His Guilty Pleasure

West Coast Mobsters #5

by Leighton Greene

His Guilty Pleasure is the fifth book in the West Coast Mobsters series. Follow the men of the Los Angeles underworld in this page-turning romantic suspense series as they find love, danger and mystery in the most unexpected places.

Each book in West Coast Mobsters tells the love story of a different couple who find their happy ending, as well as a resolution to the mystery they're investigating, but there are cliffhangers to the wider suspense plot for the series.

Content advisory notes are available to view on the Copyright page via Look Inside or by reading the sample.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Mystery, Romance, LGBT, Amazon, Queer

394 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 29, 2024

About the author

Leighton Greene has been writing stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Her first book was a choose-your-own-adventure style book about deciding what to eat for breakfast. It didn't shake the New York Times bestseller list, but she still has a copy of it.

After spending some time writing in academia, fanfiction and corporate reporting, Leighton decided she should probably do what she actually wanted to do, which was to write commercial fiction. So she did. She writes gay romance and, when the mood strikes, erotica as L.J. Greene.

Leighton lives with her partner and her cockatiel on the east coast of Australia.

(Source: Amazon.com)

Reviews

[Romance Recs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very well written but more suspense plot based on the entire Castaliani Family rather than a romance between two people.

I believe this book was written to draw together the overall plot off the book because there was a lot of internal mafia relations throughout. This book and story was about a parley (peace treaty) in which Sandro Castelianni invited all of the families over for peace talks.

I found this book somewhat entertaining because you MUST read this series in order so knowing the other MC's was a treat to read.

Fans of this series will love the cameos from Julian and Leo. We love them! They're my favorite couple in this series hands down.

This couple however, head security guy and butler. I could take it or leave it. There was a lack of romance between these two because the primary focus of this book was to solve a crime.

Even the bedroom scenes lead immediately back to the plot.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.25 stars

As I always make clear when reading these books, I am here for the romance not the mafia intrigue. So, as far as the romance goes, it was okay. I just wanted more of it. I liked Raffi and Darian together, I kinda wish we got more from the beginning—the flirting and pinning before the inevitable coupling.

What I did love was all the Julian content. I adore his manipulative ass and loved seeing him throughout the book.

As for the suspense and mystery, it was well done. I had pieces figured out, but it was fun to see everything revealed and confirmed.

I’m looking forward to seeing how things play out next.

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darian and Raffi ❤️

4 Stars ⭐️

Stories like this are why I can always count on Leighton Greene for some spicy Mafia romance. Not only are these characters perfectly delicious opposites that are so perfect for each other, I loved that we got to see Raffi protecting and loving straight laced Darian the way he deserved. In turn Darian showed Raffi what it's like to be loved for the long haul.... it was sweet and as always spice was on point 🔥. As a bonus there was also a dangerous and intriguing mystery that goes along with this series. I cannot wait to see what happens next. I would absolutely recommend.

* I received an ARC, this is my open and honest review *

[Akame · Rating 4 out of 5]

Podobnie jak w poprzedniej serii, gangsterzy byli honorowi, wierni i przelewali krew wroga tylko w ekstremalnych przypadkach, które czytelnik popierał 😉 Bez krwawych scen, opisów i przemocy, bardziej romans obyczajowy niż gangsta. Bohaterów lubiłam, fabuła nie nudziła, mam nadzieję, że autorka pokusi się o kolejne serie oparte na historii pozostałych rodzin 😉 Nie skomplikowane, w sam raz na lato 🙂

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good!!

I devoured this book so fast! I love a good murder mystery, especially when it involves the Castellani crime family!! Deluca and Darian made an excellent team and Julian has always given me the creeps but I loved how he was so overly protective of Darian. I enjoyed that we finally got to see what happened while Pedretti was away in the last book. Really enjoy this series!!!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good entry in the series but def not my fav. It felt like a set up for final book. Romance was ok but the mystery murder seemed to take center stage. 3.5.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isn't the blurb the plot of one of the earlier books or was it a plot arc with another couple in another series..where they lied for an alibi at a mafia wedding saying they were together to cover for a murder one of them did as a self defence. I very much disliked book 4 while book 3 was an absolute banger lets see how this one goes.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
😈
💋💋
🥵

Brilliant new book from Leighton.
Love these mobsters.
Check out the warning ⚠️

[S.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh me, oh my, Darian and Raffi are absolutely delicious! As is this entire book – the plotting, the tension, the secrets! When I tell you that my daughter had to call me several times to get my attention because we were at a crucial stage in the parley, and that I nearly jumped out of my skin, that gives you an idea of the intrigue in this book.

Add in a LOT of Julian (we all know how much I freaking adore Julian by now, right?!), as well as Sandro, Miller, Teddy and basically the whole damned cast, and you know you are in for a rollicking ride! The Lion and the Psycho have their own special moments – Darian telling Julian off for appearing less than fully dressed made me snort so loud – as well as catching up with others from the previous books mean that it feels like returning to a dear, familiar friend but with a sharp dangerous new twist.

The sexual tension between Raffi and Darian, their dynamic and how protective they were of each other reminds me so much of ‘Married to the Boss’ which is quite possibly the highest compliment I can pay their relationship. I devoured this in just a few hours and must now apologise to my family members for ignoring them. Cats are so unforgiving!

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a true and honest review, and honestly? Get this book because it was brilliant!

[Meghan Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will go all Stefan on people and say “this story has everything” Intrigue, murder, suspense, glitz and glam, the mafia, and of course lots of romance!

For this book the main characters are Darian, the butler of Redwood Manor introduced at the end of the third book, and Raffi, who is introduced in the fourth book and taking over head of security for the house.

The main event of this book is the peace talks regarding the Bernardi Family, that we saw split in the third book, during these talks a murder occurs. Darian is accused of being the murderer, but Raffi gives him an alibi and then they are on a quest to find the real killer.

The mystery element takes center stage (wink wink – if you have read this book) and the romance is secondary. I love Leighton Greene’s books, and still really enjoyed this one, but I would have liked a bit more backstory to both characters to develop the relationship a bit more.

When we first meet Darian and Raffi, they are flirtatious and attracted to each other, but then they focus on their jobs, since they both work at Redwood Manor. During the peace talks, their romance begins to grow. This was different to how many of the other relationships in the series have gone. It was interesting to see, and I feel like it helped not to fall into the insta-love trope that many romance books portray.

I always love the blend of mystery, romance, and eroticism that Greene has in the mafia books she writes. I truly enjoyed this book, and am so excited for the final one, but also sad that the series is ending! My main critique of the mystery is that it is obvious that Julian, and most of the higher-ups in the Family, were orchestrating the events at the peace talks. It reminded me a bit of Murder on the Orient Express, in the fact that most of the main characters had an involvement in the case.
This book relies heavily on you having read the previous ones in the series; I don’t think it would make as much sense without reading at least Julian’s book. It was still interesting to see how it all played out. I also didn’t connect as much with Darian and Raffi, but their intimate scenes were so well done. Greene is great at writing sexy times with her characters.

Things that felt a bit incongruous to me were how Darian is calculating and manipulative, yet also described as an innocent. Also, that Raffi was so honorable, but I would have thought someone who had been in the Family for as long as he had would have dealt with deceit and misdirection. I guess it is shown that he is learning from the main members of the Family.

While the sexiness is a huge draw but makes Greene one of my favorite authors is the overarching mystery that we still don’t have all the answers too! I have already preordered the His Wicked Wants!

[Aubrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Max and Bricker were solving their own mysteries, the Castellani's at Redwood Manor were training up their new butler, Darian. And he plays a central figure in all the chaos that occurred at Redwood while Max was away, leaving his second in command, Raffi, as head of security.

Sparks fly between Raffi and Darian rather quickly, though neither quite knows what to make of the other. But they have to cooperate in order for the suggested parley between Bernardi factions to go off without a hitch.

With the Bernardis warring against each other as they are, the Castellanis know it's only a matter of time before too much blood is shed, and too many lives are lost. So they suggest peace talks, with Tony Clemenza acting as mediator. (We'll remember Clemenza from the Morelli series, wherein he acting like a complete asshat the entire series before "quietly" retiring in LA.)

But of course, as seems rather apt for this series, it doesn't take long for complete chaos to ensue, and for all best laid plans to go completely awry. And in the middle of it all - Raffi lays his honour on the line to protect Darian, and the beginnings of their growing romance.

And, of course, there's fuckery afoot and all of our favourite harbingers of chaos are involved. And honestly, that terrifies me. Because as familiar as these brands of chaos may be, they're still incredibly unpredictable. And there is nothing more unpredictable than an old "friend" of Sandro's popping up on the scene at the least opportune time. (But that seems like a problem for the next book.)

As the peace talks fall apart, suspicions (and tensions) run high, and there is exceedingly little trust to be seen, it's up to Raffi and Darian to try to put the pieces together. And those pieces are convoluted, and jagged, and go together quite roughly.

They have their ups and downs, but they do make it through in the end. Darin and Raffi work well together to solve the various puzzles, and truly establish their places in the Castellani Family. But there are multiple leads that have been intertwined throughout this series, and various threads that have been weaving. And they all have to go somewhere.

It's all leading up to a grande finale, that's for certain. And I'm pretty sure that finale is leading to a showdown between Don Castellani and his mother, La Contessa. It's been hinted and poked and prodded enough. I'm honestly not sure how it's going to shake out, but it's going to be one hell of a ending.

[Joy Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leighton Greene has provided us views of the Mob life of Boston from the viewpoint of each member of the Morelli family. Then she turned her attention to the West Coast and the Castellani family. We heard from each of the three brothers and several of their key leaders in the field. But this story goes a step further. Now we see behind the “baize door: and into the servants’ hall.
Darian wants to work for the Castellanis because the pay is fabulous and he wants to save enough to fulfil both his and his mother’s dreams of opening businesses. Being a butler for an exacting boss is one thing but being a butler and a house manager for an exacting Boss is something else. Not only must everything be clean, elegant, and welcoming, but Darian has to known when to listen and report to Don Castellani and when to disappear and very particularly hear nothing. But he could do that. For the money he is getting, he could definitely do that. Except for the acting head of security.
Raffi is smitten with the new butler but in a way that surprises even himself. He wants to protect Darian from the dangers of working for the Mob. Darian is beautiful, sophisticated, and aloof. Raffi still has rough edges. Maybe opposites do attract.
It might all work out in a calm, peaceful manner if the Bernaldis, a rival Mob family, weren’t feuding and asking the Castellanis to help them reach a truce. Or if people didn’t start getting murdered on what was supposed to be neutral ground. Or if Julian Castellani wasn’t involved.
This is the latest in a series of the West Coast Mob books and some people will tell you that you must read them in order. I say you might enjoy them more if you knew the backgrounds before you started. But Green writes so clearly that you will catch up quickly: who is partnered with who (Hint: practically everyone is gay), who we are rooting for (Castellanis, with the exception of Leo Bernaldi), and how devious Julian is (He just is, in all the books, whether he is a main character or a tertiary bystander, always plotting something.)
As I said, there is a series of books and they are not formula other than male-male romance, happy ending. Each has its own plot, each character has his own life, each love affair runs its own course. You can count on Greene.

I received an advance reading copy of this book.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't really have time to start reading this book when I got a copy. I intended to just check out how long it was and maybe read the first paragraph of Chapter one before really starting to read it the next day. Well, once I started I couldn't stop. All other plans put aside. This happens to me with all of Leighton Greene's books. In just the first few paragraphs she already had me getting a good understanding of who Darian is and yet also managing to give me action too, not just a boring description.

Darian arrives at Redwood Manor for an interview with Julian Castellani for the butler's position. He meets Raffi DeLuca, part of the security team, as he arrives and both are attracted to each other. Darian is innocent and unaware of the shadier business of the Castellani family. Raffi is protective of him from the start.

As they begin to work together at Redwood Manor dealing with mafia crime business, they start to get to know each other on a deeper level. Amidst the mafia intrigue and tension of a multi-family parley at the manor, they each fight their attraction to each other at first, believing that the other one isn't interested.

I really liked how innocent and pure Darian is. The way his thought processes come across in the first person point of view really gives an excellent characterization of him as a good person who is unspoiled. And Raffi comes across as extremely protective of Darian believing that he isn't good enough for him. I loved how he is a streetwise mafia-made man yet he treats Darian gently and with respect, caring, and concern. He continually reassures Darian that he is safe with him, and he will always protect him no matter what happens. Who wouldn't want a man like that?

The plot thickens as unexpected things happen during the parlay and Darian and Raffi are thrown together in close quarters. This story is a masterpiece of a romance set against the backdrop of multiple mysteries with surprising plot twists, and I can't recommend it enough! This couple and their story have just moved up to be my favorite of this series.

[Traci S · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world building for this series is excellent, the author has created a very descriptive and fully realized mafia world with lots of vivid characters. It feels very gritty and it is so easy to get lost in this world. I loved the suspense right from the start. Things are heating up between the West Coast families, tensions are spilling over and getting messy. It was really fascinating seeing Darian take over as the butler for Redwood Manor. The tension is pitch perfect as he tries to get the lay of the land, learn who the important players are, and stay safe. I loved the constant threat, the feeling that it can all end so badly for Darian if he makes the even smallest misstep. The murder mystery has the feeling of an old school who done it, which was fun and really well executed. The romance side is also amazing. Raffi and Darian have pretty instant chemistry but in this world trust takes time. I loved seeing them grow closer as things get more and more dangerous at the Manor. I loved this couple, Raffi and Darian might be my favorite so far in the series. They have a wonderful mix of fiery chemistry and sweetness in how far they go to keep each other safe. Love this series, can’t wait for the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Showarst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness…man have I missed the Castellani Family. In this installment, we have the members of several mob families meeting to parley a peace agreement between the two feuding heads of the Bernardi Family. This book is happening at the same time as events of book 4. I absolutely love these characters and the ongoing storyline with these mob families. Raffi and Darian take center stage during the parley as Raffi gets bumped up to head of security and Darian hosts the members of the various families. I loved these two together and seeing them scramble to figure out who was behind the murders was great. The break-up was hurtful and I felt for both of them.

This is definitely not a standalone novel as the overarching plot has been happening since book 1. I am sad that the last book will tie up all the loose ends, but I am excited to see how it ends. I would love to see Sandro and Luca Morelli meet. I do miss Finch and Luca a lot. Leighton Greene does a fabulous job of creating these mob bosses and families that you actually want to root for. I look forward to the series finale.

I received an ARC for my honest review

[SNik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fifth in series (West Coast Mobsters), best if read in order due to overarching plotline and characters. Suspense. Co-workers. Close proximity. Found family. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.

Etiquette and perfection in his work is Darian’s primary concern as the butler for the Castellani family, even knowing he is working for a known crime family and having to deal with the flirtatious head of security doesn’t deter him. Raffi is immediately drawn to Darian, and keeping the peace during a dangerous family parlay is stressful enough, let alone making sure innocent Darian is safe from the family’s enemies.

I was so happy to be back with the Castellani family, and I really enjoyed Raffi’s protectiveness towards Darian as well as both men’s loyalty to the household. Darian and Raffi were sweet with each other, had some seriously steamy interactions, and their determination to stay together while confronting danger was swoony. I was invested in Darian and Raffi, loved all the intrigue, and was thrilled that the Castellani’s were just as protective of the couple.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

During a tense Mafia meeting at Redwood Manor, the meticulous butler Darian is accused of murder. To protect him, the head of security, the charming Raffi, fabricates an alibi, claiming they were together. This forces the two men, who already share a prickly attraction, to share a room and confront their growing feelings. However, Darian is hiding something, and Raffi, bound by duty, must decide how far he'll go to help him, all while they try to uncover the truth behind the murders before the mob takes matters into their own hands. Their burgeoning relationship might hold the key to the mystery, or their secrets could destroy everything.

This was a great story as the two men who were drawn together had to work through their relationship as well as the murders that happened in the Manor. Lots of danger and drama as they worked through the clues around the various events as well as between themselves. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

[Mal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, this story was such a wild ride. I loved the book and both MCs. Darian and Raffi are such opposites but also perfect for each other and after months of dancing around each other them giving in was just explosive.

The author keeps us on edge as the overall plot has all the criminal factions pitted against each other playing all these clandestine games in the midst of which a series of murders are playing out on neutral ground and it feels like it is a race to figure out what the end game is and nothing is as it seems and someone is pulling all the strings. There are layers of secrets to uncover as Raffi and Darian quest for the truth and that ending isn’t what I was expecting at all.

I love this series and I can’t wait for the next one.


Expect:
* Mafia romance
* Morally grey characters
* Slow burn
* Kink exploration
* Mystery and intrigue
* Opposites attract
* Protective MC

[Theresa Derwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Psycho Whisperer and the Security Guy

Occurring simultaneously with the previous book, this one sees security head Raffi DeLuca taking charge of the LA Manor whilst Max is away.
Julian poaches a new young butler at the same time, the very polite and handsome young man, Darian Thornfield-Hayes.
He's easy on the eyes, especially to Raffi, though they're always butting heads over service versus security, and Julian is loving it.
With the Manor hosting the parley, they're thrown together to get everything sorted and feelings are caught along the way.
But there's murder, treachery and violence.
This is sort of like a steamy gay mafia dies Cluedo or Murder She Wrote.
It's great fun and Darian will become a great character I'm sure. Just as Julian is.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darian, all prim and proper, becomes a butler for Julian Castellani. Raffi is the head of security and tried to warn him away but Darian won't listen. Now Raffi has to protect him. I love these books! Raffi is so protective and possessive of Darian and everyone else is a vicious killer. Darian is as innocent as a lamb and terribly naïve. Raffi is so tender and Darian is scapegoat material. Darian is so virginal and Raffi's one dirty talker though oh, so honorable. They appear to be opposites but there lies the attraction. This book is fitting in the series of these West Coast Mobsters. I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary opinion.

[kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Guilty Pleasure is the fifth book in the West Coast Mobsters series.
It is best if read in order due to overarching plotline and characters.
I was so happy to be back with the Castellani family, and I really enjoyed Raffi’s protectiveness towards Darian.
They appear to be opposites but there attraction and chemistry together is undeniable.
There are quite a few plot threads to unravel in this book, not least of which is Julian and Leo finally getting their vengeance for what they suffered under the Bernardis. There is plenty of action to keep you turning page after page.
I'm looking forward to more in this series.

[Nannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

​Castellani family is hosting, in fact insisting on, talks between the warring factions of the Bernardi family. Their violence is spilling into the community and the FBI is sure to follow if it does not stop. Running point for this will be Darian, the very efficient butler who has been there less than a year and has not experienced the true mafia yet, and Raffi, the second in security who knows one mistake could ruin his future and his life. The problems both men will have to deal with are a multitude. Even before they can deal with Julian wanting to kill AJ Bernardi, the new Don, they have to deal with each other.

There is so much potential for violence. The Castellanis expect problems and expect Raffi to take care all the security in hand. Darian finds his introduction to the mafia to be brutal when AJ's consigliere assaults him. The talks were a delicate balance under the best of conditions. Honestly, even before the assault, they were not the best of conditions. When the first murder occurs things quickly spin out of control.

Before Raffi and Darian can have their time together, they have to solve the murders. Julian now wants to kill AJ plus his consigliere for touching Darian. Don Castellani would Julian do it if it did not break the vows of the parley. It is a hot mess. I enjoy the relationship growth between Darian and Raffi. It was not a smooth road to happiness. Which makes a better book.

Every book in the West Coast Mobsters series has been five stars. I preordered His Guilty Pleasure. Once I finished the book, I preordered the next book in the series. This has been a wonderful series full of fun characters.

[Rami · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up! Oh my god! Raffi and Darian had my heart ina heartbreaking clutch since the beginning of this story. I just loved their dynamic, although I’d want a little bit more of depth in Darian’s backstory and on Raffi’s as well.

I felt like the author could’ve handled a tiny bit better all the things “family related” - I mean, I understand they’re the mafia, but maybe don’t put Julian and Sandro in a bad light, considering we all know why they are the way they are. Felt like it was unjust to cut off Raffi from all the intel they had just because they wanted vengeance.

Anyway! Raffi’s obsession with Darian was so cute, my man was IN LOVE!

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love anything by Leighton and this is such a great series. I always enjoy how well written the storylines are and the brilliant characters. This fifth book in this excellent series certainly lives up to my expectations and absolutely loved Darian and Raffi, phew so hot! The plot just kept me hooked with all the tension and waiting for all the secrets to be discovered along with a new twist! And not forgetting the amazing family of characters from previous books that join us yet again for an absolutely brilliant journey.

I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.

[Tricia H · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honorable mobster?

Delucca sees the world in black and white. He’s a mobster with honour which may be a tripping point for his boss. Thankfully he falls for the uptight butler who helps him see that some things are shades of gray. And that butler? He’s maybe not as uptight as he appears. At least not with DeLucca there to take control and help him to let go.

I’ve enjoyed so many of the books in this series. I didn’t really think I’d like this one though. Uptight butler didn’t do anything for me. But I was wrong. The story has some intriguing layers and the plot moves well. I was cheering for the MCs HEA by half way through.

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book overall, but I felt that the mafia storyline often took center stage, overshadowing the development of the romantic plot. While the romance was present, it sometimes felt secondary to the intensity and drama of the criminal world.

That said, Darian and DeLuca make a compelling couple with strong chemistry, and I appreciated their dynamic whenever it did come into focus. It was also fascinating to see the Castellani family from a different perspective—getting that insight added depth and intrigue to the narrative. Their portrayal brought new layers to the story, making it even more engaging.

[Kathy Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wild ride! My chest was tight throughout this whole book between the suspense and the angst and the action. I was rooting for Darian and Raffi from the start, and their journey together was worth every second of tense reading. Even now, as the book is finished, my brain is still doing all the math trying to make it all make sense. That’s the mark of a good story told by masterful storyteller—you can’t put the book down and it is hard to stop thinking about it. I love the West Coast Mobster series just as much as I love the Morellis and that’s saying something!

[Shannon Janssen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leighton Greene has done it again. "His Guilty Pleasure" is book 5 in the West Coast Mobsters series. Every time I think a book is my favorite the next book comes along and says "Hold My Beer". I absolutely loved this book. It is interconnected to the previous books so we get to see all our favorite Castellani's. The story has all the things that make Leighton Greene's mobsters my favorites. There is mystery, intrigue, secrecy, murder, mayhem, family, and heat! I cannot wait for the next book!!

[Latty Tesoro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wholesome, Passionate Innocence!

Now THIS is what I'm talking about, that fiery passion that was missing back in Max's and Bricker's story. OMG the DRAMA, SUSPENSE, THIRLL, and of course PASSIONATE INTERLUDES!

Darian and Raffi are so wholesomey cute and innocent that I couldn't get enough of them. And boy did I enjoy the "Justice" that was owed to my boy Leo and Julian---always a pleasure seeing Julian hehehe.

Hmmm with that dispute being settled, I wonder what awaits Nero's story.

[Emi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darian and Raffi

I've missed a good long mafia story with good plot between the mc's and through yhe book. I liked a lot of things here and there were only minimal things that didn't make really sense to me.
I like the wolrd Greene has created here and well as the Family dynamics. I got very interested of pther characters and their stories as well.
There were a lot of turns and it was like a good movie - you were sure that it'd end here and there would be cliffhanger or something because so much had happened already. I'm definitely looking into more books from Greene.