Highball and Chain

Bourbon Street Bad Boys' Club #2

by Kathryn M. Hearst

Who says bad boys don't deserve second chances?

Enzo Marchionni is New Orleans’ hottest chef, the middle child in a mafia family, and the recipient of an unwanted gift…

…an arranged marriage.

How in the heck can he tie the knot with a spoiled mob princess when all he can think about is the woman he pushed away?

If Enzo were any other man, the answer would be simple—convince the girl of his dreams he deserves a second chance. However, it’s not that easy when following his heart could put himself, and everyone he loves, in danger.

Shanna Isaac is a wannabe private investigator, with a case load of cheating spouses, and a horrible track record with men. When her best friend asks her to be maid of honor, Shanna agrees…

…even if that means spending time with The Ghoster, the man who dumped her like a bad Tinder date, just when she started to believe in happily ever-afters.

Unfortunately, every bad decision has consequences. It turns out Shanna and Enzo’s almost-relationship might have started a mob war. Her only hope is to accept protection from the one man who could destroy her.

If she can’t trust him with her heart. How in the heck can she trust him with her life?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Mafia Romance

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2020

About the author

Kathryn M. Hearst is a southern girl with a love of the dark and strange. She has been a story teller her entire life, as a child she took people watching to new heights by creating back stories of complete strangers. Kate lives in North Carolina with her chocolate lab, Jolene; and two rescue pups, Jagger and Roxanne. She is a self-proclaimed nerd, raising a nerdling.

Reviews

[Lu Bielefeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
=====================

Enzo asked me to dinner, but he’d canceled and ghosted me like a bad Tinder hook-up. A few days later, I’d caught him with an Italian super-model type.

“Like I told Dahlia. I’m a grown woman. I can sleep beside you without accidentally rolling over and impaling myself on your penis.”

[Jac K]

DNF @ 58%
The blurb sounded promising, but it didn’t deliver. Shanna and Enzo hooked up (maybe in book 1) and he ghosted her. I didn’t really understand why though because he’s really into her and doesn’t waste time trying to reconnect when she’s put back into his orbit… and all the factors are the same… maybe because his family is somewhat in the Italian mafia… but they live in America… and he runs a restaurant. 🤷‍♀️

Regardless, I was expecting something darker, and this is mafia-lite. I also thought we’d get some good OW drama with the potential betrothal, but that fizzled out and I see the clingy vapid OW is the next h, so midbook the author starts a PR campaign to soften her image… and where’s the fun in that?

Bottom Line- It wasn't terrible, just failed to keep me interested. It’s available on KU.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/23/2021)! 🎁

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Bourbon Street Bad Boys Club and it is a fantastic one. I must admit I didn’t read the first book but had no problems when reading this one. It features Enzo and Shanna. After an exciting PI job Shanna ends up in Sicily for her bff, Maggie’s wedding to Enzo’s big brother, Gabe. Thing are running hot and cold for these two when there is an attempt on their life while sightseeing and then on Shanna’s life outside the wedding. Enzo escorts Shanna and the other attendants home to New Orleans while the rest of the family stays in Italy. Enzo’s job is to keep Shanna safe. We have an Italian wedding, a dying Mafiosi, a meddling, conniving Italian mother, a sweet Nanny/housekeeper, a spoiled Mafia princess, 6 brothers, a good friend, corrupt politicians, rival Mafia families, and two stubborn people who care about each other.

[Fos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook
Didn't care for the female Narrator

Enzo and Shanna
Enzo is rich Shanna is really poor. Eyeroll.

Shanna was more feisty than Enzo. I liked her. I wish she wasn't written as poor. Getting fired. Etc. I really dislike that Trope. Rich dude, poor loser chick.

This is a good mystery/romance. The mystery is better.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Captivating Delight! Awesome Story & Narration🎧

Highball and Chain
Bourbon Street Bad Boys' Club, Book 2
By: Kathryn M. Hearst
Narrated by: Aaron Shedlock, Virginia Rose

Kathryn M. Hearst delivers another wonderful “Bourbon Street Bad Boys’ Club” novel, a series of standalone books each featuring a different Marchionni brother. The first book, “Absinthe Minded” was Gabriel and Maggie’s story, this book is his brother Enzo and Shanna, Maggie’s best friends story. The story picks up soon after the first one ended, the chemistry between Enzo and Shanna is smoking hot and it lead to something even hotter but that was all Enzo was able to give. She had not heard from him since but she sees him again at Gabe and Maggie’s wedding. The two are opposites in many ways, she is a private investigator in training and he is a chef who comes from a family with questionable business practices. Gabe wants to legitimize all the family dealings, this is pissing off some of his current dealings and other mafia families. Shanna was excited for Maggie’s wedding and for going to Italy, it was a very exciting trip but not exactly in a good way, family drama and a spoiled mafia princess stirs up some trouble, some other trouble seems to be brewing as well and some lands Shanna’s way. Enzo is determined to protect her and get to the bottom of it, but Shanna is not one to sit back and wait, she needs to find out what is going on as well. There is never a dull moment in this book, the story is cleverly plotted with plenty of drama, a touch of angst, humor in the way of witty dialogue, some action, mystery, twists and turns, thrilling and suspenseful moments and a smoking hot romance. Thank you for another fantastic story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 And for the amazing narration, Aaron Shedlock and Virginia Rose are the perfect cast to bring these characters to life. They had a complete understanding of the characters they portrayed, gave each a voice that fit their character’s persona to a tee, sounding believable and just as I pictured the character to sound. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and projected them into their performance. These mega talented voice artists are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another awesome listen, I love how your narration enhances an already great story to another level of greatness.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highball and Chain
Bourbon Street Bad Boys' Club, Book 2
By: Kathryn M. Hearst
Narrated by: Aaron Shedlock, Virginia Rose

Kathryn Hearst keeps bringing on the laughs and romance with her Bourbon Street Bad Boys Club! Though the second in the series, it can be read as a standalone. This time, we get Enzo Marchionni's story. This bad boy has big dreams for his family's business but when he finds his meddling parents trying to wed him to a prominent family, he finds himself in a quandary. Attracted to his sister-in-law Maggie's best friend, he isn't looking for help in the love department, and he certainly isn't interested in the beautiful but bratty Nicolina! Shanna and Enzo had an encounter once. Yes, just once, but it was so powerful, neither of them can stop thinking about it. Will these two find their happily ever after? Will the Marchionni's convince Enzo this is best for the family? Fun, laughter, passion, a little mafia business and we are off! I love this series. It's flows easy, it has me smiling and the family is everything we can imagine. The Marchionni brothers banter is typical siblings, and the men with the kids just melts my heart. I love Enzo's passion for the family business, but I also love that he puts his feelings first. Shanna is a strong woman, and I love that she is willing to see where it all goes...and it's a journey! And Nicolina! I can't wait to hear what is going to happen to her! She is quite the character! This is a great series, and I am loving it! On to Single Malt Drama!

Aaron Shedlock and Virginia Rose are our story tellers for this gem. These two are so good! Perfect comedic timing, great accents, that slight angst at times and just all around giving us a listen that is so wonderful! Shedlock has all the brothers, and each has their own qualities showing in their voices. Rose comes in as a bratty Nico and a strong willed, passion filled Shanna. It's a great mix and gave me hours of entertainment!

[Jennifer G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shanna Isaac is a Private Investigator in training. Enzo Marchionni is a popular chef in the French Quarter. They started something. It was mindblowing, followed up with intimate late-night conversations, and then he ghosted her. The problem? His older brother is married to her best friend and they are all going to be spending the wedding week together in Sicily along with all of his other brothers, their parents, and his on and off again beautiful girlfriend. As much as they would like to ignore each other, their chemistry is explosive. It also seems to have triggered a mob war.

I loved book 1 and was eager to see if book 2 could live up to my expectations or if it was a fluke. Definitely no fluke. The Marchionni family makes for good stories! I love the brothers, although I could do without the family matriarch. While I didn't instantly fall for Enzo like I did Gabe, I was impressed with his character growth. I adored Shanna. I pictured her part Audrey Hepburn / part Lucille Ball. She's smart, witty, adorable, and has a streak of bad luck on this book second to none. Her chemistry with Enzo was real and their banter was strong. The obstacles between them were significant and I appreciate they didn't feel contrived.

I love the overlying mafia storyline and the mini-mysteries in these books. It's fun to play junior detective along the way and see how close you can get to the real answer. The fact that there's always a twist makes it even more fun. Now I can't wait to get to know Marco and Nicolina better. Seems like each of these brothers gets in over their heads with the women in their lives.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another very enjoyable story in this series of books.
This is the second book about the Marchionni brothers,this one is Enzo's book.
Growing up within a Mafia family Enzo has always felt like a bit of an outsider with his brothers,he always felt left out of everything,no matter how hard he tried to please his parents.
He is New Orleans hottest Chef runs a restaurant but is closed off emotionally.
Shanna is training to be a P.I...and Maggies best friend,Maggie is marrying Enzo's brother Gabe from book 1.
Shanna had an encounter with Enzo at a masquerade ball and after that he never returned her phone calls completely ghosting her...and now she was going to see him again at Maggie and Gabe's wedding.
Enzo was going to contact Shanna again but his Families Mafia connections stopped him from doing that...he wanted to make amends at the wedding.
There is alot of hot and cold with these two because even though they want one another they keep holding back for different reasons....Plus there is the fact that Enzo is being fixed up to have an arranged marriage with a woman he does not like.
There is ALOT going on in this story,a threat to Shanna's life,corruption,Mafia buisness,an arranged marriage to prevent,a missing cat....and allsorts of shennanighans.,that they have to unravel before they can be together.
This is such an intriguing book ,steamy too as Enzo and Shanna get to know one another,I loved reading this story and it was hard to put down.
Brilliant book.
5 Stars.

[Amy Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A whole new story in New Orleans

Hearst pens an excellent story in Highball and Chain. I have read work from this author before, and I really enjoyed it. I read the "mafia comedy" that came before this one. Though this story is different, I always recommend readers read the series in order. Even though they are different stories, with different characters, the previous story always sets the tone for the next one, and so on. The characters had a lot of depth, and were very realistic. Enzo is in a bit of a bind, and it starts with who he is and who is family is. This is a remarkable story, with different types of characters, from different lives, and how they connect is so interesting, and written seamlessly. This author has a great imagination and I'm glad it's being shared with stories. It’s one of those embraceable stories. It’s definitely un-put-downable! This story captures the reader's attention at chapter 1. Highball and Chain is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enzo Marchionni is the hottest chef in New Orleans, the middle child in a mafia family. Shanna Isaac is a private investigator, mostly dealing with cases involving getting evidence against cheating spouses. She also has a horrible track record with men, and Enzo is among the “ones that got away” when he ghosted her.

When Shanna’s best friend asks her to be maid of honor at her wedding, she agrees, despite the fact that it means she will have to spend time around the man who dumped her. But when things start to get dangerous, Enzo needs to keep her safe while they try to find out who is targeting her.

This story has romance, mystery, and suspense to keep the reader fully invested. Will their chemistry bring Shanna and Enzo a second chance to find a HEA? Or will they be too busy dodging bullets to move forward?

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Shanna get a second chance with the guy who “ghosted” her months ago? Shanna and Enzo met at a party, were slightly tipsy and had an awesome makeout session. When Enzo agreed to call her for a date, she never heard from him and weeks later saw him with a model. Now her best friend is marrying Enzo’s older brother and during the pre-wedding and wedding she has to be around him. But then she is shot at while in Italy, her apartment back home in New Orleans is deliberately burned down, and a mafioso’s daughter keeps trying to force herself on Enzo. And he and his brothers keep whispering. What secrets are they keeping and why is Enzo saying she’s in danger from the mafia? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved book 1 and was eager to read book 2 and it didn't disappoint. The Marchionni boys are hot to trot and make for great stories! I love the brothers, although I could do without the family matriarch. While I didn't instantly fall for Enzo like I did Gabe, I was impressed with his character growth, and I adored Shanna.

These two were made for each other, although Enzo ghosted Shanna for a while, her indifference to him has him lapping her up. Enzo really decides to put an end to his mother's shenanigans because he is dead set on Shanna.

Shanna will not take Enzo's ghosting her, but she can't resist his charms either.

Their relationship is explosive and the who done it mystery will have you on the edge of your seat.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has it all, romance, mystery, intrigue, mafia retaliation, and of course a HEA. Shanna and Enzo have chemistry but they have to overcome his family's mafia connections and sort out who is out to get Shanna. The Marchionni family think that no one knows their secrets and they are finding that getting out of the Mafia is not as easy as they thought. I can't wait to read the next book and find out what Marco and Niko are up to.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

All kinds of sassy.

I was immediately sucked into this book. Funny, sassy, a hint of sabotage.
Shanna is a PI. She and Enzo, a chef (it’s yes, chef, not sir) connected until he ghosted on her and she caught him with a OW. He does flings. She’s not a fling thing.
And who poisoned the soup?

Does Enzo deserve a second chance?
Cuz he’s got another woman drama going on as well.

I liked Shanna. She’s got her S together. Enzo not so much.
Recommend.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highball and Chain is the second book in the Bourbon Street Bad Boys Club series and is a great mafia romance.

The characters are intelligent, well developed, and have a history together. The storyline is well written and kept my interest from start to finish, with the Mafiosi, a meddling mom, family, friendship, corruption, danger, suspense, and a second chance for romance.

I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book I've read written by Kathryn M. Hearst; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shanna's entire life gets turned upside down while investigating the local mayor and slew of other craziness ensues. From the moment this book starts, you jump right into the action. Just when you think you have everything figured out, this book will keep you guessing right to the end. Shanna and Enzo try to stay away from each other but they are so drawn to each other it becomes impossible to stay away.

Virginia Rose and Aaron Shedlock are amazing as Shanna, Enzo and the entire cast!

[Cheryl Drake johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shoshanna is an PI in training and she has just gotten some serious info on the Mayor but she doesn't realize how serious her situation has become because her best friend is having the wedding dinner party at the Marchionni Restaurant since she is the maid of honor she has to be there. But there is someone has poisoned the soup Enzo does everything he can to protect the family and friends at the restaurant. The next couple of days they were flying out to Italy for a wedding she is not anxious to see Enzo since he ghosted her when they were dating but she is a private investigator in training so she goes in and Enzo lets her know what is happening with the soup. Maggie's fiance's Gabe is brother to Lorenzo aka Enzo and she tells Shanna that he is really nice and keeps to himself. Enzo did it, he ghosted Shanna and has no plans to change his mind even though she seems like the only woman who could make him happy because they got along so well together at the gala that it scared him but he never plans to marry so it doesn't matter he believes until his brother gets a look at Shanna and he is quick to change his mind on being with her. In Italy she is having second thoughts when En Enzo is wanting to show her their little town of Comiso. Great story line and the characters are very entertaining. Action, Romantic suspense, mystery thriller. Book 1 in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Mcclain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular :)
I read this & loved it:) I like how the chapters gave both her point of view & his. You don't see that often in books. The suspense had a good build up & it worked out nicely at the end. This book is very well worth reading:) I strongly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ana * · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book has an edgy feel to it and some level of suspense it is at its core a rom com book, it is funny and lighthearted for a mafia book. I really enjoyed the lightness of it and can't wait for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This set of books was intensely wonderful. It was an amazing set. I cannot express just how much I loved these. What a very intense story that will have you hooked from the very beginning of this story. This is a must read!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This set of books was intensely wonderful. It was an amazing set. I cannot express just how much I loved these. What a very intense story that will have you hooked from the very beginning of this story. This is a must read!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters that will keep your interest extremely well.
I'm not going to go into detail, no spoilers just read the book if you are even mildly intrigued by the blurb. You'll thank me later!

The chemistry, sweetness, and twists in plot kept things interesting. Add in drama and passion and you have a good read.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving this series

I’m not a fan of the mafia genre but this series has me hooked! Bad guys, meddling Italian mother, high maintenance Italian mafia princess…and a dyslexic PI -in-training! Guaranteed to keep you entertained and engaged! Awesome narration draws you into the story. Looking forward to the next book.

[Tammy Bulcao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

This book was so sexy and the chemistry was on fire, among other things.
Great mafia romance with some sexy brothers, family drama and of course the sultry ex girlfriend. I truly enjoyed every minute of it.
The narration was performed brilliantly.
This is book 2 with an HEA and can be read as a standalone.
I highly recommend this book/series.

Sisters Spotlight 💜

[Karen Hoffman - Booktastic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this second story in the collection. Always nice to follow along with the families to see more about the side characters. The journey of their friendship as it comes alive from the first page until the end. Of course Aaron and Virginia are pure perfection. Kathryn is a new to me author that I am happy I discovered.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good romantic suspense read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is an enjoyable, entertaining, action, and romantic suspense read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Geraldine Streit · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storyline is good but my problem is coming from the characters. Shanna is too “in your face” for me and Enzo is just going for hot and cold way too much

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Fortune · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book immediately brings you back with the Marchionni family and it does not disappoint. The vivid imagery brings you to Sicily and back to New Orleans. The action is fantastic and makes you feel like you are really there. I cannot wait to see where the next book is going to bring us in this saga.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.