He Is Mine

Gay Dark Romance Mafia Thriller (Guns n' Boys, Book 2)

By: K.A. Merikan

Narrated by: Nathan Kelly

Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Guns n' Boys is a series about one couple and needs to be listened to in order.

Home sweet hell.

A wedding should be a joyful affair, but it is far from that for Seth Villani. Thrust into an arranged marriage, back under the same roof with serpents and wolves who are his family, Seth has to watch his back if he is to survive until the despised event. Though with his love affair with Domenico Acerbi slipping out of his grasp and his father forcing blood on his hands, sometimes Seth wishes the dark waves of the sea nearby could swallow him whole.

Coming back home to Italy is full of bitterness and regret for Domenico. He knows he will have to see Seth, the first man who’s found a way to his heart in years, walk down the aisle and marry. Seth belongs with Domenico, and having him ripped out of his arms is an offense he cannot bear. Yet despite the tension between them, and the growing resentment, Domenico still needs to watch Seth’s back, because there’s a target on it, and no matter how much Domenico doesn’t want Seth to marry, he will not have him dead.

Possible spoilers:

• Themes: enemies to lovers, mafia, homophobia, assassin, organized crime
• Genre: dark, twisted M/M romance/crime thriller
• Length: 90,000 words

Warning: Adult content. If you are easily offended, this book is not for you.

Guns n’ Boys is a gritty story of violence, offensive language, steamy scenes, abuse, and morally ambiguous protagonists. Behind the morbid façade, there is a splash of inappropriate dark humor, and a love story that will crawl under your skin.

©2014, 2021 Acerbi&Villani ltd (P)2024 Acerbi&Villani ltd

Good sequel!!

There’s a LOT that happens in this book. Even after reading this a second time (first time by text), I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite in the series? I do think I like the pacing and the characters later in the series compared to these messy early beginnings, but it gives them a place to grow to the men I love. So, you know. It is what it is.

I love Seth by this point in the series. But Dom, though? I love how much HE loves Seth, but his personality is a bit gruff still and it’s HARD to love him at this point.

I should note that we are left with a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of this book. But the next book (and audiobook) is already out so does it matter?

Content notes include rape/non-consent, mentions of sexual abuse and grooming of a teen, unaddressed trauma from the grooming and sexual abuse, graphic violence, homomisia, mentions of torture, misogyny, and presumed incest.

I really did enjoy this book more than the first one because I know what to expect from it. This series is the definition of dark romance, and I can totally understand that it's not for everyone.

I love Seth dearly. He tried to get away from the dangers of his mafia family and attend college as a free, gay man in the United States, only to be thrust back into the closet and the world of crime against his will. The man who is supposed to look out for him was once a childhood acquaintance of sorts and now works for Seth's family as an assassin. Dom exudes danger, and I can definitely get the appeal of Seth falling for him. I guess my problem with Dom is that he's very set in his ways and his beliefs, and doesn't fully understand what's...inappropriate with a partner when it comes to sex.

We learn in this book that Dom has suffered growing up with the mafia family he works for, more than we realized while reading the first book. Does it excuse his behavior and how he treats Seth? I don't think so. But it is complicated with Dom.

One of my favorite scenes in this book is that Seth tells Dom straight up that what Dom did to him in Berlin was wrong and what it ACTUALLY was. That some of the stuff that happened between them then and since is NOT OKAY. I do wish we could see Seth's words sink in more here, but I think Dom finally did understand his actions were wrong.

I do like that we get chapters from Dom’s POV; otherwise, I would just outright despise him. On the one hand, he's...complex but has a pretty black and white way of looking at things, made even more complicated considering what happened to him in the past. There’s a lot of unaddressed trauma and PTSD that Dom has brushed aside over the years, but it’s something that I know will be addressed in future books so it’s interesting to see that growth for him. I will say though that Dom still has a lot of misogyny and some internalized homophobia with anyone who is not him or Seth in this book that's uncomfortable to read about.

So, I guess with the plot, the confusing thing is when Seth and Dom get sent to New York and then they don't really do anything. In Berlin, at least they had a mission and training, despite that too was a little thin. Either I missed it or something but were there any instructions to what they were supposed to do in New York? They were there for weeks and just living out a honeymoon of sorts.

And all this was happening with the fact that Seth is very much still married to Lucrezia (who has a name that makes me laugh because HELLO, BORGIAS MUCH) in an arranged marriage and we don't really see her except for their first meeting. Their wedding and sex scene is off-the-page in this book. However, Lucrezia has her own book where she finds her HEA with MY FAVE, and I hope that book gets made into an audiobook too. I love that book.

Anyways, back to Seth and Dom….the ending is very exciting and SO STRESSFUL. I love when traitors come out of left-field and everyone is taken by surprise. Including ME.

Wyatt Baker, again, is great. He is COMMITTED to the Italian accents he uses for Seth and Dom and I think that’s fun. I can’t wait for the books where we get Mark AND Griffith because then we get more Wyatt Baker with an British accent. There are times where I think his voice choice for Seth sounds a…bit…over-the-top whiny? But that’s really my only critique I guess.

This book is a dark romance. This is obviously not going to be a series for everyone, but if you're into M/M mafia dark romances, you should check this one out. I promise the series only gets more intense as it goes, and I can’t wait to listen to all the audiobooks for this series!!

Second installment good

This is a rollicking violent good time. Woe to those in a Mafia family who don’t want to be involved, especially when that unfortunate individual has been named the next Don.
I enjoyed this book except for a few scenes where Seth behaves like a doofus. Knowing your life is on the line, it seems logical to train for the position as hard as possible and to listen to the advice of the man appointed to be your bodyguard and mentor. But no, Seth must argue, pout, and resist acting in an intelligent manner. He makes enough poor choices that I debate whether or not to buy the next book in this series.
Other than that, I enjoyed this second in the series very much.

Guns n boys #2

Great story, love the characters! Will definitely listen to the whole series! The story keeps you on edge of your seat and plenty of HOT sex!!! Couldn't put it down!!

Great Listen

Plot thickens in this second installment of Guns n'Boys mafia romance. This book picks up where first book ended and needs to be listened in order for the most enjoyment. While relationship between Domenico and Seth develops, their character is tested with all the twists, turns and dangerous challenges they are faced with. I enjoyed He is Mine even more than the previous book, I loved both Domenico and Seth character development, Seth learns to maybe stand up for himself a tiny bit and Domenico learns how to feel. I am very excited for more of their story and can't wait to listen to how they will overcome the next challenge life throws at them. Narrator did very good job with characters voices and accents and story telling, his amazing work made this story a perfect listening experience.

A Passionate and Compelling Love Story

In "Guns N' Boys: He Is Mine," K.A. Merikan takes readers on an intense and heartfelt journey that explores the complexities of love, loyalty, and personal growth. This book offers a passionately woven narrative that will leave readers captivated until the very last page.

Set in the dangerous world of organized crime, the story revolves around the irrevocable connection between Seth and Domenico. Merikan expertly delves into their evolving relationship, showcasing the deep levels of affection and commitment they have for one another. The authors' ability to portray the intricacies of their love amidst a backdrop of danger and uncertainty is truly commendable.

One of the highlights of this book is Merikan's skill in developing well-rounded and relatable characters. Seth and Domenico are vividly depicted, each possessing their own flaws, strengths, and personal demons. Readers will find themselves invested in their journeys, rooting for their growth and hoping for their happiness.

The authors' writing style is gripping, skillfully blending romance with thrilling suspense. The story is propelled forward with expert pacing, balanced with moments of tenderness and steamy encounters. The passionate scenes are tastefully crafted and seamlessly integrate into the narrative, enhancing the emotional connection between the characters.

Merikan's attention to detail shines through in the vivid descriptions of the settings and action sequences, painting a vivid picture in readers' minds. The atmosphere they create is immersive, immersing readers into a world that feels both dangerous and seductive.

"Guns N' Boys: He Is Mine" explores themes of redemption and personal growth, making it a compelling tale that goes beyond a typical romance novel. The authors delve into the intricacies of human nature and the choices one must make when faced with difficult circumstances, adding depth and complexity to the story.

Overall, K.A. Merikan's "Guns N' Boys: He Is Mine" is a passionate and captivating read. With its well-developed characters, engaging writing style, and a perfect balance of romance and suspense, this book is a satisfying addition to any bookshelf. Merikan once again proves their talent for crafting a love story that reaches deep into the hearts of readers.

Even Better than the 1st!

The first book was a bit slow for me to get into but this one was quick to grab my attention and keep me to the very end. Buying the 3rd now!

Seth and Domenico

This was so goo. The narration was excellent and the storyline pulls you in. This was a enemies to lovers mafia romance with dark moments and lots of twists. As a thriller it hold up. Action filled and full of intriguing moments. I am so excited to listen to the next book.