She’s in way over her head.Bonnie Drummond is from the wrong side of the tracks, raised in a family of liars and criminals. No matter how hard she tries to stay on the straight and narrow, she always finds herself sucked back into the family drama, forced to sacrifice everything she’s earned to protect her family.But this time they’ve gone too far—crossed the wrong people—and to save them she’ll … far—crossed the wrong people—and to save them she’ll have to put her life on the line.
Roman Kozlov, enforcer for a New Orleans mafiya family, is the poster child for the life Bonnie is struggling to escape. But he’s also as alluring as he is dangerous, and it doesn’t take long for their lives to begin to mesh.
With Roman, Bonnie finds the family she never had.
As their race for answers heats up, so too does the budding romance between them. And with danger nipping at her heels and love threatening her heart, Bonnie must come face-to-face with her past if she wants to have a future.
NOLA Knights
Book 1: His to Defend
Book 2: Hers to Tame
Book 3: Mine to Keep
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OMG! “Mine To Keep” is the 3rd upcoming, romantic suspense must read with hunky heroes & strong feisty women, who have overcome so much, but then find their own HEA, against all odds! This phenomenal page-turner had me glued to my seat not wanting to stop! … Once again I was blown away from the get-go, as no-one tells a story like Rhenna Morgan! She reels the reader in and breathes life into her characters with clever dialogue, amazing attention-to-detail, plus surprises, twists & turns in fresh new plots! … It’s like a movie in living color only playing in your mind! … Take our H/h here, Roman & Bonnie whose push & pull, steamy hot, slow-burn chemistry is off the charts! … I strongly recommend reading all 3 connected “Nola Knights” books in order for your maximum reading pleasure 🙂 … Also, I highly recommend this to 18+ adult fans of fiction, coz I do know when a book should get 6 stars, IMHO! … So run, don’t walk to pre-order your own copy now! I already did, even tho I volunteered to read this early, it was without any outside influences & these are my own true feelings! Now, back to waiting again for more best sellers by this talented author!
OMG….I have been a fan of Rhenna Morgan since the very first Men of Haven series book. When she started the new NOLA Knights series, I was excited beyond belief. I LOVED book #3, Mine to Keep. Bonnie is a strong, confident character who is doing the best she can with what she can. She catches the eye of Roman, who immediately deems her “his.” The methods and levels that Roman goes to in order to prove his love, devotion and safety, may appear heavy-handed or caveman-like. Roman knows what he wants….Bonnie and he will move anything obstacle in his path to have her – love her and win her love in return. For fans of HEA alpha-male, win-the-girl at any cost and keep her from harm storylines, you will get sucked into the story and never want it to end.
Rhenna is a talented storyteller who keeps you guessing til the end and makes you want what her character’s have. The love and devotion she describes is unlike any other. I am truly sad that this book is the end of the NOLA Knights series. I cannot wait to see what Rhenna writes next and will be first in line to read her next masterpiece
5 stars
Bonnie comes from a family of liars and drunks. They are always trying to make a quick buck. When her brother and father are taken, she asks her friend for help. Roman is from Russia and belongs to the Russian mafia. He grew up rough and now will do anything for his family. When someone attacks Bonnie, Roman takes her to his place and puts guards on her. Bonnie has been on her own since she was seventeen and is not used to somebody taking care of her. Will Bonnie be able to forget the criminal acts Roman commits or will she go back to being alone?
Loved this story. Suspense and romance. Bonnie is independent and tough. Roman is dangerous but with a big heart. Couple of sexy scenes.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *
A great addition to the NOLA Knights series. Roman jumps to the top of my favorite Rhenna Morgan men. Loved the way he was there for Bonnie and helped her feel accepted. Bonnie and her want to protect her family was easy to connect to. I throughly enjoyed seeing some of the Texas family popping up. Hoping another visit to New Orleans is coming. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
Roman and Bonnie had exactly the story they needed. Roman needed some humor and light in his life, while Bonnie needed honesty, stability, and someone to have her back for a change. So when she runs into trouble that isn’t hers, but can easily become a problem, Roman jumps in by way of taking over.
I’ve really enjoyed this series because these guys are intense, but only dangerous to anyone except family if crossed. Roman definitely fits with this series, and not only because he’s one of the brothers. He fits because he’s got a heart of gold, a desire to pay his good fortune in life forward, and so much love to give. And Bonnie is definitely deserving of that love. She’s had it rough and her confidence is severely lacking when up against these guys, but this family by choice does what they do best: they show her how life can be with support and love by your side.
I’ll definitely continue reading this author’s works because she gives me a wonderful escape from reality without making it feel too much like fiction. And that’s quite a gift to me.
Mine to Keep is the third book in the NOLA Knights series. I read it as a stand-alone since this was a new-to-me author and I loved it so much that I am going to go read the previous books. It was fast-paced, attention-grabbing, and well written. The storyline was interesting, and I was hooked from the beginning of the book. It was full of suspense, tough alpha men, and feisty women. The author introduced some of the characters from the Men of Haven series and they sound just as intriguing as this series. Will have to add them to my TBR list!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is Book #3 in the NOLA Knights Series by this author and it was well worth the wait! Roman and Bonnie’s chemistry is quite steamy from the minute they meet. Another wonderful romantic suspense in this series that has all the elements I look for and enjoy. I have read reviews that suggested reading the previous series, Men of Haven, before reading this series. Unfortunately I haven’t read the Men of Haven series yet, but I didn’t have a problem following along in these books whatsoever. A great addition to the NOLA Knights series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.
Mine to Keep Rhenna Morgan
NOLA Knights #3
Loved this book but then, I expected I would since I have loved every book I have read by this author! Once started I could not stop reading…had to find out just how Bonnie and Roman would manage their happily ever after. I was caught just as quickly and as tightly as Roman caught Bonnie! Great story
What I liked:
* Bonnie: smart, sassy, a good woman that made the best of a bad situation. She cared for her family even though they did not always take care of her. She so deserved to be found, loved and protected by Roman.
* Roman: intelligent, strong, lethal, an enforcer and made man with compassion and strong love for those he considered his family. He was perfect for Bonnie and deserved her love. He was also HOT stuff in more than one way…an alpha male through and through.
* Seeing Sergei, Evie and Emerson Petrovyn along with Cassie and Kir Vasilek as well as also getting to see some of the men and women from the Haven series. I love both groups of people!
* That strong men known for being ruthless businessmen also have a soft loving side for those they care about and consider family.
* That it was well written
* That I cared what would happen to the characters
* That I knew Roman had a ruthless side…not sure *I* know anyone like that but do enjoy meeting them in fiction.
* The connection between Bonnie and Roman
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* The person who kidnapped Bonnie’s father and brother
* That Bonnie had such a tough time before meeting Roman
* Having to say goodbye to the characters…wouldn’t mind being a member of their family!
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Carina for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Mine to Keep is book three in the NOLA Knights series by Rhenna Morgan. This series is a spin off to her Haven Brotherhood series but you do not need to have read it to enjoy this. Once again Rhenna has written a hero that has stolen my heart, a man of honor with a jaded past. I loved this book!
Bonnie Drummond is twenty five years old. Her entire life, her father and brother have done whatever they could to swindle or cheat the system. Bonnie has spent her entire life trying to distance herself from their activities, living honestly, working two jobs. But they are her family and she loves them. So of course, it’s her that is always having to bail them out. As a result, she has nothing to show for all her hard work and has given up on any dreams. This time, though, she’s afraid they’ve gone too far. She needs help and has no one to turn to. So out of desperation, she calls the only real friend she has, Cassie. But when Cassie comes to get her, she brings Roman!
“Sometimes family built on choice is stronger than those built on blood.”
Roman Kozlov is enforcer and friend to Sergei Petrovyh, head of the New Orleans mafia. Roman came from horrible beginnings in Russia. Now in New Orleans, he does all he can to help boys who were like he was. He’s ashamed of his beginnings. He tries to be a man of honor, live by a moral code. But he is still mafia. When he accompanies Cassie to pick up her friend, Bonnie, the minute he lays eyes on her, she is all he sees. Roman has never attempted an actual relationship. How could he ever expect any woman to accept a man with his past? But for the first time, he wants to try.
Both Bonnie and Roman have secrets they’d rather not share. Roman makes his interest known but his life is everything Bonnie should run from. But the more they get to know each other, the more she is drawn to this man who makes her feel safe and cared for. Roman is bossy and broody, protective and possessive. I loved him. He is proper and insists on treating Bonnie respectfully, even if she fights him every step of the way. Bonnie is rough around the edges, it’s the only way she knows. She has no idea how to take a man like Roman. She keeps waiting for the ugly side of him to show. She’s convinced this can’t all be true.
“Leave the past behind you where it belongs. Give your future to me.”
I loved every single thing about this book as I have this entire series. Something about these men! They love with their entire soul. When Roman fell, he fell hard and Bonnie didn’t have any choice in the matter but to get on board. I loved watching her give in. I loved even more watching Roman woo his woman. I don’t know what Rhenna Morgan is doing next but I can’t wait to find out.
“She was his.
His to provide for.
His to protect.
His to keep.”
I am a sucker for hot, alpha bad boys turned swoon worthy heroes. So of course I instantly rooted for Roman to win over Bonnie and be her fairytale ending. This story held my interest with the sizzling chemistry, action, and drama throughout. Even without reading the first two books it was easy to follow and connect with all the characters. This is a series that I want more of and will be going back to read those prior to this one.
I have loved this series (spinoff of the fabulous Men of Haven series). Bratva, sort of? Yes. Russians? Double Yes. Roman is off the charts, seriously, badass, alpha and loving. The only problem I had was with Bonnie. Even though I appreciated that Bonnie did not want to sponge off of others, her saying it all of the time got on my nerves. Bonnie is a strong person and I admired her willingness to keep her family close and help them. I tell you what, having someone like Roman take care of you, love you and meet all of your needs, you better jump on that!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
4.5 stars
Bonnie finds herself unexpectedly embroiled in family drama and turns for help from her only friend, Cassie. Since Cassie’s connection to the bratva mean she’s always under protection, when she rushes to help Bonnie out, Roman arrives in tow ready and willing to help a friend of the family. Who knew the quiet guy would fall so hard for a feisty spirit?!
After the first two books and the passionately whirlwind relationships, I was pleasantly surprised by the subtle sweetness/sneak attack on Roman’s part to win Bonnie over. He went out of his way to build a safe haven for Bonnie, laying a foundation of trust after the cruddy hand life had dealt her. He was also rationally bossy which created some rather amusing arguments between him and Bonnie.
If you’ve not read Rhenna’s books, the romance always takes front and center and Mine to Keep holds true to the formula. However, I would have enjoyed a little more…oomph? I suppose, to the suspense thread. That part of the story didn’t quite lure me in like the previous stories did. At any rate, this was still a good read and I was thrilled to see Roman get his book.
I received an advance reader copy from Carina Press/Harlequin and Netgalley and this is my honest review.
Mr. Bossy Pants!!
Bonnie has had a rough life and trust is not an emotion that comes easy. She is tough and street smart.
“Sorry. I’m snarky on even my best days, but today’s been a killer.”
One spitfire who’d fought and clawed to keep herself whole and healthy despite the nest of vipers and narcissists she’d been born into had humbled him and left him speechless like no other.
Roman would do anything for his family. Russian Alpha male, protective, sexy, swoon worthy bad boy with a heart of gold. When he makes up his mind there is no stopping him from claiming what is his.
“The life you once knew has drastically changed.”
She was his. His to provide for. His to protect. His to keep. The second he’d kissed her he’d known it. Felt it on the most primitive level, all the whispered clues given by his instinctual self from the day he’d met her instantly roaring with certainty.
From the very first Haven book until now this series has been on the top of my favorite list. Every book just gets better than the last.
5 Star All The Way!!
I have loved each of the heroes in this series, but I have to confess, Roman has completely won my heart! For such a fierce character who once was the man to do the dirty jobs, he’s got such a sweet center to him and watching him win Bonnie was totally swoon worthy. I loved the way his rough English worked for him when he was determined to get his way. And holy heck! Roman was so incredibly possessive but without being heavy handed about it. He’s definitely going down as one of my top favorite heroes of all time!
Bonnie also won my heart which isn’t something a lot of heroines can claim to do. She was one tough woman and yet she had such vulnerability to her I couldn’t help but love her and want the best for her. When Roman steps in to help make things easier for her, my heart just melted for her as she experiences things that she’s never had the chance to experience before.
This felt like a fast read due to the constant flow of the storyline and the development of the characters. It has the perfect balance of drama, angst, sizzling chemistry, outside obstacles and secondary characters that supported this hero and heroine. I was completely engrossed within the pages of this book as it caught me up within Roman’s and Bonnie’s lives. I absolutely HATED that it ended because I definitely need more of them both.
Huge recommendation for anyone who enjoys romance of any subgenre.
In the light of full disclosure I actually got an ARC of this book (Advanced Reader Copy) although to be honest I’d have purchased it anyway as I’ve really been enjoying the series as an excellent diversion to the current life/universe we find ourselves in, this way I just had to post a review as opposed to shelling out the pennies. So in payment here I go
The key element for me is the character development of these books how they relate to the previous series “Men of Haven” without making it so that you need a hierarchy chart maker, or so that every 2nd chapter is a rehash of a segment in a previous book so you can keep up. Fortunately neither of these annoying traits were prevalent. I enjoy reading how the work with one another, sort through their misconceptions, and finally see and work with one another as equals not just the main characters.
I do enjoy a happy ending and this delivers without giving anything away because its not all happy happy joy joy. If you have enjoyed the other books in this series I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one too.
I’m such a sucker for an honorable bad boy! Roman is mafia with a good heart. He’s feared by many, and yet he genuinely cares about good people and shows it in his actions. Take a man like that and see how he treats the woman he falls in love with, and you get gold.
In a way this is a cinderella type of love story. Roman is rich and powerful. Bonnie is poor and in a bad situation. I thoroughly enjoyed how Roman steps in and takes care of Bonnie, all while fixing her situation that her family has put her in.
Bonnie does have some resistance because Roman just seems too good to be true. She is so used to people using her or bailing on her, that she is afraid to believe Roman won’t do the same. Roman recognized this in her and pursued her in a way to show her he was different. It’s all I could ask for in a hero. Loved it!
***3.5 Stars***
I was really excited to get my hands on this baby.
I’ve loved the first two books in the series, as well as the Men of Haven series….
But…(I know.The dreaded ‘But’)
But this book fell firmly in the ‘like’ department for me, instead of the ‘love’ department like I was hoping it would.
I’d love to put that on the year that 2020 has been, and maybe that is a part of it since things have gone sideways all over the world, but while there were definite bright spots in the book, I needed more. And, yes, I know that saying that is vague as all get out.
So, what did I like?
Roman. Not a surprise since I do have a thing for broody, gruff and at times OTT alpha AF males.
The Family. Getting to hang out with Sergei, Eve, Emerson, Cassie and Kir ~ as well as Olga (who is AWESOME) ~ and seeing how they were all doing was a lot of fun.
The Haven crew: It may not have been the entire crew, but it still made me all kinds of happy to spend a little time with them.
Now you may be asking about Bonnie. Here’s the thing. I liked her, I did. She’s hard working, loyal and has a good dose of sass, but she also kinda made my eyes hurt from all the rolling some of her thoughts and actions caused. So, I waffled quite a bit between wanting to high five her, hug her and Gibbs smacking her.
In the end, I’m just chalking this up to being a one off because I do adore this author and am definitely curious to see what she has in store for us next.
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
Absolutely love this series. Each book has a unique twist and HEA.
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over: https://margaretmcgaffeyfisk.com/category/reviews/
Rhenna Morgan has become one of my favorite authors. She combines strong female leads with self-aware male leads in stories hinging on honor and acceptance. The heroes in NOLA Knights may be tainted knights because they are Russian bratva, similar to mafia, but they fight for those under their protection when the law can’t or won’t.
Mine to Keep is no different in theme from the first two books. The novel pairs Bonnie, a friend of Cassie who starred in the previous book, with Roman, the last of the Russian brothers and one whose story I eagerly awaited.
Roman, more than either of his brothers, is shadowed by his past. The product of a Russian orphanage, thanks to Sergei, he became an enforcer, the weapon in his vor‘s hand. He has committed acts he can never cast off and knows he’s unworthy of a love like his two chosen brothers have found. He will stand by them, will give his life for them and their families, but never imagines he’ll have a family of his own beyond his bratva.
Bonnie is a New Orleans native from a worn-down area known for its rough edges. She might have escaped to attempt a respectable life, but her brother and father are happy to muck around in the swamp with little thought to the crocodiles. Her father is a con artist who is dying from liver failure. What meager jobs she can manage, even working two-to-three at a time, barely cover his medical costs. There’s no room for the gambles her family takes, but for all her talk, she’ll never abandon her brother and father to their fates.
These mismatched protagonists start with a common need to protect their families at whatever cost, but their connection runs deeper than that. Bonnie is ashamed of her background as much as Roman is of his past. He can understand her in a way the others can’t, and this creates a bond long before he’s ready to accept what she means to him.
It takes Bonnie even longer to look past Roman’s expensive gifts and Russian endearments to see how he’s accepted her with all her quirks. She recognizes his inner value early and finds herself wanting in comparison. The novel demonstrates how love is shown in the little things more than the grand gestures, even when lives are on the line. Just as she accepts Roman as a whole person, Roman learns the hopes and dreams she keeps hidden. He cultivates her inner self as much as he loves her smart-talking bravado.
The courtship is beautiful and takes up most of the book. This is both the same and different from the rest of the NOLA Knights series, because the mystery plays only a small part until almost the end. Clues are left unnoticed, though given the circumstances, I can forgive the oversight.
Rather than seeing how the brothers break down each point, we’re focused on Roman trying to prove not his worth but hers. The book has several open-door intimate scenes when Roman lets the physical speak for him, along with the many ways he shows Bonnie how important she’s become.
Don’t let my comments fool you into thinking the mystery is ignored or unaddressed, though. There are some interesting aspects in how it unfolds I’d love to share but can’t because you need to see them in context. It’s just not the primary focus of much of the story. We get a solid resolution to both the love story and the mystery. Have no fear.
Plot-driven books are easy to review. I can mention the building action and then spin off into notes on the other elements. This story is so tangled up in questions of self-worth and acceptance, it’s harder to discuss without spoiling something. I’ll say only I found the ending satisfying, the romance emotionally powerful, and the story a perfect mix of honor and understanding.
P.S. I received this ARC through the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Roman’s book is an amazing and epic conclusion to the NOLA Knights books. Roman is one of Sergei’s men and has a very shady past. Bonnie is a wonderful character with a family and past she’d rather forget. When her father and brother disappear, Bonnie turns to the only friend she has, Cassie Vasilek. When Bonnie contacted Cassie, she doesn’t understand just how much her life is going to change. Drawn into the Mafia and attracted to an enforcer, Bonnie finds herself slowing belonging and wanting what Roman, and his family have to offer. Neither character expected the sparks to fly, but they do. When Roman’s world collides with that of Bonnie and her father and brother, Roman will do anything and everything to keep them safe. Bonnie must now choose to either let Roman protect her or to walk away from the one and only man who cherishes and loves her.
The author constructed a very strong, loyal, and loving heroine in Bonnie. She dealt with a lot over the years while trying to avoid the same lifestyle of her father and brother. Her father and brother still rely on her for money which is why Bonnie works two jobs but doesn’t have anything to show for it. After Bonnie’s father and brother disappear from their home after a strange encounter where her brother saw fit to hide her, she acknowledges her need for assistance. Roman knows letting Cassie go to Bonnie’s location would not sit well with her husband so he goes along as a protector. He can’t figure out Bonnie, but has made it his mission to help her, even if all roads continue to lead to a dead end. As their interactions become more frequent, the reader can’t help but feel the slow burn romance in the making.
I enjoyed the chemistry between Roman and Bonnie, the slow dance, the crescendo, the heat. The author writes incredible romantic suspense stories. The plot was smooth and the story was perfectly paced. I was never bored or overwhelmed with details. The dialogue between characters is realistic and conversational and I felt like I was there with them in the story. The events and storylines were well thought out and eventually they all came together in an explosive twist at the end. Be prepared to get lost in Mine to Keep.
I was provided a copy of this book to review.