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Southern Boy Mafia #1
Beautifully Brutal
Sometimes love isn’t beautiful...
Sometimes the only way to describe it is beautifully brutal.
If you think you know him… You’re wrong.
If you think you know his family… Wrong again.
If you think you know his story… You don’t.
If you did, you’d likely wonder how the hell a man like Maximillian Adorite managed to make it to this point in his life. At twenty-nine, he’s experienced more than most people could only ever imagine, all thanks to his family. Organized crime they call it. Mafia.
No matter how they spin it, it comes down to one thing. Max gets what he wants. Except for the one thing he wants most.
Her name is Courtney Kogan.
And now that he’s had a taste of her, Max knows he’ll never be able to let her go.
The Southern Boy Mafia series is a spinoff from the Sniper 1 Security series. It has been set up to be read without reading Sniper 1 Security, however, the characters will frequently cross over.
Sometimes the only way to describe it is beautifully brutal.
If you think you know him… You’re wrong.
If you think you know his family… Wrong again.
If you think you know his story… You don’t.
If you did, you’d likely wonder how the hell a man like Maximillian Adorite managed to make it to this point in his life. At twenty-nine, he’s experienced more than most people could only ever imagine, all thanks to his family. Organized crime they call it. Mafia.
No matter how they spin it, it comes down to one thing. Max gets what he wants. Except for the one thing he wants most.
Her name is Courtney Kogan.
And now that he’s had a taste of her, Max knows he’ll never be able to let her go.
The Southern Boy Mafia series is a spinoff from the Sniper 1 Security series. It has been set up to be read without reading Sniper 1 Security, however, the characters will frequently cross over.
432 pages, Paperback
First published June 16, 2015
About the author
Nicole Edwards
121 books6,046 followersNew York Times bestselling author Nicole Edwards launched her professional writing career in July of 2012. Having been an avid reader all of her life and a huge fan of creative writing, it seemed the likely path for her to take. Since then, she has released more than 80 books and has no plans to stop. As her full-time career/hobby, Nicole writes steamy contemporary and erotic romances.
Nicole is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who was born and raised in Texas. Married with three kids and three dogs she has plenty of interaction to keep her imagination brewing. Her books have been featured in USA Today’s Happy Ever After segment as well as Indie Reader’s best seller list. She has forged her way as an independent author.
Although she has a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, she prefers to be hiding out in her writing cave, talking to the fictional characters that have built up in her head over the years.
When she isn’t writing or plotting her next book (sometimes translated to “playing on Facebook”), Nicole loves to read and spend time with her family and her dogs.
Nicole is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who was born and raised in Texas. Married with three kids and three dogs she has plenty of interaction to keep her imagination brewing. Her books have been featured in USA Today’s Happy Ever After segment as well as Indie Reader’s best seller list. She has forged her way as an independent author.
Although she has a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, she prefers to be hiding out in her writing cave, talking to the fictional characters that have built up in her head over the years.
When she isn’t writing or plotting her next book (sometimes translated to “playing on Facebook”), Nicole loves to read and spend time with her family and her dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
June 19, 2015
4.5 Brutal Stars****
I Love Nicole's books except I haven't read one for a while, to me they're pure Heavenly and take you to somewhere else which is the SOLE reason why I love to read FICTION and more so ROMANCE. This read was HEAVEN to me I couldn't put it down, it pulled me into their world and I forget Real Life for a while, this most definitely did that.
If you think you know him… You’re wrong.
If you think you know his family… Wrong again.
If you think you know his story… You don’t.
This is a modern Romeo and Juliet story, of good and bad, The Bad Boy falls for the Good Girl and the Good Girl falls for the DEVIL.
Maximillian Adorite was born into the Mafia lifestyle, he is one of the top men and he's a killer he has not problem killing a man with his bare hands and walking away like he just had a business meeting but jobs need to be done and he does them well.
Courtney Kogan is the good girl and is out to get the dirt, she's ferocious in her tasks and doesn't take no shit except she also knows how to keep her emotions close to her sleeve, she works for the Sniper 1 security under the power of her father and is there to do jobs for him even if some are boring babysitting jobs she does it for now because she loves her Father and she likes to the uncover work she gets the chance to do when asked concerning Max and their whole family.
Max gets what he wants ALWAYS except when it comes to Courtney, they both want each other, their chemistry is off the charts and they fall for each other except cant have each other, their family's complicate things and they live in separate worlds. Max worries about Courtney's safety and yes loyalty to 'him' and not her own family, its a tug of war of sorts and very much a Romeo and Juliet love story that had me gripped throughout.
But above all this is a LOVE STORY about two people who are from opposite worlds yet regardless of their lifestyles you can't help who you fall for, and Max will fight till his Death for the woman he loves he just wants her to accept him likewise.......
I would recommend this book if you love Exquisite love stories, panty soaking reads and people who love Suspense added with some plot twists along the way. I love Nicole's writing she has a good amount of depth into it which meant I connected to the characters at ease. This book is written from both POV's so you get both coins and the bigger picture, I think if this was solely from Max's side it would have annoyed me because at times Courtney wound me up with her feisty nature and fighting against what was in front of her and letting herself be happy. Don't get me wrong she's not annoying just knows how to stand her ground and with that came pain, all in all a highly recommended read from MOI.
The Southern Boy Mafia series is a spinoff from the Sniper 1 Security series. It has been set up to be read without reading Sniper 1 Security, however, the characters will frequently cross over, but I did read this one without reading that I do now want to go back and read the Sniper 1 series but I read this solely so its not a huge problem to go into the unknown.
But if you want to that first then here is the link:
I am now really looing forward to what Nicole has I store for the rest of this series and who is next, looking forward to some M/M next maybe???
For more reviews and blog posts
I Love Nicole's books except I haven't read one for a while, to me they're pure Heavenly and take you to somewhere else which is the SOLE reason why I love to read FICTION and more so ROMANCE. This read was HEAVEN to me I couldn't put it down, it pulled me into their world and I forget Real Life for a while, this most definitely did that.
If you think you know him… You’re wrong.
If you think you know his family… Wrong again.
If you think you know his story… You don’t.
This is a modern Romeo and Juliet story, of good and bad, The Bad Boy falls for the Good Girl and the Good Girl falls for the DEVIL.
Maximillian Adorite was born into the Mafia lifestyle, he is one of the top men and he's a killer he has not problem killing a man with his bare hands and walking away like he just had a business meeting but jobs need to be done and he does them well.
Courtney Kogan is the good girl and is out to get the dirt, she's ferocious in her tasks and doesn't take no shit except she also knows how to keep her emotions close to her sleeve, she works for the Sniper 1 security under the power of her father and is there to do jobs for him even if some are boring babysitting jobs she does it for now because she loves her Father and she likes to the uncover work she gets the chance to do when asked concerning Max and their whole family.
Max gets what he wants ALWAYS except when it comes to Courtney, they both want each other, their chemistry is off the charts and they fall for each other except cant have each other, their family's complicate things and they live in separate worlds. Max worries about Courtney's safety and yes loyalty to 'him' and not her own family, its a tug of war of sorts and very much a Romeo and Juliet love story that had me gripped throughout.
But above all this is a LOVE STORY about two people who are from opposite worlds yet regardless of their lifestyles you can't help who you fall for, and Max will fight till his Death for the woman he loves he just wants her to accept him likewise.......
I would recommend this book if you love Exquisite love stories, panty soaking reads and people who love Suspense added with some plot twists along the way. I love Nicole's writing she has a good amount of depth into it which meant I connected to the characters at ease. This book is written from both POV's so you get both coins and the bigger picture, I think if this was solely from Max's side it would have annoyed me because at times Courtney wound me up with her feisty nature and fighting against what was in front of her and letting herself be happy. Don't get me wrong she's not annoying just knows how to stand her ground and with that came pain, all in all a highly recommended read from MOI.
The Southern Boy Mafia series is a spinoff from the Sniper 1 Security series. It has been set up to be read without reading Sniper 1 Security, however, the characters will frequently cross over, but I did read this one without reading that I do now want to go back and read the Sniper 1 series but I read this solely so its not a huge problem to go into the unknown.
But if you want to that first then here is the link:
I am now really looing forward to what Nicole has I store for the rest of this series and who is next, looking forward to some M/M next maybe???
For more reviews and blog posts
June 26, 2015
Beautifully Brutal's storytelling was impactful, and filled with emotion. It heightened my senses and it reached right out and gripped my heart.
Beautifully Brutal is an insanely captivating storytelling of lovers that were, and lovers to be. An unconventional love story, melding the dark, with the good. Told in the dual, third person POV's, interchanging between the past and present. Which allows the reader to understand Courtney and Maximillian's beginning as a couple, the pressures they face, and how they were thorn apart.
Maximillian Adoriteis the new underboss of the Southern Boy Mafia. A Texas crime organization. With ties to most of the illegal trades within the good state of Texas and beyond.
Courtney Kogan is a member of the family run Sniper 1 Security team. An elite group of security advisers, whose mission is to protect people. Her mission was to get information on him and his family.
She and Max were from two very different worlds. Whatever is was between them, started as a way for Courtney to infiltrate his organization. But somewhere along the way it turned into something much, much more. He was the one man she wanted and couldn't have.
Their chemistry was sizzling and off the charts. The sex, was OMG! to die for. I loved how they were both sexually insatiable, and that their sexual desires and preferences developed over the story. The voyeuristic aspect was superbly portrayed, with the wonderful touch of loving and tender towards the end.
As the plots thickens and their families complicate things, Courtney and Max are betrayed by the people closest to them. One trailing bullets and blood; the other guilt. When danger lurks at Courtney's door, Max knows, he will do anything to protect what is his. Even if that means breaking all the rules.
Sigh...sadly it had to end. But on a positive note. There is a happy ending. Sigh again...
The secondary characters were darkly lovable and enticing. Those yummy! bodyguards. And Leyton! That man.... Can't wait for the second book.
*ARC provided by TRSOR on behalf of the author for and honest review* Thanks!!
June 16, 2015
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
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**Beautifully Brutal is the spin-off series of Sniper One Security Series.**
Beautifully Brutal is a modern day mafia twist of Romeo and Juliet. The Good Guys vs. the Bad Guys. If you are familiar with the Sniper One Security Series, then you will be familiar with Courtney Kogan and Maximillian Adorite. And in Beautifully Brutal, Courtney knows that she must resist and stay away from Max but there is this strong attraction to him that she can't helped but hypnotized by his charm and personality. Her job was simple to get intel on the Adorite family but that could be harder than she thought since Max is one of the new leaders of the Southern Boy Mafia.
The chemistry between Courtney and Max was intense, sexy, alluring and captivating. I loved how Ms. Edwards did an amazing job intricating the past and present highlighting the strong connection that they had to each other. Their past and present collides and only leads to a passionate chemistry that can be only described as explosive. I loved how Beautifully Brutal really showcases that LOVE conquers all. And in this case two people from opposing sides found a middle ground and was able to prove that their love was unbreakable and worth fighting for.
As always, Ms. Edwards did an amazing job unfolding their story with added layers of sensuality, sexiness, suspense, and some surprising twist of events. The writing and story-telling was beautifully well done. So if you are fan of a mafia romance that will leave you wanting more, then I suggest you read Beautifully Brutal because I didn't want this book to end. Looking forward to what Ms. Edwards has in store next for the Southern Boy Mafia series.
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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages::http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly... Nicole Edwards
[image error]
**Beautifully Brutal is the spin-off series of Sniper One Security Series.**
Beautifully Brutal is a modern day mafia twist of Romeo and Juliet. The Good Guys vs. the Bad Guys. If you are familiar with the Sniper One Security Series, then you will be familiar with Courtney Kogan and Maximillian Adorite. And in Beautifully Brutal, Courtney knows that she must resist and stay away from Max but there is this strong attraction to him that she can't helped but hypnotized by his charm and personality. Her job was simple to get intel on the Adorite family but that could be harder than she thought since Max is one of the new leaders of the Southern Boy Mafia.
The chemistry between Courtney and Max was intense, sexy, alluring and captivating. I loved how Ms. Edwards did an amazing job intricating the past and present highlighting the strong connection that they had to each other. Their past and present collides and only leads to a passionate chemistry that can be only described as explosive. I loved how Beautifully Brutal really showcases that LOVE conquers all. And in this case two people from opposing sides found a middle ground and was able to prove that their love was unbreakable and worth fighting for.
As always, Ms. Edwards did an amazing job unfolding their story with added layers of sensuality, sexiness, suspense, and some surprising twist of events. The writing and story-telling was beautifully well done. So if you are fan of a mafia romance that will leave you wanting more, then I suggest you read Beautifully Brutal because I didn't want this book to end. Looking forward to what Ms. Edwards has in store next for the Southern Boy Mafia series.
[image error]
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages::http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly... Nicole Edwards
June 24, 2015
Bad boys are just so...easy to love to hate to love. And Maximillian Adorite is definitely a bad boy. One I love. And hate. Sigh, I’m confused by my feelings...
As an underboss for the infamous Adorite Family – the Southern Boy Mafia, they call them – Max Adorite is used to getting his way. Because the consequences when he doesn’t aren’t pretty. Except there is one person that won’t give him what he wants...
Courtney Kogan is one of the good guys. Which means she’s on the opposite side to Max Adorite. Which means it’ll never work. She knows he wants her, and she wants him right back. But she shouldn’t. And she won’t give in to it.
Or will she? Max isn’t about to give up on having her, and when the inevitable danger comes a-knockin’ Courtney is left making some brutal decisions...ones that could lead her to something beautiful.
*rubs hands together* Alright, let’s do this thing, people. Beautifully Brutal, what can I say? It was exactly what the title implied. Beautiful. Brutal. And I LOVED it. I felt like I shouldn’t because Max is...well, Max is a bit of an asshole. I mean, he’s a mob boss, so that goes with the territory, but he was also pretty freakin’ sweet and damn sexy when it came to Courtney. So, yeah, I was a bit torn between wanting him to change, magically, into a really good guy (but keep the edge), and staying just exactly as he was. Essentially, I had a fairly typical female response, I guess.
Beautifully Brutal was a bit of a roller coaster for me. It made me feel a little frustrated at times, thanks to Court’s indecision and Max’s bad business moves and some really shitty characters (you’ll see what I mean!), and it made me H.O.T. Hoo-boy, did it make me hot!! Ms. Edwards did an excellent job of weaving Courtney and Max’s past (alluded to in Wait for Morning) together with their present and their future. It gave the story plenty of heat, and it was a good foundation for the second part of the book, which showed how opposites attracting could...maybe...possibly...work!?!
While this story is the first in a new series, the Southern Boy Mafia series, and can absolutely be read standalone, you can’t go wrong reading Wait for Morning first. Because it’s a really good book, and because a little extra knowledge of the situation and relationships made me enjoy and understand this story better. There are a lot of characters to follow along with, which can get a touch confusing if you get lost in the story and lose track (there’s an index at the start of the book, which I referred to a couple of times when this happened to me) and as this series continues, I can’t wait to get to know some of them better. I am intrigued, in particular, by Leyton and Ashlynn and what is shaping up to be one hell of a sexy story.
As always, Ms. Edwards has produced a story with heart, with heat and with hope. That I am not confused about, at all. ~ Beth, 4.5 stars
As an underboss for the infamous Adorite Family – the Southern Boy Mafia, they call them – Max Adorite is used to getting his way. Because the consequences when he doesn’t aren’t pretty. Except there is one person that won’t give him what he wants...
Courtney Kogan is one of the good guys. Which means she’s on the opposite side to Max Adorite. Which means it’ll never work. She knows he wants her, and she wants him right back. But she shouldn’t. And she won’t give in to it.
Or will she? Max isn’t about to give up on having her, and when the inevitable danger comes a-knockin’ Courtney is left making some brutal decisions...ones that could lead her to something beautiful.
*rubs hands together* Alright, let’s do this thing, people. Beautifully Brutal, what can I say? It was exactly what the title implied. Beautiful. Brutal. And I LOVED it. I felt like I shouldn’t because Max is...well, Max is a bit of an asshole. I mean, he’s a mob boss, so that goes with the territory, but he was also pretty freakin’ sweet and damn sexy when it came to Courtney. So, yeah, I was a bit torn between wanting him to change, magically, into a really good guy (but keep the edge), and staying just exactly as he was. Essentially, I had a fairly typical female response, I guess.
Beautifully Brutal was a bit of a roller coaster for me. It made me feel a little frustrated at times, thanks to Court’s indecision and Max’s bad business moves and some really shitty characters (you’ll see what I mean!), and it made me H.O.T. Hoo-boy, did it make me hot!! Ms. Edwards did an excellent job of weaving Courtney and Max’s past (alluded to in Wait for Morning) together with their present and their future. It gave the story plenty of heat, and it was a good foundation for the second part of the book, which showed how opposites attracting could...maybe...possibly...work!?!
While this story is the first in a new series, the Southern Boy Mafia series, and can absolutely be read standalone, you can’t go wrong reading Wait for Morning first. Because it’s a really good book, and because a little extra knowledge of the situation and relationships made me enjoy and understand this story better. There are a lot of characters to follow along with, which can get a touch confusing if you get lost in the story and lose track (there’s an index at the start of the book, which I referred to a couple of times when this happened to me) and as this series continues, I can’t wait to get to know some of them better. I am intrigued, in particular, by Leyton and Ashlynn and what is shaping up to be one hell of a sexy story.
As always, Ms. Edwards has produced a story with heart, with heat and with hope. That I am not confused about, at all. ~ Beth, 4.5 stars
June 22, 2015
4 Southern Boy Mafia starts
Liked it.
review - later.
This was a BR with my lovely Shanny (one of my Maflut guurls) so this made it even more special!
Beautifully Brutal belongs to The Southern Boy Mafia series which is a spinoff from the Sniper 1 Security series.
Fuck, I got lost just reading it…LOL
That means absolutely nothing to me since I haven’t read the latter.
Therefore, I will only concentrate on what I’ve actually read and not be overloaded with information I really can’t process.
Yes, I’m referring to the numerous characters (which are apparently reappearing and are crossing over from the above mentioned series) although I was somewhat taken with the list of all the characters presented in the beginning, my confusion didn’t last long, thank God, and I started to fill in the blanks early on in the story.
So, story is about the “impossible” love between two very different people from different surroundings and lives that are suddenly put in each other paths which sets their primal attraction in motion making the impossible “against-all-odds-love” possible.
He’s Maximillian Adorite aka Max, a 29 year old underboss of a Texas crime organization called The Southern Boy Mafia. Max is a killer. Ruthless, merciless killer. A commanding, demanding alpha who knows what he wants, barks the orders and makes it happen. Sexually insatibale.
He’s brutal and beautiful hence beautifully brutal. LOL
But it’s the ruthless mafia life that collides with the commons and makes a tidal wave of fucked up events that stir emotions that could not be allowed, cause they represent weakness that only can end up in death…
As I said Max gets what he wants and as a true alpha he sets his powers to make it happen. He sets his eyes on Courtney Kogan,
not a part of the mafia world but quite the opposite…in her world she‘s the one that tracks, hunts down and brings down the bad guys….
They were enemies, from opposite sides of the law. She was one of the good guys; he was one of the bad.
Courtney was a part of the organization called Sniper 1 Security consisting of her father and brothers designed also as an intel gathering information unit. And she was sent to do exactly that…gather the info on Max, his operations, his business deals…for that she needed to get close BUT she didn’t just get close, she also got scorched along the way…and there was only one way and no way back from it.
I loved Courtney, she did a man’s job in a cruel world and yet she was strong enough to use her feminity and sensuality into a good use…and of course she was struggling with what she was feeling for the forbidden cruel and brutal killer…but he was never those things to her, in front of her – yes but never towards her.
She was as precious as a rare flower or an uncut diamond and Max was the one who provided the water and had the tools to shape her as it fit right.
And the way she handled the situation concerning life and death and survival…getting the grip of the loose ends and taking control in the world she wasn’t born BUT pulled into.
In the beginning they are denying the passion they both feel BUT the pull is too strong and is mentally destroying them both taking the collateral victims on their path. The secrets are revealed, shit happens just like that accumulating the tension from both sides…but Max and Courtney survive it all,
finally accepting the truth…there’s no escape from love.
“Look at me, “ he ordered, his tone still tender as he lifted his head. Her eyes opened, and she met his glistening gold gaze. His thumb brushed over her lip as he pushed inside her again, retreating ever so slowly.
“Let me love you, Courtney”.
“Max,” she whispered, still battling the emotion.
“Love me Court. Right here, right now, just love me.
That’s all you need to do.”
The only thing that kinda set me off was the constant mixing of the present with the past events without any notion other than italic letters. Which I characterized as "strange pacing" cause that's what it did to me...slow, fast, slow, fast...
Well, I guess that is utterly on me and me alone cause it should’ve been enough to emphasize the tense transfer BUT to tell you the truth when you read in the half darken room in the early hours…heck all the letters start to look the same to me… so I guess I didn’t register it fast enough.
My bad.
Other than that it was quite interesting, drama and action packed read with sexually intense fragrances.
Liked it.
review - later.
This was a BR with my lovely Shanny (one of my Maflut guurls) so this made it even more special!
Beautifully Brutal belongs to The Southern Boy Mafia series which is a spinoff from the Sniper 1 Security series.
Fuck, I got lost just reading it…LOL
That means absolutely nothing to me since I haven’t read the latter.
Therefore, I will only concentrate on what I’ve actually read and not be overloaded with information I really can’t process.
Yes, I’m referring to the numerous characters (which are apparently reappearing and are crossing over from the above mentioned series) although I was somewhat taken with the list of all the characters presented in the beginning, my confusion didn’t last long, thank God, and I started to fill in the blanks early on in the story.
So, story is about the “impossible” love between two very different people from different surroundings and lives that are suddenly put in each other paths which sets their primal attraction in motion making the impossible “against-all-odds-love” possible.
He’s Maximillian Adorite aka Max, a 29 year old underboss of a Texas crime organization called The Southern Boy Mafia. Max is a killer. Ruthless, merciless killer. A commanding, demanding alpha who knows what he wants, barks the orders and makes it happen. Sexually insatibale.
He’s brutal and beautiful hence beautifully brutal. LOL
But it’s the ruthless mafia life that collides with the commons and makes a tidal wave of fucked up events that stir emotions that could not be allowed, cause they represent weakness that only can end up in death…
As I said Max gets what he wants and as a true alpha he sets his powers to make it happen. He sets his eyes on Courtney Kogan,
not a part of the mafia world but quite the opposite…in her world she‘s the one that tracks, hunts down and brings down the bad guys….
They were enemies, from opposite sides of the law. She was one of the good guys; he was one of the bad.
Courtney was a part of the organization called Sniper 1 Security consisting of her father and brothers designed also as an intel gathering information unit. And she was sent to do exactly that…gather the info on Max, his operations, his business deals…for that she needed to get close BUT she didn’t just get close, she also got scorched along the way…and there was only one way and no way back from it.
I loved Courtney, she did a man’s job in a cruel world and yet she was strong enough to use her feminity and sensuality into a good use…and of course she was struggling with what she was feeling for the forbidden cruel and brutal killer…but he was never those things to her, in front of her – yes but never towards her.
She was as precious as a rare flower or an uncut diamond and Max was the one who provided the water and had the tools to shape her as it fit right.
And the way she handled the situation concerning life and death and survival…getting the grip of the loose ends and taking control in the world she wasn’t born BUT pulled into.
In the beginning they are denying the passion they both feel BUT the pull is too strong and is mentally destroying them both taking the collateral victims on their path. The secrets are revealed, shit happens just like that accumulating the tension from both sides…but Max and Courtney survive it all,
finally accepting the truth…there’s no escape from love.
“Look at me, “ he ordered, his tone still tender as he lifted his head. Her eyes opened, and she met his glistening gold gaze. His thumb brushed over her lip as he pushed inside her again, retreating ever so slowly.
“Let me love you, Courtney”.
“Max,” she whispered, still battling the emotion.
“Love me Court. Right here, right now, just love me.
That’s all you need to do.”
The only thing that kinda set me off was the constant mixing of the present with the past events without any notion other than italic letters. Which I characterized as "strange pacing" cause that's what it did to me...slow, fast, slow, fast...
Well, I guess that is utterly on me and me alone cause it should’ve been enough to emphasize the tense transfer BUT to tell you the truth when you read in the half darken room in the early hours…heck all the letters start to look the same to me… so I guess I didn’t register it fast enough.
My bad.
Other than that it was quite interesting, drama and action packed read with sexually intense fragrances.
August 23, 2015
3.5- 4 stars
June 16, 2015
http://amzn.to/1dGjF30
4.5 stars I loved this venture into the dark underworld
This modern day Romeo and Juliet captured by heart and has me very excited for the rest of this series and of the Sniper 1 series as the families overlap
So many great characters and hints at backstory and what's to come I am not even sure whose story I almost excited for next!!
Ok maybe I am most excited RT and Z, because it's been awhile since MsEdwards wrote a m/m and the chemistry for these two is already off the charts!
Though toward the end I found myself wishing I could dive right into Ashlynn, Max's sisters story...sooooo yes I am very excited for more!
4.5 stars I loved this venture into the dark underworld
This modern day Romeo and Juliet captured by heart and has me very excited for the rest of this series and of the Sniper 1 series as the families overlap
So many great characters and hints at backstory and what's to come I am not even sure whose story I almost excited for next!!
Ok maybe I am most excited RT and Z, because it's been awhile since MsEdwards wrote a m/m and the chemistry for these two is already off the charts!
Though toward the end I found myself wishing I could dive right into Ashlynn, Max's sisters story...sooooo yes I am very excited for more!
June 24, 2015
I was so excited to get my hands on Max and Courtney’s story after having caught a glimpse of their complex relationship in Nicole’s previous series. Two incredibly diverse and complicated characters that were as different as night and day; just as equally one lived in perpetual darkness doing bad deeds while the other was often referred to as being on the good guys side, living in the light and fighting the good fight.
What was so good about Beautifully Brutal? Well, where do I even begin? The enigma that is Max continued to unnerve, perplex and astound me from start to finish. Sinister and depraved one minute but hurting and emotional in the next breath when dealing with the romantic entanglements between Courtney and himself. He was sweet and sour. Unforgiving but thoughtful. Hateful and vindictive but full of so much love and devotion for Courtney, it was as though her presence in his life brought him peace and serenity in a world that involved murder, smuggling, guns and shady business deals. Courtney may have brought some good into his life but Max manages to coax a little bit of darkness into hers. I loved Courtney. She was a strong ballsy independent protagonist who not only had integrity but willpower and determination when it came to resisting someone she knew would be bad for her, time and again she walked away and buried whatever feelings she had no matter the cost or pain.
‘Max didn’t respond, just listened to her breathe, wishing she’d remain on the phone for the rest of his life so he could hear her. It was hard enough that he couldn’t hold her in his arms. Listening to her breathe would suffice for a little while.
“I should-”
“No, don’t go,” he said in a tortured whisper. “Don’t hang up. Just breathe, Courtney. It’s…” He choked back the emotion. “Just breathe. Please.” Courtney didn’t respond nor did she hang up, and he could hear her breathe, which was all he needed as the night descended around him. If only their time together could’ve been more like this. Less chaos, more peace.’
When a book is peppered with brilliance such as this is it any wonder Nicole Edwards has so many fans. Her writing seems to gain strength and maturity with each book she writes and with Beautifully Brutal she not only manages to showcase her excellent character development but also her innate ability to bring drama, heartache, action, steam and a well of emotion and angst to the plot without it feeling disconnected or disjointed from the truth of the story.
There was a small annoyance for me half way through the book that involved a bit of an archaic double standard when it came to sex post-relationship (I won’t spoil it for you but you’ll know which part I’m talking about when you read it). I just wish Courtney had stepped up to the plate here and gave some more of her snappy take-no-prisoners attitude but other than that one minor blip this is certainly one of, if not the best Nicole Edwards books to come out. It was fast-paced, gripping and heart-stoppingly beautiful, a modern day mobster Romeo and Juliet and from the small taste we got of Max’s wild and frisky sister, I’d say we are in for one helluva scintillating book next go round.
~Nicole
What was so good about Beautifully Brutal? Well, where do I even begin? The enigma that is Max continued to unnerve, perplex and astound me from start to finish. Sinister and depraved one minute but hurting and emotional in the next breath when dealing with the romantic entanglements between Courtney and himself. He was sweet and sour. Unforgiving but thoughtful. Hateful and vindictive but full of so much love and devotion for Courtney, it was as though her presence in his life brought him peace and serenity in a world that involved murder, smuggling, guns and shady business deals. Courtney may have brought some good into his life but Max manages to coax a little bit of darkness into hers. I loved Courtney. She was a strong ballsy independent protagonist who not only had integrity but willpower and determination when it came to resisting someone she knew would be bad for her, time and again she walked away and buried whatever feelings she had no matter the cost or pain.
‘Max didn’t respond, just listened to her breathe, wishing she’d remain on the phone for the rest of his life so he could hear her. It was hard enough that he couldn’t hold her in his arms. Listening to her breathe would suffice for a little while.
“I should-”
“No, don’t go,” he said in a tortured whisper. “Don’t hang up. Just breathe, Courtney. It’s…” He choked back the emotion. “Just breathe. Please.” Courtney didn’t respond nor did she hang up, and he could hear her breathe, which was all he needed as the night descended around him. If only their time together could’ve been more like this. Less chaos, more peace.’
When a book is peppered with brilliance such as this is it any wonder Nicole Edwards has so many fans. Her writing seems to gain strength and maturity with each book she writes and with Beautifully Brutal she not only manages to showcase her excellent character development but also her innate ability to bring drama, heartache, action, steam and a well of emotion and angst to the plot without it feeling disconnected or disjointed from the truth of the story.
There was a small annoyance for me half way through the book that involved a bit of an archaic double standard when it came to sex post-relationship (I won’t spoil it for you but you’ll know which part I’m talking about when you read it). I just wish Courtney had stepped up to the plate here and gave some more of her snappy take-no-prisoners attitude but other than that one minor blip this is certainly one of, if not the best Nicole Edwards books to come out. It was fast-paced, gripping and heart-stoppingly beautiful, a modern day mobster Romeo and Juliet and from the small taste we got of Max’s wild and frisky sister, I’d say we are in for one helluva scintillating book next go round.
~Nicole
June 16, 2015
Nicole has definitely blown me away with this one. There isnt anything she writes that I do not love, but this one, holy hell... love love love. Ive always loved how Nicole speaks through her characters and makes you feel like you are in the room with the actual man or woman, and this is no different. You feel Max and you feel Courtney, as well as their co-workers and siblings. When Max talks to Courtney, its like hes talking to you ... its hot !!
This one is slightly off the path of the others, as we have a bad boy who really is a bad boy, but with a heart for only one woman.
Max is ... well damn, Max is HOT !! He was born into a life that he has accepted and made his own but he falls for a girl who is his complete opposite. completely. As in, different sides of the law on some occasions. Max is an amazing character, alpha male, bad boy hottie. Im completely in love. He is very well written and meshes well with the side characters as well as his "family" .
Courtney is also written very well and works well with the other characters. I hate to say it but im not a female character fan and she does annoy me a little...ok well, a lot lol The running make me want to smack her senseless, but I get why she runs and it works with the storyline and does not take anything away from the story for me at all. She is a very well written character. This story is so well written and so different from what you would expect...I cant wait to see more from this series. I love how it spins off from the Sniper one series, so they both go together nicely. You need to be able to keep up with both at the same time.
Samuel, Max's father, well lets just say Nicole did an amazing job writing that man and i love to hate his guts.
I love how you got a little bit of interweaving for what the next story could be about through a sibling or two. I dont want to give too much away but i will say its hot as hell !!
The grammar and spelling are spot on and i just cant say enough how much i loved this book. I cant wait for more
I would absolutely recommend this book.
This one is slightly off the path of the others, as we have a bad boy who really is a bad boy, but with a heart for only one woman.
Max is ... well damn, Max is HOT !! He was born into a life that he has accepted and made his own but he falls for a girl who is his complete opposite. completely. As in, different sides of the law on some occasions. Max is an amazing character, alpha male, bad boy hottie. Im completely in love. He is very well written and meshes well with the side characters as well as his "family" .
Courtney is also written very well and works well with the other characters. I hate to say it but im not a female character fan and she does annoy me a little...ok well, a lot lol The running make me want to smack her senseless, but I get why she runs and it works with the storyline and does not take anything away from the story for me at all. She is a very well written character. This story is so well written and so different from what you would expect...I cant wait to see more from this series. I love how it spins off from the Sniper one series, so they both go together nicely. You need to be able to keep up with both at the same time.
Samuel, Max's father, well lets just say Nicole did an amazing job writing that man and i love to hate his guts.
I love how you got a little bit of interweaving for what the next story could be about through a sibling or two. I dont want to give too much away but i will say its hot as hell !!
The grammar and spelling are spot on and i just cant say enough how much i loved this book. I cant wait for more
I would absolutely recommend this book.
June 10, 2015
I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book. I am not a writer, I leave that to those that are talented with words. I will never be able to express how AMAZING Nicole's newest release is!! 5 STARS doesn't come close to rate Beautifully Brutal!!! The first book in the Southern Boy Mafia series, is a fast pace read that will have you burning up the pages! As always, there is HOT sex, but this novel contains so much more. Good versus evil, right versus wrong, and ethical versus crooked make the groundwork of this story; add some action and that crazy thing called love and you have this INCREDIBLE book!! Thank you Nicole, for letting us get lost in your words!! Looking forward to Leyton's story!!!
In Max and Courtney's story it all comes down to choosing between love or family. He's a bad boy, she's a good girl.....her job was to gain information on him. Placing herself that close to the enemy put her in great danger. When all is said and done, the outcome is Beautifully Brutal!!
In Max and Courtney's story it all comes down to choosing between love or family. He's a bad boy, she's a good girl.....her job was to gain information on him. Placing herself that close to the enemy put her in great danger. When all is said and done, the outcome is Beautifully Brutal!!
December 2, 2015
I love reading stories about strong heroines and heroes that can match them and this book certainly fit that description. There was lots of action that kept me engaged the entire time. I loved Max and Courtney and I loved the rest of the team just as much. I'm excited for the rest of the series to learn more about them all!
“I love you. Only you. And I refuse to spend another fucking minute without you."
June 9, 2015
This was a totally amazing and awesome book. Nicole Edwards does not let you down with this her latest book. This book captured me from the moment that I started reading and there was no putting it down. It has characters that will grab you and you can not help but fall in love with them, a story that will keep you interested all the way through. This needs to be on your list to be read in 2015, there is no doubt about it.
December 12, 2015
Wow Beautiful Brutal was an amazing book to read ,I got so engrossed in the story of Maximilian and Courtney and the struggle between there families and each other . This was the first Mafia book for me that I've read and it was Literally beautifully brutal , I love it Thank You Nicole Edward for another amazing story .I can't wait for more in this series definitely a five star read
June 8, 2015
Fantastic!
The title was Perfect!
It took me a whole day to process this story.
Holy Shit!
My heart was breaking for the Romeo an Juliet kind of love that Max and Courtney endured. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll be pissed off that it ended. I'll have no problem reading this book or this series over and over again.
Nicole Edwards was born to be a writer!
highly recommend!
The title was Perfect!
It took me a whole day to process this story.
Holy Shit!
My heart was breaking for the Romeo an Juliet kind of love that Max and Courtney endured. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll be pissed off that it ended. I'll have no problem reading this book or this series over and over again.
Nicole Edwards was born to be a writer!
highly recommend!
June 22, 2015
Actual Rating: 4.5 Mafia Stars!
“She was stubborn, always pushing him away when the only thing she needed to do was pull him closer. He’d protect her. He’d love her. Hell, he’d give her the fucking moon if she wanted it. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for her.”
Beautifully Brutal follows the story of Courtney and Max. Courtney and Max were from two totally different worlds. Courtney being on the right side of the law, protecting and saving people. Max is definitely on the wrong side. Born into a lifestyle of organized crime, Max has become a key player in the Adorite family. He has it all: he’s a bad boy with dangerous good looks, money and women at his disposal. He always gets his way. That is until he meets Courtney. Captivated from the moment he met her. He’s intrigued by her, but there’s one very big problem with this picture. Courtney is the enemy. Just how far will Courtney go to get the information she’s seeking? Will she be able to get out before it’s too late? What happens when two people should hate each other, fall in love???
Beautifully Brutal took me on one heck of a ride. Max and Courtney’s story was dark, captivating, passionate and breathtaking. It reminded me exactly why I love Mafia style books. They’re complex. They’re complicated. There is no right or wrong answer. Difficult choices have to made and you find yourself doing things that you never thought you were capable of.
Max and Courtney had a very Romeo and Juliet style romance. They were two people from two different worlds that should never have been together, but now that they are, you can’t keep them apart. They are soulmates in the very sense. Max and Courtney share a very passionate connection. One that can not be denied or walked away from and believe me, both of them try. Max is intense. When he wants something, he’s not afraid to go the distance. He is fierce and protective and loves the way that Courtney challenges him. He won’t give up on what he wants without a fight. Courtney was constantly at war with herself. Trying to do what was right. Her brain not wanting to give into Max, but her body…. Well lets just say that her body has a mind of it’s own. She never stood a chance against Max. He is her ultimate kryptonite…..
Beautifully Brutal is an intense, captivating read. It is told in past and present tense. Sometimes, that style can be hit or miss, but I think it worked really well with this book. It really gave me the insight of how Max and Courtney met, her assignment, their struggles with right and wrong, of being together. I loved that their story is also told from multiple points of views. It was really getting inside both Max and Courtney’s heads; really getting to see the struggles they had about life, their love and the choices they had to make.
Beautifully Brutal is my first book by Nicole Edwards and she knocked it out of the park for me. I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I started reading this book, and boy was I impressed. It was everything that I wanted and more from a Mafia book. I loved the story-line and the characters. I was completely immersed in the plot, waiting to see what happened next. Overall, a really fantastic read and I’m looking forward to reading to the next installment.
* I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
“She was stubborn, always pushing him away when the only thing she needed to do was pull him closer. He’d protect her. He’d love her. Hell, he’d give her the fucking moon if she wanted it. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for her.”
Beautifully Brutal follows the story of Courtney and Max. Courtney and Max were from two totally different worlds. Courtney being on the right side of the law, protecting and saving people. Max is definitely on the wrong side. Born into a lifestyle of organized crime, Max has become a key player in the Adorite family. He has it all: he’s a bad boy with dangerous good looks, money and women at his disposal. He always gets his way. That is until he meets Courtney. Captivated from the moment he met her. He’s intrigued by her, but there’s one very big problem with this picture. Courtney is the enemy. Just how far will Courtney go to get the information she’s seeking? Will she be able to get out before it’s too late? What happens when two people should hate each other, fall in love???
Beautifully Brutal took me on one heck of a ride. Max and Courtney’s story was dark, captivating, passionate and breathtaking. It reminded me exactly why I love Mafia style books. They’re complex. They’re complicated. There is no right or wrong answer. Difficult choices have to made and you find yourself doing things that you never thought you were capable of.
Max and Courtney had a very Romeo and Juliet style romance. They were two people from two different worlds that should never have been together, but now that they are, you can’t keep them apart. They are soulmates in the very sense. Max and Courtney share a very passionate connection. One that can not be denied or walked away from and believe me, both of them try. Max is intense. When he wants something, he’s not afraid to go the distance. He is fierce and protective and loves the way that Courtney challenges him. He won’t give up on what he wants without a fight. Courtney was constantly at war with herself. Trying to do what was right. Her brain not wanting to give into Max, but her body…. Well lets just say that her body has a mind of it’s own. She never stood a chance against Max. He is her ultimate kryptonite…..
Beautifully Brutal is an intense, captivating read. It is told in past and present tense. Sometimes, that style can be hit or miss, but I think it worked really well with this book. It really gave me the insight of how Max and Courtney met, her assignment, their struggles with right and wrong, of being together. I loved that their story is also told from multiple points of views. It was really getting inside both Max and Courtney’s heads; really getting to see the struggles they had about life, their love and the choices they had to make.
Beautifully Brutal is my first book by Nicole Edwards and she knocked it out of the park for me. I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I started reading this book, and boy was I impressed. It was everything that I wanted and more from a Mafia book. I loved the story-line and the characters. I was completely immersed in the plot, waiting to see what happened next. Overall, a really fantastic read and I’m looking forward to reading to the next installment.
* I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
June 18, 2015
*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`5 STAR REVIEW¤ *.✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨`*
┊ ★
☆
Beautifully Brutal
By Nicole Edwards
http://amzn.to/1HHxzhr
Maximillian Adorite just became the underboss of what people call the Southern Boy Mafia. Max is part of one of the most powerful families. Sure some of the legal actions that needed to be taken aren't leagal, but it was all part of the business.
Courtney Kogan works in the family business at Sniper 1 Security. Most of her jobs involve babysitting the rich and famous, but she is about to get her biggest job ever: get close to Max and get the inside scoop on the Adorite Family.
Can Courtney do her job? Or will the feelings she has for Max ruin everything; including the trust her father put into her?
Where to begin? This is most likely my favorite book Nicole Edwards has written thus far. Max and Courtney are the modern day Romeo and Juliet. Their families despise the other, but Max and Courtney just can't seem to stay away. They are risking both family businesses to be with each other; which comes at a cost.
Max is a bad boy, who tends to have a heart when it comes to Courtney. While he wants to be with her, he knows he is putting her life at risk in the process. While Courtney knows falling in love with Max is wrong, it's too late: she already has.
This story is about business, family, but most of all, doing everything you can to be with the one you truly love; even if that means going against your family. I'm sure at one point in our lives, everyone has had to make a choice between family and love, and that's what makes this story so relatable.
Max and Courtney's decision to choose between what's right and wrong is the backbone of this story. At any given point, all that Max and Courtney have worked can start to crumble.
I cannot wait to find out the rest of Max and Courtney's story. If it is anything like Beautifully Brutal, they are in for a bumpy ride!
*ABOUT THE AUTHOR*
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nicole Edwards lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, their three kids, and four rambunctious dogs. When she's not writing about sexy alpha males, Nicole can often be found with her Kindle in hand or making an attempt to keep the dogs happy. You can find her hanging out on Facebook and interacting with her readers - even when she's supposed to be writing.
Nicole also writes contemporary/new adult romance as Timberlyn Scott.
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`5 STAR REVIEW¤ *.✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨`*
┊ ★
☆
Beautifully Brutal
By Nicole Edwards
http://amzn.to/1HHxzhr
Maximillian Adorite just became the underboss of what people call the Southern Boy Mafia. Max is part of one of the most powerful families. Sure some of the legal actions that needed to be taken aren't leagal, but it was all part of the business.
Courtney Kogan works in the family business at Sniper 1 Security. Most of her jobs involve babysitting the rich and famous, but she is about to get her biggest job ever: get close to Max and get the inside scoop on the Adorite Family.
Can Courtney do her job? Or will the feelings she has for Max ruin everything; including the trust her father put into her?
Where to begin? This is most likely my favorite book Nicole Edwards has written thus far. Max and Courtney are the modern day Romeo and Juliet. Their families despise the other, but Max and Courtney just can't seem to stay away. They are risking both family businesses to be with each other; which comes at a cost.
Max is a bad boy, who tends to have a heart when it comes to Courtney. While he wants to be with her, he knows he is putting her life at risk in the process. While Courtney knows falling in love with Max is wrong, it's too late: she already has.
This story is about business, family, but most of all, doing everything you can to be with the one you truly love; even if that means going against your family. I'm sure at one point in our lives, everyone has had to make a choice between family and love, and that's what makes this story so relatable.
Max and Courtney's decision to choose between what's right and wrong is the backbone of this story. At any given point, all that Max and Courtney have worked can start to crumble.
I cannot wait to find out the rest of Max and Courtney's story. If it is anything like Beautifully Brutal, they are in for a bumpy ride!
*ABOUT THE AUTHOR*
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nicole Edwards lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, their three kids, and four rambunctious dogs. When she's not writing about sexy alpha males, Nicole can often be found with her Kindle in hand or making an attempt to keep the dogs happy. You can find her hanging out on Facebook and interacting with her readers - even when she's supposed to be writing.
Nicole also writes contemporary/new adult romance as Timberlyn Scott.
June 18, 2015
I am a huge fan of Nicole Edwards book and this one didn't disappoint at all. I know this is going to sound weird but I loved the interworkings of the mafia. They have such strong ties to family and yes some of the things they do to people who betray the family is graphic and probably unnecessary but has to be done to prove their power. Maximillian Adorite has just taken over the family business, which he loves but he craves something more....Courtney Kogan. They meet at a party and feel a spark. Max will do anything in his power to have her but she wants no part in it. Think Romeo and Juliet but no dying. Courtney, is part of her families security group and is sent in to gather information on Max's family. She never expected to fall for Max but everytime they get together, its a mass explosion!!!! Even though they are fighting it, they can't fight their feelings. Max gets thrown into a business arrangement which throws things off again for them. He is forced to marry a crazy chick for the sake of some land, he is not in love and wants nothing to do with her. She, on the other hand, is bat shit crazy and wants the white picket fence with babies. She knows if she does this she will have the protection she needs from a very bad guy. Max only wants one girl and that's Courtney. With the help of his boys and family, he is able to stop the engagement and chase the girl he wants. Tragedy strikes and when everything is falling apart, Courtney is able to stand up and prove herself with the big boys. She is truly remarkable and a total bad ass. They both get some very interesting news about their families that throws them in a loop but is able to overcome that and be together. Justice is served and they are able to have a happy ending. This book was a wonderful read and I enjoyed every minute of it!
July 18, 2015
This was so, so good! Just wow!
I have read and enjoyed all of Nicole Edwards books, I loved every minute of reading this one. I never imagined this story to be better than the last.
I met Courtney in a previous story, Wait for Morning. Courtney comes from a family of the Good Guys (her father runs Sniper One Security), in that book, she was assigned to get intel on the Adorite family. She mentioned that she had a past with Max Adorite, but I really didn't know anything about that past. Max is the new leader of the Southern Boy Mafia and he is powerful and demanding and hot! Going into this story, this is all I knew.
Beautifully Brutal was wonderfully written, the story goes from the past, filling us in on her assignment and their relationship to the current day and where they are now. Courtney can't be with him, that's just obvious, but he draws her in anyways. He will never let her go. She is back on assignment, being the only one that could get on the inside.
Max has his hands in many places of business, in trying to obtain some land, he gets tied up with a political bad guy and it forces him to have to do things he doesn't want to do. Being in the mafia, he is involved in pretty bad stuff and even this pushed the envelope. It will hurt Courtney in the process. Things happen, bad people do bad things and Max is forced to need help. He can't trust Courtney, or can he? Does he even have a choice?
I loved how this story unfolded, it was almost like reading a new style for Nicole and I LOVED every minute of it.
The story of Max and Courtney was Beautifully Brutal. It went full circle for me, everyone's lives were touched and everything that was done was done for a reason. Could good overcome the bad or can they learn to co-exist?
I have read and enjoyed all of Nicole Edwards books, I loved every minute of reading this one. I never imagined this story to be better than the last.
I met Courtney in a previous story, Wait for Morning. Courtney comes from a family of the Good Guys (her father runs Sniper One Security), in that book, she was assigned to get intel on the Adorite family. She mentioned that she had a past with Max Adorite, but I really didn't know anything about that past. Max is the new leader of the Southern Boy Mafia and he is powerful and demanding and hot! Going into this story, this is all I knew.
Beautifully Brutal was wonderfully written, the story goes from the past, filling us in on her assignment and their relationship to the current day and where they are now. Courtney can't be with him, that's just obvious, but he draws her in anyways. He will never let her go. She is back on assignment, being the only one that could get on the inside.
Max has his hands in many places of business, in trying to obtain some land, he gets tied up with a political bad guy and it forces him to have to do things he doesn't want to do. Being in the mafia, he is involved in pretty bad stuff and even this pushed the envelope. It will hurt Courtney in the process. Things happen, bad people do bad things and Max is forced to need help. He can't trust Courtney, or can he? Does he even have a choice?
I loved how this story unfolded, it was almost like reading a new style for Nicole and I LOVED every minute of it.
The story of Max and Courtney was Beautifully Brutal. It went full circle for me, everyone's lives were touched and everything that was done was done for a reason. Could good overcome the bad or can they learn to co-exist?
June 25, 2015
Nicole Edwards does it to me every single time! I loved this book! I was so excited for this spin off series, and it didn't disappoint! I was looking forward to Max and Courtney's story....Max, oh Max, you sexy thing you!!!I can't wait to see what's next!!
September 22, 2021
I did not care for Courtney. The End.
I have loved many of the previous books.
I have loved many of the previous books.
June 8, 2015
ARC received for an honest review
WOW!!
We briefly met our main characters, Courtney and Max, in Ms Edwards' book Wait for Morning (Book 1 in the Sniper 1 Security series) - but you can read this without having read it.
Courtney is from a family of Good Guys (Sniper 1). Whilst on assignment she met one of the Bad Guys, Max Adorite, second in charge of the Southern Boy Mafia.
In Wait For Morning, it was mentioned that she knows Max, but that is about it. Boy, did she know him! And as we learn more about them, you will want to know him too.
Max is the bad guy, who it seems has a heart of gold. As I read, at times it was hard to believe he really could be the cold hearted mafia man, and it was not hard to lose my heart to him.
Beautifully Brutal is written in past and present tense, so we get plenty of their back story. The too and fro of it all. They know they are bad for each other, but the pull to each other, the attraction, the feelings keep bringing them back together. I particularly felt for Courtney - I think it must have been so much harder for her jumping from the right side of the law to hook up with the mafia bad boy.
The heat between them is undeniable, but can that be enough?
Courtney swallowed hard, her eyes traveling over his face, taking in every inch of him, reliving every moment they'd ever spent together as it flashed through her mind. It'd always been like this... Their interactions were heated, passionate, and innately sexual underneath it all.
Beautifully brutal, that was how she'd come to think of this thing between them.
It also turns out that Max and Courtney are already kind of connected, though I don't want to say why. Way before they ever met there were things that happened that neither of them know about, and put a different spin on things.
As events unfold, Max and Courtney are going to have to trust each - but can they? Is there more to them than just sex? Or will events cause them a world of hurt?
This felt like a new direction with Ms Edwards' writing. Not sure what it was about it, but it felt different to all the other series of hers that I have read and loved. Yes, there is still all that sexiness and heat that we know and love her for, but this was like a whole different style from her. And I loved it!
I am really looking forward to more of the Southern Boy Mafia series. I need Leyton's story ASAP!
WOW!!
We briefly met our main characters, Courtney and Max, in Ms Edwards' book Wait for Morning (Book 1 in the Sniper 1 Security series) - but you can read this without having read it.
Courtney is from a family of Good Guys (Sniper 1). Whilst on assignment she met one of the Bad Guys, Max Adorite, second in charge of the Southern Boy Mafia.
In Wait For Morning, it was mentioned that she knows Max, but that is about it. Boy, did she know him! And as we learn more about them, you will want to know him too.
Max is the bad guy, who it seems has a heart of gold. As I read, at times it was hard to believe he really could be the cold hearted mafia man, and it was not hard to lose my heart to him.
Beautifully Brutal is written in past and present tense, so we get plenty of their back story. The too and fro of it all. They know they are bad for each other, but the pull to each other, the attraction, the feelings keep bringing them back together. I particularly felt for Courtney - I think it must have been so much harder for her jumping from the right side of the law to hook up with the mafia bad boy.
The heat between them is undeniable, but can that be enough?
Courtney swallowed hard, her eyes traveling over his face, taking in every inch of him, reliving every moment they'd ever spent together as it flashed through her mind. It'd always been like this... Their interactions were heated, passionate, and innately sexual underneath it all.
Beautifully brutal, that was how she'd come to think of this thing between them.
It also turns out that Max and Courtney are already kind of connected, though I don't want to say why. Way before they ever met there were things that happened that neither of them know about, and put a different spin on things.
As events unfold, Max and Courtney are going to have to trust each - but can they? Is there more to them than just sex? Or will events cause them a world of hurt?
This felt like a new direction with Ms Edwards' writing. Not sure what it was about it, but it felt different to all the other series of hers that I have read and loved. Yes, there is still all that sexiness and heat that we know and love her for, but this was like a whole different style from her. And I loved it!
I am really looking forward to more of the Southern Boy Mafia series. I need Leyton's story ASAP!
June 23, 2015
First off I wanted to say that I didn't read the Sniper 1 Security series (the series that Southern Boy Mafia series is a spinoff off of). I feel like I understood the whole book, but I do wish I would have read the other first. I plan to go back and read it before the next of this series comes out. I think there is history between some of the characters that would have made the story even better.
Max is a definite badboy. He is an underboss in a criminal organization. He deals in a lot of illegal activities including murder. He lets very few in. One of these is Courtney. She's like his kryptonite, causing him to make dangerous decisions for a man in his position.
Courtney is part of a totally different organization. In the eyes of most, they would be labeled the good guys. She can't deny the pull she has to Max, but she can see no future for them. Loving him makes it hard for her to follow plans that she knows she should.
This is definitely a case of star-crossed lovers. Not only are the families on opposites sides of the law, but the elder generation also have a longstanding animosity. When Courtney's father/boss sends her in to spy on Max and his family, the outcome is something none of them really expected. The story is told in present times and flashbacks, covering their whole enemies and lovers dance.
It's not hard to fall for Max. I loved the whole family aspect. I really enjoyed all of it, and I am super looking forward to the next book. From the preview at the end of this one, it's going to be smoking hot.
3.5
FULL REVIEW CAN BE FOUND AT http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.bl...
Max is a definite badboy. He is an underboss in a criminal organization. He deals in a lot of illegal activities including murder. He lets very few in. One of these is Courtney. She's like his kryptonite, causing him to make dangerous decisions for a man in his position.
Courtney is part of a totally different organization. In the eyes of most, they would be labeled the good guys. She can't deny the pull she has to Max, but she can see no future for them. Loving him makes it hard for her to follow plans that she knows she should.
This is definitely a case of star-crossed lovers. Not only are the families on opposites sides of the law, but the elder generation also have a longstanding animosity. When Courtney's father/boss sends her in to spy on Max and his family, the outcome is something none of them really expected. The story is told in present times and flashbacks, covering their whole enemies and lovers dance.
It's not hard to fall for Max. I loved the whole family aspect. I really enjoyed all of it, and I am super looking forward to the next book. From the preview at the end of this one, it's going to be smoking hot.
3.5
FULL REVIEW CAN BE FOUND AT http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.bl...
June 16, 2015
I read Wait for Morning so I was excited that Max and Courtney would be getting their own book. I could tell they had a sinful sexy past and it didn't seem to be as over as they thought it was.
Max and Courtney were more or less enemies working on opposites sides of the law. Courtney was sent into Max's world to find out more about his business but what she didn't expect was to fall for him. She wanted to hate him. She would push him away but Max knew exactly what she was thinking and even more about what she was feeling and it was not hate. It was lust, passion and maybe even more. Max knew what she was doing and he was always one step ahead of her. He knew he couldn't fully trust her but he couldn't let her go either. He wanted her more than his next breath.
Max and Courtney go through ups and downs in their relationship within the 2 years since they first met. Courtney has feelings for Max but he is one of the bad guys, one of the baddest ones and her family would would be upset to find out about their relationship. They have to keep it quiet from her family and also from Max's enemies. And it wouldn't last...
Then Courtney is sent in to get information about big changes happening in Max's world after a year of being apart. Both Max and Courtney could not stop thinking about each other and the passion was still there but how could they ever work as a couple? Will Courtney be able to put her feelings aside for her mission? Will Max be able to keep her safe if she goes too far?
There are also some family secrets to be unveiled and that made the book even more interesting. Throughout the book it will go between past and present and Max and Courtney's POVs. So that was cool to see what they were like in the beginning of the relationship up to the present. Will they be together in the end of part as enemies?
Overall...the book was sexy, heartbreaking, emotional and dangerous at times. Can't wait for the next book!
Quotes:
The only thing she’d really learned was that the man could kiss like no other, his hands made her body burn, and he could set her on fire with merely a heated glance.
“No, sweetheart,” Max whispered harshly against her ear. “You’re gonna see what happens when someone betrays me. And maybe you’ll learn not to dig any deeper.”
And her feelings for him were complicated. She loved him. She feared him.
Max and Courtney were more or less enemies working on opposites sides of the law. Courtney was sent into Max's world to find out more about his business but what she didn't expect was to fall for him. She wanted to hate him. She would push him away but Max knew exactly what she was thinking and even more about what she was feeling and it was not hate. It was lust, passion and maybe even more. Max knew what she was doing and he was always one step ahead of her. He knew he couldn't fully trust her but he couldn't let her go either. He wanted her more than his next breath.
Max and Courtney go through ups and downs in their relationship within the 2 years since they first met. Courtney has feelings for Max but he is one of the bad guys, one of the baddest ones and her family would would be upset to find out about their relationship. They have to keep it quiet from her family and also from Max's enemies. And it wouldn't last...
Then Courtney is sent in to get information about big changes happening in Max's world after a year of being apart. Both Max and Courtney could not stop thinking about each other and the passion was still there but how could they ever work as a couple? Will Courtney be able to put her feelings aside for her mission? Will Max be able to keep her safe if she goes too far?
There are also some family secrets to be unveiled and that made the book even more interesting. Throughout the book it will go between past and present and Max and Courtney's POVs. So that was cool to see what they were like in the beginning of the relationship up to the present. Will they be together in the end of part as enemies?
Overall...the book was sexy, heartbreaking, emotional and dangerous at times. Can't wait for the next book!
Quotes:
The only thing she’d really learned was that the man could kiss like no other, his hands made her body burn, and he could set her on fire with merely a heated glance.
“No, sweetheart,” Max whispered harshly against her ear. “You’re gonna see what happens when someone betrays me. And maybe you’ll learn not to dig any deeper.”
And her feelings for him were complicated. She loved him. She feared him.
June 22, 2015
Beautiful…
Max and Courtney’s undeniable connection
The off the charts chemistry inside the bedroom
The feelings that develop despite the situation they’re in
Brutal…
Max and Courtney’s feuding families
Falling in love with your enemy
The methods used to deceive and betray
The idea of sacrificing either love or loyalty
Courtney Kogan and Maximillian Adorite may come from two different worlds and be forced together by ulterior motives, but there’s no denying how they ignite, in volatile and orgasmic ways, when they’re with each other, regardless of time, space, or their opposing sides.
Courtney and Max’s story is told in a layered plot line of flashbacks and present time encounters that illustrate the why and how they became and couple as well as what tear them apart. It also highlights the current state of their relationship and the fact that their connection is still as strong as it’s ever been regardless of how much Courtney wants to deny it and refuses to give into her true feelings out of a sense of obligation to her family and what they stand for compared to the business that Max’s Southern Boy Mafia deals in on a regular basis.
Because Beautifully Brutal is told in dual third person point of view, readers gain insight into what both Max and Courtney are feeling as her mission goes from infiltrating Max’s business and gaining insider information to building a relationship that neither can give up no matter what kind of pressure they may face.
Nicole Edwards is a fantastic storyteller because she gives her readers the full perspective. The story unfolds in a way that no information is left unsaid and we’re able to see and understand how the main characters grow to make the choices that they do, and regardless if we agree or disagree with what they decide, we can’t deny that it makes sense according to how Nicole portrays them.
Courtney and Max’s story is a suspenseful and steamy read that will have readers rooting for these star crossed lovers and hoping for an ending that allows their love and loyalty to remain despite the obstacles that are thrown at them throughout the story.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
Max and Courtney’s undeniable connection
The off the charts chemistry inside the bedroom
The feelings that develop despite the situation they’re in
Brutal…
Max and Courtney’s feuding families
Falling in love with your enemy
The methods used to deceive and betray
The idea of sacrificing either love or loyalty
Courtney Kogan and Maximillian Adorite may come from two different worlds and be forced together by ulterior motives, but there’s no denying how they ignite, in volatile and orgasmic ways, when they’re with each other, regardless of time, space, or their opposing sides.
Courtney and Max’s story is told in a layered plot line of flashbacks and present time encounters that illustrate the why and how they became and couple as well as what tear them apart. It also highlights the current state of their relationship and the fact that their connection is still as strong as it’s ever been regardless of how much Courtney wants to deny it and refuses to give into her true feelings out of a sense of obligation to her family and what they stand for compared to the business that Max’s Southern Boy Mafia deals in on a regular basis.
Because Beautifully Brutal is told in dual third person point of view, readers gain insight into what both Max and Courtney are feeling as her mission goes from infiltrating Max’s business and gaining insider information to building a relationship that neither can give up no matter what kind of pressure they may face.
Nicole Edwards is a fantastic storyteller because she gives her readers the full perspective. The story unfolds in a way that no information is left unsaid and we’re able to see and understand how the main characters grow to make the choices that they do, and regardless if we agree or disagree with what they decide, we can’t deny that it makes sense according to how Nicole portrays them.
Courtney and Max’s story is a suspenseful and steamy read that will have readers rooting for these star crossed lovers and hoping for an ending that allows their love and loyalty to remain despite the obstacles that are thrown at them throughout the story.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
May 2, 2016
4.5 Star Review Beautifully Brutal (Southern Boy Mafia Book 1) by Nicole Edwards
This is book 1 in Nicole Edward’s exciting new Southern Boy Mafia series and what a way to start. It is a spinoff from the Sniper 1 Security series. However you do not have to have read the first book in the Sniper 1 series before reading Beautifully Brutal although in my opinion it may be beneficial.
This is the story of Maximillian Adorite, second in command in his Mafia family and Courtney Kogan a member of the family run Sniper 1 Security firm.
From the start Max wants Courtney and is totally intrigued and determined to have her. Courtney wants him too however she knows that Max is a job her company expects her to perform.
I thoroughly enjoy the romantic suspense genre and this is a great example of it. I am thrilled she has decided to move into a different direction for these series. I was hooked on this book from the start.
The feelings that Max and Courtney bring out, not only in each other but their respective families and friends was at times intense. You could almost feel the desperation that their love created in both families. In essence it is good vs evil or mafia vs the good guys, but that is too simplistic...
Max and Courtney together combust and the sex is scorchingly hot. The obvious pull that these two have and how they try to fight the attraction was fun to watch as the drama unfolded around and with them. Max is by no means a saint but underneath his entire bad boy behaviour is a man who has fallen deeply in love and will do anything to protect and keep Courtney safe.
Although I couldn’t really imagine falling for Max when I first read the synopsis, I was somewhat shocked to find that I really liked Beautifully Brutal and was cheering for Max and Courtney to work through the roller coaster that is their relationship and reach their happily ever after.
If this series is not on your TBR list then I suggest that you get it immediately, you won’t be disappointed.
This book is an excellent example of Nicole Edwards writing. In fact I think this is the best book she has written in the last 12 months. I really loved it and cannot wait to read more from this author. Well done, you have another winner on your hands.
This is book 1 in Nicole Edward’s exciting new Southern Boy Mafia series and what a way to start. It is a spinoff from the Sniper 1 Security series. However you do not have to have read the first book in the Sniper 1 series before reading Beautifully Brutal although in my opinion it may be beneficial.
This is the story of Maximillian Adorite, second in command in his Mafia family and Courtney Kogan a member of the family run Sniper 1 Security firm.
From the start Max wants Courtney and is totally intrigued and determined to have her. Courtney wants him too however she knows that Max is a job her company expects her to perform.
I thoroughly enjoy the romantic suspense genre and this is a great example of it. I am thrilled she has decided to move into a different direction for these series. I was hooked on this book from the start.
The feelings that Max and Courtney bring out, not only in each other but their respective families and friends was at times intense. You could almost feel the desperation that their love created in both families. In essence it is good vs evil or mafia vs the good guys, but that is too simplistic...
Max and Courtney together combust and the sex is scorchingly hot. The obvious pull that these two have and how they try to fight the attraction was fun to watch as the drama unfolded around and with them. Max is by no means a saint but underneath his entire bad boy behaviour is a man who has fallen deeply in love and will do anything to protect and keep Courtney safe.
Although I couldn’t really imagine falling for Max when I first read the synopsis, I was somewhat shocked to find that I really liked Beautifully Brutal and was cheering for Max and Courtney to work through the roller coaster that is their relationship and reach their happily ever after.
If this series is not on your TBR list then I suggest that you get it immediately, you won’t be disappointed.
This book is an excellent example of Nicole Edwards writing. In fact I think this is the best book she has written in the last 12 months. I really loved it and cannot wait to read more from this author. Well done, you have another winner on your hands.
May 31, 2017
Spoiler Ahead This was a really good book by one of my favorite author's Nicole Edwards. Maximillian Adorite is underboss of the "Southern Boy Mafia" second only to his father Samuel Adorite he grew up the oldest of the Adorite children. Max is a hot sexy alpha male who would do anything to protect his family and the business. Courtney Kogan is the only daughter of Casper Kogan him and Bryce Trexlers started "Sniper 1 Security" where she works. When Casper sends her in to get information on the new underboss she meets max and he can't takes his eyes off of her he wants her and Max always gets what he wants. This was a really good book and I loved how Nicole wrote it going from past to present although I wanted to scream when I got to a good part and the next chapter started with the past. Courtney know she should stay away from Max he is a bad boy, but when these two hook up sparks fly and although she tells herself that it's just sex she can't stop herself from falling in love. This book is a spin off "Sniper 1" with a lot character's from that series in this one. After an episode of hot sex in her kitchen Courtney put's the brakes on things with Max he has had enough and is tired of going back and fourth with her. While trying to purchase some land from a Senator he has to agree to marry is granddaughter Angelica who is a real b*tch while Courtney is stuck babysitting some celebrities wild child. This was a really good book when Max is shot outside his home Courtney is at his side holding down his business and wanting to kill Angelica and even standing up to his father. Both of their parents have a secret and both Max and Courtney are pissed at their father's Courtney because her father used her to get close to Max and Max because his father is an asswh*le but Courtney proved her love and loyalty not only to max but to his family even when his father tries to kill her. This book was well written like the rest of Nicole's books with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Ashlynn, Jase and Leyton
June 19, 2015
I have read two of Nicole Edwards’s series, The Alluring Indulgence and Club Destiny and sadly this one was not a favorite of mine. I however did enjoy the read and still recommend the book. Beautifully Brutal is in a way a mafia style Romeo and Juliet. Courtney, who you meet in Wait for Morning, is having a hard time with her feelings for the bad boy mafia prince Max. These two have a history and while you do get to see some of it in the flash back scenes, you can tell how hard it is for these two to be in the same room with each other and not attack each other. And by attack I mean sexually attack each other. Courtney is from the Snipers Security and was sent in to get some information for a client about the Southern boy mafia which is how her and Max first got started. Little by little incidents happen that bring these two together and the more Courtney tries to let him go the more Max knows she’s it’s for him and will do whatever it takes to make her his. When the client that is seeking information on Max’s family comes out, it will change everything Courtney thought she knew. When the mafia boss arranges Max to be married for a gain of land, Courtney and Max are forced apart for good. But while Courtney feels the pain silently, Max decides he’s not ready to ever let her go. When these two embark on a relationship, lives will be lost and sides will be chosen. Can these two Romeo and Juliet lovers find a different happily ever after?
A gifted copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review by Vanessa.
A gifted copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review by Vanessa.
September 27, 2015
3.5 STARS
It took a while for the story to really pull me in. At around 45%, it started to get interesting and I was finally able to get into the characters. There were a lot of flashback scenes and I was occasionally put off by it. I understand that it was there for development into the characters' history together but sometimes, I got lost on where I was in the timeline.
Max is the underboss of his family's mafia style organization and Courtney's family runs and high profile security firm. Each of their lives are from the opposite sides of the law but when they're together that line gets blurred if not erased.
Courtney focuses on how her family would feel about their relationship and takes upon herself to end it; but after Max tries at a life without her, he decides he's going to have her whether anyone else approves at all.
There's a bit of suspense but being a mafia based story, I expected more or something more compelling. This was my first Nicole Edwards book and I would certainly place the Sniper 1 Security series on my TBR for future reading.
I will say that I'd be very interested in reading Leyton's story to see if anything happens with Ashlynn. That last bit in the book had me hoping he gets a story next.
*a copy was provided in exchange for an honest review
It took a while for the story to really pull me in. At around 45%, it started to get interesting and I was finally able to get into the characters. There were a lot of flashback scenes and I was occasionally put off by it. I understand that it was there for development into the characters' history together but sometimes, I got lost on where I was in the timeline.
Max is the underboss of his family's mafia style organization and Courtney's family runs and high profile security firm. Each of their lives are from the opposite sides of the law but when they're together that line gets blurred if not erased.
Courtney focuses on how her family would feel about their relationship and takes upon herself to end it; but after Max tries at a life without her, he decides he's going to have her whether anyone else approves at all.
There's a bit of suspense but being a mafia based story, I expected more or something more compelling. This was my first Nicole Edwards book and I would certainly place the Sniper 1 Security series on my TBR for future reading.
I will say that I'd be very interested in reading Leyton's story to see if anything happens with Ashlynn. That last bit in the book had me hoping he gets a story next.
*a copy was provided in exchange for an honest review
June 26, 2015
Nicole Edwards does it Again. I loved this book. Ok I mean I have read all of Nicoles books she is one of my go to authors, but this is not like the others. Max the Southern Boy Mafia what a sexy bad boy. I love him. The Story of Max and Courtney their feelings for one another so wrong since she was on the right side of the law and he was not. You can not help who you fall in love with. Why their careers intertwined, the reason her dad put her on a mission to learn what she could about him all very interesting when you learn of the reason. Will their love survive? Will they end up together. The things they go through struggling with their feelings for each other knowing they are from different worlds. Really a great book a great read. I highly recommend this book.
July 16, 2015
I liked these two...Courtney's head was always spinning on her feelings for Max. But I love that when something happened to Max, she stepped it up and really took charge and finally let herself get her head on straight for her feelings towards Max. And Max...swoon....I liked him. I liked how he made no excuse for who he was and what kin of things he was into. He was just himself...and that was refreshing. Now, I thought I was excited to read about RT and Z but fuck that shit....I want....no I NEED to read about Max's sister Ashlyn(sp?), Jase and Leyton. That one sneak peak of a chapter that I read was MIND BLOWING....I cant WAIT to see what is in store for them.
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