| Title | : | Down and Dirty (Italian Stallions, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 264 |
| Publication | : | First published January 25, 2022 |
Jess has one goal in life—protect her son. But when an overcrowded shelter puts her and Jasper out on the street in the dead of winter, she fears she's going to fail that mission. Help comes in the form of confirmed bachelors, Tony Moretti and Dr. Rhys Beaumont.
Tony and Rhys share the same motto—work hard, play harder. But when fate drops a homeless waitress and her young son on their doorstep, their wild and free lifestyle takes a sharp turn. Their desire to help her is only surpassed by their desire to claim her, share her, make her theirs.
When Tony and Rhys offer Jess a place to stay and security, there's no denying the chemistry between the three of them. All she has to do is let them in. But Jess isn’t willing to get hurt again . . . no matter how persuasive, how determined, how deliciously possessive her new roommates are.
Down and Dirty (Italian Stallions, #1) Reviews
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![Carol [Goodreads Addict]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1626057011i/10717098._UX200_CR0,33,200,200_.jpg)
RATING 4.5 STARS
Down and Dirty is book one in the brand new series, Italian Stallions by Mari Carr. This is my very first book by Ms. Carr. This is a MFM, slow burn, sweet, sexy love story between two confirmed bachelors and the woman who they literally saved but maybe she saved them right back.
Tony Moretti and Rhys Beaumont have been best friends for years. Tony is thirty five years old and owns a restoration company while Rhys, thirty eight, is a successful doctor. They bought a building together, the bottom floor the Dr.’s office, the middle floor the offices for Tony’s company. The top floor they turned into a beautiful apartment which they share. Neither are interested in relationships, both work long and hard hours. Neither are players, they rarely date.
Jess Monroe is twenty five years old and is the single mother to her adorable six year old son, Jasper. Jess broke my heart in this book. She had been let down by everyone in her life from the time she was born. The last month had been on a downward spiral. They lost their apartment; she couch surfed for awhile and has tried her best to give her son a safe place to sleep. Fate must have brought her to park in front of Tony and Rhys’s building that night.
When Tony and Rhys found Jess, she was in pretty bad shape. Bringing her and Jasper into their home just felt right. As the days and weeks passed, the attraction between them grew but they held it at bay. No matter how much Jess is attracted to these two wonderful men, she can’t risk the home they have provided to she and her son. Jasper has to remain her priority.
I would classify this as a slow burn because it took these three a long time to finally give in to their feelings. But when they did, it was definitely worth the wait. Jess worked so hard, always waiting for the other shoe to drop so to speak. Always wondering when they would turn their backs on her just as everyone else had. I adored the friendship between Tony and Rhys. They couldn’t be more different but they just balanced each other. I loved how honest they were with each other. I admit I kind of hoped their feelings would grow to something more for each other but they saved all those feelings for Jess. But they did love one another, there was no question about that.
Little Jasper was adorable in this and I loved the influence the guys and all of Tony’s family had on him. He was able to truly be a child, maybe for the first time ever. And he had a huge influence on Tony and Rhys as well, opening their hearts in a way they never expected. This was a sweet, very sexy story of finding home in a way you never imagined it. But once these three experienced what they could be together, they knew nothing else would ever compare. Together, they truly found their home.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
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This was the first book I've read by Mari Carr and it will definitely not be my last! I loved this book! Once the chemistry started it was so good!
Tony Moretti and Dr. Rhys Beaumont are definitely some book boyfriends with Tony's alpha man traits (also his long hair - yum!) and Rhys's tenderness (also his beard - double yum!). Ugh loved them both so much! Jess struck me as such a good mom for Jasper. She was so strong and she had no clue! She constantly second guessed herself that it broke my heart! Once her men came in her life, her look on herself started to change for the better.
I didn't realize that some of the secondary characters were part of another series! I'm gonna have to check them out! I cannot wait for Penny and Gage's story! 🖤 -
Let's start off by saying that we really enjoyed our first read by this author. We thought the characters were great, we loved that they were engaging and that Tony and Rhy could not be more different.
Jess was a character that broke our heart, a down on her luck mom who was doing the best she could for her son Jasper. This woman was so brave and strong and made the best out of a horrific situation. She was a sweet and kind and loving person along with being a hard worker also prideful and determined. Jess's son Jasper was a sweetheart, we just loved him also. Both characters made it so easy to fall in love with them.
We loved the plot, although the story was an emotional one we loved how Tony and Rhy did a complete 180 with their life after meeting Jess and Jasper realizing they wanted more out of life than just work, and their confirmed bachelorhood's might not be in store for these men after all.
I loved how Jess and Jasper just fit in with Tony and Rhy's family. Tony's Aunt was a sweetheart, and we loved how she fusses over everyone, it was so sweet and heart melting.
Overall, we loved the story from cover to cover. We loved that Rhy and Tony's friendship survived loving the same woman, and we loved how both Jasper and Jess enriched their lives for the better. The chemistry between the trio was awesome and super hot! This trio had some very hot and sexy encounters, but, it always seemed more than just sex even right from the beginning for them all. We loved seeing Tony and Reese navigate through this new life they never thought they would have, we actually admired them for taking the chance on love and each other, making their unique situation work.
Because of generosity of two men and family got a new lease on life but, in return they gained so much more they gained a family of the own...
P.S. Love this cover! -
Oh my word!! Down and Dirty and Hot and Flirty!! Love this first story about the Italian Stallions of Philadelphia! Best friends, Tony and Rhys strive to help struggling single mom, Jess, and her rambunctious son. The instant friendship, the sizzling chemistry between these three hard working adults is overloaded with hot, steamy, and sexy sweetness!! So much love in this wonderful new family!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. -
Hold on…I gotta put down my fan to write this review! This book is seriously hot. Not only for it’s sexy scenes, but because these two friends and roommates have those protective, dominant (especially in Tony’s case) personalities that spice up any story.
Jess breaks my heart while earning my respect and affection. Through a series of unfortunate circumstances, she and son Jasper…who’s as cute as a damn button…find themselves homeless and out in the literal freezing cold. Thankfully found by Rhys and Tony, two of the regulars at the diner she waitresses at, Jess and Jasper are cared for by them and Tony’s delightful Aunt Berta (beautifully and accurately written…I was fortunate enough to have this same Italian aunt in my life).
Jess is proud and resilient, but stubborn. That doesn’t sit well with the guys, who cajole and good-naturely “bully” her into staying with them until her luck turns around. And though the focus from caring to physical attraction being acted on is a slow burn, it’s a delightful ride to get there. Of course, there would be smoother sailing if the guys talked about their feelings to Jess…and ice versa…but what fun would that be!
I loved these characters so much! This little self made family of five is so engaging. The secondary characters are fun, especially Penny, Rhys sister, who I predict is going to a b@ll buster when she (hopefully) gets her own story! And can we talk about that cover!? Wipes brow…this mostly e-reader is getting this one in paperback to put on my shelf. Kudos to whoever is responsible!
Great start to this brand new series…if the rest are even half as good, we’re all in for some more fantastic reading from Mari Carr. -
Down and Dirty is FINISHED and uploaded. And now...the countdown to Jan. 25 begins! How about a sneak peek, just for fun?
“Feel better?” he whispered.
She started to nod, but it morphed into a shrug instead. “Every time I think things can’t get worse…it’s like the universe takes it as a personal challenge.” She tried to back her words up with a ghost of a smile, to sell her attempt at a joke, but failed. She sighed. “I’m just so tired, Rhys. All the time.”
He knew that she wasn’t talking about physical exhaustion. Jess had the weight of the world pushing down on her and while she’d managed to carry it this far, this whole fucked up weekend seemed to have delivered the KO punch.
“I know you are.”
He led her to the couch, the two of them sitting down together, and she put her head on his shoulder. Then, before he could think about his actions, he pulled her sideways onto his lap, nestling her as he would a sleeping child.
The impulsive action was out of character, the sort of thing Tony would do, not him. Regardless, he needed her close, needed to comfort her, and those feelings blotted out all common sense, all rational thought.
However, it was Jess’s reaction that was more surprising. She went with the motion, completely, sinking onto his lap as if they’d sat this way together every night for years. She rested her head on his shoulder once more and released a long, slow breath, all the tension flowing out of her with the air and words she clearly needed to speak.
“I know there are people who have it worse, so I hate to sound like I’m complaining.”
She was homeless, penniless, and had just been badly beaten by a junkie this afternoon. She thought there were people who had it worse?
“I don’t think you’re complaining. I think you’re right to feel the way you do.”
“It’s just…I’m frustrated I can’t find a way out of this mess. I go to work every single day. I don’t drink or do drugs. Jesus, I don’t even date. I go to work and take care of Jasper and I’m trying everything I know how to do to make a decent life for us, but...it’s still not enough. I don’t think it’s ever going to be enough.”
He wrapped his arms around her, tugging her even tighter to him, wanting this lonely, scared woman to know—for once and even if only for tonight—that she wasn’t alone. “It’ll be enough, Jess. I think your problem is you’re trying to do everything on your own. You need to ask for help.”
She gave him a rueful grin. “My mother told me my pride would be my downfall. Maybe she was right.”
He shook his head. “No. She wasn’t right.” Given what Jess had told them about her mother kicking her eighteen year old pregnant daughter out, Rhys was struggling to understand how such a cold-hearted woman could raise someone as wonderful as Jess.
“Do you think…” She paused and lifted her gaze to him, her eyes shimmering with fresh tears. “Do you think Jasper deserves better than me?” she whispered.
Her question broke his heart. She’d devoted her life to her son, loved him with everything she had. “Jesus, Jess,” he murmured, his voice stern when he responded. “You are an amazing mother. That little boy is lucky to have you. Don’t ever ask that question again. Don’t even think it.”
She wiped away a lone tear that had escaped and nodded. “Okay. I won’t.”
“Good.” He placed a kiss on her forehead. It was meant to be a platonic gesture of comfort, but it stirred something foreign, something unexpected inside him. He’d been attracted to women in the past, but this felt like something…more. Much, much more. -
I didn't realize how much I needed a MFM story in my life. This one was full of everything I love about the trope and then some. Jess is a hard working single mom. Add in two bachelors, Tony & Rhys, who literally save Jess and her son. They save her, but in the end she saves them. This is one hot story with two hot alphas and a strong woman. Their HEA is everything and then some. I am eagerly awaiting book two!
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I haven’t read much by this author and after reading Down and Dirty I��m really wondering why, I need to check out Mari Carr’s work because this is a fantastic start to the new Italian Stallions Series.
This is single mum Jess and two hot men, Tony Moretti and Dr Rhys Beaumont’s story and boy do they have an interesting, steamy tale to tell.
Jess is a woman who will tug on your heartstrings, all she wants to do is provide for her son Jasper so when they find themselves homeless she is mortified. Her job as a waitress is all she has but she knows she will lose that as well if she can’t find somewhere to live so when Tony and Rhys offer a place to stay she reluctantly accepts. But what happens when lines are crossed, what happens when feelings come into play, will this be a new beginning or will someone end up hurt…..
This boom has it all, it’s hot, it’s witty and it has some wonderful characters including a very funny Aunt Berta who had me laughing out loud. Looking forward to more from the Italian Stallions. -
I didn't realize how much I needed a MFM story in my life. This one was full of everything I love about the trope and then some. Jess is a hard working single mom. Add in two bachelors, Tony & Rhys, who literally save Jess and her son. They save her, but in the end she saves them. This is one hot story with two hot alphas and a strong woman. Their HEA is everything and then some. I am eagerly awaiting book two!
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This is a MFM Romance, and this is the first book in the Italian Stallions series. I fell in love with Jess and her son from the beginning. The beginning of this book lets us see how strong and good mother Jess is. I also loved all the other characters in this book. There were so many characters in this book, but they were all great and I could keep up with them easily without any problems. This book's characters and storyline would not let me put it down. I really love how Tony and Rhys handle both wanting Jess, and I also really loved how they were with Jess's son. This book does have some really steamy parts in it.
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I don't know what took me so long to pick up this author but now I am hooked.
I loved this. Now I can’t get enough. Jasper is just the sweetest and I fell in love with Tony and Rhys and now I need more Moretti's. Who doesn't love a man dedicated to take care of his woman and make sure she has what she needs? Now add in two and I was in book boyfriend heaven.
I would have loved an epilogue but I’m hoping we will see more of them in future stories. -
Mari Carr is moving us from Baltimore to Philadelphia and from a tight-knit Irish family to a tight-knit Italian family. And, she started this series off with one hell of a story. One, that once I started, I just couldn’t put down. Jess, Tony and Rhys. And, we can’t forget Jasper. I was enthralled from beginning to end. We met the Moretti family in the Wild Irish series. Now, we really get to know them all. Their likes, dislikes, traits and just how hard they fall when they find the one. No, Rhys isn’t a Moretti but he’s just just a fierce and determined. Together, they make the perfect team. Tony being compulsive and Rhys being the man of reason. Then there is Jess. She gives as good as she gets, doesn’t back down. Strong, resilient, independent, heart-of-gold. Believe me the three of them together were perfect. Now, throw in Jasper, who stole my heart, and you have the perfect family. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Aunt Berta. Hopefully she will be the staple in all the stories. She’s loving, kind and sweet. I am so looking forward as to how she will play a part in the Italian Stallions series. Mari Carr gave us a beautiful story while introducing us to the Moretti’s. She made it interesting and fun. Gave us characters that we are going to look forward to seeing in the rest of the series and couldn’t help but fall in love with. We can always count on Mari giving us a book filled with love, family and storyline that is interesting and poignant.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review. -
This was a very easy, sweet, and chill read. No angst or stupid contrived drama. It was a really enjoyable and I could not put it down. Jess is a down on her luck mom to a sweet 6 yr old and through being acquaintances through the diner she works at, gets help from Rhys and Tony. These two guys, along with Aunt Berta are a godsend for Jess.
I enjoyed this whole story and only wish the ending wrapped up a little more or that we got an epilogue. It just seemed like it ended a bit abruptly, but still, it was a great story. I highly recommend if you're looking for a sweet read with a decent amount of steam. -
Get it here:
Amazon US *
Amazon UK -
Jess has not had an easy go of it. Homeless she protects her son as much as possible. She works hard and is just trying to be a good mom and get her life back on track. Tony Moretti and Dr. Reece Beaumont are roommates who have passion all on their own. They live their lives and have fun doing it. When they step outside and find not only Jess but her son well they decide to take matters into their own hands. Jess is fiercely independent which I loved, but she also needed help. When feelings between these three start blurring lines can she and her son stay forever or will she run? Tony and Reece will protect Jess and her son without fail. Their passion was a shock, but they feel the love for them. Can they keep her or will it be too late to hold onto Jess? Fall in love over and over again with this story.
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Brand new series and Mari Carr delivers!!!!
Well to be honest, she always delivers the best stories out there. (Although, she did fail to deliver enough snow so I could stay home and re-read this one yet again.)
This time she has upped the game with Dr. Rhys Beaumont and Tony Moretti who co-own a wonderful building with their offices and their home. They are both generous caring men. And easy on the eyes as a bonus. They share their lives but so far not the same girl friend.
Jess is a single mom down on her luck. As in she and her young son are living in their car. Among the various jobs Jess holds, she is a waitress at a dinner where Rhys and Tony meet friends for lunch on a regular basis. At some point, Rhys gave Jess his business card. For some subconscious reason, Jess has held onto this card despite all of her troubles.
On a bitter artic cold night, Jess finds that card tucked into the deep recesses of her bag she calls a purse. She has just enough gas to get to their building and parks in front of it. She pulls out all of the clothing in the car and uses it to create a warm cocoon to keep her son not only warm but safe. Jess is determined to make this something that her son thinks is fun so she calls it car camping. But she is fully aware of the dangers but when you are at your wit's end and barely hanging onto to the last thin piece of string that was your rope.
Coming out of their building the next morning Rhys and Tony at first don't think much about the car parked in front of it when they head out for their run. But when they are coming back, they realize something is wrong and leap to the rescue.
And this is where the story starts to get interesting. The guys have purely altruistic plans when they rescue Jess and her son but both men slowly realize that they want her for themselves. And unknown to them, Jess is having some pretty hot fantasies involving both of them. And then things get steamy enough to hold off the artic cold.
Definitely a must read and even better to read it on a steamy weekend to hold off the cold. And enjoy your favorite beverage and fantasies while you read.
I did receive a copy of this novel in advance from the author in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. And Mari, I still want that snow you promised so we would have another snow day or two. -
Jess is a homeless waitress with a six-year-old son. Her mother kicked her out of her home after she found out she was pregnant in her senior year of high school. She's learned that she can't depend on others, so she works two jobs to take care of her son.
Tony Moretti is an Italian with a huge family working to make his renovation business the biggest and the best. He's a hot-blooded, fiery Italian, often acting before thinking.
Dr. Rhys Beaumont is a dedicated doctor, available to his patients around the clock. He's the diplomat of the two, with deep passions.
These two handsome Italians are dedicated bachelors and workaholics. They bought a building together eight years ago and have been roommates the last two years. Neither of them has time for a relationship, but everything is about to change.
When bills overwhelm her, Jess and Jasper get evicted. No matter what she tries to do she can't seem to get back on her feet until the night Tony and Rhys find her and Jasper sleeping in her car outside their building. With their kindness and support Jess and Jasper finally feel safe but she can't help feeling like she's imposing and she knows it will end soon. She can't trust the growing safety and security.
Rhys and Tony never knew what they were missing until Jess and Jasper came into their lives. As their affection grows, they struggle trying to convince Jess she can trust them.
Their story starts in a heart-breaking way, turns sweet and heart-warming, then catches fire as they become closer.
Their relationship might not be conventional but I fell in love with all of them and their crazy extended family.
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If you prefer to listen to my reviews, you can find my reviews on Spotify here:
https://anchor.fm/wyldheart-reads -
Free on the Tempt App.
I admit that I generally don’t enjoy MFM as much as MMF because it seems there isn’t an equal connection between all of the characters. But I really like how Mari Carr wrote these characters and their interactions. I also love single mom tropes, especially with adorable kids and the men who fall for them. So much to enjoy here.
Jess faces one hardship after another until she finally can’t make it anymore. Casual acquaintances (who has time for friendship when you’re trying to survive?) from her work, Tony & Rhys, find her and her son nearly frozen to death. What starts out as helping someone in need morphs into friendship and then love.
I like Tony & Rhys’s friendship with each other and how they balance each other out. It’s sweet how they and Aunt Berta immediately jumped in with the care for Jasper. Jess is understandably hesitant to rely on anyone after facing so much abandonment in her life. They ultimately win her over. Unfortunately, misunderstandings and withholding sharing about growing feelings leads Jess to believe that there’s no future for them. Tony & Rhys have to acknowledge what they really want and win Jess back.
It ends kind of abruptly on an HFN, but it’s launching a series where siblings also find love - so I’m looking forward to catching up with them in future books.
Narration:
This was my first time listening to Marina Barrett, Oliver Highpoint, or Theo Sinclair. I enjoyed all of their performances. They did a great job with their own character as well as portraying the other two and the secondary characters as well. A dynamic listen. -
Tony Russo & Rhys Beaumont are two bachelors and one freezing morning they find Jess and her son Jasper huddled in their car. Jess is a single mother with no money, two jobs and nowhere to live other than shelters until she can get back on her feet. Tony & Rhys offers them a warm place to sleep and regroup, but Jess is stubborn and doesn't want to ask for help. After being attached at her second job, she finally relents and agrees to stay with the guys until she can get enough to rent a place of her own. Soon feelings get in the way and Jess is dreaming of the two men differently than they do, or do they??? Tony and Rhys have never thought about the wife and children thing, but having Jess and smart, sweet Jasper in their house, changes their view of the future. Sweet, heart wrenching, sexy, cry worthy story, that will pull on your heart strings from the start. You will definitely fall for these two men and this little boy Jasper! I can't wait to see which Russo brother will fall next! I volunteered to review this story.
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Read via Scribd since it’s not on KU.
Have you ever read a reverse harem book with three men and thought “two is enough” 😂 well here I am with this going through my mind and trying my hardest not to judge a book by it’s cover.
Little did I know I would read a slow burn with the perfect amount of angst and uncertainty. Or that this author would highlight the struggles of homeless mothers and the incredibly sad cycle that is so hard to break.
I loved this book. I loved each character for their own unique reasons and when I was getting frustrated with the lack of action I got slammed into it without notice. There was a perfect build up of sexual frustration before it happened that made it all so believable.
The characters all dealt with the stigma attached to these relationships in their own way but also highlighted how easy it is for men to do but women face the judgment much higher.
My only complaint is that I wanted more or at least an epilogue! HEA guaranteed.
If you enjoy Rebel Bloom but want less swords this might be enjoyable for you too! -
This new series is by Mari Carr is spectacular! It is a story that will captivate you from the star. You will not be able to put this book down once you start. Down and Dirty is sexy story with a side of sweetness that I just adored. Tony Moretti is smooth, he has an elegance and charm about him that will have you falling for him. Rhys has a quiet elegance about him. He doesn’t explode on to the page but when he is on page, he has all your attention. Jess and her son’s arrival has them opening their hearts and realizing what they needed in their lives. The chemistry in this book is tangible. I really enjoyed this book and can not wait for the next one.
Full review at
https://bookcaseandcoffee.com -
This story may well be worth 4 stars, but the title and cover suggested something darker and dirtier than what was delivered. The story itself is actually a sweet love story of Cinderella and her two Princes. Toss in a cute kid, some crazy family antics, and you've got a very nice romance, essentially vanilla except for the two guys.
Just because a guy spanks a girl, and she likes it, does not create a D/s relationship.
I've liked some other books by this author, and I may search out another series. -
Look at this cover. It's stunning and it does the story justice, hands down.
Jess is a young woman, a single mom and she's down on her luck. She never had it easy, but now she's at her wits end. She works hard to make ends meet, but sometimes you just need a helping hand.
And this helping hand are actually two. Rhys the doctor and Tony the contractor. Both know her from her job as waitress and they just want to help her. But Jess has her walls up high and her 6 year old son is her first priority, everytime. But when you out of options its not easy to say yes to help being offered for her. All three of them are a work in progress, have some things to learn. But they could be soo good together.
A fantastic read, scorching, nsfw, with an intriguing story that had me in knots, gave me all the feels. I loved how their relationship developed, grew deeper day after day. Loved connecting with the charcacters, loved reading this brilliant story. -
This book was unexpected for me I really liked it and I wasn’t prepared to well done I will totally be reading more by this author
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Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: friends to lovers; MFM
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Down and Dirty: Italian Stallions is the first book in a new series by Mari Carr. A down on her luck single mom accepts help from two strangers who eventually become more. This book was a pretty big slow burn which is a departure from most of the Mar Carr books I’ve read. Still super spicy with a good storyline and characters you fall in love with. Can’t wait to see what’s next in this series! -
What a great sexy story with three people so obviously needing one another and finally coming together to find the one thing they needed... A family.
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OMG! If you love the Collins clan, you are truly going to love the Moretti clan. These men are not only protective of their families but of anyone they love. These three can steam up any window or room because they are so HOT. If you love a HEA and strong alpha males, then look no further than this book. Who knew that two complete opposites could make a complete match for a woman that believes she is a HOT MESS. She doesn't know what love is the unexpected happens. This is a must-read and I can't wait to see what happens with this clan. I can only guess, that it will be as hot or hotter than those Collins men. ;)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. -
I am totally in love with the new Italian Stallions series by Mari Carr. I was captivated from the start, and I could not put the book down! Down and Dirty is an amazing steamy, sexy, and sweet story. We saw a lot of sexy, suave Tony Moretti in Wild Chance when he and his brothers were helping the Collins Clan rebuild the pub. His roommate Rhys is a caring, mild mannered doctor. Jess and her son come crashing into their lives and set to root in their hearts. Their chemistry is explosive, and the way they build a family is heart warming. Don’t miss this awesome book. I can’t wait for the next one!!
