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GRIZZLEY: A Dark Gangsta Romance

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Griz wasn’t raised on love—he was raised on survival.

His parents trained him and his siblings to be ruthless killers, not kids. They were given animalistic names on purpose, raised to move like predators and show no mercy. By the time Griz wanted out, he’d already done unimaginable things. But his oldest brother Gremlin has leverage over him—one mistake from the past that could take his freedom. So Griz keeps killing when all he wants is to be done.

His next job is simple—kill her and move on.

Instead, Griz gets close. Too close. He falls in love, and she gives him peace, makes him believe he can be something other than what he was raised to be. He lets his guard down… and that’s when she plays him. She disappears, leaving him exposed, heartbroken, and looking stupid in a world where mistakes get you buried.

That betrayal turns Griz cold.

Now she’s back—not running anymore. She’s coming for revenge, carrying secrets that tie directly to him. But Griz isn’t the same man she left behind. The love is gone. What’s left is pain, rage, and a need for blood.

While all this is happening, Griz still has a life to live, a business to run, and affairs to keep in order.

Against his better judgment, he starts to fall for someone new—a love that’s forbidden and goes against everything he stands for. He vowed to never love again, but here he is. This causes friction between him and those closest to him.

Then the unhinged side of him that he thought was buried comes back out. And he realizes his new love interest is just as unhinged as him.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 21, 2026

381 people are currently reading
90 people want to read

About the author

Bonnie Blanco

40 books103 followers

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5 stars
319 (66%)
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114 (23%)
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37 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Shonta.
122 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2026
Don’t poke the bear!!

I absolutely loved it! Let me first say Goldie knew who her real daddy was 😂😂 This book dealt with childhood trauma, abandonment, love and the lack of, abandonment, more love, peace, and more. The originality and the way the topics were touched on is top tier. It was full of drama and action like a true B. Blanco book. Grizzley had this aura about him that just says I’m a boss, smooth with it, and I got BDE. He was private, quiet, and closed off to love seeing as though he wasn’t given or shown love by anyone except Ivy his childhood sweetheart who he was separated when his family moved. He grew up rough, almost savage like in constant survival mode. He did something unquestionable that caused him to run away. He found himself roped in to save someone close to him. After doing so he had difficult conversations and set boundaries and rules as he was on the way to obtaining peace and balance again. Being an enforcer had him keeping his guard up at all times until he was reintroduced to someone soft enough to let him be him and love him as he was. He finally had found peace and what he had been missing as was willing to get her by any means necessary. He went through drastic and unpredictable unhinged methods to prove his love was real and worth the risks.
Profile Image for Mz_MELLO YELLO from the BAY.
461 reviews8 followers
February 23, 2026
Prefect Ending!!!!

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, childhood trauma is so real. Never know what is going on behind closed doors. First/childhood love is real. Some time it be the little thing that are remembered and held on to. Despite the relationship your brother will always be your brother. Let’s chat!!!

First I want to say the way she displayed Griz background was well done. The backstory was definitely needed. His back story was not what I expected but enjoyed learning about it🥹. Who would have thought that him and his brothers Grim & Savage went through that with their father Mayhem. Can I mention the momma and the reasoning behind their name🫣. All I have to say, her reasoning behind the names was wild 🤣. Something wrong with her but one thing for sure, they lived up to their names🫣. No child should experience not being loved correctly or properly by their parent. Then to suffer because of the father infidelities😔. They did ask to be here. Then to learn that Griz was that one that truly protect his siblings. Learning that he had to make a major decision at a young age and then vanish pulled at my heartstrings😔. Then learning of the animosity and blackmail had me upset cause ain’t no way.

One thing I loved the most about Griz was how private and to himself he is🥰. My guys only let you know what he wanted you to know. He also lived off loyalty and trust. So learning that his brother was behind his abduction had him beyond mad, then the reason was no better😒. Savage was still bitter and still upset from what happened as kids but what he didn’t know was how his brother truly was. Ya boy learned today🤣! Now when Deuce entered the read, I was too excited. This man play no game when it came to someone close to him and Griz was no different. Deuce did what he does best and handles what needs to be handled and for that my guy Griz will forever be grateful.

Then there’s Ivy🥰. I honestly have to say I like her for him. My guys was stuck when he seen her after all them years. Ole girl was his real true and first love🥹. Though she made me upset a few times, I knew she was not come off Griz once she had that sample🤭. My guy rearranged her thought process and insides when he had her deep in that mattress🤭. My girl was discombobulated but in a good way. Oh that fiancee of her, yeah it was something about Brendon from jump. He always did things cause he had a guilty conscience in my opinion🫣. He also made everything about him. Boy did that truth drop when everything was laid out for him. What’s that saying “hurt people, hurt people” and that’s exactly what he attempted to do but he didn’t succeed.

Bonnie out did herself with this read and it’s a standalone at that. We all know she do the 🤭. Her mentioning Tye & Rell, then having Malani & Deuce and keeping Dank character within did it for me. From Carrying a Big Dawg, Missionary to now Griz, Bonnie Blanco did disappoint at all🥰. She wrapped these characters up nicely and did them justice. She deserves all the flowers 💐! Can’t wait to see what she brings to us next.
Profile Image for Ashley B-S.
61 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2026
Griz Was NOT Playing!

Grizzley delivered everything I expect from one of my favorite authors and then some. This story follows Griz and Ivy, who made a childhood promise at just ten years old that they would grow up and marry each other. Life had other plans when Griz’s rough family upbringing forced him to move away, leaving trauma and unfinished promises behind.

Years pass and they never see each other again until one wild night changes everything. Griz goes through one of the craziest experiences of his life, and somehow fate brings Ivy right back into his world. He doesn’t recognize her at first, but Ivy knows exactly who he is the moment she sees him.

After one night of passion, Ivy sneaks away and promises herself she’ll go back to her normal life and forget about Griz completely. But Griz and life have other plans. What unfolds is a very gangsta love story filled with passion, intensity, and two people navigating the scars of their past.

What I loved most about Griz was his energy. He was sexy, masculine, and determined, but he also carried boundaries shaped by his own trauma. When he decided Ivy was his woman, he didn’t just try to take her—he was determined to make her want him just as badly. And whew… the tension and chemistry between them was everything.

Bonnie Blanco does what she always does best: blending relatable storytelling with that urban fiction fantasy that keeps you completely hooked. The characters feel real, the emotions hit hard, and the love story leaves you satisfied.

If you haven’t read a Bonnie Blanco book yet… are you even a real reader?
Profile Image for Ladi Tee Inferno.
161 reviews3 followers
February 23, 2026
I’m Hurt

Not what I was expecting. Griz, the Handler, is who I thought. About business. Thankful to Deuce and the team for coming through for him and recovering him. He’s on point when it comes to his affairs. He’s well thought out for all of it and how he handled everyone, including his brothers. Now this Ivy situation, nope. Not feeling it one bit. It just doesn’t sit well. Fifteen years and you’re just disrupting things for a childhood crush. Nope. If they were the main couple and a man or woman pushed like Griz did, when nothin was wrong, Mannn, we’d drag them so bad. So no Griz nor Ivy get a pass and I’on like it one bit. We didn’t know about the assistant until Brendon’s pride was hurt. Karma would’ve handled them. But no! I’m happy the brothers could work out their differences, grow and turn their lives and relationships positive. Especially with the disconnect they were raised in. This man hasn’t had enough of kidnapping. First it was people’s grandmother and now it’s a dog. Now, hopefully March 4th, I can be happy again with the release of Promised To A Boss But A Menace Got My Heart!!
252 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2026
Big Daddy Grizzley!

Mr Grizzley Harrison my friends! This man has my entire heart. A man who conditioned himself to believe love wasn’t meant for a man like him. Like love was a weakness. Listen, my heart swelled the moment I realized Ivy was Griz’s childhood sweetheart. Oh my gawd I love a good unhinged love story! To watch this man fall back in love with Ivy the moment they reconnected and knowing Ivy never stopped loving her Bear as well had me swooning forreal. THREE YEARS BIG DADDY GRIZZ??! IYKYK 😂 This was a feel good book with and unhinged MMC and an even crazier FMC. It ended with the happy ending we all waited for. 5/5

I took my time to savor this book. To really get into the chase. I didn’t speed read, although I was eager to keep going. That’s what Bonnie does to you. Her books keep you wanting to ingest the story, while sightseeing and not speeding. Yal better stop trying to hate on her!
Profile Image for Ivon Dennison.
16 reviews
February 28, 2026
3.8 Stars
Okay - so I liked the story line and the plot. Grizzley went off the deep end early with Ivy. He knew what he wanted and moved accordingly! 😂. The build up made me anticipate this book… but idk - it didn’t hit like I thought it would. I wanted more love in this story - there was so much back story that we didn’t get a ton of romance. This is not dark romance either. It more second chance. I think I loved the promise of Griz which is why I stayed until the end.

I’m not sure what happened with the writing in this book. There was a LOT of over writing and over lapping of the same words and phrases. Example - Griz states “I almost smiled, almost” multiple times is different parts of the book and it’s unnecessary. Some scenes were heavily drawn out and some were the exact same scene two paragraphs down just worded differently.
25 reviews
February 23, 2026
Grizz, Grizz, Grizz

I love me some Grizz and I’m so glad Ivy came back into his life. His parents were the absolute worst, but I’m glad he didn’t have to do his brothers in and they eventually came around. Cherish was a dirty skank and got what she deserved, she knew exactly what she was doing when she used him and took advantage of his feelings for her. Brendan always seemed too good to be true to me, so I wasn’t really surprised when he showed his true colors, especially about the assistant. Grizz stealing Goldie was diabolical, but it helped to open Ivy’s eyes completely. I loved the way Bonnie told this story, filling in all the missing pieces, so we knew exactly why Grizz is the way he is. Another great job Fav!!!
Profile Image for Bo'Tina Jackson.
1,107 reviews8 followers
February 24, 2026
straight fire

The quiet ones are the worst ones and griz was holding a lot of pain inside and for grim and savage to turn on him was sad especially after saving grim from their father and for his peace of mind he left his toxic family behind and started over from scratch I hate to see parents turning their kids against each other and it just takes one of the kids to break the curse that was pasted down on to them but I understand it fully because I broke the curse and my mom just restarted it with my two out of three kids just sad and the saying is true if you love something let it go if it comes back it’s meant to be welcomed back ivy thanks again for giving us another banger I can’t wait for 3/4 to start the next book see you soon
217 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2026
Aww… Big Grizz

I’m so thankful he made it out. Savage was just stressed and looking for their biggest brother, Gremlin. It’s sad how they were brought up, and how their mother named them. It’s crazy how both parents lost their lives. It seems warranted though… I wasn’t made about either of them. I’m glad Grizz saved his brother and talked it out. They are working to get it together. Deuce came through and saved his right hand man. Grizz was always about family… he is a beast, but a gentle one. I’m glad he went in that bar. He was reunited with his true love, his teenage love, Ivy. Who would’ve thought she was engaged to way she came on to him lol. He got his woman though. I loved this follow up!
135 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2026
Forever a fan

Girl, Bonnie Blanco you are a savage with your pen. First off them parents omg they were horrible from the names that mama named them to all the abuse they endured. I'm so thankful that Griz made it out and he was able to finally See Ivy again if anybody deserved to be loved it's Griz. Your books will have you in a chokehold , I love everything you write keep doing what you're doing you are truly gifted with an amazing pen game.
53 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2026
BEAR

You did it again Ms. Bonnie, from the first page to the last you kept me engaged. I love how we got to understand Griz’ s childhood which makes sense why he is who he is. Thank you for the updates of Deuce and Malani. I hate to see these characters go but I’m happy with how this series ended. If you’re thinking of reading this series go head and download it you won’t be disappointed trust me.
Profile Image for Christee Jo.
89 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2026
Lemme grab another cookie!!!!!

BONNIE BONNIE BONNIE......

I swear my girl knows how to how to make you fall in love with these unhinged men!!!! Baby Grizz just may be my FAVORITE!!! That man did not come to play when it comes to Ivy! That man said IDGAF about your new lil man... you for me!!!! Ahhhhhhhhhh baby that's the meaning of not letting a fiancé keep you from your future husband 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. Girl you did your big one with Grizzley
51 reviews
February 25, 2026
Love an unhinged gangster

With parents and siblings like Griz who needs enemies. I’m glad him & his siblings kinda worked it out. Ivy knew she wanted Griz from the first time she saw him again. This story proves it doesn’t matter how long you know a person you can still not really know them, because she had been with Brendon for 3 years and he was cheating the whole time. I love me an unhinged gangster. Who steals a person pet.
781 reviews2 followers
March 3, 2026
Grizzly has family too

This book was very good and I really loved how Griz got to share his story. I love how he reconnected with his brothers and actually had a heart to heart with each of them. Now Ms Lady comes back from the past and gives her bear a one night stand that sends him on a rampage to make her his and did. I love this book but would love to hear more about his brothers .
44 reviews
March 15, 2026
beautiful

Grizz was something else but I love how he got his childhood crush back. Ivy knew deep down Brandon was not the man for her and grizz did everything to get his woman. Grim, grizz, and savage all been through some horrible things and they parents really ruined them but at the end I’m glad grim and savage forgave they brother and building a bond this book was everything great job Bonnie Blanca.
Profile Image for Shonda Thompson.
215 reviews
February 25, 2026
I need more!!

I really dislike that this is the end!!.
Grizzley did not play about his Ivy! Im so happy him and his brother's kind of made up! I would to see Grim in Uncle mode!! Savage needs a daughter I can see him being a girl dad!!
Absoultely love this story took place in DFW!!!
1,080 reviews5 followers
February 28, 2026
Grizzley Bear

Griz had grown up with parents straight out of your worst nightmare. He and his brothers Savage and Gremlin were raised with brutality and trained to be killers. There was no love. Then there was Ivy, the curly red haired beauty next door who taught Griz how to love before he truly knew what love was.
Profile Image for Sweet Reads📚.
34 reviews
March 1, 2026
Whewww another amazing read!!! It’s something about a man who moves with certainty and a second chance romance. Even though he grew up rough, Grizzley was so full of love!! I love how everything turned out for him. Now I need his brothers books. Such an amazing book. I don’t want to give anything away but you won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for tanya.
16 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2026
reunited love- awesome book

I really enjoyed reading Grizz’s book! I’m glad that he was able to reconnect with his brothers and a girl from his past. I also liked that the sex scenes didn’t go explicitly into a ton of detail, but just enough to let you know what happened. The ending was perfect!
32 reviews
March 19, 2026
This was an okay read. I didn't feel a love connection in the beginning, he didn't even remember her, so we're supposed to believe that this was the love of his life?? You don't forget that and the fact that she had red hair was a reason she would be unforgettable. There was no build up for romance, only sex, and the Brendon plot twist didn't seem believable.
Profile Image for Kierra Lashay .
7 reviews
February 22, 2026
griz Griz griz!!

This book was definitely 1000/10!! I loved it honey!! Loved how he didn’t allow his upbringing to tear him away from love!! And when him and his woman finally came together he didn’t play about her!! Bonnie you did that!!
Profile Image for Marisol Ennis.
189 reviews5 followers
February 23, 2026
GRIZZLEY: A Dark Gangsta Romance

This was really a super great read From start to finish. I love me some Griz even thou he had childhood. And finding Ivy to make his life complete was just so beautiful.
Thank you again for such a great read.
Profile Image for Shalece Kimble.
121 reviews
February 25, 2026
Grizz!

Grizz cane through like BDE he is! This touched me! BONNIEBLANCO did her thing!
Grizz and just a killer a hustler a 2nd in command! He's aman that been hurt and scarred! This is the story of a man getting HEA!
76 reviews
February 27, 2026
big Bear !

Omgg Grizzley ! I’m so sad to have finished this book, wish I can read it for the first time again. If you know Grizzley from previous books then you know how sheltered he was with his heart but reading his story he’s just a big ol’ teddy bear with a big ol’ heart waiting on the right woman.
208 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2026
BEAR!

Whew,stood on and handle business. Ivy knew the real after one night truly. She didn’t want to admit she gad messed up. Oh yeh Griz was like ikyfl… your mine and I dare you your not. Them bro was scarred and glad the figure it out and definitely who was dangerous.
Profile Image for Sharon Richmond .
57 reviews
February 27, 2026
Bear😍😍😍

I love the way Grizzley handled business. It’s no negotiation this is what it is and I’ll always you space and time to get with the program but that’s IT. It is what it is and I love that!! Make the rule Bear….im on my way home!!
19 reviews
March 3, 2026
Grizzley….Geesh

First of all, this book was so good to the point I finished it in one day. The way Griz didn't play about Ivy was toxic yet exhilarating. I enjoyed the bond that Griz and Deuce had and how they rode for each other!! Overall good read!!!!
Profile Image for Meme.
196 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2026
Yo I’m so glad that dude was cheating the whole relationship 😂 I felt for him at first…like dang that’s a good dude 😂🤷🏽‍♀️ oh well!! Anyway, Griz didn’t let up and I love that for him. I really love that him and his brothers finally had a real conversation and understanding
1 review
February 25, 2026
Grizzley

Definitely didn’t go the way I thought! I was thinking something was going to rekindle with the one that ran away! It’s a pretty good story! I liked Grizzley
Profile Image for Q Owens.
2,579 reviews30 followers
February 25, 2026
GOOD BOOK!!!

Bonnie you have done it again. I enjoyed reading Grizz’s story. I hate to see these characters go. This is definitely a good book to read.
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