Revolver

I really enjoyed this but felt the mobster element wasn't utilized as much as it should and was just an excuse for the writer to set this in the 1920's in a Chicago-esque city. Francesco is a very tender-hearted gangster who rarely shows his anger this entire book except for one scene where he's saving some sex trafficked Russians. Aiden is a boxer with a side hustle as a sex worker but drops both of those almost immediately into the book to join up with Francesco as a body guard. The boss/bodyguard trope is a bit tired but both characters are charming enough that you can let that slide. And while both have a sort of insta-love, here's also enough conflict in the story to keep it interesting. I haven't read many if any MM romances set in this type of post-WWI environment and was intrigued by the dynamics between a queer lifestyle, US Prohibition and law enforcement, and the Mafioso.

I would definitely read the sequel. Though it looks like this book didn't quite get any traction and the sequel is now over 2 months late for release, I'm hoping the writer didn't drop it.

I thought that the author built the world of Empire City in 1924 well, with some good period detail especially with the clothes and the deliciously described Italian food! The characters were well drawn with fleshed out back stories and families, especially the large Italian criminal family. Well written, erotic sex scenes with a good dynamic between Aiden and Francesco. The book also had a decent plot. If I had a criticism it would be that I would have preferred it to ba a little darker with more angst, and for Francesco to be a bit more villainous, but that's down to personal preference and I would be very happy to read any follow ups by the author.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.