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New to Navesink Bank, Theo just wants to take advantage of the new opportunities given to her. And, under no circumstances, continue her cycle of getting involved with the wrong kind of men.
Then one night, Dezi walked into her bar with bad news written all over him.
Hot, charming, and homicidal.
Just her type.
But amongst her struggle to adjust to life in a new town and a string of “bad luck” that might not be bad luck, but something much more nefarious, she can’t help but start to have feelings for the food-obsessed biker who thought mini animals made the perfect gifts…
Then one night, Dezi walked into her bar with bad news written all over him.
Hot, charming, and homicidal.
Just her type.
But amongst her struggle to adjust to life in a new town and a string of “bad luck” that might not be bad luck, but something much more nefarious, she can’t help but start to have feelings for the food-obsessed biker who thought mini animals made the perfect gifts…
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2022
197 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Gadziala
160 books5,350 followersJessica Gadziala is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in rural New Jersey with her parrots, dogs, and an ever-growing collection of houseplants. A lifelong dreamer, she’s been writing stories since childhood and published her first book in 2015. When not at her desk, she’s usually feeding backyard birds, rewatching crime dramas, period pieces, and 90s supernatural TV shows, or adding to her towering stacks of unread books.
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You can find her on
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Jessica-Gadz...
Newsletter: subscribepage.io/K4GPfj
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicagadz...
Her Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/31454...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
January 8, 2023
I want to start off by saying that I’ve been dying to get the back story to Dezi, and I’ve been a fan of Dezi since he was Introduced to the NBU …….. the man is shamelessly A mix between adorable and a Pitbull. What more can you add for?
What you might just find in this book, and so much more
Plenty of Craziness. Bit of Crime. Shit ton of Cute animals. And Plenty of food……. I can hear Dezi saying this as I type “ thank God for plenty of freaking doughnuts”
Dezi, wow, where to begin?
The man super sweet and funny and laid-back, but also has a lot of intensity and is fiercely protective. and lord have mercy, he is obsessed with food.
Theo has never been a soft or sweet kind of woman. Life had beaten that out of her before she went through adolescence. Let’s just say that Theo had hard childhood
Yeah, yeah some would say that Theo could be at times little prickly, and some might just say that she could be at times a little sarcastic, and most definitely they would say that she was jaded, but there was something soft and sweet under all that, or so Dezi hoped
November 8, 2024
soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo gooooooooooood
November 20, 2022
First - the cover 100% accurate depiction of Dezi.. Love it when the cover matches the character.. Dezi our food lovin sweetie who can go into homicidal rages. And how he showed kindness to Theo.. Sigh. I am always amazed the different ways the author incorporates her love for animals into the stories. This isnt a holiday romance but it sure has lots of feel good moments that go perfect for this time of year!!
May 4, 2023
Like any Jessica fan, I've been waiting for Dezi's book. He's been a fan favorite since his introduction to the NBU and it was wonderful to finally read about his girl and his HEA. It was good, quick read but it wasn't as good as some of the previous books in the series and I have some thoughts about it.
The mini rant (with mild spoilers) is coming in 3,2,1....
I always thought that if Jessica decided to write only the Henchmen series I would be perfectly happy. I like her other series, but I don't love them quite as much. The Henchmen have always been unique, darker, more nuanced. Reign, Cash and Wolf were so different from one another (just to name the first three books in the series) and every book that came next, brought new excitement and new things to look forward to. This elaborate world of Navesink Bank was built step by step in each new chapter giving us glimpses of what it will look like at the end. Now we are there and the view is a bit dull. What is the point of having so many criminal organizations in one city when they live peacefully with each other. The new generation of Henchmen is great. Don't get me wrong, there are many of them that I'm curious about, but they live in a Hallmark movie. They even speak the same way and, except for a few individual quirks, they are like the same person.
The city is run without wars and conflict. We wouldn't know about the criminal activities of the MCs if it wasn't mentioned in every book that they are selling guns. There is no real villain (like V or Lex Keith were, for example) and the guys weren't tested against a bigger and stronger enemy like the OG's. And because of that, I don't feel they have such a strong bond with each other. There are no high stakes and every problem is solved in 5 minutes.
In Dezi's book, the villain was a weak, old rich guy and we didn't even get to see how Dezi got rid of him. You have this rabid dog of a hero and you didn't even let him play. Jessica's writing has mellowed quite a bit at some point, and I think I miss the vibe of the early NBU, where the books were a lot less sweet and more unpredictable.
The mini rant (with mild spoilers) is coming in 3,2,1....
I always thought that if Jessica decided to write only the Henchmen series I would be perfectly happy. I like her other series, but I don't love them quite as much. The Henchmen have always been unique, darker, more nuanced. Reign, Cash and Wolf were so different from one another (just to name the first three books in the series) and every book that came next, brought new excitement and new things to look forward to. This elaborate world of Navesink Bank was built step by step in each new chapter giving us glimpses of what it will look like at the end. Now we are there and the view is a bit dull. What is the point of having so many criminal organizations in one city when they live peacefully with each other. The new generation of Henchmen is great. Don't get me wrong, there are many of them that I'm curious about, but they live in a Hallmark movie. They even speak the same way and, except for a few individual quirks, they are like the same person.
The city is run without wars and conflict. We wouldn't know about the criminal activities of the MCs if it wasn't mentioned in every book that they are selling guns. There is no real villain (like V or Lex Keith were, for example) and the guys weren't tested against a bigger and stronger enemy like the OG's. And because of that, I don't feel they have such a strong bond with each other. There are no high stakes and every problem is solved in 5 minutes.
In Dezi's book, the villain was a weak, old rich guy and we didn't even get to see how Dezi got rid of him. You have this rabid dog of a hero and you didn't even let him play. Jessica's writing has mellowed quite a bit at some point, and I think I miss the vibe of the early NBU, where the books were a lot less sweet and more unpredictable.
November 25, 2022
I love this book 🥰😍❤️
I've been waiting for Dezi's book for a very long time and my expectations have definitely been exceeded. His story is far better than I could have imagined.
Dezi has always been the hilarious, in love with food biker, who always seemed to love women for just being women and whom women loved for his funny and easygoing personality.
For the club princesses, the big brother with heart of gold. For his brothers, the best person to party with and a furious fighter with short patience for bullshit artists.
In this book, we got to know Dezi's other side.
A side he otherwise tried to hide from others but became impossible when he met the woman who meant more than a one-night stand.
Don't get me wrong, he's still hilarious and he still loves food more than anything, except Theo.
But when Dezi loves, he holds nothing back. Even though his love is sometimes expressed in more and more mini animals, which he sees as a 100% chance of winning when it comes to women (I mean try saying no to a mini pig). But he also has another side, a side that only shows when someone threatens his loved ones or gets too close.
Theo is a loner. She has learned in her childhood to rely only on herself, to be guarded and the only way she can protect herself is to not let anyone near her.
But Theo has a weakness, and that's outlaw bikers. I can understand, I mean, who could say no to Dezi. Exactly, no one!
Theo's and Dezi's childhood was a traumatic event. They actually never got over these difficult times.
This is something that connects them and creates a deep understanding for each other.
Gosh! I could probably write a book about this book how exciting, gripping, action-packed and amazing was the whole story, but I'm just going to stop here and let you make up your own opinion if you love this book as much as I do.
I've been waiting for Dezi's book for a very long time and my expectations have definitely been exceeded. His story is far better than I could have imagined.
Dezi has always been the hilarious, in love with food biker, who always seemed to love women for just being women and whom women loved for his funny and easygoing personality.
For the club princesses, the big brother with heart of gold. For his brothers, the best person to party with and a furious fighter with short patience for bullshit artists.
In this book, we got to know Dezi's other side.
A side he otherwise tried to hide from others but became impossible when he met the woman who meant more than a one-night stand.
Don't get me wrong, he's still hilarious and he still loves food more than anything, except Theo.
But when Dezi loves, he holds nothing back. Even though his love is sometimes expressed in more and more mini animals, which he sees as a 100% chance of winning when it comes to women (I mean try saying no to a mini pig). But he also has another side, a side that only shows when someone threatens his loved ones or gets too close.
Theo is a loner. She has learned in her childhood to rely only on herself, to be guarded and the only way she can protect herself is to not let anyone near her.
But Theo has a weakness, and that's outlaw bikers. I can understand, I mean, who could say no to Dezi. Exactly, no one!
Theo's and Dezi's childhood was a traumatic event. They actually never got over these difficult times.
This is something that connects them and creates a deep understanding for each other.
Gosh! I could probably write a book about this book how exciting, gripping, action-packed and amazing was the whole story, but I'm just going to stop here and let you make up your own opinion if you love this book as much as I do.
April 1, 2023
2.5 stars
This one just didn’t grab me as most JG books do.
It was mostly blah. Both the plot and the chemistry between the MCs
This one just didn’t grab me as most JG books do.
It was mostly blah. Both the plot and the chemistry between the MCs
January 8, 2024
4.6 stars.
I loved Dezi so fucking much!
His addiction to food, his aversion to exercise, the way he talked about his body, the way he showed his love, his obsession with ‘mini’(*coughBabycough*) fuzzy animals and how he applied them to his relationships, his humor, his total disregard for rules, the way he interacted with the other girls in the club, his (patent pending) ✨butt rubs✨ cool down/warm up method, just….yes.
Absolutely yes.
He reminded me of Chubs from Lola Wright’s MC series, and also I think Remy(?) from the 1st gen of this series mixed together with much more chaos.
It was entertaining as hell. And I would personally classify it as a ‘reverse’ grumpy/sunshine.
😻 I just loved it.
I’m so happy I skipped to it.😂
I loved Dezi so fucking much!
His addiction to food, his aversion to exercise, the way he talked about his body, the way he showed his love, his obsession with ‘mini’(*coughBabycough*) fuzzy animals and how he applied them to his relationships, his humor, his total disregard for rules, the way he interacted with the other girls in the club, his (patent pending) ✨butt rubs✨ cool down/warm up method, just….yes.
Absolutely yes.
He reminded me of Chubs from Lola Wright’s MC series, and also I think Remy(?) from the 1st gen of this series mixed together with much more chaos.
It was entertaining as hell. And I would personally classify it as a ‘reverse’ grumpy/sunshine.
😻 I just loved it.
I’m so happy I skipped to it.😂
January 19, 2023
This was my favourite book of the next-gen Henchmen series so far.
I've been waiting for Dezi's story and while I found it a bit glossed over, I did like Theo enough so it didn't bother me that much.
I've been waiting for Dezi's story and while I found it a bit glossed over, I did like Theo enough so it didn't bother me that much.
November 22, 2022
YAY!! Dezi’s got a book!! He is everything I hoped he would be, and he got the *perfect* FMC for him!
Absolute snack.
Absolute snack.
December 29, 2022
Meh…
Just disappointed that I didn’t love it.
I enjoyed Dezi and Theo separately but didn’t really enjoy them as a couple. They were a little too similar and I didn’t really see character growth in either of them.
I also realized when reflecting back I really don’t know what either look like other than Dezi’s tattoos. I think I recall her being called tall but other than that, nothing.
Also there was some really odd editing choices in this book. They were odd enough I had to reread each multiple times to realize we were time/setting changing mid-conversation. Unfortunately things like this tend to pull me out of the book. I actually put this one aside and started Seely’s book. I think maybe she wants to push out a certain amount of books a month or year, and it’s making them feel more and more rushed and not nearly as flushed out as many of her older books.
I love reading her but I’m finding I’m regularly giving 3 stars instead of 4-5. I, like many readers, would rather wait a little longer for a stronger book than have them be lower quality.
Just disappointed that I didn’t love it.
I enjoyed Dezi and Theo separately but didn’t really enjoy them as a couple. They were a little too similar and I didn’t really see character growth in either of them.
I also realized when reflecting back I really don’t know what either look like other than Dezi’s tattoos. I think I recall her being called tall but other than that, nothing.
Also there was some really odd editing choices in this book. They were odd enough I had to reread each multiple times to realize we were time/setting changing mid-conversation. Unfortunately things like this tend to pull me out of the book. I actually put this one aside and started Seely’s book. I think maybe she wants to push out a certain amount of books a month or year, and it’s making them feel more and more rushed and not nearly as flushed out as many of her older books.
I love reading her but I’m finding I’m regularly giving 3 stars instead of 4-5. I, like many readers, would rather wait a little longer for a stronger book than have them be lower quality.
December 28, 2022
Fantastic read
Jessica did not disappoint with Dezi's story.
As we know Jessica is the queen if giving us what we want and that is drama, romance, hit bikers that will do anything for their women and a love for animals.
Dezi is has the gift of hilarious banter, loves to wind his brothers up and is fiercely protective of those he holds close, oh and has an appetite a mile wide.
Theo is hell bent on paying her own way and making a life for herself, even if that means working under and living in her father's guest house.
Theo and Dezi did not seen eachother coming and that makes their story all the juicier.
Jessica did not disappoint with Dezi's story.
As we know Jessica is the queen if giving us what we want and that is drama, romance, hit bikers that will do anything for their women and a love for animals.
Dezi is has the gift of hilarious banter, loves to wind his brothers up and is fiercely protective of those he holds close, oh and has an appetite a mile wide.
Theo is hell bent on paying her own way and making a life for herself, even if that means working under and living in her father's guest house.
Theo and Dezi did not seen eachother coming and that makes their story all the juicier.
November 25, 2022
Welp, I knew Dezi would be a favorite to read more about as soon as he was introduced. I fell in love with his craziness. He was exactly as I pictured him to be but Theo I will admit I didn’t see coming. She is definitely in my top ten females from Jessica Gadziala’s catalog. These two together were so entertaining and their dialogue had me laughing throughout most of this book.
When JG introduced Dezi in her previous book I knew he would be a handful but the way Theo balanced him out made him seem so much more intriguing in a way. We are given the background of both of these characters and my heart ached as I read about their upbringings. Some of the things I loved most about this book were the dynamics between Theo and her “landlord” as well as Theo and the Princesses of the MC.
There is honestly no way to not fall in love with Dezi and the epilogue made me love him even more. I had my questions as to if some loose ends would be tied up and I was happy to see they were.
The way that Dezi and Theo loved each other was so adorable but I can’t wait to see some of the princesses find their HEA as well as the new guys that have been introduced. I of course need A to have a story because he is just swirling in mystery and intrigue.
When JG introduced Dezi in her previous book I knew he would be a handful but the way Theo balanced him out made him seem so much more intriguing in a way. We are given the background of both of these characters and my heart ached as I read about their upbringings. Some of the things I loved most about this book were the dynamics between Theo and her “landlord” as well as Theo and the Princesses of the MC.
There is honestly no way to not fall in love with Dezi and the epilogue made me love him even more. I had my questions as to if some loose ends would be tied up and I was happy to see they were.
The way that Dezi and Theo loved each other was so adorable but I can’t wait to see some of the princesses find their HEA as well as the new guys that have been introduced. I of course need A to have a story because he is just swirling in mystery and intrigue.
November 20, 2022
When Dezi saunters into Redemption, the bar Theodora tends, with his Henchmen brothers, little did he realize that his world would never be the same. And what better way to start their story than with a Slapshot – literally, when the bar patron takes the shot and the hot bartender promptly slaps the taste right out of their mouth. Cut brakes, long lost relatives, mini animals and FOOD blend in a pretty much perfect tale of flawed people who manage to find their soulmates in the chaos of their lives.
Yet another thrilling, engaging and hilarious entry in the Henchmen MC world that you should not miss!
Yet another thrilling, engaging and hilarious entry in the Henchmen MC world that you should not miss!
November 20, 2022
Dezi is a smart-ass foodie extraordinaire and Theo is full of attitude and gun shy twice over. I love this couple, all the animals, and their story. I will be doing a reread to catch some of things I'm sure I missed.
November 26, 2022
Who has been waiting for this book??? I know I have! I wanted to know who would capture the heart of Dezi, with his aggressive side mixed in with his sweet side. And of course it would be an amazing badass lady who can serve up a Slapshot!!!
Great book!
Great book!
November 25, 2022
I love Dezi so much!!! There is just something about a donut eating, mini animal loving biker that makes me swoon!!! I also absolutely loved Theo! I love when Jessica writes the FMC’s a little on the prickly side. Such a good match!!
November 26, 2022
Dezi and donuts. What’s not to love???
But seriously, can we talk about all the stories that are coming? They are coming, right?!?! Because we need A and Toll and Hope and Demi…. Just to name a few. 😍
But seriously, can we talk about all the stories that are coming? They are coming, right?!?! Because we need A and Toll and Hope and Demi…. Just to name a few. 😍
January 7, 2023
love Desi and Theo
These are two really great people who I’m happy to see get together. The fact that Desi’s love language is Food, Compliments, mustache rides and animals is wickedly awesome. Especially the animals part, the gift of animals is my ideal courtship. Desi gives Theo a mini pig, a kitty, and even her dad gets a pet from Desi.
Her dad is sick with cancer; animals are known to help calm peoples nerves, lower blood pressure, petting an animal decreases risk of seizure, animals offer companionship, loyalty and love. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Desi is a lot like an animal lol.
Desi is loyal, loving, food motivated, loves to cuddle, comes when called. Fierce defender.
Theo is tough, brave, hardworking, sarcastically funny, she’s no pushover. She’s cat nip to Desi. Absolutely Irresistible. Together they make a great team.
These are two really great people who I’m happy to see get together. The fact that Desi’s love language is Food, Compliments, mustache rides and animals is wickedly awesome. Especially the animals part, the gift of animals is my ideal courtship. Desi gives Theo a mini pig, a kitty, and even her dad gets a pet from Desi.
Her dad is sick with cancer; animals are known to help calm peoples nerves, lower blood pressure, petting an animal decreases risk of seizure, animals offer companionship, loyalty and love. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Desi is a lot like an animal lol.
Desi is loyal, loving, food motivated, loves to cuddle, comes when called. Fierce defender.
Theo is tough, brave, hardworking, sarcastically funny, she’s no pushover. She’s cat nip to Desi. Absolutely Irresistible. Together they make a great team.
June 15, 2023
I loved this book so much, which isn’t surprising since I’ve been infatuated with Dezi’s character since he was first introduced. He’s such a lethally charming combination of golden retriever energy and deadly, wild rabid wolf. Knowing his background is heartbreaking, but not surprising when you put all the clues together. Theo is the perfect woman for him. She’s tough and as she stated “I’m not nice.” They fit perfectly together and the chemistry is off the charts. Add in piles of cute animals, found family, heartfelt connections, action, and tons of romance…it’s a fast, wonderful read.
January 9, 2023
Kindle Unlimited
September 25, 2024
4 sweet and psycho stars
I love Dezi! 😍 He really stole the show
Unhinged, sweet and down bad for his girl! And the animals he kept gifting her ❤️
Theo was also a cool, strong fmc.
I love Dezi! 😍 He really stole the show
Unhinged, sweet and down bad for his girl! And the animals he kept gifting her ❤️
Theo was also a cool, strong fmc.
December 16, 2024
Love him
January 1, 2023
super cute
This book was adorable. Dezi was exactly what I pictured. Loved it. Great match the two of them and of course… animals.
This book was adorable. Dezi was exactly what I pictured. Loved it. Great match the two of them and of course… animals.
December 26, 2022
Method: ebook
Rating: 4/5 stars
H rating: 4/5 - Dezi
h rating: 4/5 - Theo
Drama: 4/5
Thoughts: Oh DEZI!!! I love his girl and I love him. Great read. Looking forward to seeing more from this generation.
December 28, 2022
excellent
I’ve been really looking forward to dezi after seeing his character built in previous books and he didn’t disappoint! I won’t leave any spoilers but just read it ! And then go ahead and read everything else JG has ever written !
I’ve been really looking forward to dezi after seeing his character built in previous books and he didn’t disappoint! I won’t leave any spoilers but just read it ! And then go ahead and read everything else JG has ever written !
December 27, 2022
❤️❤️❤️
December 24, 2022
Love Dezi!!
Absolutely love Dezi, one of my favourite characters and Theo was perfect for him. Wish the book had been longer because I loved the characters but still a good book though!!
Absolutely love Dezi, one of my favourite characters and Theo was perfect for him. Wish the book had been longer because I loved the characters but still a good book though!!
December 17, 2022
I've loved Dezi since he first appeared and omg I love him even more now. Everyone needs a Dezi in their life. Me and him have like the same eating habits plus he's hilarious and am animal lover. I adored Theo, she was soft but a badass. At first I pictured Dezi with someone sweet who cooks but Theo was perfect for him. I'm glad him and Voss seemed to be getting along better because I love Voss. I'm embarrassed to admit that it wasn't until Toll was mentioned in the Andi incident I forgot it was the same guy 🤦♀️. I hope he gets his one HEA too.
December 21, 2022
😍 i think this is my favourite jessica gadziala's book. I adore it !
December 10, 2022
Food & fuzzy animals
I love Dezi & Theo!! Holy buckets, they were a fun read! Their story starts with a slap, sort of, but there's no animosity.
Dezi is relentless in his pursuit, and his theory about fuzzy / mini animals is pretty spot on. Theo has lived a hard life, and is just sort of coming into her own, tho she doesn't quite realize that's the direction she's going. Her stubbornness could have been off-putting, but it's written so well I love her instead. 😁
I adored Dezi! He has such a playful side (reminds me of a certain drummer in a different series by a different author. LOL)! He also has a violent side, but that wasn't the focus & it really only comes out when he's in protective mode for Theo. 💜💜💜
Their relationship is full of steam and friendship and fun pets 🐷🐱🐥🦚🦢🦆and love! I highly enjoyed them, as well as the club, the girls club, Theo's dad... all of it!!! And the epilogue was especially a favorite.
😍😍😍
I love Dezi & Theo!! Holy buckets, they were a fun read! Their story starts with a slap, sort of, but there's no animosity.
Dezi is relentless in his pursuit, and his theory about fuzzy / mini animals is pretty spot on. Theo has lived a hard life, and is just sort of coming into her own, tho she doesn't quite realize that's the direction she's going. Her stubbornness could have been off-putting, but it's written so well I love her instead. 😁
I adored Dezi! He has such a playful side (reminds me of a certain drummer in a different series by a different author. LOL)! He also has a violent side, but that wasn't the focus & it really only comes out when he's in protective mode for Theo. 💜💜💜
Their relationship is full of steam and friendship and fun pets 🐷🐱🐥🦚🦢🦆and love! I highly enjoyed them, as well as the club, the girls club, Theo's dad... all of it!!! And the epilogue was especially a favorite.
😍😍😍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews