Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of the book. I liked the premise of the book but I had one major issue with it that distracted me from enjoying it.

My gripe with it is how can Bonnie fall for a guy while her dad and brother is missing. I get that she is attracted to Roman but it just seems so unlikely to fall for a guys, go shopping and eat ice cream. I also feel like Roman took advantage of Bonnie’s vulnerable state to get involved.

And so the final brother in the bratva falls under love’s spell. This author first captured my attention with her Haven Brotherhood series by chance when I found one of the book in a used store, and I have never looked back! Rhenna Morgan has a way of taking the most alpha and sometimes terrifying of men and making them into the best heroes you will ever fall in love with and I have not read a story yet I didn’t enjoy. While I have to say that Roman’s story wasn’t my favorite in the series, it was only because of a personal connection to the second one, not because it was in any way lacking. Roman and Bonnie are great characters and their story is filled with love, drama, and danger as they find their way in their love and trust in order to have a future together. While I understand this to be the last in the series, I hope for something just as great in the near future from Ms. Morgan. As for this story, it stands on its own and deserves the honor of being called a great read and I am thrilled to have had the chance to enjoy it. Bonnie is doing all she can to keep her head above water and, though she loves them dearly, her family just keeps dragging her back under. When she finds herself in a truly dangerous situation and in need of some shady help, she reaches out to her only friendly acquaintance, one with rumored ties to the Russian mob. She never imagined that her friend would bring Roman into her life and change it forever. Roman is determined to protect his brother’s wife so when she tries to run to Bonnie’s side, knowing the situation might be dangerous, he goes with her as a compromise. Bonnie is obviously hiding a lot, but he is attracted to her and knows that he needs to protect her at all costs while he tried to understand why she draws him like a magnet. Soon they are becoming more and more entwined, despite her fighting every step of the way, and Roman has decided he is keeping her no matter the action he has to take for her safety. With enemies all around, Roman with do anything to keep her safe, even as she tries to push him away, but he will not give up the one woman meant for him to keep. I liked Roman in previous novels, but seeing him as the star, learning more about him and seeing him in action was beyond amazing. He is a bit of a hard-ass, but at the same time such a sweetheart to the women in his life, especially Bonnie. Bonnie has been knocked down so many times as she tried to rise above her past that she honestly doesn’t trust when anything good happens to her. She pushed so hard against Roman as he tried to help her primarily because she didn’t know how to accept help, but once they got into a relationship you could see her begin to blossom under his love and attention. She learned that that true measure of a person had nothing to do with their money or station in life, but the way they treat those around them and those that are weaker than them. The passion between them both was arresting from the very beginning and we could see they were perfectly matched in that regard, but once he got past her guards and found a way into her heart, the love was beyond words. I am truly sad to see the end of this series, but I know I will return to reread and re-experience these stories often. Filled with passion, intrigue, and drama, Morgan takes us on a wild adventure through the Big easy you will never forget.

For most of her life, Bonnie has taken care of her brother and father. But they lead very different lives than she does and the older she gets, the farther away she stays. When she goes to check on them one day, she finds that they are missing, she only knows one person that can help her. Her friend, Cassie, is the only one she knows who can help. Cassie enlists the help of Roman to help Bonnie find her family and keep an eye on her t make sure she is safe. Bonnie doesn't need a bodyguard, she just wants to find her family, but it's hard to push Roman away. Soon, it's impossible

This is the third book in the NOLA Knights series. While each book can be read as a standalone, it's best to read them all together. This book has mystery and romance.

I am a big fan of Romance books and I found this one to be a very enjoyable read. I will be looking for more books from this author.

Book 3 in NOLA nights doesn’t disappoint! I’d you’ve read the other two, you’ve seen brief glimpses of both Bonnie and Roman and I have to say I LOVE this pairing.

Bonnie had a sketchy family history, and her newfound friendship with Cassie is how we get her paired up with Roman. It had such a slow and commanding burn- and I really fell for Roman!

Mine to Keep is the third book in the NOLA Knights series. I read it as a stand-alone since this was a new-to-me author and I loved it so much that I am going to go read the previous books. It was fast-paced, attention-grabbing, and well written. The storyline was interesting, and I was hooked from the beginning of the book. It was full of suspense, tough alpha men, and feisty women. The author introduced some of the characters from the Men of Haven series and they sound just as intriguing as this series. Will have to add them to my TBR list!

Funk be gone! I picked this one up while waiting for dinner to finish and couldn’t put it down. Just what I needed!

This book was so good!!!

If you love a strong male, Russian too, that wants to protect and encourage the female mc then look no fighter.

I loved loved loved his book beating around the bush attitude! And taking what he wants - Swoon.

Thank you Carina Press, Harlequin, and Netgalley for an advanced copy for my honest sassy thoughts.

I absolutely love a bad boy with a heart of gold, so Roman is absolutely my kind of hero. He's not all good by any means, but he's loyal and as I found out with the last book in this series, Rhenna Morgan does book boyfriends very well. Bonnie isn't one to trust easily, which is totally understandable given her family history, but Roman's determination to win her over is completely swoon-worthy no matter what his background says about him. I don't read much in mafia romance. It's just not something that really appeals to me, but every once in a while, I find an exception. This series is one of those in a big way. There is mafia, but it's a bit different than what we usually see in the trope. And this author writes beautifully. Everything about this story pulls you in, from the couple you can't help but root for to the secondary characters to the storyline. All in all, another solid read in the series.

Mine to Keep is the third book in the NOLA Knights series. Each of the three stories follows the life and love of the three main Bratva members who have adopted New Orleans as their new home. I quite enjoyed the first two books and was excited to get my hands on this one too.

This romantic suspense novel is told from the dual perspectives of Roman and Bonnie. I love how the perspective sometimes changes mid-scene and at other times it changes a day or more apart. Each change works and pushes the story forward, maintaining the necessary momentum. The suspense of the story is well developed. We do feel concerned for Bonnie’s safety at several points and we really have no clue what’s in store for her family. The chemistry between the two MCs is pretty great and there are several steamy scenes packed into this one.

Bonnie is a good girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Sounds a bit cliche? Don’t worry, Bonnie is anything but! She’s tough, funny, smart and sexy. She’s had to learn how to handle her waste of time father and brother while trying to eke out an upright living of her own. She definitely comes from a dysfunctional family but she loves them and they, in their way, love her. When dad and bro go missing, Bonnie puts all her effort into finding them and ends up working with Roman.

Roman had a hard life in Russia and worked his way up through ‘the family’. He and Kir serve as Sergei’s right hand men. He’s not proud of all he’s done in his life but strives to provide a safe path for those under his protection. He has to figure out how to balance his need to protect Bonnie against her need for freedom and desire for a good, lawful life. That’s a very interesting element for these two to navigate, even if Roman’s sometimes caveman antics make you roll your eyes!

If you’re looking for a fun, romantic suspense with an edge, check out Mine to Keep. The story is well-paced and the characters across the series are memorable! I give this book 4/5 espresso shots.

Bonnie Drummond pretty much has one focus in life, and that is of protecting her father and brother, despite the difficulties in life they've experienced, even if her family has brought certain things upon themselves. Bonnie is working two jobs to help out her family, despite the cost to herself. When something happens to them, she goes to the only really friend she has, Cassie.

Never once did Bonnie realizing that turning to Cassie for help would change her life irrevocably. Cassie has a family that protects anyone in their net, even if their lifestyle is something that Bonnie could never have imagined. For starters, they have a wealth and standing Bonnie could not imagine, so she immediately feels she does not fit in. However, she needs their help, one way or another.

When she meets Ronan Kozlov, who a a mafioso, Bonnie wants to run in the opposite direction. After all, her hard work proves that she wants to lead a good life, one free of any deceit. Despite their major differences on that score, she is very drawn to Roman. At some point Bonnie sees that she cannot pull away from him, even if it means understanding things about his lifestyle.

I loved this book, as I did the first two books in this series, His to Defend and Hers to Tame, and those reviews are linked here. This story was just as exciting as the previous ones. One thing that really drew me to Mine to Keep is Roman's Alpha personality, with expressing like 'you will enjoy yourself'. Not sure why I enjoyed his demanding nature, but he proved to be the perfect match for Bonnie.

On the one hand, this book explored the undeniable connection between Bonnie and Roman, but it also pushed the levels of danger that landed right in front of Bonnie. The story was exciting from the very beginning and the tension never once let up.

I am not certain if this series will be continuing, but if it does, I am more than eager to read more, especially when knowing going in that the heroes are ultimate bad guys. Rhenna Morgan has written a compelling series thus far and pulled me right in just as Bonnie was pulled into a family that no doubt would always be wrought with danger.

Many thanks to Carina Press and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Ooooh, Roman is so alpha and swoon-worthy. You’ll be falling in love with him right along with Bonnie. Also, those sweet gestures completely defy how he sees himself. But his determination is what wins you over as a reader. What a fantastic finale for NOLA Knights.

Advanced review copy provided by #NetGalley for voluntary review consideration

***3.5 Stars***

I was really excited to get my hands on this baby.
I’ve loved the first two books in the series, as well as the Men of Haven series….
But…(I know.The dreaded ‘But’)
But this book fell firmly in the ‘like’ department for me, instead of the ‘love’ department like I was hoping it would.
I’d love to put that on the year that 2020 has been, and maybe that is a part of it since things have gone sideways all over the world, but while there were definite bright spots in the book, I needed more. And, yes, I know that saying that is vague as all get out.

So, what did I like?
Roman. Not a surprise since I do have a thing for broody, gruff and at times OTT alpha AF males.
The Family. Getting to hang out with Sergei, Eve, Emerson, Cassie and Kir ~ as well as Olga (who is AWESOME) ~ and seeing how they were all doing was a lot of fun.
The Haven crew: It may not have been the entire crew, but it still made me all kinds of happy to spend a little time with them.

Now you may be asking about Bonnie. Here’s the thing. I liked her, I did. She’s hard working, loyal and has a good dose of sass, but she also kinda made my eyes hurt from all the rolling some of her thoughts and actions caused. So, I waffled quite a bit between wanting to high five her, hug her and Gibbs smacking her.

In the end, I’m just chalking this up to being a one off because I do adore this author and am definitely curious to see what she has in store for us next.

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~

4 moya koroleva stars!!!

And…. I stepped into the third book without even realizing I did it. That was completely okay though because apparently these can be read as stand alone books, however now I kind of want to go back and read the first two books. I haven’t found a mafia series before that I actually liked, but I really liked Roman and Bonnie’s chemistry so I would be willing to go backwards in the series.

Bonnie is a girl that hasn’t had it easy at all and this book starts out proving it fast with meeting her family. They definitly take her for granted and she is always coming to bat for them. This makes her a very guarded person with everyone she meets, she also thinks she is not worthy of anyones attention. I loved watching her evolve with the whole “mafia” family and becoming one with them. She already had a backbone but she got stronger mentally and emotionally with them backing her.

Roman was of the course the “bad” guy in this book but honestly he’s the biggest softie I ever did see. Thinking that Bonnie wouldn’t want him because of his past is such a cliche for him and her. I liked seeing how she stood up to him and how he had to get around her walls. It was nice to see he earned her trust and didn’t just demand things. (all the time)

Over all this book was a really great introduction to this author and I would highly recommend it. Thank you for a copy of this book in lieu of my honest review.

Roman Kozlov, enforcer for a New Orleans mafiya family, is the poster child for the life Bonnie is struggling to escape. When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Rhenna Morgan is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book

I know some of you are going to get me but I did not read the previous books before reading Mine To Keep. I know, I know. But the previous books really did not capture my attention. 
Mine to Keep really did capture my attention that I did not mind the slow start. Usually, I am very particular about slow start in romance books. Like it has to be really good that I don't mind a slow burning romance story. But if I do not connect with the story or the characters, then it won't do. And Mine to Keep characters really have me invested like I really wanted to know what's going to happen.
Bonnie has always escaped her family's shady problems that it makes sense that she wants no part in the shady character in relationships aspect. But you cannot control what your heart wants, and you really cannot control your family. That's how Bonnie meets Roman. And you just know that they are meant for each other. You can feel their connection.

I absolutely loved Roman and Bonnie's story. This series has quickly become one of my favorites. This book features a grumpy Russian and a headstrong heroines. I highly recommend this series to everyone.

Mine to Keep by Rhenna Morgan
Posted on Tales to Tide You Over on 12/17/2020

Rhenna Morgan has become one of my favorite authors. She combines strong female leads with self-aware male leads in stories hinging on honor and acceptance. The heroes in NOLA Knights may be tainted knights because they are Russian bratva, similar to mafia, but they fight for those under their protection when the law can’t or won’t.

Mine to Keep is no different in theme from the first two books. The novel pairs Bonnie, a friend of Cassie who starred in the previous book, with Roman, the last of the Russian brothers and one whose story I eagerly awaited.

Roman, more than either of his brothers, is shadowed by his past. The product of a Russian orphanage, thanks to Sergei, he became an enforcer, the weapon in his vor‘s hand. He has committed acts he can never cast off and knows he’s unworthy of a love like his two chosen brothers have found. He will stand by them, will give his life for them and their families, but never imagines he’ll have a family of his own beyond his bratva.

Bonnie is a New Orleans native from a worn-down area known for its rough edges. She might have escaped to attempt a respectable life, but her brother and father are happy to muck around in the swamp with little thought to the crocodiles. Her father is a con artist who is dying from liver failure. What meager jobs she can manage, even working two-to-three at a time, barely cover his medical costs. There’s no room for the gambles her family takes, but for all her talk, she’ll never abandon her brother and father to their fates.

These mismatched protagonists start with a common need to protect their families at whatever cost, but their connection runs deeper than that. Bonnie is ashamed of her background as much as Roman is of his past. He can understand her in a way the others can’t, and this creates a bond long before he’s ready to accept what she means to him.

It takes Bonnie even longer to look past Roman’s expensive gifts and Russian endearments to see how he’s accepted her with all her quirks. She recognizes his inner value early and finds herself wanting in comparison. The novel demonstrates how love is shown in the little things more than the grand gestures, even when lives are on the line. Just as she accepts Roman as a whole person, Roman learns the hopes and dreams she keeps hidden. He cultivates her inner self as much as he loves her smart-talking bravado.

The courtship is beautiful and takes up most of the book. This is both the same and different from the rest of the NOLA Knights series, because the mystery plays only a small part until almost the end. Clues are left unnoticed, though given the circumstances, I can forgive the oversight.

Rather than seeing how the brothers break down each point, we’re focused on Roman trying to prove not his worth but hers. The book has several open-door intimate scenes when Roman lets the physical speak for him, along with the many ways he shows Bonnie how important she’s become.

Don’t let my comments fool you into thinking the mystery is ignored or unaddressed, though. There are some interesting aspects in how it unfolds I’d love to share but can’t because you need to see them in context. It’s just not the primary focus of much of the story. We get a solid resolution to both the love story and the mystery. Have no fear.

Plot-driven books are easy to review. I can mention the building action and then spin off into notes on the other elements. This story is so tangled up in questions of self-worth and acceptance, it’s harder to discuss without spoiling something. I’ll say only I found the ending satisfying, the romance emotionally powerful, and the story a perfect mix of honor and understanding.

P.S. I received this ARC through the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Wow! Mine to Keep by Rhenna Morgan is on my list of one of the best books I read this year. This is the third book in the NOLA Knights series, and readers can read it as a standalone.

This is my second time entering the world of Morgana, and she did not disappoint. She delivered all I expected.

Mine to Keep featured a protective alpha male and fiery and independent heroine. Readers may think that this being classified as a mafia romance, the theme would be dark in nature. However, this was not the case. The author delivered a sweet, passionate romance sprinkle with humour and suspense. So this would definitely appeal to readers who are not fans of dark themed romances.

In this installment, the reader met Bonnie Drummond, who came from the wrong side of the tracks. Her family may have been undesirable, but she loved them, so even though she may try to distance herself from them, the moment they are in trouble she is there for them. The sacrifices she made in this regard placed a strain on her emotionally and financially. Then her brother finds himself in a bind with the wrong person, placing them all in danger. Once again Bonnie has taken it upon herself to save them. To achieve this, she reached out to a friend who has ties with the New Orleans Mafia. This led to her connecting with Roman Kozlov, a meeting which would change her life in the best way possible.

I found Roman and Bonnie to be a wonderful couple. The chemistry between them leapt from the pages. Their attraction may have been instantaneous, but it took a while for Bonnie to warm up to Roman. She struggled with trust issues, which I understood given her family history. I loved everything about her. Her determination, her sassy nature and her strength of character. She did not have a pretentious bone in her body.

Roman, oh my, be still my beating heart. Protective, romantic and all-around nice guy with a dangerous edge. He had a hard life growing up, one he was not proud of, but it helped to shape him into the person he became.

I enjoyed how their romance developed. Beautiful and riddled with passion and enough emotion to melt the reader’s heart.

I cannot say it enough. Mine to Keep was a fantastic story and one I recommend it with no reservations.

***DNF at 22%***

This one was a struggle for me.

Sort of. I did finish it, as I hate knowing how things end, however, I skipped the parts between 22% and 95%, so since I didn't read about 70% of this, it's technically a DNF.

I just didn't find anything compelling about either of the characters. I didn't care about them separately, and that made it a struggle to care about them together.

I am unable to recommend this title.

I fell in love with the brothers and their significant others in the Haven Brotherhood, so it should come as no surprise that it didn’t take long for the NOLA Knights to win me over. I was kind of curious about how Bonnie and Roman would “fit”. Although she had proven her loyalty to Cassie in Hers to Tame, she was still an unknown. Turns out that a lot of that “unknown” vibe was purposeful. Bonnie spent a lot of time hiding her past – which kind of made her the perfect match for Roman.

Bonnie was desperate when she called Cassie for help. She had her suspicions about who Cassie’s new family was and knew that it was probably safer for her to stay far away from them and their brand of help, but the lives of what little family she had left was at stake and she was scared. As dangerous as Roman probably was, she had no problem standing up to him even though she felt safer around him than any man she’d been around before. The attraction was intense and mutual. As strong as that attraction was, Roman knew he wasn’t the kind of man that Bonnie deserved. He knew in his heart that once she discovered who he truly was she would never look at him the same. Funny, Bonnie felt the same way about him knowing who she really was. So yeah, these two were definitely made for each other.

As with all the books in both this series and the Haven Brotherhood, the supporting characters were just as important as the main couple. It’s that sense of family that makes this series and Mine to Keep was definitely no exception. Watching Cassie and Evie take Bonnie under their wings was perfect and their not so subtle hints and match making maneuvers were adorable.

I’m not sure what Rhenna Morgan has in store for readers next, but I can’t wait to find out. I certainly hope that we haven’t seen the last of this extended family of found brothers and the ladies who love them. 😉