Gabe Marchionni, New Orleans’ most eligible bachelor, has a problem… kids. She’s also a reporter by day and desperately needs to get the scoop on one of the most illustrious families in the French Quarter, the Marchionnis…
…even if that means running into her ex.
Unfortunately, wishes do come true. So when Gabe shows up on her doorstep with a newborn and a proposition she should refuse, Maggie knows better than to let him into her house…and into her life.
Especially when, falling for him again might cost her more than her heart.
You’ll love this romantic comedy with a smidgen of suspense, because everyone loves a bad boy trying to be a good man.
Each book in the Bourbon Street Bad Boys’ series can be read separately, though they are best enjoyed when read in series order:
Absinthe Minded
Highball and Chain
Single Malt Drama
Hot Momosa
Gin and Trouble
more
I had so much fun listening to this second chance romance that had the perfect blend of romance, suspense, humor, and family dynamics. Gabe and Maggie have history not only from their past failed relationship, but their brother and sister were married as well. After a tragic incident, Maggie is now raising their 3 children. Maggie loves them fiercely and is doing the best she can, but Gabe’s parents are not making it easy. When Gabe is suddenly raising his baby girl on his own, the only person he can think of to make a family with, is the woman who’s heart he broke two years earlier. He has never forgotten Maggie, but family pressures tore them apart, and is now driving him back to her. Maggie doesn’t trust Gabe’s sudden appearance, but she can’t deny how good he is with the kids, and how caring and supportive he is with her. Old feelings that never died are rising to the surface, but can she trust that he won’t leave her heartbroken again? With whispers of mafia ties, and secrets of her own, can they make a life together, keep their kids safe, while protecting their hearts? I really liked both Gabe and Maggie and how they made their new family work. Maggie is a strong, determined heroine and Gabe is a hot, swoony hero.
Aaron Shedlock and Stella Hunter did a great job bringing these characters and story to life. They delivered all the emotion, wit, suspense, and steam and I was totally lost in their performance. I really enjoyed, and couldn’t stop listening to this fun, heart-pounding, and steamy romance!
Excellent, mafia, second chance romance by New to me author Kathryn Hearst. I enjoyed Maggie and Gabe’s story so much! After her sister passed away, she’s been doing her best trying to care for her sister’s children. Gabe comes back into her life when he comes to visit the kids.
Aaron Shedlock and Stella Hunter did a great job telling this story!
This was my first Kathryn M. Hearst’s book, and definitely won’t be my last! This is the first book in the Bourbon Street Bad Boys’ Club. This was my first Mafia Romance Romantic Comedy, and it was refreshing! This is a Series of interconnected standalone books. I loved it! Gabe and Maggie’s story is hilarious, sweet, sexy, and entertaining. This story is original and unique! Gabe is a New Orleans’s a most eligible bachelor, the new head of his mafia family, and a single Dad of a baby girl named Gabriella. He is handsome, caring, and supportive! Maggie, a reporter, is a wonderful character, strong, sassy, independent, caring, and capable. She is raising her three deceased sister’s kids (one niece and two nephews). This is a great second chance to love. The world building, set in New Orleans, is captivating. I like the fantastic characters, the plot, and the humor. Impossible to put it down! I can’t wait to listen to Gabe’s brothers story (Enzo, Marco, Leo, and Dante). Aaron Shedlock and Stella Hunter did an excellent job with the narration. I love their voices together. They are perfect as Gabe and Maggie. This is a great start to the series, and I am looking forward to listening to Highball and Chain, the next book in the Series. I need more! I HIGHLY recommend it!
This is Gabe and Maggie’s story she finally gets answers from Gabe as to why he dumped her years ago and why he thinks it’s alright to move in with her and his niece and nephews and his new baby girl. Gabe is to become the head of the family but he wants more out of life than his father and he wants Maggie and his brothers to back him. Evelyn is up to her old tricks and Gabe knows what he has to do for his mother and his father but things are not always as they seem. Maggie has her own ideas as to what she wants and she has just gotten a new assignment writing an article about the Bourbon Street Bad Boys, She hasn’t told her secrets to Gabe nor has he told Maggie his. Then they are going to the masked gala and her friends help her get ready and it becomes an exciting and harrowing evening for both of them. The storyline is very interesting as are the characters in this serial. I purchased this book. I volunteered an honest review.
This is my first book by this author and I liked her writing style. This book contains humor, heat, and a small amount of suspense, making it exactly what I needed to meet the challenge of reading a mafia book this month. It is written in third person from a dual POV. It is book one of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
Mafia romance is not my normal reading go-to, so I needed a lighter book and one that still meet the requirements. This book did that. Though Gabe’s dad is like the Godfather, and Gabe is expected to take over the family business, he has kept most of his activities on the legitimate side of the law. His goal is to break himself and his many brothers away from the seedier mafia ties when he takes over the business. I liked Gabe. He has a good heart. The Sicilian family honor code is built into him so he honors his parents even when he doesn’t agree with their methods. There are some extremely funny, laugh out loud moments as he learns to be a father after having a surprise baby dropped off on his doorstep.
Maggie is barely treading water after she inherits her deceased sister’s children. As she raises the kids, ages 3, 9 , & 13, she has grown up well beyond her 26 years. Though she has never stopped loving Gabe, she also realizes that his ties to the criminal element could put her and the kids in danger. Her struggle felt real to me and I appreciated her ability to roll with the challenges life throws her way.
The pace of the book was good. I did have a little trouble staying with it in the first half of the book, but that may have just been my aversion to the mafia book type. The second have of the book pulled me in and kept me up late to finish. I couldn’t put it down. The series has pulled me in. I will be adding the rest of the Bourbon Street Bad Boys to my TBR.
This second chance romance has it all. There is a mysterious accident that leaves three orphans in the care of their aunt, a surprise baby, a mafia connection, parents forcing a son to marry and lots of fun. Gabe and Maggie are a great couple who deserve their HEA. The Marchionni family has so many great characters that I can’t wait to read all their stories and see what happens next.
Wonderful Story
Hearst pens an interesting story in Absinthe Minded. I have read work from this author before, and I really enjoyed it. This is a different type of story than I’m used to from Hearst, and this was just a great story. I see that it’s the first and there is more to come, so I can’t wait to read the next one, and whatever comes after that. The characters were fun and also intense and charismatic. This author brings the story to life. The characters had a lot of depth, and were very realistic. I really like Maggie, and she’s this strong, intelligent women raising her dead sister’s children, and yet, she has this connection with Gabe. Gabe is the new head of a mafia family, and he definitely fits the part, and I can see the chemistry between him and Maggie, even though there is turmoil, and struggles. It is a very well-written story, and I enjoyed it. Very impressive story telling. Absinthe Minded is a definite recommendation by Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author.
Nice that this is a new author for me to discover. Fun that it is the beginning of a series. Love how Aaron and Stella both bring their stories alive from the first moment until the end. Nice to see all the layers of the journey of friendship between Gabe and Maggie. Fun to add the element of raising the children together.
This is my first Kathryn M. Hearts novel, and I really enjoyed this listen. Gabe and Maggie were a great couple to root for, even if their history and situation was complicated. And while a typical mafia romance is a heavy piece of work, I loved that this was most definitely a rom-com!
Kathryn created really relatable characters, interesting situations, and just a really fun, interesting plot with a lot of wit. Aaron Shedlock and Stella Hunter were great narrators for this work. They both really captured the levity, the emotion, and the outrageousness when it was called for.
All around a fun listen. Can’t wait to hear more in the series.
Tiny hands and little toes, Gabe Marchionni has no idea what to do with a baby. But he knows he better figure it out quickly when his ex-girlfriend drops off a baby, his baby, and takes off. He knows his old-fashioned parents will demand a marriage to go along with his new fatherhood status. Interestingly enough, the first person he thinks of isn’t his baby-mama, it’s the woman he dumped years ago. The love of his life. He’s going to get her back. Maggie’s life hasn’t gone as expected. She’s published but not the world-famous author she planned to be. In fact, she pays the bill by writing society stories, however, her next series might just be her big break. She’s not the fun party girl with model good looks. Rather she’s a stay-at-home “mom” with 15 extra pounds on her hips. She’s not a world traveler. Instead, she’s raising her niece and two nephews, so when Gabe shows up on her porch with another baby, she knows not to let him in, not to let down her walls to him. But Maggie never has been able to resist Gabe. He nearly destroyed her the first time but this time she will be smarter. She can use him to get her story. She just has to protect her heart.
Kathryn Hearst and her Bourbon Street Bad Boys were an accidental find for me. I’m not sure how I got on her email list but I am thrilled I did. I have a new author. I loved this book. I like the writing style. The pacing was good. It was easy to get lost in. The book was full of emotion, humor, suspense, and surprises. The characters were so believable. They felt like friends. Honestly, I could have read an entire book about Gabe with the kids. I loved that the kids weren’t treated as accessories to a love story. They were a part of it. My only complaint? I wanted more. I wanted to keep going with this patchwork family.
Wonderful Story & Narration Gripping & Delightful!
Absinthe Minded
Bourbon Street Bad Boys’ Club, Book 1
By: Kathryn M. Hearst
Narrated by: Aaron Shedlock, Stella Hunter
I enjoyed this book immensely, the story grabbed my attention right from the start and captivated it the entire time. I am not sure how but this my first book written by Kathryn M. Hearst. She is a gifted author with a wonderful writing style, the storylines she created are interesting and original. The characters are nicely developed, easy to relate to and connect with. The witty dialogue in this book is absolutely amazing, there are many laugh out loud moments. Gabriel Marchionni is next in line to become the head of his family’s mafia empire. It is more of an expectation than a choice but he has every intention of making all the future business dealings to be on the up and up. Then an unexpected bundle arrives from someone he had a fling with he runs home to his family looking for help. His father tells him what he needs to do, he can not see himself marrying the mother of his child but sees only one girl, the one that got away, Maggie. Maggie Guthrie was turned upside down after she sister and brother-in-law were killed in a car accident leaving their children in her care. She loves them with all her heart and does the best she can with them. The kids grandparents, the Marchionnis are trying to sue her for custody but she is fighting it. She was dating her sister’s brother-in-law, Gabe, until he ended it and broke her heart. So she was surprised when he showed up at her door holding a baby, he is need of help with the baby, he knows her financial situation is dire so he offers his help for hers. Little does she know he wants more than that and she she has plans of her own and she can make the situation work for her. This is an awesome second chance romance, the story is cleverly plotted with the perfect balance of romance, humor, heartfelt emotions and yes even a side of suspense with some mystery, twists and turns that keeps you wondering who is behind what is going on. Kathryn M. Heart, thank you for this wonderfully entertaining story, the laughs and the emotional rollercoaster ride.
And for the fabulous narration, Aaron Shedlock and Stella Hunter are entertaining storytellers, they do an amazing job portraying these characters, humanizing them as they bring them and their story to life. Aaron Shedlock grasped Gabe’s personal and played the role like no other, Stella Hunter did the same for Maggie. I loved how they took each role and made it their own, sounding believable and just as I picture the character sounds. You could hear how much heart they put into their work as they capture the characters emotions and project them into their performance. They set the perfect tone for the story, handle the witty dialogue with ease and land the humor flawlessly. Thank you for another awesome listen, it is always a pleasure to listen to your work.
Absinthe Minded
Bourbon Street Bad Boys’ Club, Book 1
By: Kathryn M. Hearst
Narrated by: Aaron Shedlock, Stella Hunter
So this book was highly recommended to me. I love mafia romance, but this one is a little different. While a mafia feel, the story is warm, funny and just made me feel good while I was listening. It’s the first book in the Bourbon Street Bad Boys’ Club and I can’t wait to delve into more of the family. This one features Gabe and Maggie. Once in love, these two broke up leaving both heartbroken. Now several years later, there has been a total upheaval in both of their lives. Maggie is now guardian to their niece and nephews, she is all about parenting and trying to keep afloat. Gabe is getting ready to take charge of the Marchionni Empire when his brand new baby daughter if given to him! Never having experience with kids, he goes to Maggie for help. And our story of second chances begins! It’s not all roses and chocolate for this couple. They definitely have their challenges, and Gabe’s parents are a force to be reckoned with! The story flows with fun and laughter while these muddle through their lives, trying to find a new normal. One thing is clear though. The love is strong!. Bring me more of this family please! It’s close knit, loving and one I would love to get to know better!
Aaron Shedlock and Stella Hunter are a favorite team of mine and when I saw they were narrating, I was thrilled. Perfect as Gabe, Shedlock brings out the hilarity in a first time dad as he struggles through diaper changing and makeup using. I was laughing out loud! Hunter proves just what a strong and capable woman Maggie is, bringing out the her ambitious drive and incredible love to keep her family together. And together, the two just give us all the feels between them with the true love they share. It’s a great listen! Two amazing storytellers, and a fantastic story!
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A baby has been dumped on him and he has no idea what to do so he turns to the one he dump for help. She is tired and struggling looking after her sister children when he reappears. He has an offer for her and she knows she should just refuse him but it is not so easy. Will she help him? How will it go? Will it be more dangerous this time around? See what she will do
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a great, fun read. I’m not usually into the mafioso type of story, but this was definitely an exception! The characters are very well developed and the story building is superb.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved the book it was great, the story was well written and the characters are interesting. Once I started I could not put the book down from start to finish you just could not get enough left you wanting more twists and turns with emotions that makes you want to even laugh, the storyline was unique for mafia style. Gabe received a surprise left at the door. Maggie was looking after it but could not afford to keep it. What will happen now.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story has a little of everything, sweet romance, sexy overbearing and frustrating alpha males and a beautiful woman who has the right heart and spirit. Thoroughly enjoying and entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Addictive, fun and witty book
This is the first book I have read from Kathryn Hearst, and I am already geared up to be reading the next one in her Bourbon Street Bad Boys Club series when it is released. Never have I ever read a Mafia book quite like this one!!!
Neither dark, nor particularly bad, Absinthe Minded still had the Mafioso characteristics, but was much lighter in it’s delivery. There were still cops to pay off, and hits to be undertaken, but, there were also fun moments where, in some of the most hilarious situations, the brothers threatened to dob each other into their mother, and the children drove the adults to drink. The whole thing had me transfixed to my reading device. I ignored jobs for the evening and stayed up way too late, because I needed to find out what the hell was going on. It was a great read.
I laughed out loud at the one-liners that absolutely and perfectly broke the tension that Ms Hearst would build throughout her book. Her writing is addictive and witty, and on the whole, I enjoyed the characters of Gabe and Maggie. There were several sub-plots on the go, as well as the main undercurrent of the series where the family is wanting to find out whether the car crash that killed Gabe’s older brother, and heir apparent to the family business, and his wife, Maggie’s sister, was an accident or not.
Possible suspects and motives are put forward for discussion, but of course we will be waiting until the next book to find out more. 4.5 Stars
A good story about Maggie,Gabe,3 kids and a baby then you add the Mafia family and you get drama,emotions,tension,some humor,conflicts and the mothers and you get a heartwarming romance.
Really enjoyed reading.
Voluntarily reviewed for Book sprout.
First book in a new series and it just had me laughing, screaming and crying.
Gabe turned his back on the love of his life all in the name of family.
Maggie is exhausted, and now raising her sisters’ children. The one big issue is the in-laws who want to take them away.
Who is she to go up against the family? Well this woman is stronger than she looks.
When Gabe shows up, needing help she wants to laugh in his face but she opens her door and lets in all the crazy that goes with it…
Romantic, suspenseful, funny, and the in-laws from hades!!!
4.5 stars *****. Sometimes this story was complicated and complex. Other times it was straight forward. Gabe is the oldest living son of a mafia connected family. His father is ill and he’s next in line to take over the family business. His goal was to steer make the business legitimate. Maggie is the sister who was married to the oldest son and they died under suspicious circumstances. She is also the custodian of the three surviving children. Gabe was also given a gift of a three month old daughter. See, there are all these underlying storylines. Slowly, but surely they start to straighten out, but there are secrets……. nicely written and was very enjoyable and entertaining. Even had some cute and funny moments, mostly on behalf of the kids.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book