Honored

City's Secrets #4

by B.B. Hamel

An Alpha Mob Romance

I’m a player and a criminal, but I still have my honor . . .

I live to make money and get laid, a new girl every night.

Until I get caught up in the middle of a Mob war.

All because of her, Ellie Boucher, my kid brother’s gorgeous kindergarten teacher and the unluckiest girl in the entire city. When she stumbles onto something she shouldn’t see, the Mob’s new leader orders me to silence her forever.

But I can’t, and when I turn my back on the Mob to save the life of a girl I barely know, I’m scrambling to keep her alive and to make her mine.

Every day is more dangerous than the next, especially with her f**king perfect curves distracting me from what I need to do.

It’s time to protect the woman I want before the city leaves us behind.

This title contains mature content (explicit sexual situations, mature language, and violence), and is recommended for audiences 18+.

HONORED is a full-length, standalone novel.

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Amazon, Contemporary, Teachers, Mystery Thriller

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

I'm a long time reader, writer, and lover of Romance! Writing is my dream and my passion, and I want to share my stories with you.

I live in the Philadelphia area with my husband and two dogs.

Website: http://www.bbhamel.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bbhamelwriter

Check out my mailing list for updates, giveaways, and more! http://bbhamel.com/signup

Reviews

[✰ Liz ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Something big was coming. I could feel it."



Honored is a tender Mob Romance about a young gangster trying to establish his ranking in the hierarchy of the Irish Mob and a recovering addict who is now a thriving elementary school teacher. When fate brings these two together, everything changes.

Liam takes care of his little brother. He often takes him to school. When he is dropping his brother off one day, he meets Ellie his brother's teacher. He is quite smitten with her. Despite their different lifestyles, Liam asks her out on a date. Ellie, surprisingly, says yes! But we all know what getting involved with a bad boy can be like!



Meanwhile, Liam is working hard to establish his place in the mob. After he took over for his father, changes began to happen. Now there is a new MOB BOSS in town. Liam doesn't quite agree with the way he wants to run things. However, Liam is willing to do what it takes to keep his territory (and his father's legacy) in tact. Liam is forced to prove that he can be violent enough to maintain his mob status!



Ellie is out walking her sweet dog when she comes across some men dumping some suspicious materials in the river. Unfortunately for her, the men are doing bad things and she has now witnessed a crime. Needless to say, the big bad mafia boss puts a hit out on her life. Who does he call to do the job? You guessed it-Liam!

"You kill this girl, you take care of our problem, and you've earned my respect and my gratitude. You don't do it and we'll have a problem."

Liam refuses to make the hit. Instead he takes Ellie and they run to his safe house. While they are hiding out, things heat up between the two of them. Now Liam and Ellie must take down the mob boss together!

"As she faced me, I felt something break inside my chest. I felt something change forever, something shift in my world."-Liam



"Things were going to change. Things already had changed."

Overall, Honored was an enjoyable read. I felt invested in both of these characters and was rooting for them the entire time. I would have liked for a little more depth between the two however, I felt like the circumstances accelerated the connection and in the end it seemed natural. I think Liam was quite tender for a bad boy but considering his choices towards the end of the book they only confirm that he has different aspirations for his life. Aspirations that include a future with Ellie! The writing style is fluid and told in dual POV which allowed me to experience a closer connection to these characters. Thank you Ms. Hamel for sharing your work with me!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 'I need more chemistry' stars

This is my first BB Hamel and I decided to give this a try when the blurb caught my interest. I always love a good mafia story and in Honored, we have this mafia guy who was attracted to a kindergarten teacher. Hmm...sounds fascinating.

From the first page when Liam Sullivan was introduced, he seems like a sleazy manwhore, which turned me off. But I quickly warmed up to him when I get to know him better. Liam is the middle management of the Irish Mob, minding his own territory and businesses. But the Mob new boss, Colm Brennan want Liam to dirty his hand.

To me, Liam is very much a beta hero. He prefer laying low and avoid the violence. However, when push comes to shove he can still get things done even if he hates it. But when he was ordered to hit on his kid brother's kindergarten teacher, Liam find himself unable to cross the line to harm an innocent bystander.

Ellie Boucher knew of Liam through his kid brother, Ritchie. She only meet him twice but felt an undeniable attraction to him. One night while walking her dog, Ellie witnessed something that she was not supposed to, her entire life turned upside down and Liam turned out to be the only person who can keep her safe.

Honored was told in dual POV and I find myself actually enjoying more of Liam's POV. Despite him not being an alpha male, I was interest in his whole dilemma with the mob. He turned from being part of the family to being a pariah and hiding himself overnight due to him wanting to save an innocent woman. I wonder how is he going to get himself out of the mess and avoid getting kill.

As for Ellie, I think she lack a certain depth. Beside of mentioning she had an history with drugs, I felt like I didn't really know her. I also felt that her POV lack of substance and mostly act as filler. Her feelings towards Liam was all over the place too. She was attracted to him, but at the same time think he is a complete asshole. Maybe woman is that contradicting.

I find the editing and the flow was pretty solid, but some of the details was a tad too much. For example, the mentioned of keys, unlocking door, opening it and stepping through the threshold. I'm a rather impatient reader, so I prefer 'chop chop, get to the point'.

Since I'm a romance reader at heart, I need to judge this based on the romance part, which I think it lack of chemistry between the H/h. I felt they were more like casual acquaintances who hooked up instead of something more. The sex scenes were well done, but the emotional connection isn't strong enough. So I don't find myself rooting for them, even though I'm happy that Liam got the girl in the end.

Overall, I think Honored had a good premise. The mob part of the book with Liam running all around finding solution kept me engage, but the romance need a bit more work to make me hook with the couple.

[Kelli C · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-2.75 Man of Honor Stars!

**Book provided per author in exchange for honest review**

This a mob tale of taboo love and fight for survival. Liam Sullivan is one of the Right guys. He is the #2 in the Irish Mob and he lives for pleasure via money and women. He seems to find himself out of the box when his kid brother's school teacher keeps invading his mind. Perhaps it is the sweet, innocent school girl vibe! Whatever the case, fate puts her in a direct line of danger and at the end of the barrel of gun. Liam turns his back on the Mob and works tirelessly to find a way to keep her safe, and hopefully to keep her as his own.

I will start by saying that I liked the premise of this tale. I could see something in Liam Sullivan that was appealing, but I have been ruined for all Irish Mob boys by one Liam Callahan! I wanted more danger, more grit, more strife. Everything seemed a bit to easy. The violence was minimal, the suspense a bit dulled, and the "badness" of the playboy was just mentioned and not really experienced. I felt like Liam talked a good game, but he was truly a "good" guy set up in an illegal lifestyle by birthright. The mere thought of turning on the Mob is terrifying, yet the sense of danger never really invaded me.

As for the heat factor, it was present, but I honestly didn't feel it. I never really got the connection between Liam and Ellie...truth be told I found her need and want for this "dangerous" man again to be to easy. What else are you gonna do holed up in a safe house for days while a mobster runs around town trying to make deals for your freedom? I would probably jump him every time he came home too! While I cant say it was "insta-love" it felt a bit forced and truthfully I found Ellie to more of the "dirty/bad" character when it came to acting on the sexual tension brewing. Again, maybe Liam was too honorable!

Overall, the read was easy in that it flowed well, all in the present with dual POV's. It moved fairly quick with action, heat, and a few twists and turns. Liam Sullivan may not have rocked my world but that doesn't mean his story wasn't good. If you like a perceived bad boy whose good heart shines through and ultimately gets the girl...well, you will enjoy Honored!

[Ashleyjo · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is my second BB Hamel book, "Jerked" being the first. I'm just not really on the same page as this author somehow; hell, I don't even know if this author and I reside upon the same universe.



I can overlook some discrepancies. I can ignore some shit that's illogical. I can deal with some TSTL, stupidity, huh, Pollyanna, & Jack and Jill BS. But, when EVERY other mfing sentence falls under one of those categories, I have no mercy and give no leeway.

I Hate Contradictory Writing

• If he's a friend that sticks by you, how have you not talked to him in a while?

"When other people from those days slowly drifted away, she stuck around, no matter what. There was only one other person like that, but I hadn't talked to him in a while.

• The male MCs friendship with Leary.

He calls him a "good guy" and "best friend" but then proceeds to tell us he is/was a meth-head, an idiot, & untrustworthy.




• How the fuck is he a mob middle man to be feared and respected throughout the neighborhood, BUT the patrons and employees at his pub in this same neighborhood don't know it's a mob run business or who he is?

"...had no clue that they were buying their overpriced beer from a violent mobster."

"... wondering how many of them would run screaming if they knew who I was and what I did."

Exactly nine sentences later, though...

"I controlled a good-sized neighborhood where my restaurant was located, which meant I was tasked with selling the drugs, protecting the businesses, and extorting anyone who refused to pay. Sometime we broke knees, and sometimes we just threatened. Overall, my territory was clean and easy, but mostly because I worked to keep it that way. "

Say What?



A school teacher that's a recovering coke head, pill popping, cardigan-wearing Pollyanna? So not impressed.



A made Right Guy that's been in the mob his entire life, became one of the "Rights" at twenty-six, and has been in his position for several years.... but just now has to kill someone to prove his loyalty ?!?



She has a "sixth sense for danger." Yet, 1) she goes to a scarcely populated darkened pier alone and watches two dudes dump black garbage bags in the water 2) when they freak out and try to chase her down, she still wonders what ever could've been in those garbage bags and thinks she overreacted to run away.

" I found it pretty impossible to imagine that a man (our male mc) involved with the Mob would be such a devoted older brother

Not only it an asinine thought to have, it's based on briefly meeting him once when he picked his younger brother from school. Three whole minutes, and you know him that well, huh?




That, my friends, is my exit cue. 15%DNF

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review. This does not influence my review in any shape or form.

I’ve been on the search for a mob romance story or anything with the mob to be honest. I have a fascination with the mob, I love learning about it, I love watching movies about it, learning the history. I just have this obsession with the mob. So anyway, like I said I was looking for something with a little romance mixed into the mob and out of no where does B.B. Hamel approach me to review the up and coming new release Honored.

To say I was excited to read this was a bit of understatement. I was stoked I couldn’t wait to dive in and read some of my favorite things the mob + romance = probably a very happy Tina. Now that I’ve finished the book, I’m pretty content with the story.

Our Story
Our story takes place in Philly, told in alternating point of views Liam and Ellie.

Ellie is a recovering addict though that can be up for debate because I couldn’t really believe that she was addict. Anyway, she’s a kindergarten teacher who happens to witness some guys dumping something in the river. Perfect case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Now Ellie has the Irish Mob The Right People out to kill her and the only one who can save her is Liam the brother of one of her students.

So, we learn a little bit about the mob and get a brief run down of the Right People. There’s a fight for power after one of the old Bosses left or disappeared but you don’t really know the whole story. That of course, had me wondering what was going on, I wanted to know what happened to the Old Boss. Anyway, some of the scenes were pretty realistic (based on me watching like a ton of mob shows/movies haha). And there were some scenes were I was saying “I’m not even in the mob but I know that’s not going to work.”. But other then that the story is pretty fast paced, definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat and that twist was one I wasn’t expecting seriously.


Our Characters
Ellie – she’s probably the one I have the most issues with like I said she mentions being a drug addict but really I wasn’t believing it. I wanted to know her history really get a feel for her and I felt like I didn’t get that. She was a bit of a damsel in distress for me and she literally brought it up on herself and yet she acted horribly towards Liam when he was just trying to help her out. I did love her determination and her will. But other then that I preferred reading Liam’s point of view.

Liam – he’s that sexy dangerous mobster. Uh yeah I liked him. But it’s not just the mob part that I found like drool worthy. It was the fact that he was willing to stand up for what he believed in even if it meant that he would die. He was loyal to the old code of the mob and I thought it was amazing to see such loyalty and to see how he would do things out of honor and loyalty to the mob and to those who he considered important in his life. I loved that the most about him. I even loved his over cockiness.

Overall
I’m probably going to pick up the other books in this series especially because it does deal with the mob and I love a little danger with romance. Plus the mobsters! I’m sure they’re awesome. Anyway, I liked this story and if you want a mob story + some romance then yeah this may work out for you.

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book for a honest review.

I really really wanted to like this book as I have done the others but this book just wasn't for me. ellie and Liams chemistry was good and I wish it was about them the book but it wasn't it was it was mostly crime and the mob and that is just not my type.of book. xxx

[✰ Liz ✰]

[Anesha †Curious & Obsessive Bookworm† · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 HONORABLE STARS~~!!
Being the Right Hand in the Mob, his loyalty is tested when the new Boss comes into play. I love that he had so much power, yet his hand stayed relatively clean - Until he was ordered to do a kill... and then a second - which turned his life completely upside down.

And I loved it :D

Always enjoyed a good angst moment. And nothing was straight forward with Liam involved. However, even though he was portrayed as a hard-ass or a player. I didn't believe, or more so I didn't feel anything. Like his "lyrics" at hitting on the girl at the start was kind of wack xD But I like the idea of how he was. Plus the sex scenes between him and Ellie was really good ;)

He spanks.

Nuff said

The rush, the betrayals, near death - they had me on the edge of my seat, although again I struggled with identifying to the characters. Their actions didn't spoke up to par with what they were and I always found myself searching for something

Then we have Ellie <__<
Big pet peeve, honestly.

I literally asked my co-worker, my mom, friends, and even my big head brother this question: If you see two guys at night dressed in all back dumping things wrapped in black bags n tapped, what would you think?
ALL of them said, dead body - whether jokingly or not, that was their first thought. And I asked what they'd do. Five words: Get the fuck outta there.

Considering that Ellie was once a drug addict and claimed to be in some messed up shit before, I'd like to think she got a little street smart going on. But for a good part of the book, after she got away she kept wondering what was in the bag, what the guys were doing and I rolled my eyes into a painful headache.

"I wanted to scream and yell and punch the wall. I wanted to make Liam's life as hard as possible, for no reason other than I blamed him for my position."



Now tell me. Here's a man [Liam]...risking his life to save her, risking everything he is to...SAVE HER all because of her stupidity and she's pissed because he put her in his safe house? At one point she was arguing to leave to get her dog and wondering what her family would think if she wasn't around. This is a life and death situation and she wanna go back to the place that was literally her death sentence? I was like "Let her go... just... fucking let her go!"

Lastly... I didn't feel the connection between Liam and Ellie. Why was Ellie so different? What made Liam want her to stray from his usual one night stand hook ups? How was Liam special to Ellie and why did she feel the need to know more even though she kept bitching about the seclusion she was given? If the book didn't have any romance in it, it would have been amazing still...I think my stars would be kicked up a notch without Ellie's xD

But overall, the book was quite enjoyable. Like I said - fast paced angst n the sex was good :P

ARC generously given for an honest review

[Nanci **Warning**IWasASailor⚓️MyMouthisDirty · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-3.0 Not for Me Stars⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Complimentary Advanced Readers Copy via the author in exchange for an honest review.

I'm sad to say this book didn't do it for me. The premise was good. Bad boy mobster Liam going against the mob to save a gorgeous, innocent girl Ellie.


Ok so I'm going to try and give my review without sounding like an asshole.


This book takes up after the book Kinged when the Irish Mob Boss skips town. (You do not have to read that book it doesn't reference any of the previous characters but Michael the mob boss who left.)

With the mob boss gone the Irish mob is in Chaos, leaving yet another ruthless, power hungry, money hungry jerk to lead them.



Liam's father was a mob boss back when the Irish mob had morals and only killed other gangsters, thieves and criminals. They left civilians alone and if by chance a civilian stumbled upon the mobs shenanigans they either paid off the civilians or paid off the cops. Liam, raised this way, still runs his territory with this same honor and code. The new mob boss isn't down with the old code and is holding Liam accountable to prove his loyalty to him and the Irish mob.


Ellie is a recovering addict/kindergarten teacher who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. She witnesses 2 mobsters doing shady business in the river. The mobsters catch her looking and chase her down.

Ellie also happens to be Liam's younger brother's teacher. When Liam picks up his brother he flirts with Ellie and asks her out. Low and behold the mob boss tasks Liam to kill this teacher for witnessing the shady dealings at the river. He warns Liam to kill Ellie or be killed.

What when wrong

Liam didn't do it for me. He was very weak and kind of a baby, it was a turn off. I didn't understand what he was doing in the mob to begin with because it clearly was not for him.

Ellie was annoying. She often complained and And wasn't strong. I found her not appreciating anything Liam did for her to keep her alive. At one point I was kind of hoping he would just toss her ass out and have her fend for herself.

There was also zero chemistry. I kept waiting to feel that spark between the couple and it was just dead.


I like B.B. Hamel and her books but this one wasn't for me. However you may like it, so give it a go.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honored was my first book by B.B. Hamel and I was pleasantly surprised. The story kicks off with Liam’s POV. We meet a guy who is smooth, confident, somewhat arrogant and deeply involved in the backbone of the Irish Mob. Liam knows exactly what being part of that inner circle entails and he is prepared to prove his loyalty. He does what he has to do even though he doesn’t agree with all of the Mob’s demands. Despite his carefree lifestyle, Liam also takes the time to care for his younger brother, Richie.

We soon meet Ellie, who is Richie’s school teacher. She’s also a recovering addict who is slowly trying to make the best of things. She likes her job, her dog and the quiet life she’s building. Ellie and Liam have met before and there’s a clear spark between them.

But there is chaos in the world of the Mob. Ellie is caught in the wrong place at the wrong time and she becomes a target. This is where Liam draws the line, Ellie needs to be rescued and he’s the person to do it.

The story is written in alternating 1st person POVS, which I really enjoy. Things happen quickly and we jump into the action. I really liked Liam’s duality. He’s a mobster who won’t hesitate to kill a bad guy if needed, but with Ellie he embraces the role of gentle protector. He’s basically a “good” bad guy, a gangster who favors the old ways when honor was important. So Liam is caught in a moral dilemma trying to figure out a way to save Ellie, knowing there’s a chance he’ll get killed along the way. I was anxious to find out how he was going to fix things while the bulk of the Mob is after them. Ellie was also a surprise and a contradiction; she’s a good girl with a streak of bad that made her strong and passionate.

Overall, an enjoyable story meshing romance and suspense, with an anti-hero that was sweeter than I expected and a heroine who was clearly his match. No cliffy.

ARC generously provided by the author

[Kate Wise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book provided by author for honest review

3.5 stars

Interesting story. I have never read a book concerning the mob before. I was expecting a more action, killing, drugs, etc. Don’t get me wrong, it had a decent amount of that, just needed something more to put it over the edge for me.

The book starts out with Liam’s POV. He’s very confident of himself and knows the ins and outs of the Irish Mob, or the Right People. His dad was a pretty high mob boss before he was killed 2 years ago. He owns his own bar to front his illegal business on his side of town. He takes care of his half-brother Richie who’s in kindergarten. This is where he meets Ellie.

Ellie is Richie’s school teacher. She’s new to the area and loves her job. She’s been sober for 2 years now and is building herself a new chapter in life. We get to see how Ellie and Liam’s relationship could grow to be more when they interact about Richie’s time as a Kindergartner.

One night while walking he dog Petey, she sees something she isn’t meant to see. With the new mob boss wanting to morph the Mobs “honor code”, he’s willing to make an example of Ellie. Liam, stuck in the old ways, can’t hurt a civilian. He draws the line and protects Ellie with everything he has.

With the alternating POVs, we get to see behind both Liam and Ellie’s eyes, which I always enjoy. The story goes deeper and it isn’t all that bad. There’s a bit of action, romance, suspense; all things I want to see when reading these types of books. The key word in that statement being a bit. I wanted to see more shooting, more killing, more emotional connection, just more.

Overall, it’s an easy read and had a great story line. Anyone who likes a good action story will like this book. What girl doesn’t like to see a bad boy with an amazing heart and willingness to protect the girl? I would definitely be willing to read more books by B.B. Hamel.

[Anny hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided a copy of the book by the Author for an honest review.

WOW just finish reading this boo, and I love it, love the characters, and love how the boo turn out to be, I have to say that I too my time reading this book,cause I did not wanted to finish it, I wanted more, I am gone keep this short since I don't want to give anything away.

The story begging with Ellie, she is a teacher and she had a hard life, now that she's getting her life back on track, she love her job, and her dog, when one of her student got in trouble she was waiting to talk to the parent, but that end up being Liam, Now Liam grow up in the Mob world, and he did not now nothing beside that life, after meeting his brother teacher Ellie, he couldn't get her out of his head.

One night when Ellie was waling her dog she saw something that she was not supposed to see. That's when they order Liam to eliminate the threat, he was all good for it, until he see who it was that's when he new he couldn't do it, that's when he knew that he had to do everything he could to protect and keep her safe.

I love the way how Liam and Ellie are with each other, love the attitude that they have, and love it how strong Ellie is, love how Liam goes through everything to keep her safe, and how he fall for her, and the Sex Scene are Hot.

Author B.B. Hamel THANK YOU for introducing me to this awesome book and this wonderful characters love it.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars!!
I received this book for an honest review. I did not read the synopsis prior to starting the book. I also did not look at other reviews. I went in with zero background info or opinions. ( No spoilers contained in the review).

It kicks off fairly quick with action, but it took me a sec to get into the story. Once it did pick up speed for me, I got lost in the world. I couldn't stop because I needed to know how this would end.

The pros for me:
I like books like these (mobs, bikers, assassins, etc) because I like getting lost in the world where right and wrong takes on a new definition given the scenario and situation/setting. The setting for this one was mob.

I LOVED that the heroine was not weak (that annoys the s**t out of me)

Very minimal grammatical errors.


The con for me (only one):
Some scenes felt rushed. The flow didn't feel right (if that makes sense). It wasn't enough to make me stop reading, just felt weird and made it difficult to accept the scene.

I overall liked this book. If you want a quick read that will guarantee action and serious chemistry from main characters. It is worth checking out!

[Ezi Chinny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ellie Boucher was a kindergarten teacher taking a walk when she stumbled on two men dumping a body. She got away but not before the mob figured out who she was. Liam Sullivan was sent to "clean up" the mess aka take out Ellie. The problem was that Liam still had ethics and Ellie is his little brother's kindergarten teacher. When the mob boss makes it clear that to Liam that his loyalty is being tested and possibly his life, Liam has to decide how much his ethics are worth in the mob.

I liked the story as it had that love against all the odds feel. I also enjoy the mobster--good girl tropes so I knew this book would appeal to me. The writing was okay and the story flowed. I wasn't as angsty and dangerous as I wanted, but I enjoyed Ellie and Liam together. Their chemistry worked for me and I loved Liam's friend.

I would thought Ellie's back with sobriety would have played a bigger role but drugs and the actual crimes of the mob didn't factor in as much. Overall, it was a pleasant read.

[Bookish Voodoo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Ellie has overcome her addictions from Filmed (if you haven't read it you really need too!) and is now a kindergarten teacher who is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Liam grew up in the mob and continues to live that lifestyle. When their lives cross they are attracted to each other but circumstances arise that complicate matters. Liam and Ellie are quickly taken on an emotional rollercoaster. Liam has to learn who to trust and Ellie has to learn to let Liam in. They are stronger together.

This is a standalone and HEA. (Ellie was also a secondary character in Filmed, but you do not need to read that in order to enjoy Honored)

I enjoyed Ellie & Liam's story. B. B. Hamel has an easy writing style and her stories flow perfectly. She has a way of getting readers interested from the first page.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This story has everything. Hot sex scenes, action, and suspense.
First off, there is Liam, a young man brought up in the Irish Mob. He has his own territory and looks after his people, following the old code of honor, but Colm, the new Boss, has other ideas on how the Mob should run and it isn't by following the old code of honor.
Ellie is Liam's stepbrother's teacher. When they first meet, Liam thinks she is beautiful and Ellie thinks Liam is cocky.
Ellie happens to see something that puts her in danger, only she doesn't know what it. Things are set in motion that puts both Liam and Ellie's lives in danger.
I really enjoyed this read. Flowed well and had me on my toes, waiting to see what would happen.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book, and I liked Liam he was different then the other mob people in this book he found something worth fighting for and that was Ellie. He sure likes to tease her at times, "I couldn’t help myself; I let out a gasp as he adjusted himself, pressing the full thickness of his ***k against my core. “What do you want to know, sweetheart?" His thoughts were entertaining, "maybe it was stupid to fall so deeply for her , but stupid can go eff itself when your life is on the line." I really enjoyed this book.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Ellie & Liam's story, a civilian sucked into the mob world unknowingly, but finding something she hadn't known she was missing and a mobster finding what he was needing to get away from a life he hated. I accidentally read Jerked before Honored and when I realized the characters overlapped I really hoped the ending I came up with in my head was correct! It was and I loved it!

[Gertrude Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Will be reading more of your books!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very kindly given an ARC of Honored to read and review by the author.

When Liam Sullivan, mob man, right man, man of steel meets kindergarten teacher, Ellie Boucher, sparks and bullets begin flying at break neck speed and what could have simply been the start of a new relationship quickly becomes a heart stopping fight for survival. Liam and Ellie first meet when she approaches him about his young brother who's in her class and through their instant attraction a connection is formed that neither of them can see coming. After witnessing some activity that the mob would rather went unwitnessed, Ellie's life becomes placed precariously in Liam's hands as he has to make a choice about just how much her life is worth and how much she truly means to him. What is he willing to sacrifice for a woman he hardly knows?

There are so many words and emotions swirling around in me as I turn the last page of what is undoubtedly B.B. Hamel's finest book to date. This was one utterly joyous read, it was so quick and easy to fall in to the storyline and to be held captive by the pulse pounding pace of the book. Not one page felt like useless filler, everything that happened, every word spoken was not only necessary but also utterly alluring. One of those books where you have to do 'just one more chapter' before closing it and before you know it it's three am and you're only thirteen pages from the end (oops!)

Ellie was positively uplifting, when she could quite easily of been written to be a blubbering, hysterical mess of a woman for everything that she endures at the start of the book. That could quite easily of been forgiven but this is one tough as nails lady and I found that I couldn't ever get enough of her character as she fights for her own life with such a ferocious determination but also such a calm manner. She always kept her head firmly on straight and her anger focused in the right direction. Books that feature a lot of misplaced frustration and anger can actually be quite detrimental to the story line and can't very quickly make you lose patience with what could of otherwise of been an interesting, loveable character. But when it comes to Ellie I felt nothing but a deep seated adoration.

But the circumstances were all fucked up. I was practically his prisoner, though I knew he was protecting me. I was wild and lost and hunted, and as much as I wanted him and knew he’d never let anything bad happen to me, I was afraid of him. He was from a family of criminals, violent and dangerous men. And that terrified me. I knew there was more to him, something else underneath his strength and his violence, but I didn’t know what it was. I couldn’t seem to find it.

Liam, where to begin describing him .... hard, soft, ruthless, murderous, edible! This was a man who knew what it took to survive as a part of the mob but never lost his humanity in the process. He always carried a gun, a conscience and a surprising tenderness for anyone who really means something to him. He knew when to use his compassion and when to use his brute strength. Definitely a swoon worthy male character and one of my favourite male leads I've found to date.

I’d been with plenty of girls that threw themselves at me, but none were like her, not a single one of them. She was the first one I wanted more of, not in the sense of fucking again, but in a hungry kind of way. I wanted every inch of her, every position of her, every moment and moan and more.

This was without a doubt not just another mob romance with the run of the mill bad boy turned hero and flailing damsel in distress. They were well rounded characters who lacked all the usual flaws suffered by these type of characters in this manner of book. Not only did the characters feel flawless but the storyline did too. From the constant suspense to the sex scenes hot enough to require actual pantie changes, I couldn't say that I found one fault here. A highly enjoyable read that I will be raving about for some time to come yet and is definitely on my 'to read again' pile. Thank you to the wonderful B.B. Hamel for giving me a copy of this little gem, I can't wait to see how she beats this one!

[Eva Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this ARC by the author.

My final grade for this book is between 3 - 3.5 or it can be 4, but find out why...

My rating system for this book:

5 stars - loooooved it
4 stars - really liked it
3.5 stars - liked it/above average
3 stars - enjoyed it/average
2 stars - it was okay, I guess
1 star - didn't like it

------

At this point everybody knows what is about this book. Isn’t this kind of connecting to the whole bad boy/good girl forbidden love thing.

No. Isn’t.

Is about unconventional, against all odds, thrilling love story.


Liam and Ellie.

Ellie seems to be a sweet teacher, but as everything in life, she has a “ying-yang”. So, yes, she also has a pretty f*ck background. Liam, he can be a mobster, but he has his standards. He is from “old school” mob.

Issue: A new mobster era is rising up in the streets without any values, honor, codes, or even respect from others.

Fact: Liam as an honored man tries to keep alive his new flavor of the week, but everything change fast. He is losing control. He is risking everything. He will be capable to lose everything for a girl he even dates yet? Will be worth it?



---- WARNING – SPOILERS MAY ENSUE BEYOND THIS POINT – REVIEW BELOW


Overall, I really like this book; even I think that has a lot of potential. The story is pretty short and may be that worked in disadvantage in developing the main characters. My problem with the characters is that something is missing. May be is the sparkle of the first stage in relationship, may be is the lack of hunting at the beginning in the relationship, may be is the lack of work to has as the big prize the woman he wants. They became out of the blue and turned to be almost soul mate, without any challenge; except the challenge of trying to stay alive together. I found hard to believe the “veracity of their love”.

I think that this is my first book of mobster, I think. I can be wrong, but I was having a complete different whole idea of a mobster character, that he will be a totally Alpha Male. And I am not saying that Liam isn’t, completely. I am just saying because the fast pace this book were developed there isn’t a shot to show everything of my ideal mobster-Alpha male.

However, the book is written in the first person, alternating the points of view of Liam and Ellie. Technically speaking, the book was well written. There weren’t any noticeable typos, the sentence structure was easy to follow, and there weren’t any disruptive bouts of flowery language or awkward sentences. As I already expressed, the characters lacked depth, and that’s the main reason this book only got between 3 - 3.5 – 4 stars out of me. I was expecting there to be a little more angst and drama, even emotion from the characters—and it just wasn’t there.

There were some make-out sessions, well written. Personally, I need to highlight that I HATE so much the word: manhood as euphemism. Glad, that only appeared only one time, but I hate it, every letter of that word. I prefer raw words than that word.


Happy reading!

[Thieryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of people in the world are privileged. Their family's wealth, or connections, like a calm and constant current, helping them along the way to become strong and successful. Family businesses thrive when hard work and strong will is involved. Traditions passed down through generations is what separates Old Money from New.
But what happens when you don't want to follow that current? When following in your parent's footsteps is more a leash around your neck than a conscious choice? Do you break the stride and go your own way? Or do you honor those that came before you, put your head down, and do what it takes to protect your family?

Liam had never really considered a life outside the Mob. With his father's reputation preceding him, he had eased in the ranks, sure, but he never asked for more than he could chew. Until a big, juicy, deadly peace of prey is thrown his way, in the form of a sexy 4th grade teacher. And withing 24h, the rules of the game are changed, and the hunter becomes the hunted, running to protect the life of his former victim. It's a Kill or Be Killed world out there, and words like honor don't have weight in the New Era of the Profit King.

This was a very enticing book - my first from B.B. Hamel, an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I liked the writing, and the dual points of view. I liked the characters, the down and dirty sex scenes, the brutal reality of the mob world, but most of all, by a mile, I just LOVED the story! There were some pretty intense plot twists in there, and even more exhilarating than that, every single cliche prediction I feared was just around the page - it never came.

Here's where it gets sticky.
Liam is a pretty interesting hero. An arrogant sleaze for sure, but with that calm, quiet, "I'm too sexy for the Mob" kind of way. No macho Alpha-Male bullshit, no "irresistible, unquestionable" dominance. Nope. He is one brutally-forward yet oh-so-smooth bastard, with his own honor code, and a soft spot. THE most down-to-earth hero ever to have crossed my path. If that makes him come off as "weak", well tough. I loved this particular weakness.
Ellie is tougher than she looks, despite her broken past. Or probably because of it. Her reactions were totally justified and absolutely realistic (OF COURSE she would struggle to trust and be appreciative to a mobster who was ordered to kill her - no matter how hot he is!). She however tends to get in her head. A LOT. Usually not in a bad way, but definitely made me feel things would have resolved a lot faster if she would either shut her mind up, or open her mouth to speak.

And yet, those two, though I could see it on the paper that they had fun and matched each other - it did not resonate with me. There was something missing, and while the chemistry was there, explosive and reactionary, it wasn't "just right". It felt like taking a wrong turn which still got you to where you wanted to be, but you missed the scenic route in the mean time.

All in all though, it was a solid 4 stars, a great story which I enjoyed reading.

[April Symes · Rating 4 out of 5]

***A gifted copy was provided by the author for my honest review******

Liam Sullivan is a man’s man. He is struggling to take care of his younger half-brother on his father’s side. Also he has taken over his father‘s “business”- the mob business. He is trying to please everyone all the time But the day comes when Liam wants to makes only Liam happy and that’s when he meets his brother’s teacher, Ellie Boucher. He meets her and the chemistry between them is electric. He wants to know more about this woman; get to know what makes her tick and in return , finally have a life.
Ellie Boucher is a teacher who is finally starting to come alive after living thru some really rough times. Her past was something of a nightmare and things have definitely improved so much. She loves her job and she is in a better place. Now she has a hunky specimen she gets to look at and also is giving off some signals of being interested in her. Ellie is one spunky, sweet gal who goes the extra mile and she wants to do so with Liam.
The story really starts when Ellie is out walking her dog in the evening along the water and happens to see some men {MOB MEN} throwing something or someone in the water and she really isn’t paying much attention until the men see her and she turns around and they start calling out to her to come to them and she refuses to answer and starts walking fast away. They give chase and she gets scared and she gets away. Meanwhile, Liam gets a call to take out the “lady” who saw what went down. Liam didn’t know who it was but still was against this. He is being dragged into this mess and when he found out it was Ellie, he refused to kill her and he rebelled killing this woman.
Liam is a mob man who took over his father’s business but he doesn’t want to be that man. He wants to be free of the buz. He has strong feelings for Ellie and when he found out he had to kill Ellie, he rebelled hurting her and he goes into protecting her and they go on the run from the Mob Men who are now out to kill them both. They become prey and they have to leave America and go to Italy to get assistance. I loved the action, the passion, the intensity in this story. Liam is a strong, ALPHA man who immediately fell in love for Ellie and he wanted to be a better man. I also loved the fact that he was protecting his little brother from the mob men who threatened him and he is doing everything to keep his loved ones safe. The twists and turns keep this story lively and jumping. The ending was fantastic. I cannot wait for more in this series.

My rating: 4.4 stars ****

[Amanda Ridings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book I have read by this author but when I see something that says Alpha Mob Romance, I'm interested. I really enjoyed this book because I love Mob books. Most of the ones I read are Italian Mobs and with this one being an Irish Mob there were small differences. Nothing that made it too hard to understand since I already had a basic knowledge of the Mobs hierarchy. Honored is also told from both main character's POV, which I LOVE.

This story is about Liam Sullivan. He is a middle management of the Mob following in his father's footsteps. At the very beginning, I thought I would hate him but after that first chapter I realized that wouldn't be the case. He doesn't mind busting heads and cracking kneecaps when the time calls for it but he doesn't want to kill anyone. He also has a younger half brother that he takes and picks up from school. This is where we meet Ellie Boucher. Ellie is Ritchie's teacher and Ritchie is Liam's little brother. Ellie has a good job, her own place, a best friend and a dog. She also has a past as an addict. One night she is out walking her dog and sees something she shouldn't have seen. When the Mob orders her to be silenced forever, Liam is tasked with doing it by the new boss. Needless to say when he sees it is Ellie, he can't do it.

What happens next is a story that I finished in one sitting. Once I started, I couldn't stop. I loved Liam. He wasn't Alpha to the extent that he would toss Ellie over his shoulder or beat his chest. It seemed like more of a build up for him. He was relaxed but when push came to shove, he could do what needed to be done. Ellie was an excellent female lead. She had a past as an addict and she has pushed past that to make something of herself. I was afraid she would be weak but she wasn't in the least.

All in all, this was a perfect first choice book to read from this author. It is hard to find a book about a common subject, such as the mob, and not have them sound the same with just different names. This was like no other Mob book I have read and I loved having something different. I will definitely look at more books from this author. I would really loved to see a story about Leary or even Colin :)

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fairly quick read. I normally dont read a ton of Mob themed books. I was expecting this to be more in depth than it was and a bit more violent cause hello Mob. About the middle of the book it slowed down quite a bit though. We have Liam and Ellie. Liam is a Mob Boss and has his father's territory. He's not into the "killing" so much but does what needs to be done to people who deserve it which is normally junkies. Its obvious Liam is a good guy for the most part. He's a womanizer big time. We meet Ellie who's his little brothers Kindergarten teacher. She's sweet and a bit naive. She stumbles onto something she shouldnt have seen. She actually didnt think what she was seeing as a bad thing just suspicious. She thought nothing of it until the Big Boss wants to shut her up and puts Liam on it. He is against it from the beginning cause he kinda likes her and had a date with her. Anyways, it comes down to him protecting her and trying to stay alive and figure a way to fix the crap storm.

There are a few issues with the writing. Character development could have been a bit more in depth to make this whole thing believable. Plot holes do exist but it wasn't bad. Secondary characters seemed like extras in a movie. I expected it to be more dramatic at the end. Fallout to be a bigger of a deal. They weren't in love and if they were they didnt say it and I didnt feel it. More of a mutual caring and possibly dating type of relationship. It definitely wasnt a HEA but HFN. One thing I will say about Liam's character he was written a little weak for someone who's a mob boss. I mean he has killed but didnt strike me as mob boss material. He should be tough, a little mean, and an alpha type. He showed dominant tendencies but should have been more. I wasn't feeling much from him in that instance. He's a good guy though and sweet.

Saying all that though I enjoyed the book. Didnt hate it or dislike it. I hope the author doesnt think I am breaking up her work or trying to be negative because I am all about positive criticism. :)

[Jennifer Guffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honored: An Alpha Mob Romance (City Series #4)
By: B.B. Hamel
5/5 stars


*I received an Advanced Copy in exchange for an honest review.*

Ellie Boucher has gotten her life together since she went through a downward spiral while in college. Now she’s an elementary school teacher, who loves her job, her rescue dog and finally feeling like she’s doing the right stuff in life. When she sees Liam, a student’s brother, she notices his good looks & caring attitude towards his brother. But she also notices how good-looking he is and the attraction that they both seem to have. But when she witnesses something that has the potential to destroy, or at least cause major problems with a criminal enterprise, it brings a new set of threats into her life.

Liam Sullivan joined the “family business” because it was what he grew up in. His father was one of the Irish bosses and so Liam just followed in his footsteps. Because of the amount of respect that Liam’s dad had earned, Liam never got any of the tough or dirty jobs. He ran his neighborhood, his businesses, made a profit, collected money and paid his dues on time. Before meeting Ellie at the school where she teaches, Liam was just a good-time man, never looking for or wanting more than one night with a woman.

After a coup overthrowing the head boss, a ruthless, young underboss takes over and in his paranoia, he trusts no one. And those he distrusts have to prove their loyalty to him in the manner that he chooses. If someone refuses a job, they are generally murdered & disposed of. And of course, Liam gets saddled with the job of taking out Ellie.

But as soon as he realizes that she is the target, he can’t do it. And then the game is on. Liam has to try to keep Ellie alive while figuring out how the new boss was able to actually have the backing (both monetary & support from the other bosses.

I really liked how fast the drama came up in the book. I believe that the books in this series can all be read as standalones. This is the only book in the series that I have read, and I never felt like I was lost, or didn’t know about something that had happened.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this story from the author for an honest review. The author contacted me through Goodreads and I have no idea how she came across name, but I'm so glad she did! I absolutely loved this book! I read it in one sitting as I was anxiously turning each page to find out what would happen next.

Liam is introduced as a cocky man-whore. He is then asked to prove himself to the top mob boss in town by killing someone. From this scene forward his character became so much more complex and multi-dimensional. He battled his loyalty to a lifestyle he was raised in at the same time he battled his conscience and ethics.

I initially liked Ellie and had a much gentler impression of her. She cares about her job and has overcome some serious hurdles. At a certain point in the book it seemed like her character changed and I wasn't sure how I felt about this more assertive woman. I did like the way she decided to do something about her situation as best she could instead of playing the victim. I particularly liked the chemistry between the characters and Liam's immediate need to protect her at the risk of his own life.

As I mentioned before, I was immediately pulled into the story wondering how it would play out in the end. There were quite a few twists and turns and at one point I could not imagine how they were going to get out their predicament. The author did a great job emotionally connecting me to the characters with her style of writing and the plot and pace of the story itself.

It appears this book is part of a series, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything by not reading the previous stories. It's told from both character's points of view which I'm a fan of getting into the motivations for each character's actions. I really enjoyed this book and am anxious to going back to read her previous books.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received a copy of this book for an honest review.

This is my first book by B.B. Hamel and won’t be the last. I’m a sucker for the bad boy and good girl so I jumped at the chance when I received a copy of Honored. How much of a bad boy can you get when you have Liam Sullivan, a Right man in the Irish mafia that in this modern age still lives by the code that were set forth by his father and father’s father. Old school concepts that still ring true but other people like Colm thinks that the old reign should be long gone and in the past.

Liam looks and acts like the mob guy he is but still runs a legit profitable business. He cares for his younger brother, picks him up and takes him to school, where he finds himself attracted to his little brother’s teacher. How sweet is that, but Ellie Boucher has a past of her own to deal with. She is a recovering drug addict and enjoys her life as a grade school teacher. She sees Liam everyday with Richie and can’t help but wonder if the rumors are true about Liam. They start talking and sparks start to fly. Ellie was walking her dog one day and sees something that she shouldn’t have seen. Case of the wrong place, wrong time. Needless to say the Mob boss Colm puts a hit on her and sends Liam to do the job. When Liam discovers who she is, he tries to plea with the boss to just pay her off like the old days. Colm still orders the hit and Liam comes to her rescue.

While keeping her locked in his safe house, Liam and Ellie start to fall for one another. Liam finds a way to keep Ellie alive and safe. He wants out of the mob for good when he wants more than the mob life for his little brother and wants to start something with Ellie. Liam the ultimate bad boy that falls for the school teacher. Oh yeah.

[Maddie k · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars to kick me off with this book!

This was my first book from B.B Hamel and I was greatly privileged to have been asked to review this for her and I was very excited to read it, I love a good mob book and to have this I'm my lap I was on cloud 9.

Liam - we start this book with his PoV and how he is in with the Irish mob and how life takes him, He's strong, confident and Knows what he's doing he is out to prove he has what it takes to follow the line when he doesn't always agree with it.
Liam is a man that wants more but is it that easy to turn around and change your course that's a big step to take when your in deep with the masters.

Family is life and business is key!

Ellie - she's a hard working tough woman that loves what she does, She's Liam's brothers teacher and she's not out to find love and have that fairytale, she's happy in her world For now.

When Liam meets Ellie they dance around each other then things go up a notch when Ellie's thrown into a world that no innocent should face, Liam is torn with his duties and his own beliefs should he turn from what he knows to protect the one that catches his eye.
When you try to do the best thing with Wolfs on your tail it's hard to believe there's light beyond the tunnel your heading down, Liam is at just as much risk as Ellie is So they have to work together to survive.

I loved this book it was written to a fantastic level that had you guessing the twists and turns, Your not want to put it down just to find out what will happen.
The plot, layout of this book was constructive perfectly and a good pace and I recommend this book to all.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this ARC in return for a honest review.

The blurb sounded amazing I've always loved mafia reads, another one of my weaknesses are alpha males add those together and I'm there. Unfortunately this one fell a little flat.
Liam is more of a middle man in the mob. With a new boss taking over he's happy just laying low. Taking care of business when told. He enjoys the money and easy women that come along with his position. Liam never really wanted that life ( he was born into it) and you can tell because he on the weaker side. He's also responsible for taking care of his little brother.
Ellie is Richie's teacher ( liam's little brother)but also a recovering addict. Other then her one friend and dog there's nothing else really about her.
Long story short Liam is ordered to take out Ellie because she seen 2 guys dumping something in the river. But he can't do it... so begins their running/hiding while having sex along the way. They had great chemistry but their relationship never really built other then sex.
Like I mentioned before Liam is on the weaker side, he's no alpha. I never really cared for Ellie. This could have been an excellent read if there was more growth and development.
The idea and plot along with the authors imagination is why I'm giving it 3 stars. Like I said before with more growth and development this could be a fantastic story.