Absinthe Minded

Bourbon Street Bad Boys' Club, Book 1

By: Kathryn M. Hearst

Narrated by: Aaron Shedlock, Stella Hunter

Length: 7 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

Gabe Marchionni, New Orleans’ most eligible bachelor, has a problem...and it’s wrapped in a pink blanket.

What in the heck is the reluctant new head of a mafia family supposed to do with an infant?

Simple. Go find the woman he dumped years ago and convince her to give him a second chance.

Maggie Guthrie is broke, exhausted, and raising her deceased sister’s kids. She’s also a reporter by day and desperately needs to get the scoop on one of the most illustrious families in the French Quarter, the Marchionnis...even if that means running into her ex.

Unfortunately, wishes do come true.

So when Gabe shows up on her doorstep with a newborn and a proposition she should refuse, Maggie knows better than to let him into her house...and into her life.

Especially when falling for him again might cost her more than her heart.

Absinthe Minded is a humorous second-chance romance filled with new dad fails, serious groveling, and five delicious Italian brothers—who want nothing more than to leave the "family business" behind them. You’ll love this romantic comedy with a smidgen of suspense, because everyone loves a bad boy trying to be a good man.

Each book in the Bourbon Street Bad Boys' series can be listened to separately, though they are best enjoyed when listened to in series order:

• Absinthe Minded
• Highball and Chain
• Single Malt Drama
• Hot Momosa
• Gin and Trouble

©2020 Kathryn M. Hearst (P)2023 Kathryn M. Hearst

Absinthe Minded

Raising your deceased sister and brother-in-laws kids is not easy alone or young. But she’s making it work the best she can and fighting their grandmother tooth and nail to keep the kids. When her ex boyfriend turns up with his new baby. The story has great family sticking together values and is fast paced. The narration was fantastic by both narrators they brought the story to life.

Accidental find

Tiny hands and little toes, Gabe Marchionni has no idea what to do with a baby. But he knows he better figure it out quickly when his ex-girlfriend drops off a baby, his baby, and takes off. He knows his old-fashioned parents will demand a marriage to go along with his new fatherhood status. Interestingly enough, the first person he thinks of isn't his baby-mama, it's the woman he dumped years ago. The love of his life. He's going to get her back. Maggie's life hasn't gone as expected. She's published but not the world-famous author she planned to be. In fact, she pays the bill by writing society stories, however, her next series might just be her big break. She's not the fun party girl with model good looks. Rather she's a stay-at-home "mom" with 15 extra pounds on her hips. She's not a world traveler. Instead, she's raising her niece and two nephews, so when Gabe shows up on her porch with another baby, she knows not to let him in, not to let down her walls to him. But Maggie never has been able to resist Gabe. He nearly destroyed her the first time but this time she will be smarter. She can use him to get her story. She just has to protect her heart.

Kathryn Hearst and her Bourbon Street Bad Boys were an accidental find for me. I'm not sure how I got on her email list but I am thrilled I did. I loved this book. I like the writing style. The pacing was good. It was easy to get lost in. The book was full of emotion, humor, suspense, and surprises. The characters were so believable. They felt like friends. Honestly, I could have read an entire book about Gabe with the kids. I loved that the kids weren't treated as accessories to a love story. They were a part of it. My only complaint? I wanted more. I wanted to keep going with this patchwork family.

Aaron Shedlock and Stella Hunter did a wonderful job bringing this book to life. Stella captured the anxiety, doubt, and attraction Maggie felt about being around Gabe. Aaron was Gabe. I can't imagine anyone voicing him better. These two nailed the characters making the whole book that much more enjoyable.

Lighthearted romance

If you’re looking for the heavier type mafia this is not it. There is not a lot of mystery or action. Just enough sex to keep it in this genre…I probably won’t continue series.

Soooo Many Twist

Thank You Aaron Shedlock for introducing this series to me. The romance and the twist and turns with the “mafia” kept me on my toes through the whole book. I’m sooo glad the series is out and can listen straight through. I love watching bachelors turn into a family man. Total swoon worthy.

Liking it enough to purchase book 2

I enjoyed listening to this book, and liked that it was not swamped with sex scenes, and going to start the 2nd book now.

Absolutely loved it!

I wasn’t sure about the book after listening to the preview but I am glad I got it. I loved the main characters and the way the story line progressed. I thought the humor in the book was great and literally laughed out loud. I would definitely recommend it!

Hilarious, Sexy, and Entertaining!

This was my first Kathryn M. Hearst's book, and definitely won't be my last! This is the first book in the Bourbon Street Bad Boys' Club. This was my first Mafia Romance Romantic Comedy, and it was refreshing! This is a Series of interconnected standalone books. I loved it! Gabe and Maggie's story is hilarious, sweet, sexy, and entertaining. This story is original and unique! Gabe is a New Orleans’s a most eligible bachelor, the new head of his mafia family, and a single Dad of a baby girl named Gabriella. He is handsome, caring, and supportive! Maggie, a reporter, is a wonderful character, strong, sassy, independent, caring, and capable. She is raising her three deceased sister’s kids (one niece and two nephews). This is a great second chance to love. The world building, set in New Orleans, is captivating. I like the fantastic characters, the plot, and the humor. Impossible to put it down! I can’t wait to listen to Gabe’s brothers story (Enzo, Marco, Leo, and Dante). Aaron Shedlock and Stella Hunter did an excellent job with the narration. I love their voices together. They are perfect as Gabe and Maggie. This is a great start to the series, and I am looking forward to listening to Highball and Chain, the next book in the Series. I need more! I HIGHLY recommend it!

A little heat, a little humor, a lot of fun

This is my first Kathryn M. Hearts novel, and I really enjoyed this listen. Gabe and Maggie were a great couple to root for, even if their history and situation was complicated. And while a typical mafia romance is a heavy piece of work, I loved that this was most definitely a rom-com!

Kathryn created really relatable characters, interesting situations, and just a really fun, interesting plot with a lot of wit. Aaron Shedlock and Stella Hunter were great narrators for this work. They both really captured the levity, the emotion, and the outrageousness when it was called for.

All around a fun listen. Can't wait to hear more in the series.

Aaron and Stella, the dynamic duo strike again!

I loved this adorable story of redemption, growth, and hotness. Aaron and Stella make for such an amazing team and I adored how their humor shone through with this incredible book. Can't wait for more in this series!!

Give this story a "shot"!

So this book was highly recommended to me. I love mafia romance, but this one is a little different. While a mafia feel, the story is warm, funny and just made me feel good while I was listening. It's the first book in the Bourbon Street Bad Boys' Club and I can't wait to delve into more of the family. This one features Gabe and Maggie. Once in love, these two broke up leaving both heartbroken. Now several years later, there has been a total upheaval in both of their lives. Maggie is now guardian to their niece and nephews, she is all about parenting and trying to keep afloat. Gabe is getting ready to take charge of the Marchionni Empire when his brand new baby daughter if given to him! Never having experience with kids, he goes to Maggie for help. And our story of second chances begins! It's not all roses and chocolate for this couple. They definitely have their challenges, and Gabe's parents are a force to be reckoned with! The story flows with fun and laughter while these muddle through their lives, trying to find a new normal. One thing is clear though. The love is strong!. Bring me more of this family please! It's close knit, loving and one I would love to get to know better!

Aaron Shedlock and Stella Hunter are a favorite team of mine and when I saw they were narrating, I was thrilled. Perfect as Gabe, Shedlock brings out the hilarity in a first time dad as he struggles through diaper changing and makeup using. I was laughing out loud! Hunter proves just what a strong and capable woman Maggie is, bringing out the her ambitious drive and incredible love to keep her family together. And together, the two just give us all the feels between them with the true love they share. It's a great listen! Two amazing storytellers, and a fantastic story!