The Boss

Men of Hidden Justice, Book 1

By: Melanie Moreland

Narrated by: Maxine Mitchell, John Lane

Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's Summary

Men of Hidden Justice
Because love can bleed into the darkest heart

Terrified and on the run, I was lost.
He found me.
I witnessed his crime and he gave me a choice.
Marriage or death.
I never expected to love him.
But the choices were never really mine.
Could this avenging angel of death ever love me back?
His touch consumed me.
Did my heart stand a chance?

Previously published on Book+Main and in Take Me to Bed Collection. New added content for a complete romantic suspense experience.

©2021 Moreland Books Inc (P)2021 Moreland Books Inc

Matteo was great!

Even though Matteo was a hard@ss, he was great. From when Evie witnessed him commit a crime, her life changed for the better. It was kind of like Robin Hood. He was tough on Evie for her own protection in the rough world he was in but he ends up really loving her. There is an evil villain who tries to get to him through Evie. This book had a really nice ending and I am looking forward to the next one in the series, which I hope comes to Audible soon. Maxine Mitchell and John Lane did a great job with the narration although I felt John sounded a little old for Matteo.

A Masterpiece from Beginning to End

If you are looking for a sticky and sweet, hearts and flowers story, this is not the audiobook for you. But if you want an emotional journey filled with murder, control and mayhem than look no further. Melanie Moreland takes her listeners on a wild ride. This is not your customary Moreland story but this proves that she can just story tell in any capacity. Matteo and Evie's story starts off with danger and ends with a storyline that will hook the reader in and not let them go. The only bad part was that it ended too quickly. Maxine Mitchell and John Lane were outstanding as narrators, actually drawing the listener into the story. A masterpiece from beginning to end.

EPIC Audiobook!!!

I was hooked from the very beginning to the very end of Matteo and Evie's story! Their journey reeled me in with the right amount of darkness, sexiness, and swoon-worthy moments. I always love the narrating duo of Maxine Mitchell and John Lane, they've never steered me wrong. I'm so excited to listen to the next instalment in the Men of Hidden Justice series. The Boss by Melanie Moreland is an EPIC listen that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!

Riveting

I'm pretty sure if you look up dark and swoony hero in the dictionary, there will be a picture of Matteo because, holy moly, is he swoony. He's not perfect by any means, but his flaws only endeared him to me that much more. He's a little over the top in his over-protectiveness, but every woman should have a man who loves her like Matteo loves Evie. Of course, it's reciprocated, and they are scorching hot together. But this one isn't all romance - we can't forget the suspense part of this romantic suspense. Matteo's mission (because that kind of dedication is more than a job) is certainly a noble one. Not everything is strictly above board, and Matteo has no problem taking justice into his own hands, but that justice doesn't come without the possibility of repercussions. All of that danger leads to some edge of your seat, hold your breath scenes that are done as superbly as Melanie Moreland does every scene in every book I've read by her. I really can't gush enough about this book. All of it - the romance, the steamy goodness, the drama, the suspense - all of it, every word kept me riveted, and I can't recommend it enough. I'm already anxiously waiting for Second-in-Command, and I've just gotta say that Melanie has her work cut out for her because she's set the bar pretty high with Matteo and Evie.
That's what I had to say after reading The Boss and to be honest, I didn't think it could get any better. I was wrong. John Lane and Maxine Mitchell take it to the next level. Even though I knew what was going to happen, every sexy scene, every edge of my seat bit of action and intrigue, I was just as caught up in it all as I was the first time I experienced this fantastic couple and the many things that make them who they are. If you're looking for an audiobook you can listen to over and over, this is one to have because Matteo and Evie are one of those couples you just can't get enough of.

Not bad

John Lane barely narrated and it was super sweet in the beginning but I enjoyed it.

Different and a touch darker but oh so good!

The Boss is the first book in Melanie Moreland’s Men of Hidden Justice Series and although much different and a touch darker than any other story I have read of this author it captivated me in the same way her books always do. I loved Matteo and Evie. Matteo is possessive, protective and over the top at times with Evie’s safety. He will do anything to keep her safe including marrying her. Matteo may take the law into his own hands, but he does it for all the right reasons, and I admired his drive and passion. Evie is on the run. She has been the victim of domestic abuse and has recently gotten away but stumbles into Matteo and his “crew” in the middle of a murder. In order to protect herself and not allow her abuser to get the upper hand she agrees to marry Matteo. I loved the fire between this two immediately, the sparks were electric and it took some time for Evie to trust Matteo’s intentions but when he earned her trust all bets were off, and they both fell hard and fast for other. Among this incredible love story was a heart pounding suspenseful storyline and it kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I have listened to many stories narrated by this duo for this author and as always they were perfect. Maxine Mitchell is smooth and sultry in her delivery and John Lane has such a rich deep voice, together they brought this story to life flawlessly.

Adventurous and emotional ride!

☆☆☆☆☆
The Boss was an amazing, adventurous ride. This mafia-like read was incredibly difficult to put down even for five minutes. It was an explosive start to an exciting new series.
At the start of the book, Evie is running from an abusive boyfriend when she stumbles upon Matteo Campari in a compromising situation. It’s as if she jumped out of the fire into a pot of boiling water. Just when she thinks she’s finally going to be killed, she gets a marriage proposal from Matteo. Turns out, he’s a really good man but with violent tendencies. He works for a vigilante organization that I hope really exists out there because this world needs them. Evie appreciates what he does even as she fears something happening to him. Both are shocked when feelings enter the equation.
These two were fire of the hottest kind! Mrs. Moreland certainly knows how to write scenes so hot that multiple cold showers will be needed. From the first page to the last, I was hovering on the edge of my seat. The world development was so creative and magnetic. I wanted to step through the pages and be a part of it. I loved all the characters. There wasn't one thing I didn't love about this book. I highly recommend it. I'll be counting the days until the next book is here! I listened to this audiobook. Maxine Mitchell and John Lane did a phenomenal job. I loved John's voice and Maxine’s emotional narration gutted me with the emotions she evoked.
This is my honest opinion, freely given.

Enjoyable

The Boss is my first time reading a story by Melanie Moreland, and I enjoyed the story so much that I can't wait to dive into the second book in the series. I love a good mafia story, and this is well written, and with Maxine Mitchell at the helm, her narration quickly had my attention. I'd not heard John Lane's narration before and enjoyed his and Maxine's pairing.

*I was gifted a copy of this audiobook via Valentine PR for an honest review.

4.25 Stars!

Having first picked up The Boss when it released i've been looking so forward to getting back into the Men of Hidden Justice world with this audiobook! I started listening it to and was pulled back in very quickly. I really enjoyed this listen!

Having listened to both Maxine Mitchell and John Lane before i couldn't wait to get more of their narration with this first installment! These two were so great with their narrating! I was so happy with what both of them brought to this story as well as it's characters Evelyn and Matteo.

Evelyn and Matteo's journey hooked me once again! I got pulled right back into the Men of Hidden Justice world! I loved getting back into this world, digging deeper with these characters, and how I felt so much throughout! It definitely keeps you on your toes as well!

With The Boss, Ms.Moreland has created such a great story that kept me glued to my earbuds! I can't wait to listen to the second installment, Second-In-Command! I am so looking forward to listening to more of Maxine and John's narration in the near future!

Thrilling and Steamy Romance!

What a thrilling and steamy start to the Men of Hidden Justice series. Evie is running for her life when she stumbles into something she shouldn't see. When Matteo confronts her, he realizes immediately that she is in need of protection and he is the man to do it. Matteo convinces Evie to marry him to protect her and to keep his secrets safe. They learn to trust each other and soon can't ignore their fiery chemistry. Just as they settle in to a life together, Matteo's enemies outmaneuver his team. Will Matteo be able to get to Evie in time or will he lose the only women he has ever loved?
This fast paced, steamy, suspenseful romance was brought to life flawlessly by the talented Maxine Mitchell, and John Lane. Mitchell portrayed Evie from the scared victim to the strong, resourceful, confident woman perfectly. With his deep, commanding timbre, Lane was so convincing as the ultimate alpha hero, Matteo, making him frightening when needed, but sweet and thoughtful behind closed doors. I loved listening to them both as they drew me in, and made this story, with all it's twists and turns, even more exciting.

Great characters - great voices

I am a huge fan of Melanie Moreland and always find her books so absorbing and easy to fall into. Equally, I have loved every audiobook of hers as you get a different dimension and perspective of the worlds and characters she builds. This book is the first in a new series, The Men of Hidden Justice. It’s a bit darker than the other stories of Ms Moreland that I have read but still with the romance and likeable characters that you would expect. This book stands alone and comes complete with its very own HEA.

We start off with Evie being on the run from her life and while the situation and her circumstances are dire, you realise from the first that she’s got a spark about her. She’s powerless but never weak and I liked and rooted for her from the first. I loved her honesty, the way she could bring a strong man to his knees just by being herself and I especially enjoyed her growth and her finding her voice and her power.

Evie is voiced by Maxine Mitchell who is definitely one of my preferred female narrators. She does very well in portraying Evie - giving her voice that scared edge to begin with and growing stronger alongside the character. I’m always impressed that Ms Mitchell doesn’t just read her lines, she acts them out. It really immerses you in the story and makes you like and believe what the character is going through.

Matteo was a difficult character to understand at first - which is good as it mirrored Evie’s own issues with him. He’s stark, cold and somewhat ruthless. He’s also demanding and a bit stuck in his ways. But he’s also a tiny bit obsessed with Evie and with keeping her safe which I adore in a book boyfriend. They way you can also see him changing throughout the story as he comes to terms with the fact his focus in life is no longer his work - it just made me happy. As did the fact that he couldn’t keep his hands to himself and kept changing up his routine so he could spend more time with her. Sigh.

Even better, Matteo is voiced by the delicious John Lane. Sigh. Such a deep and shiver-inducing voice - he was absolutely perfect for the stern and oft-times grumpy Matteo. I could go on and on about what a good narrator Mr Lane is but suffice to say that he was perfection.

There is a sort of insta-love - or at least insta-lust - in the relationship between Matteo and Evie. Well, on Matteo’s part at least. I could definitely feel their connection and while the declarations are early - they felt real. The compatibility of our couple also worked well when it came to the sex scenes which were delicious plus feelings. It was all the sexy, sultry butterflies you want in a romance but with that added bonus of real emotion. Happy times for me!

As I said, this isn’t a mafia book but it does have the same sort of darker vibes you often get with that trope. But while it’s not overly scary, violent or suspenseful, and it didn’t frighten a wimp like me, it did touch on - or at least mention - some vile things around human trafficking.

I read this story in ebook and got thoroughly invested in the story and the characters. Listening to the audiobook just made me love the characters more and made me more invested in both the love story of Matteo and Evie, as well as the secondary storyline. It was a joy to listen to and this is a series that I know I’m going to revisit again and again the future. 5 stars from me.

Fantastic Story and Maxine steals the show here!

Holy Moly, Maxine! Where have you been hiding? This is my first title by her and let’s just say I was so freakin’ impressed. She made me FEEL. Which, let’s be honest is all you can ask of a narrator. I FELT Maxine, so thank you. OK enough gushing for now back to the book.

This was also my first book by Melanie AND Melanie brought it! She paints a clear picture of what is going on but gives you all the inner turmoil and the emotional rollercoaster too. Loved it!

John gave us the commanding leader of the Hidden Justice Team. Matteo is a no nonsense guy who Evie stumbles on by accident. He forces her to marry him but her feelings for him grow of their own free will. She falls hard and fast and so does he. He goes into full on protector mode and nearly loses his mind when she’s in danger. BUT of course, this is romance and they get their HEA but not before blood is shed and bodies are dropped.

I love romantic suspense stories and this one was spot on. Great plot, great characters, great pacing, just GREAT, GREAT, GREAT!!!!

Love this romantic suspense!

So many things to love about this first book in the Men of Hidden Justice series. Just say mafia romance, and I am in. Then the cover is one to swoon over. Then the story! When Evie gets caught witnessing a crime Matteo committed, she was sure her life was over. What she got though was a protective husband she couldn't help but love! But why would Matteo take this leap with a complete stranger? What is it about this woman that he saw? And will he be able to keep her safe now that he has her? This is the kind of suspense I love! Matteo is such the alpha; I could feel his bubble over Evie and her feelings about it. And she is quite the woman! She has no problem standing up for herself, the strong, independent woman she is! The suspense builds right along with the romance and it's wonderful! If you enjoy a good romantic suspense, this is the perfect weekend listen!

Maxine Mitchell and John Lane are well paired for his story. I love Mitchell's voice. She hones the personality of Evie and gives her all the nuances to create her character. I adore her male voice too! John Lane is a raspy, alpha and the perfect fit for Matteo. He brings out all his strength and love and can add that vulnerability layer without losing the attitude. Loved these two together!

Dark romance yet sweet and powerful

Oh wow. I genuinely did not want to stop listening to this audiobook. It was captivating and simply amazing.

Matteo and Evie meet under not so pleasant circumstances and what follows I genuinely did not expect. This is a dark romance, yet it is also probably the most tender and loving book I have ever listened to.
I loved Matteo, his devotion to Evie was just swoon-worthy! I fell for him so hard! His actions were the opposite of what I expected and I loved it. I couldn't predict it and the storyline really kept me on my toes. As for Evie, I loved how sweet she is and at times how she could look past Matteo's "job" and be there for him, caring for him!

I loved every minute of this audiobook and I can't wait to listen to the next book within this series.

Evie and Matteo!

Evie was barely able to escape the situation she found herself in with her life and now all she wanted was a place to hide while she determines her next move. When she sees something she shouldn’t have she is prepared that her life would be the cost but she never imagined that it would include marriage to the perpetrator.

In order to fulfill the responsibilities, he is tasked with Matteo has to lock down his feelings but Evie’s strength and willingness to help others has him wanting to keep her safe and marriage is the only way for that to happen.

The relationship between Evie and Matteo was everything you could want and more as they try to merge their very different lives. His need to protect her provides some conflict but, when necessary, she shows how strong she truly is. The performance of the narrators brought out both the resilience and emotions of Evie as well as the strength of Matteo.

Fantastic

Loved it. Recommend it highly. Beautiful story, excellent narration. It's worth more than 5 credits. Thank you Melanie. Thank you narrators. This was an epic success. Regards, Reelina

The Boss

John Lane and Maxine Mitchell are Melanie's go to narrators, every book is the best yet, I think 'nothing can surpass this one' but then the next audiobook is released and I'm blown away again.

This is a new genre for Melanie Moreland. I love her writing so I wasn't going to pass up a chance to read one of her books. It's a darker book than her others but Melanie herself described it as 'Canadian grey', I'd like to change that slightly to 'Canadian grey' with a hint of charcoal just before the most Melanie esque epilogue.

Evelyn Harper escaped one devil only to fall into the hands of another, she believes. She ran for her life only to find herself in more danger until the danger becomes her saviour. “Evelyn Gail Harper is dead. Evie Campari is the only name you have now.”

Matteo Campari is a man who does good under thee most awful circumstances. He is an avenger, a modern day Robin Hood. "To the world, you’re simply my wife, Evie. To me, you are my world."

This is the first book in the Men of Hidden Justice series from Melanie. If your not a fan of romantic suspense or Mafia esque genres don't worry. I'm not particularly a fan either, but don't fear Melanie's unique style is running all over this story. The chemistry between Evie & Matteo is hawt. Their story has a very unorthodox beginning which leads to a beautiful love story.