IVAN 2 (Her Russian Protector #9) by Roxie Rivera-a review

IVAN 2 (Her Russian Protector #9) by Roxie Rivera-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release date October 23, 2020

After a year filled with drama and danger, Erin and Ivan are ready to focus on the one thing they want the most–starting a family. When she has yet another negative test, Erin worries there’s something wrong with her.

Ivan urges his wife not to worry because it will happen when it’s meant to happen. He hates seeing her stressed out and does whatever he can to make her happy.

But, when Erin’s wayward sister is released from jail, he hesitates to allow Ruby to live in their home. He’s worried she hasn’t changed and that Erin will only end up getting hurt again.

Trouble follows Ruby from the cell block to their front door, and Ivan finds himself faced with an insurmountable problem. If he can’t save Ruby’s life, he’ll lose everything–Erin, the family they desperately want and his freedom.

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REVIEW: IVAN 2 is the ninth full-length instalment in Roxie Rivera’s contemporary, adult HER RUSSIAN PROTECTOR erotic, romance series, and the continuing story of Ivan Markovic and his wife Erin Hanson. IVAN 2 can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the first book in the series IVAN where Ivan, Erin and Ruby’s story begins.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Erin) and third person (Ivan) IVAN 2 follows the preparations for Erin’s sister Ruby’s release from prison, and a robbery and assault against our story line heroine that places the focus directly on Ruby. With the approach of the New Year, and the Denim and Diamonds fundraising gala, Erin will be caught off-guard when an old flame warns Erin of imminent danger, and with it more threats against her embattled sister. But as Erin and Ivan struggle to conceive, it is the struggle between head and heart when the threats against Ruby pull Erin in as collateral damage. What ensues is the ongoing romance and relationship between Erin and Ivan, and the potential fall-out as Erin is caught in the cross-fire between Ruby and some very powerful people.

Ivan Markovic is reluctant and worried about the release of Ruby, and what it means for his beautiful wife. Family is everything for the Russian Protectors but sometimes family can be your own worst enemy. Erin will do anything to protect her sister but she has no idea that the fall-out of her sister’s time in prison, is about to affect the people she loves.

Erin and Ivan have yet to conceive, and Ivan fears for the happiness of his beloved wife. As his friends and their spouses begin to expand their families, Ivan is willing to do anything to help his beautiful wife conceive. The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line couples (Yuri, Dimitri, Alexei,Nikolai, Kostya) : Boychenko: Kir. We get a quick glance at their expanding families, and the potential for heart break for our story line couple.

IVAN 2 is an emotional story of betrayal and revenge; power and control; good vs evil; love and happily ever after. The premise is engaging, edgy and raw; the romance is intimate and provocative; the characters are spirited, sassy and energetic but our heroine continues to be a little TSTL (too stupid to live) in that she is constantly refusing security and protection regardless of the threats against her life or that of others.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Ivan
Yuri
Nikolai
Sergei
Sergei 2
Nikolai 2
Kostya
Alexei

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Reviewed by Sandy

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KOSTYA (Her Russian Protector #7) by Roxie Rivera-a review

KOSTYA (Her Russian Protector #7) by Roxie Rivera- a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 12, 2019

After a nightmare blind date, hair stylist Holly Phillips swears off men. The only problem with that plan? Her mysterious and sinfully sexy neighbor Kostya who appeared from the shadows and saved her on that cold, scary night.

Russian covert operative turned infamous mob cleaner Kostya Antonovich lives his life by one major rule: Don’t Get Involved. But when the lies surrounding Holly’s birth begin to unravel, Kostya’s only choice is to break that rule and break it hard.

He’ll use every last tool in that sinister black bag of his to protect Holly from a cartel hit squad and the notorious KGB operative who has escaped a grim Russian prison to seek his revenge.

For her, he’ll risk it all.

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REVIEW: KOSTYA is the seventh instalment in Roxie Rivera’s contemporary, adult HER RUSSIAN PROTECTOR Russian romance series. This is Russian mob cleaner Konstantin ‘Kostya’ Antonovich, and hair stylist Holly Phillips’ story line. KOSTYA can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous storylines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.

Told from first person point of view (Holly), and third person (Kostya) KOSTYA follows the building relationship and romance between neighbors Russian mob cleaner Konstantin ‘Kostya’ Antonovich, and hair stylist Holly Phillips. Kostya Antonovich knows war approaches, and Holly has been targeted for sins of the past. Hoping to protect the woman that calls to his heart, Kostya calls in a favor using his team of ‘spiders’ to safeguard our heroine from the Cartel and the former KGB. What ensues is the building romance between Kostya and Holly, and the potential fall-out as more than one player is aiming their sights on Holly Phillips.

Holly Phillips struggles with her true identity. Having never met her father, our heroine is unaware of her family history, history that is about to crash into the present. As a salon owner and hair stylist Holly caters to the wives of the local Russian mob but Holly’s connections go much deeper than friendship, a familial relationship is about to be exposed. Kostya Antonovich is a cleaner; he does the dirty work necessary to protect the people with whom he works and works for. Meeting Holly Phillips stirs something deep within our story line hero, something he prefers to remain dormant and cold.

The relationship between Holly and Kostya is a friends to lovers but a relationship wherein Kostya is both protector and guardian of the woman with whom he is falling in love. Desperate to keep Holly out of the life he was born to do, Kostya continues to push Holly at every opportunity but our heroine is intent on placing herself in danger for the people she loves. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and seductive.

There is a large ensemble cast of familiar secondary and supporting characters including Nikolai and Vivian, Ten, Boychenko, Artyom, and several wives (Bianca, Erin, Benny and Lena) and significant others, and members of the Russian mob. We are introduced to Holly’s mother Frances Phillips; Holly’s employees Nisha, Billie, Savannah, Peyton as well as Kostya’s team of ‘spiders’: Fox, Sunny, Maxine, Lana and Lobo; Gabe Reyes; and numerous members of the Mexican Cartel, and local interconnected gangs. There is a slight cross-over with the author’s Fighting Connollys series, and the cameo appearance of Finn Connolly. For first time readers they numerous characters and ‘nicknames’ may be overwhelming, which is the reason I recommend reading the series in order.

The world building continues to focus on the Russian mob; their family, friendship, connections, love and protection .

KOSTYA is a story of secrets and lies; betrayal and vengeance; retribution and acceptance. The premise is engaging and energetic; the romance is steamy and hot; the characters are dynamic and captivating. On that note, it is close to two and half years since the last instalment, and the story lines have been released out of order so a re-read may be necessary to reconcile a number of plot points.

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Reviewed by Sandy

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ZEL: Markovic MMA #1 by Roxie Rivera-a review

ZEL: MARKOVIC MMA by Roxie Rivera-a review

Zel

99¢ ebook deal: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 7, 2016

To escape a debt owed to the mob mixed martial artist Zel Tesla agrees to one final match with one of his league’s most notorious fighters. If he wins, he’ll clear the debts he incurred trying to save his young son’s life and earn his freedom.

But one chance encounter with a luscious burlesque performer in Vegas threatens all those carefully laid plans…

Ten years ago, Sara Contreras fled Houston with the help of her mobbed-up friends. Since barely escaping with her life, she’s built a multi-million dollar empire, but she’s always looking over her shoulder, wondering if the dark, dangerous secret she left behind in Houston is going to catch up with her.

When Sara’s past threatens everything Zel has worked so hard to achieve, she has to make a painful choice. She can sacrifice her love for Zel and let him go—or she can fight for him, facing the secret that nearly buried her back in Houston and the loan shark who owns them both.

***Includes the connected books Ivan (Her Russian Protector #1) and Alexei (Her Russian Protector #8) as a FREE BONUS***

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REVIEW: ZEL is the first installment and novella in Roxie Rivera’s adult, contemporary MARKOVIC MMA erotic romance series-a spin off from Her Russian Protector series.. This is MMA fighter Zel Tesla, and exotic dancer Sara Contreras’s story line. ZEL runs parallel to, and overlaps some of the time line of ALEXEI (Book #8) in Roxie’s HER RUSSIAN PROTECTOR series.

Told from several third person points of view ZEL focuses on Zel’s upcoming championship fight with a man who has already killed one of his former opponents. Meeting exotic dancer Sara Contreras, just days before the championship match, finds our hero distracted and thinking about a future with a woman he barely knows. When Sara’s past comes back looking for revenge, our heroine knows that for Zel to keep his head in the match, she must walk away before both of them find themselves deeper in debt to the mob.

The secondary and supporting characters include several of the couples from Rivera’s HER RUSSIAN PROTECTOR series including Ivan and Erin Markovic(Ivan #1);Nikolai and Vivian (Nikolai #4); Alexei and Shay (Alexei #8) as well as Sara’ s sister Lucy. Sara’s connection to the mob comes in the form of an ex-husband, and a step brother who wants what he deserves. Besian returns and we see a different side to the Albanian mobster.

ZEL is a fast paced story of insta-love; of one man’s many heartbreaks, and one woman’s need to save the man with whom she is falling in love. The premise is entertaining and revealing; the characters are animated and intense; the romance is a quick build to a happily ever after. ZEL is the first book in Rivera’s MARKOVIC MMA spin off series, and I am looking forward to many more.

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Reviewed by Sandy

***Includes the connected books Ivan (Her Russian Protector #1) and Alexei (Her Russian Protector #8) as a FREE BONUS***

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IvanIVAN (Her Russian Protector #1)

REVIEW:  IVAN is the first storyline in Roxie Rivera’s contemporary/romance/suspense series Her Russian Protector. IVAN is a short introductory story, basically 80 pages in length that prefaces a number of friends and members formerly involved with the Russian Mob.

The storyline premise focuses on Erin and Ivan. Erin needs to find her drug-addicted sister before it is too late. She knows Ivan’s reputation as a no nonsense man with connections. Making her way into his fight club, Erin will soon discover she has also made her way into Ivan’s heart.

Ivan is our hero: a man who admits he is not perfect but a man whose primary passion is Erin. Hoping to find her sister, Ivan and his fellow Russians uncover a connection that goes deeper than a simple addiction.

IVAN is a story about one woman’s love for her sister and her many attempts to save her from self-destruction. There is an immediate connection between Ivan and Erin-one that is protective without being too alpha; loving without obsession; romantic without control. Ivan is a man who has fallen for a stranger the moment she walks into his life.

If you like a quick and easy read-one with love, romance, sex and several sexy Russians waiting for their story to be told, IVAN is your first stop in HER RUSSIAN PROTECTOR series by Roxie Rivera.

Reviewed by Sandy

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AlexeiALEXEI (Her Russian Protector #8)

REVIEW:

ALEXEI is the eighth full length installment in Roxie Rivera’s contemporary, adult HER RUSSIAN PROTECTOR romance series. This is former Russian enforcer/businessman Alexei Sarnov, and leather designer/cleaning lady Shay Sandoval’s storyline. ALEXEI falls somewhere in the timeline between Nikolai Vol 2 and the novella Lion’s First Roar, and has been released prior to book number 7-Kostya.

ALEXEI revisits some of the previous story line characters including Nikolai and Viv, Detective Eric Santos, Russian enforcer Boychenko, Albanian mobster Besian, and several others -byway of mention only. We are introduced to Russian newcomer and bodyguard Stas, and Shay’s BFF Kylee-whose past is mired in betrayal and loss. Many familiar names and characters are woven throughout the story.

ALEXEI is an entertaining story line with colorful characters but I felt less than invested in Shay’s happily ever after. Perhaps it was the heroine’s constant disregard for her own safety, and the safety of the man with whom she had fallen in love that left me questioning any hope for their future. I had so much hope for ALEXEI’s story but sadly this will not rank as one of my favorite Russian Protector story lines.

Reviewed by Sandy

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In Jack’s Arms / Sergei / Sergei Volume 2 by Roxie Rivera-a review

In Jack’s Arms / Sergei / Sergei Volume 2 by Roxie Rivera-a review

roxie rivera books

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Sergei 2SERGEI Volume 2
(Her Russian Protector 5.5)
by Roxie Rivera
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotica, romance
ABOUT THE BOOK: May 12, 2014

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Wedding dress designer and boutique owner Bianca Bradshaw always plays by the rules—until Sergei. The Russian behemoth broke down the walls guarding her heart as easily as he kicked down her front door. After a wild, passionate love affair that’s the talk of Houston’s underworld leaves them facing an unplanned but very much wanted pregnancy, Bianca can’t imagine a single day without Sergei in her life—and in her bed.

Freed from the clutches of the Russian mob by her tenacious love, former enforcer and prize fighter Sergei Sakharov intends to give Bianca exactly what she wants. He’s going to make that luscious, curvy beauty his wife and spend the rest of his life making her happy.

Or, at least, that’s the plan.

But Sergei quickly learns that no one ever really gets out of the life. When unfinished business threatens the family he’s trying to build with the woman who forever holds his heart, he’ll have to make a hard choice. To protect his pregnant wife, there is no line Sergei won’t cross.

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REVIEW: SERGEI Volume 2 is the continuing story of Sergei Sakharov and the love of his life Bianca Bradshaw. Volume 2 begins a few days following the end of Sergei Volume 1 (December 2013) where Bianca had ‘bought’ Sergei’s contract from the Russian Mob and announced she was pregnant with Sergei’s child. The storyline advances the series six to seven months and is told from alternating first person (Bianca) POV and close third person.

The premise of this story brings most of the previous storyline characters together as the group heads to London, England for Vivian’s (Nikolai) art show. Along the way Sergei’s mother and brother will to be introduced to his future bride but the old Russian values run deep when Bianca’s African American heritage proves too much for Sergei’s mom. Prejudice is rampant and Bianca has been forewarned by the newest member of the Russian protectors.

Not to be forgotten, the death of Bianca’s father and brother will once again be brought front and center when one of the men responsible wants to face the family that was left behind. Sergei’s protective nature goes on high alert but Bianca’s need to help her mother forgive will place everyone in danger when The Cartel and the gangs target the women as retribution against the Russian Mob.

The relationship between Sergei and Bianca continues to be seductive and hot. Sergei is a man who has lost both his heart and his soul to the woman who carries the next generation of family and love. Sergei is an Alpha Russian male whose over protective nature knows no boundaries yet his future bride continues to push at every barrier that has been put into place. Needless to say their battle of wills will place Bianca into a life an death situation where no one will come away unharmed.

The world building continues as we are reacquainted with most of the previous storyline heroes and heroines. With the introduction of two new protectors, Roxie Rivera has planted the seeds for many more storylines to come.

SERGEI Volume 2 takes the reader on a journey of love and a happily ever after-for now. All of our heroes know that their previous life with the Russian mob has placed everyone they love in danger and with it will come the need to protect at all costs.

Roxie Rivera’s Russian Protectors are sexy yet sweet; strong yet vulnerable; passionate and wise. The men will stop at nothing to ensure the safety of family and friends but when it comes to the women that hold on to their hearts, being over protective is something that comes naturally and for a very good reason.

Reading List
Ivan
Dimitri
Nikolai
Yuri
Sergei
Sergei Volume 2

Reviewed by Sandy

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SergeiSERGEI
(Her Russian protector #5)
by Roxie Rivera
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotica, romance
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 10, 2013

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

After losing her older brother in a violent robbery, wedding gown designer Bianca Bradshaw refuses to date men with criminal ties. She’s never been tempted to cross that line—until Sergei.

The Russian behemoth works as an enforcer for mob boss Nikolai Kalasnikov and fights as his champion in the underground bare-knuckle circuit. Sergei is absolutely the last complication she needs in her life—but he’s the only man who makes her body ache with desire.

And right now she needs his help.

When he learns some creep is bothering Bianca, Sergei Sakharov vows to protect her at all costs. He’s been trying to get close to the plus-sized beauty for months but she rejects him at every turn. He’s determined to show her that he’s worth more as a man than his criminal connections.

But Sergei’s loyalty to his family—both blood and criminal—put him at odds with the future he wants with Bianca. He has to choose—the woman he desperately loves or his loyalty to the man who saved his life.

Because the darkness of the underworld he inhabits is about to spill into Bianca’s life and the hardest choice may be the only one that allows him to protect her…

••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: SERGEI is the fifth instalment in Roxie Rivera’s adult, contemporary romance Her Russian Protect series. This is Sergei and Bianca’s story. Sergei is an MMA fighter and what can only be called an ‘enforcer’ for Nikolai’s mob. Nikolai ‘owns’ Sergei and Sergei is working to pay off the debt.

Bianca and Sergei have been dancing around one another for five months. They are mutually attracted to one another but Sergei’s’ world and Bianca’s life should never have met. But Bianca lost a brother in a store hold up that went horribly wrong, and as the only remaining witness, it is believed Bianca’s life is at risk. While the relationship between Sergei and Bianca develops, so too do the stalker sightings and potential threats against her life.

Roxie Rivera pulls the reader into a storyline where a seven foot tall, alpha Russian male falls hard and fast for a dress designer with aspirations of making it big in the world for high fashion and wedding designs. Sergei is a quiet and gentle soul whose need for Bianca burrows deep into his heart and into his soul. But his life and connections to the mob will force Sergei to make a decision that will cost him the only woman that he has ever loved.

The sexual attraction is palpable as is the dark sensuality that is Sergei Sakharov. He is a man possessed by his need to protect the woman that he loves and bring the family that he left behind to America.

All of the previous storyline couples play secondary and recurring roles throughout SERGEI’s story as they have in the four other novels of Her Russian Protector series. Roxie keeps the familiar up front and center, so that the reader is up to date on the lives and loves of her Russian heroes and the women they love.

SERGEI is a passionate storyline about love and loss; betrayal and hope; jealousy and revenge. And it is also a story about two people who make a commitment to one another that family will always come first because at the end of the day-it is all about the family that you love and that loves you back.

Reviewed by Sandy

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In Jack's ArmsIN JACK’S ARMS
(Fighting Connollys #2)
by Roxie Rivera
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotica, romance
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 28, 2014

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

When pawn broker Abby Kirkwood discovers the evidence of a chilling drug cartel hit on one of the video cameras hocked in her store, she turns to the only man she can trust—Jack Connolly.

The smolderingly sexy former Marine runs a successful gym down the street and coaches her brother’s special needs baseball team. He’s the one man who is always there when she needs him. If anyone can protect her family, it’s commanding, capable Jack.

The moment he learns someone is threatening Abby and her brother, Jack sees red. To save the woman he’s secretly loved for years, he’ll do whatever it takes, even if it means facing off with a Mexican drug cartel and making deals with the same Albanian mob outfit that tried to ruin his family.

He finally has sweet, feisty Abby right where she was always meant to be—writhing with pleasure in his bed and safely sheltered in his arms. The vicious cartel assassin hot on her heels has no idea what he’s up against.

The Connolly brothers are standing strong together—and no one touches their family.

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: IN JACK’S ARMS is the second instalment in Roxie Rivera’s contemporary, adult, erotic Fighting Connollys Trilogy. The Fighting Connollys is a spin-off series from Roxie’s ‘Her Russian Protector’ series and focuses on the Connolly brothers-three former Marines and the women they love. You do not have to read Her Russian Protectors to follow the Fighting Connollys. Some of the characters and premises from the previous series overlap and carry over into the Fighting Connollys. This is Abby Kirkwood and Jack Connelly’s story.

The premise focuses on a robbery, a series of threats and a number of questionable sales at the family run pawn shop owned by Abby Kirkwood. Digging further into the problem Abby will find herself caught in a war between the Albanian mob and a Mexican drug cartel who are willing to take down anyone standing in their way. Enter Jack Connolly-the man who would die to protect Abby and her younger brother Mattie. When a once trusted employee is caught between family and the law, Abby and her brother will be pulled into a game of life and death.

The relationship between Abby and Jack evolves from friends to lovers. For a number of years, Abby and Jack have been dancing around one another much to Jack’s dismay. But Abby has been preoccupied trying to keep her grandfather’s business afloat while raising her mentally handicapped brother. When the realization finally hits, Abby knows that she has lost her heart to Jack and that he may just be the one. The sex scenes are steamy and the relationship is sensual and hot.

The secondary characters are colorful and many from Her Russian Protector series. From the Mexican drug cartel to the Russian and Albanian mob, The Fighting Connollys is a series of action, suspense and romantic relationships between the rich and powerful in a world we only read about in the news.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Her Russian Protector Series Book Tour and Giveaway with Roxie Rivera

Her Russian Protector Series Book Tour and Giveaway with Roxie Rivera

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Her Russian Protector Series by Roxie Rivera

series spotlight

 

IvanIVAN

Click HERE for our review of IVAN by Roxie Rivera

Release Date: February 24, 2013

Her Russian Protector, #1

Desperate to find her sister, Erin goes to the only man in Houston who can help her:  Ivan Markovic. The intimidating, tattooed Russian operates one of the most elite mixed-martial arts training centers in the world but it’s his shadowy past and reputed connections with Houston’s underworld that interest her most.

 

To find her sister, she’ll need the help of her big, scary Russian protector—but asking for help from a man like Ivan carries a steep price, one that might just include her heart.

Available at: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Barnes and Noble | KOBO | All Romance Ebooks | AppleSmashwords |  

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DimitriDIMITRI

Release Date:  April 2, 2013

Her Russian Protector, #2

Refusing to lose her brother to the violent Hermanos street gang, Benny turns to Dimitri, the dead sexy Russian who lives in the apartment above her family’s bakery. He’s the only man tough enough to get through to Johnny and save him from a life in prison—or worse.There’s nothing Dimitri won’t do for Benny, even if it means dealing with her troublemaking brother. He quickly realizes that it’s not just Johnny and his thug friends that pose a threat to Benny. A shady real estate developer needs to buy her bakery to secure a multi-million dollar deal and he’ll stop at nothing to make her sell.

Threatened from all sides, Benny finds safety in Dimitri’s strong arms — and in his bed. Her big, sexy Russian has no intention of ever letting her go—and he’ll brave the fires of hell before he lets anyone harm her.

Reader’s Note: Dimitri is an incredibly passionate man with a dominant streak—and Benny is only too happy to indulge his need for a little…restraint.

Available at: Amazon.com |Amazon.caBarnes & Noble | All Romance eBooks | Kobo  | Smashwords

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YuriYURI

Click HERE for our review of

Release Date:  May 17, 2013

Her Russian Protector, Book 3

While clawing her way out of Houston’s worst neighborhood, Lena vowed to never let any man have power over her. After a lifetime of broken promises from her criminal father and a mother who abandoned her, Lena believes that love makes you vulnerable. She’s never been tempted to test that belief…until Yuri.

Sexy as sin and with a dark reputation, Russian billionaire Yuri Novakovsky survived a miserable childhood of poverty and neglect to ascend the pinnacle of success. He enjoys the perks of his massive wealth without much thought to the consequences…until Lena.

When Lena’s father and cousin blunder into an international art theft operation, Yuri seizes his chance to be her protector. But when past misdeeds catch up with him and threaten Lena’s safety, Yuri puts her love and trust in him to the test.

He’ll prove he’s the man she needs—a man she can trust and depend upon—one sensual, wicked kiss at a time.

***YURI is a full-length novel, clocking in at 90,000 words and 300+ pages.***

Available at:  Amazon.comAmazon.caBarnes and Noble | All Romance eBooks | Smashwords.

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NikolaiNIKOLAI

Her Russian Protector, Book 4

Release Date:  June 24, 2013

After a brush with death as a juvenile delinquent, Vivian swore she’d never stray across that line again—but there’s just one problem with her plan to stay on the right side of the law. She’s completely, irrevocably and unabashedly in love with Nikolai, the Russian mob boss who saved her life.

From the moment Vivian appeared in his life on that tragic April night, Nikolai felt himself inextricably bonded to her. She’s the bright light in his dark world and the only thing that keeps him from sliding deeper into a life of crime and violence—a mobbed-up life he can’t escape no matter how hard he tries.

After Vivian is ripped from his arms in a brazen blitz attack, Nikolai will stop at nothing to get her back—but rescuing her and keeping her safe in his arms isn’t enough. Suddenly, Nikolai’s only chance to keep her safe is to do the one thing he vowed never to do—he’ll drag her deeper into his shadowy world and bind her to him forever.

Because their tangled pasts are about to collide and the shockwave threatens to bring Houston’s criminal underbelly to its knees…

Reader Advisory:  This story contains scenes of violence against women and frank descriptions of trafficking.

Coming June 24:  Amazon | B&N | Kobo | All Romance eBooks | Smashwords.

*This is not available for pre-order*

About the Author

ALL ABOUT ROXIE:

When I’m not chasing after my wild preschooler, I like to write super sexy romances and scorching hot erotica. I live in Texas with a husband who could easily snag a job as an extra on History Channel’s new Viking series, a sweet but rowdy three-year-old with Tetralogy of Fallot, and Bosley, our Great Dane with major mommy issues.

I also have another dirty-book writing alter egoLolita Lopez, who writes deliciously steamy tales for Ellora’s Cave, Forever Yours/Grand Central, Mischief/Harper Collins UK, Siren Publishing and Cleis Press.

Connect with Roxie:  Website | Facebook | Goodreads

blog tour schedule

YURI & NIKOLAI Tour Schedule
June 17 – June 30

6/17- Books, Books & More Books (series spotlight & review)
http://booksbooksmorebooks.blogspot.com/
6/17- Reading Between The Wines (guest post)
http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.com/
6/18- Nina’s Literary Escape (series spotlight)
http://ninasliteraryescape.blogspot.com/
6/18 Flirting with Romance (interview)
http://flirtingwithromance.blogspot.com/
6/20- The Reading Café (series spotlight & review)
http://thereadingcafe.com/
6/20- United by Books (interview)
http://unitedbybooks.blogspot.com/
6/21- Book Monster Reviews (guest post)
http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/
6/22- Night Owl Reviews (series spotlight & review)
http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Blog/Articles/Roxie-Riveras-Her-Russian-Protectors-Series-Continues/
6/23- Romance Junkies (series spotlight & review)
http://www.romancejunkies.com/rjblog/
6/24- My Reading Obsession (series spotlight & review)
http://4myreadingobsession.blogspot.com/
6/25- Offbeat Vagabond (series spotlight & review)
http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/
6/26- Cocktails and Books (series spotlight)
http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/
6/27- Salacious Reads (series spotlight)
http://www.salaciousreads.com/
6/27- Riverina Romantics (guest post)
http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com/
6/29- Book Lovin Mamas (guest post)
http://booklovinmamas.blogspot.com//

 rafflecopter giveaway

Roxie is giving away the following prizes on her tour:

GRAND PRIZE:  US/CANADA ONLY

Signed set of all four HER RUSSIAN PROTECTOR print books in a tote with swag

RUNNERS UP: US/CANADA ONLY

TWO (2) runners-up will receive a signed copy of IVAN and swag..

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Her Russian Protector series by Roxie Rivera – a combined review

Her Russian Protector series by Roxie Rivera-a  combined review

Her Russian Protector Series

Ivan (Her Russian Protector #1)
by Roxie Rivera
Release Date: February 24, 2013

Ivan

SPECIAL DEAL: .99cents or less at ebook retailers->Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: February 24, 2013

Desperate to find her sister, Erin goes to the only man in Houston who can help her: Ivan Markovic. The intimidating, tattooed Russian operates one of the most elite mixed-martial arts training centers in the world but it’s his shadowy past and reputed connections with Houston’s underworld that interest her most.

To find her sister, she’ll need the help of her big, scary Russian protector—but asking for help from a man like Ivan carries a steep price, one that might just include her heart.

•••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: IVAN is the first storyline in Roxie Rivera’s contemporary/romance/suspense series Her Russian Protector. IVAN is a short introductory story, basically 80 pages in length that prefaces a number of friends and members formerly involved with the Russian Mob.

The storyline premise focuses on Erin and Ivan. Erin needs to find her drug-addicted sister before it is too late. She knows Ivan’s reputation as a no nonsense man with connections. Making her way into his fight club, Erin will soon discover she has also made her way into Ivan’s heart.

Ivan is our hero: a man who admits he is not perfect but a man whose primary passion is Erin. Hoping to find her sister, Ivan and his fellow Russians uncover a connection that goes deeper than a simple addiction.

IVAN is a story about one woman’s love for her sister and her many attempts to save her from self-destruction. There is an immediate connection between Ivan and Erin-one that is protective without being too alpha; loving without obsession; romantic without control. Ivan is a man who has fallen for a stranger the moment she walks into his life.

If you like a quick and easy read-one with love, romance, sex and several sexy Russians waiting for their story to be told, IVAN is your first stop in HER RUSSIAN PROTECTOR series by Roxie Rivera.

Reviewed by Sandy

Yuri (Her Russian Protector #3)
by Roxie Rivera
Release Date: May 17,2013

 

YURI (Her Russian Protector #3) by Roxie Rivera-a review

Yuri

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 17, 2013

While clawing her way out of Houston’s worst neighborhood, Lena vowed to never let any man have power over her. After a lifetime of broken promises from her criminal father and a mother who abandoned her, Lena believes that love makes you vulnerable. She’s never been tempted to test that belief…until Yuri.

Sexy as sin and with a dark reputation, Russian billionaire Yuri survived a miserable childhood of poverty and neglect to ascend the pinnacle of success. He enjoys the perks of his massive wealth without much thought to the consequences…until Lena.

When Lena’s father blunders into an international art theft operation, Yuri seizes his chance to be her protector and save her family from ruin. But when past misdeeds catch up with him and threaten Lena’s safety, Yuri puts her love and trust in him to the test.

He’ll show Lena he can be the man she needs—a man she can trust and depend upon—one sensual, wicked kiss at a time

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: YURI is the third storyline in Roxie Rivera’s HER RUSSIAN PROTECTOR series focusing on four life long friends and ‘blood brothers’ from Russia whose childhood and teen years were filled with betrayal, hurt, anger and revenge. All four men have become success stories in one way or another, but their pasts continue to haunt them on a daily basis. This is Yuri Novakovsky and Yelena (Lena) Cruz’s story.

Russian self-made billionaire and businessman Yuri Novakovsky has always admired and watched Lena Cruz from afar. But Lena currently works as a media and PR promotions person for a rival nightclub. The night Lena steps into his club, looking for the person who sabotaged a big event, Yuri knows his heart is lost. She is a strong, independent woman but one with a vulnerable past that is about to catch up with her. Not only does Lena have secrets but Yuri will kill to keep his secrets hidden from those who threaten his family and friends.

Roxie Rivera takes the reader on a journey of betrayal and the heartfelt solidarity of four men who have had each other’s back since their childhood days in Russia. With each installment, Roxie is building on their stories of abuse and neglect. As the relationship between Yuri and Lena grows, so too, do the threats against both of their lives from some very familiar faces.

Lena’s father is a con whose past indiscretions have caught up with his current life and Lena is about to pay the price for her father’s sins. But coincidence or not, Yuri will be pulled into the storm waging against Lena’s father and the eventual discovery that more than just Lena’s family is mired deep in betrayal and hurt.

YURI is a fast paced, revealing and heartbreaking story of one couple’s fight to uncover the deadly plots against them and their future together. But not only is Lena betrayed by family, so too, Yuri will discover that the people with whom he has trusted are the very people threatening to destroy the woman that he loves. Using secrets from the past that Yuri will take to the grave before revealing the truth to what happened to four young boys so very long ago, the couple will have to face a history of betrayal and sorrow that has threatened to reveal a painful and deadly past.

Roxie Rivera has written a wonderful series of four alpha men whose need to protect the women that they love, will put them face to face with a past that is mired is secrets, betrayal and pain.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

_____________________________________________________________

NIKOLAI (Her Russian Protector #4) by Roxie Rivera

Nikolai

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 23, 2013

After a brush with death as a juvenile delinquent, Vivian swore she’d never stray across that line again—but there’s just one problem with her plan to stay on the right side of the law. She’s completely, irrevocably and unabashedly in love with Nikolai, the Russian mob boss who saved her life.

From the moment Vivian appeared in his life on that tragic April night, Nikolai felt himself inextricably bonded to her. She’s the bright light in his dark world and the only thing that keeps him from sliding deeper into a life of crime and violence—a mobbed-up life he can’t escape no matter how hard he tries.

After Vivian is ripped from his arms in a brazen blitz attack, Nikolai will stop at nothing to get her back—but rescuing her and keeping her safe in his arms isn’t enough. Suddenly, Nikolai’s only chance to keep her safe is to do the one thing he vowed never to do—he’ll drag her deeper into his shadowy world and bind her to him forever.

Because their tangled pasts are about to collide and the shockwave threatens to bring Houston’s criminal underbelly to its knees…

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: NIKOLAI is the fourth installment in Roxie Rivera’s Her Russian Protector series. The first four storylines focus on four ‘blood brothers’ from Russia, who by virtue of being orphans and lost, at a young age bound together to keep each other safe and alive. As adults the Russian mob called to their angry and broken hearts and current circumstances have forced each into a legitimate lifestyle-but one. This is Nikolai’s story and it is darker than the rest.

The storyline focuses on Nikolai –a man who will risk everything for the woman he loves-a woman he has hurt in more ways than one. Nikolai and Vivian have a history that goes back to a fateful night when her father forced the then eleven year old girl into a life of crime and theft. But on this night, the young Vivian will find herself abandoned by her father and struggling for her life when a gunman shoots to kill. A decade later, that fateful night will come full circle when she discovers the identity of the man who was only protecting his property.

Nikolai and Vivian have been secondary characters throughout the previous three stroylines and in book 3 YURI we learn the dark secrets and haunted past that has kept Nikolai secluded and alone. But there is more to Nikolai than a damaged childhood-Nikolai still retains a strong connection to the Russian mob and it becomes a matter of family for both Vivi and Nikolai. Nikolai’s past continues to haunt him and there is currently no way for him to escape the control of the mob. But in doing so, he puts Vivian in danger, time and again.

The relationship between Nikolai and Vivian surpasses ward and foundling to lovers rather quickly in the storyline but in defense they have known each other for close to ten years. But it is the dance of sex and love that continues to pull one to the other. Nikolai is a man who has known no love in his life but for the woman who has wormed her way into the heart of a man only his brothers have loved.

The storyline unfolds as two warring factions of street gangs and the mob have set their sites on Nikolai and Vivian. The story is fast paced but dragged in a few spots. And there were a few issues not addressed as it pertained to a particular painting and former friend. Hopefully this issue will come into play in the next storyline.

NIKOLAI is an interesting storyline of loss and love; the loss of a family and the love of a mate. There are some issues concerning Nikolai’s continued affiliation with the Russian mob but on the surface it is easy to say-get out-when we are not the one’s who have been blooded by the mob. Sometimes there is no easy answer.

Copy supplied by the author.

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