Damon Dupont is the best protector in the Amato crime family’s ranks. But as power in the New Orleans underworld shifts and new alliances are made, he now finds himself forced to protect the one woman he couldn’t care less about—the princess of the Irish mob.
Anastasia Cross has spent her life like a prisoner in a gilded cage, sheltered and surrounded by bodyguards. The last thing she wants is another one, which is why her brother secretly hires Damon to watch after her upon her move to New Orleans.
As Damon keeps his cover by working in the tattoo shop beneath the unit Ana is renovating for her new boutique, he sets out on a personal mission to make her life miserable. But, his plan to drive her away backfires when he falls head over heels for the woman just as fiery and stubborn as him.
All books in the Blood and Bourbon series are standalone mafia romances; however, they are best read in consecutive order due to the interconnected mafia conflict. All books in this series feature HAPPILY EVER AFTERS!
Damon Dupont is the best protector in the Amato crime family’s ranks. But as power in the New Orleans underworld shifts and new alliances are made, he now finds himself forced to protect the one woman he couldn’t care less about—the princess of the Irish mob.
Anastasia Cross has spent her life like a prisoner in a gilded cage, sheltered and surrounded by bodyguards. The last thing she wants is another one, which is why her brother secretly hires Damon to watch after her upon her move to New Orleans.
As Damon keeps his cover by working in the tattoo shop beneath the unit Ana is renovating for her new boutique, he sets out on a personal mission to make her life miserable. But, his plan to drive her away backfires when he falls head over heels for the woman just as fiery and stubborn as him.
All books in the Blood and Bourbon series are standalone mafia romances; however, they are best read in consecutive order due to the interconnected mafia conflict. All books in this series feature HAPPILY EVER AFTERS!
•••
• MY REVIEW •
“I choose you and every ounce of happiness or heartbreak you may bring me.”
Ooh this world has plenty of potential. The premise was what initially had me curious to read this book, and now that I have, all I can say is it has kept me intrigued throughout.
Although this was marketed as Mafia Romance, I don’t think the mafia elements were as dominant as it could’ve been. Whilst there is some introduction to the world-building, it’s character-driven with the romance aspect very much on the foreground.
The writing style did however hook me in from the very first chapter, along with the characters themselves. Anastasia is a bubbly heroine and her personality leapt off the pages instantaneously. Damon may be part of the underworld, but he doesn’t necessarily ooze it. He’s somewhat of a closed-off character and the secrecy surrounding his backstory for most of the story made for an interesting hero in him.
If you enjoy reading romances with BDSM elements, then you might take an interest in this one. The level is mild but there are some kinky elements included. It is however heavy on the intimacy as a good portion of the book consists of sexual content. It’s definitely intended for readers 18+ only.
I would’ve loved if the story was more in-depth with substantial developments. I felt the relationship between Anastasia and Damon progressed too abruptly especially considering the storytelling is steady-paced. I wasn’t completely convinced that their feelings for one another had evolved into anything deeper as the relationship was lust-fueled.
Myers is a new-to-me author and I was introduced to her work through this book. It’s a standalone romance, as is the other books in the series, but after having read this one, I do have to echo the author’s recommendation in starting the series from the beginning. The world-building is still in its early developments and has potential to expand and become multi-layered. But the details leading up to the cast of characters’ current situation within the underworld is vague. Reading the first book would explain their circumstances.
As an avid fan of mafia romance books, I do think it is mafia-lite, but it does still contained some action and suspense. If you like the enemies-to-lovers romance trope, this does however have a cute, secret romance between these two of opposing mob families.
I thought it was an decent read finding some parts more enjoyable than others. It’s told from dual POVs and I liked seeing their contrasting characters through their perspectives. The dynamic between the MCs was an entertaining highlight. Their banter was absolutely smile-inducing. There were also certain secondary characters that caught my eye and will keep a lookout to see if they do end up with books of their own.
But all in all, Blood and Bourbon is a promising series. It’s one to watch out for as more characters are introduced and the world develops further.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐¾
Thank you Emily Myers and Elentiya PR for the opportunity to read an advance copy! 💛
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