Review: The Price of Loyalty by Brina Brady 3 of 5 stars

The Price of Loyalty by Brina Brady
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Adrik, raised to inherit a violent Russian crime empire, walks away from the mafia but can’t escape the danger that still hunts him. Hans, a gentle German professor living a quiet, steady life, is his complete opposite. When their paths collide, the connection between them is immediate and unexpectedly deep. Hans offers the peace Adrik never believed he could have, while Adrik awakens feelings Hans thought he’d buried long ago. Both men fled their pasts, but neither can walk away from what they find in each other.

Adrik’s character is explored in far more depth than Hans’s, and while that made him compelling, it also left the emotional balance of the story a little uneven. I found myself wanting more detail around their feelings, especially Hans’s inner world, to fully ground the intensity of their connection. The bones of a strong emotional arc are there, but some moments felt like they needed more space to breathe. The ending was surprisingly abrupt, which stood out even more because the story easily had room to continue. It felt like the book stopped just as things were getting interesting, and a longer, more developed conclusion would have strengthened the overall impact. Still, the premise is engaging, the contrast between the two men works well, and there’s a lot of potential in their dynamic. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Family Ties by Brina Brady 4 of 5 stars

Family Ties by Brina Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ben thinks moving to California with Mishka will finally give them the peaceful, happy life they’ve fought so hard for — love, acceptance, and a fresh start far from their mafia‑entangled pasts. But safety proves to be an illusion. The Banetti family continues to meddle, threatening both Ben and the Chernovs, and putting strain on the marriage Ben hoped would be untouchable. His own family’s interference risks undoing everything he’s built. Meanwhile, Mishka’s dream of cutting all ties to the criminal world in New York is finally becoming reality. With a legitimate business, college classes, and the support of the Chernov family around them, he and Ben try to build a normal life. Yet they both know their marriage — a union between the sons of two rival mafia families, one Russian and one Italian — will always draw trouble.

I enjoyed this final instalment that leans heavily into the messy, painful reality of family ties — and how deeply they can cut, even when you think you’ve escaped them. Ben and Mishka may have built a new life in California, but the shadows of their mafia families follow them, straining their marriage and testing their trust in ways that feel both tense and emotionally honest. The constant push‑and‑pull between loyalty, fear, and love gives their relationship real weight, especially as the Banetti family refuses to let go leaving them needing more love and support from the Chernov family. What stands out most is how fiercely Ben and Mishka fight for each other despite the pressure closing in from all sides. Their bond is challenged, shaken, and threatened, yet it’s also strengthened by the very forces trying to tear them apart. A compelling continuation that shows love isn’t just about passion — it’s about surviving the storms your families create and choosing each other anyway. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like D/s dynamic.

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Review: Loyalty Required by Brina Brady 4 of 5 stars

Loyalty Required by Brina Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ben Banetti and Mishka Chernov come from rival mafia families, but their relationship has only grown stronger despite years of interference and hostility. When Ben’s father finally disowns him for choosing Mishka, he unexpectedly finds acceptance with Shurik — Mishka’s father — who embraces him as family. Living together brings Ben and Mishka closer, but it also creates new complications neither of them saw coming. Mishka longs for the same freedom Ben has found outside the criminal world, and with Shurik’s support, he begins the difficult process of going legitimate. As the two men deepen their bond — including exploring a BDSM dynamic — they face danger, loyalty tests, and emotional upheaval while dodging threats from coast to coast. Loyalty Required continues Ben and Mishka’s journey as two men raised by mob bosses who must confront the reality that their families are enemies… even as they fight for a future together.

I loved this story which was a gripping continuation of Ben and Mishka’s turbulent, high‑stakes romance. The tension of two men raised in rival mafia families trying to build a life together gives the story a constant undercurrent of danger, but it’s the emotional depth that really shines. Ben’s heartbreaking break from his own family and the unexpected acceptance he finds with Shurik adds a beautiful layer of found‑family warmth amid the chaos. Mishka’s struggle to step away from the criminal world and carve out a legitimate future is compelling, especially as he and Ben strengthen their bond and explore a deeper, more intimate dynamic. Their relationship feels both tender and volatile, shaped by loyalty, desire, and the constant threat of violence. With action, emotional vulnerability, and a romance that refuses to break under pressure, this instalment delivers a powerful blend of danger and devotion. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like D/s dynamic.

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Archie's Holiday by Brina Brady 3 of 5 stars

Archie's Holiday: A Foggy Basin Short Story by Brina Brady
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Archie Star, now a high school English teacher, spends his first winter break away from the Blue Star Diner and instead with Brogan Finnegan — the man whose rented room became a refuge and whose friendship grew into something deeper. As snow falls over Foggy Basin, Archie struggles with old insecurities that whisper he doesn’t deserve comfort or belonging. Yet Brogan’s steady warmth, shared meals, and gentle invitations begin to melt those doubts, offering Archie a glimpse of a life built together. On Christmas morning, under a tree adorned with handmade ornaments and soft lights, Brogan presents Archie with a simple but profound gift: a promise and a question. It’s not just about staying for the holiday season, but about choosing love, home, and permanence — staying for good.

I loved this short story that was about finding the courage to accept love, to stay, and to believe in a future built together. I loved how the story explored how belonging requires not just being welcomed, but believing you are worthy of staying. I also loved how love was portrayed as shelter — not just romantic passion, but the everyday comfort of being cared for. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: A Little Christmas 4: Jamie by Brina Brady 4 of 5 stars

A Little Christmas 4: Jamie by Brina Brady

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jamie, twenty-one and hopeful for a romantic Christmas getaway with his boyfriend Daddy Tom, finds himself abandoned in Big Bear, California. What begins with promises of gifts and holiday cheer turns into a nightmare when Tom disappears, leaving Jamie stranded in a raging snowstorm with no phone, money, or protection. As the cold closes in and despair takes hold, Jamie collapses by the roadside, only to be rescued at the last moment by Spencer, a mysterious stranger in a red truck. Taken to Spencer’s cabin, Jamie’s fate shifts — but questions linger about who Spencer truly is and what awaits him in the isolated, snow-covered mountains.

I loved this story about a young man betrayed and left to freeze, whose unexpected rescue may hold both salvation and mystery in the desolate winter wilderness. I also loved that in the story survival is not just about enduring the elements, but about finding the strength to keep hoping when all seems lost. It was great that this story was about the collision of betrayal and salvation, where survival in the cold becomes a metaphor for emotional endurance, and where a stranger’s kindness may thaw the deepest wounds. This was full of emotions and feelings. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Benson by Brina Brady 3 of 5 stars

Benson by Brina Brady
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Benson McCoy, thirty and rigidly disciplined, lives a life of routine on the road, hauling toys across the country while keeping his emotions locked away. His spotless truck and strict rules are shields against the silence of a loveless existence. Kyle Foster, twenty-two and reckless, bursts into Benson’s world with charm, chaos, and a desperate need for care. Hitchhiking west with nothing but a backpack, Kyle’s openness and laughter clash with Benson’s restraint, sparking tension and unexpected intimacy. Snowbound miles turn strangers into confidants as guarded silences give way to late-night confessions, cheap coffee, and tender moments neither planned. Benson wasn’t searching for a boy, and Kyle wasn’t seeking a Daddy — yet together they discover what happens when control collides with chaos, and buried tenderness demands to be seen.

I enjoyed this story about two strangers finding love in motion, proving that sometimes the road to intimacy begins with collision. I liked that Benson’s rigid discipline met Kyle’s reckless freedom, creating friction that blossomed into connection and that both men carried emptiness, but the road became a space where vulnerability could surface. Neither man sought romance, yet their bond grew from chance encounters into something transformative. I also liked that beneath the banter and tension lies the possibility of healing through care and acceptance. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like DDLB dynamic.

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Review: Finding Archie by Brina Brady 3 of 5 stars

Finding Archie by Brina Brady
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Feeling lonely and disconnected after his mother's death and a distant relationship with his father, Archie moves to Foggy Basin for a fresh start. He takes a job at the Blue Star Diner and rents a room from Brogan. Brogan, a kind high school teacher with a passion for helping others, offers Archie the warmth and stability he's been missing. Their shared living space leads to a deeper bond, and they realize that what they're truly looking for isn't just a place to live, but a sense of belonging with each other.

I enjoyed this story of the two men who found comfort and connection with each other. I did find some of the situations between Archie and Brogan's ex was overdone and too farcical. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Sent to the Ranch: Carrillo Ranch Book Brina Brady 4 of 5 stars

Sent to the Ranch: Carrillo Ranch Book by Brina Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Torin O’Connor, seeking refuge from his Brooklyn mafia past after a reckless mistake, is sent to Montana’s Carrillo Ranch. There, he meets Garett Barnes, a stoic cowboy with a complex past and a secret life as a Dom. Though initially clashing, Torin and Garett form an unexpected connection that helps Torin uncover his inner strength. However, the danger from Torin’s past resurfaces, threatening their bond and safety amidst Montana’s rugged beauty.

I loved this story with the two men who clashed until they found a way to respect each other to help build mutual trust. There were lots of emotions and feelings as they worked to get to know each other and handle the danger from the past. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content and a  BDSM-like D/s dynamic.

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Review: A Daddy for Christmas 2: Baran by Brina Brady 3 of 5 stars

A Daddy for Christmas 2: Baran by Brina Brady
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Nineteen-year-old Baran Arslan gets a shocking Christmas present from his father. When Turkish businessman Marat Arslan discovers his son is gay, he flies him from Istanbul to New York City for the holiday - and abandons him. Cut off from access to his family and any funds Baran must figure out how to survive. Fortunately, he speaks English and soon meets a young man who directs him to Rainbow Haven, a homeless shelter for gay young men. Twenty-eight-year-old Darien Moore has the looks, charm and inherited wealth that would have allowed him to become the perfect New York City playboy. Instead, he has invested his time and money to create Rainbow Haven. He’s found his purpose in providing not just shelter, but a place of hope where young men can rebuild their lives.

This was a sweet story although Baran's situation was heart breaking. I did struggle with the way Darien started a relationship with Baran so easily considering that he was in his care and the way Baran kept running away to the subway. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature and a BSDM-like Daddy/boy dynamic.

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Review: A Little Christmas 3: Jasha by Brina Brady 3 of 5 stars

A Little Christmas 3: Jasha by Brina Brady
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Valentin Kozlov can’t come up with the cash to pay his debt to real estate magnate Kaleb Bronson, Kaleb offers to accept Jasha in lieu of the cash. Jasha is stunned but agrees to the deal in order to save his father’s life. All isn’t as it seems, however. It’s the Christmas season, a season when wishes come true. What Kaleb really wants is a boy to love and care for, and he thinks Jasha could be the boy he’s been longing for. Now, amid the magic of Christmas at Lake Tahoe, Jasha must decide if Kaleb is the Daddy he’s been dreaming of.

This was a sweet Christmas story as Jasha struggled with his love of his father and feelings for Kaleb. I enjoyed the Russian immigrant factor to the story. Lots of emotions and feelings in this story. This was an MM story with mature content and a BSDM-like DDLB dynamic.

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Review: A Daddy for Christmas: Daniel by Brina Brady 3 of 5 stars

A Daddy for Christmas: Daniel by Brina Brady
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Daniel is a gifted dancer but is in a spot after losing his job as he needs money to pay his rent and for his motorcycle. His problem is that he has a habit of flirting with everyone he meets and he also wants a daddy boyfriend but he needs to focus on his career and education first. He has an audition at the Glitter Box Club, a notorious gay hotspot for the rich and powerful. Mr. Baranov is a member of a notorious Russian mafia family and runs the club with an iron fist. He has no interest in romance or commitment and dates his club dancers for convenience as everyone knows the score. Then he sees Daniel Sparks and everything changes.

This started as an enjoyable story with the delightful brattiness of Daniel and the control great that was Mr Baranof. I loved all the danger and drama around the Baranov family and the way that he was mostly able to control and tame Daniel without him losing his spirit. I would have given this story an extra star in the rating but it ended so abruptly that I was just confused. Easy to read and feel this was an MM story with mature content and a BSDM-like DDLB and D/s dynamic.

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Review: A Little Christmas! Blaine's Secret by Brina Brady 3 of 5 stars

A Little Christmas! Blaine's Secret by Brina Brady
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Daddy Jacob knows it is time for him to find a boy so he co-sponsors a Christmas Party Mixer for 10 Daddies and 10 boys to find perfect matches for everyone. Blaine and Davie recently aged out of care and are too poor to afford transport to the mixer so to reward Blaine's bravery in calling the number and asking for help Jacob sends a car for them. Daddy Jacob immediately knows he wants Blaine, but several things stand in his way. First, there's a rule that he must mix with all the prospective boys for the five days and only make his choice on Christmas Eve, and second, he has to make Blaine choose him over the other daddies and finally; he knows Blaine won't abandon Davie without a daddy of his own. When Blaine reveals a secret, will it further complicate their situation? Can they overcome all these obstacles with the help of some Christmas magic?

This was a sweet story with two best friends who had come through the care system after a bad start in their lives and how Blaine was brave enough to make a phone call and find them their happy ever after with the Daddy of their dreams. I loved how Jacob had an instant connection with Blaine but had to be seen to follow the mixer rules even though they weren't. Clear and easy-to-understand writing. This is an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like DDLB dynamic.

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Review: Without Respect by Brina Brady 4 of 5 stars

Without Respect by Brina Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Benito Banetti is the youngest son of an Italian mobster and is gay. His father would never let him be in an openly gay relationship. Ben intends to change that and find a man whom he wants but when it turns out the man he wants is the son of a family enemy his father gives him an ultimatum to either marry his female cousin, and all is forgotten, or if he is with Mishka Chernov, a Russian mobster, he will disown him. Mishka took over the family business out of love and respect for his father but he realises he is not suitable for the top spot in the family. He meets a beautiful man at a sleazy brand when he finds out who he is he still wants him even with the problems he would cause his family’s business. Mishka wants the same freedom and separation from the family business that Ben has.

I loved this story with Ben struggling under an autocratic father who hated that he was gay and Mishka who was mesmerised by Ben and then in love with him fairly quickly. I loved Mishka's father who loved him accepting his sexuality and was willing to accept Ben into his family. Lots of politics in the large family but a lot of love too. I was heartbroken after their misunderstanding but thrilled when they worked it out. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content and elements of BSDM-like D/s activities.

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Review: Dante's Discipline by Brina Brady 4 of 5 stars

Dante's Discipline by Brina Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Twenty-four-year-old gang member Dante Medina committed unforgivable offences by being gay and sleeping with a different gang member. His father sent his two older brothers to his aunt's house in Santa Monica but that was not as helpful as it appeared. Ex-army officer, protector and Dom James chose to protect Dante who is warned to never break the rules and to accept James's decisions at all times or his punishment will be harsh. Dante happily accepted the rules and consequences of the Gay Protection Society conditions. Unfortunately, no amount of protection can alter the gang’s determination to take Dante down for good.

I enjoyed this story with the strange organisation that protected gay men from danger by gangs or criminal organisations and their rules. Dante was definitely a free spirit and it took a while for him to settle down with the restrictions but I liked the way that the relationship between Dante and James started from the physical but developed into something far more emotional and deeper. I loved the way that the story ended and the happiness that they both shared. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM story with mature content in a BSDM-like D/s relationship.

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