it starts to get boring. Overall I'd say this is an above-average indie and worth the read.
General Points:
• Mercenaries
• Assassins
• Mob
• Italy
• Magic
• Secret Society
• Gay Couple
Ratings:
• Overall Rating: 4/5 ⭐
• Spice: 4/5 🌶️
• Setting: 3/5 ⭐
• Plot: 4/5 ⭐
• Engagement: 5/5 ⭐
• Characters: 4/5 ⭐
• Style: 4/5 ⭐
Stats:
• Pages: 227
• Avg per day: 113
• Days to read: 2
August 2, 2023
I kind of love that Leo and Dante’s relationship took all 4 books. They both struggled with self image and abandonment that isn’t easy to get over. The idea that a spell brought them all together was also a nice touch for me personally because most times with fantasy books you get that group of people that seem so random but it’s not really explained why they got together. Idk I liked that part. I did feel like their emotions and struggles could have been written about a bit more but I was over happy with how this series ended. Kind wish Athena ripped Serapis to pieces but sharks eating him is okay too 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2023
This is not only my favourite book of the series, it’s officially my favorite of all the books written by Alessa Thorn.
I’ve read this one with a stupid grin plastered on my face. The banter and chemistry between Leo and Dante is chef's kiss 🤌🏻
This is the most romantic book I’ve read so far in this series and probably in all of Alessa’s book, and it made my little hopeless romantic heart flutter 🥰
Pick up this book if you like
💫MM Romance
💫Found Family
💫Lots of feels
💫Pinkie holding
💫Delicious banter and chemistry
💫Spice level – inferno 🌋
I’ve read this one with a stupid grin plastered on my face. The banter and chemistry between Leo and Dante is chef's kiss 🤌🏻
This is the most romantic book I’ve read so far in this series and probably in all of Alessa’s book, and it made my little hopeless romantic heart flutter 🥰
Pick up this book if you like
💫MM Romance
💫Found Family
💫Lots of feels
💫Pinkie holding
💫Delicious banter and chemistry
💫Spice level – inferno 🌋
February 20, 2023
EVER book in this series is so good and Deepest Cut is no exception! Everything wrapped up nicely while also paving the way for a new spin off series. I don't know how this author continually makes characters that I fall in love with, but somehow she manages. I highly recommend this series, you won't have any complaints!
April 8, 2023
Loved this book I’m not going to give any spoilers but this series has been really good the characters are loveable and the plot is brilliant I love alessa thorns writing and I will definitely be seeking out other books from her another solid read highly addictive fast paced there is a lot of detailed sex scenes just a little warning as it is quite spice there is diverse characters in this and same sex spice but it’s written well and Leo and Dante are very loveable and it was good seeing there story in this book
February 20, 2023
Dante and Leo are so cuteee, in this book they made me blush so much!
Anyway, I have to make a point... Dominant Leo >>>>>>> every character ever invented in the world.
I'm so sad that this saga has come to an end, but
I can't wait to buy the physical book with all these stories!
Anyway, I have to make a point... Dominant Leo >>>>>>> every character ever invented in the world.
I'm so sad that this saga has come to an end, but
I can't wait to buy the physical book with all these stories!
March 21, 2023
YES this was perfect, I loved how the magic and the plot and the secrets all tied up together, and I loved Dante and Leo so much. They have literally been slow-burning over the last 3 books, and their getting together in this book was executed perfectly. I loved the slow vulnerability and hesitation to love and support progression of their relationship. And the ending?? We're getting more books in this series?? I love that so much 😭
February 24, 2023
OHHH that was good !!!!!!!! I love this series !!!!!! I was so sad because I thought it was the last book but like always Alessa has a plan ! That ending has just kept my hopes up ! I really wish that her secret projet is a spin-off if that series !!!!! As usual I'm a huge fan of Alessa and she did not deceived me !
March 7, 2023
Finally! Dante and Leo, my sweet murderous babies, get their book and their HEA. And it is delicious and heartwarming and so much sweeter than you would think mercenaries in love could be. Family drama, the wrapping up of the series through line concerning Kon, Athena, and Altun, and meeting Leo’s family in full force. It was everything I hoped it would be. This series has been so. much. fun.
April 14, 2023
I haven’t ever read a gay couple as the love interests but I was already so vested in these two I really wanted to know how it went and I did love this book. I definitely couldn’t always picture what was happening but oh well maybe I really don’t want to so I got confused some times. But I did love the book.
April 20, 2023
Deepest Cut
Fabulous conclusion to this series. It also leaves an opening for more, or a spin off. Leo and Dante are so cute together and they do work out personal issues together and don't go off making crazy assumptions about one another. Taking down Aurora and Serapis, and finding a HEA was icing.
Fabulous conclusion to this series. It also leaves an opening for more, or a spin off. Leo and Dante are so cute together and they do work out personal issues together and don't go off making crazy assumptions about one another. Taking down Aurora and Serapis, and finding a HEA was icing.
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