Tag Archives: Russian

MINE by Natasha Knight and A.Zavarelli-Review Tour

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MINE (Ties That Bind #1) by Natasha Knight and A.Zavarelli-Review Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Apple /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 17, 2020

She was never supposed to walk into my club.
But she did.

I shouldn’t have looked twice at her.
But I did.

The criminal underworld is no place for a girl like her.

One night with Katerina isn’t enough, but men like me can’t afford to be weak.
So, I tell her to leave me behind.

She does, but not before she sees something she shouldn’t.

When she goes into hiding, it’s my duty to hunt her down.
I have a job to do, and she needs to disappear for good.

But four years later, Kat isn’t alone anymore.

And the little boy right beside her looks just like me.

•••••••••••

REVIEW; MINE is the first instalment in the contemporary, adult TIES THAT BIND dark, Russian mafia romance series co authored by Natasha Knight and A. Zavarelli. MINE follows the acrimonious relationship between mobster Levka ‘Lev’ Antonov, and teacher’s aid Katerina ‘Kat’ Blake.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kat and Lev) using two different time lines MINE follows Katerina Blake on her nineteenth birthday where she will meet Lev Antonov, a man who is about to destroy her world. On the run, following the murder of her friend, Katerina will leave everything behind when her world collides with the Russian mob. Four years will pass before Kat must face the past, a past that will quickly divide into two intersecting paths. Trying to protect the son he never knew, Lev Antonov forces Kat back into his life, only to discover that he has brought the mob back to Kat’s front door. What ensues is the rebuilding but contemptuous relationship between Kat and Lev, and the ongoing fall-out as Lev’s lifestyle threatens to destroy them all.

The relationship between Lev and Kat begins as a one night stand following a night of drinking and drugs that leave Kat questioning her choices in life. Lev is determined to protect Kat from the life he has always lived, a life that is about to force Kat on the run. The $ex scenes are aggressive, intense, and not without some questionable consent.

We are introduced to Lev’s psychotic cousin Andrei, and his uncle Vasily; and Kat’s best friend Nina.

MINE is a story of power and control; of murder, bloodshed, assault and abuse. No one is safe when they do business with the Russian mob, and our heroine has quite literally stumbled into a world she knows nothing about. The premise is dark and gritty; the characters are broken, dangerous, struggling and lost; the romance is fraught with issues of trust, anger, secrets and lies. MINE ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

About A. Zavarelli:

Zavarelli is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of dark and contemporary romance.

When she’s not putting her characters through hell, she can usually be found watching bizarre and twisted documentaries in the name of research.

She currently lives in the Northwest with her lumberjack and an entire brood of fur babies. 

Connect w/A. Zavarelli:

Website: https://www.azavarelli.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AZavarelli
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AZavarellibooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azavarelli/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/a-zavarelli
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13549895.A_Zavarelli
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2S3zrKS
Newsletter Signup: http://www.azavarelli.com/#!mailing-list/c46c

•••••••••••

About Natasha Knight:

USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance, Natasha Knight specializes in dark, tortured heroes. Happily-Ever-Afters are guaranteed, but she likes to put her characters through hell to get them there. She’s evil like that.

 Connect w/Natasha:
Website: https://natasha-knight.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natashaknightauthor
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheKnightSpot
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/NatashaKnight13
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashaknight13/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/natashaknight13/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6478732.Natasha_Knight
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/natasha-knight
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2DWdlEu
NL Signup:https://natasha-knight.com

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

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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.

•••••••••

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.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

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BALLERINA FOR THE BRATVA by Maura Rose-a review

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BALLERINA FOR THE BRATVA (A Russian Mafia Romance) by Maura Rose-a review

ebook ONLY 99¢ or £0.99 Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 8, 2019

The flame burns hot in the dance of love…

ALEXEI

My father is gone and it’s up to me to run the Vanin bratva’s operations now. This means going to America to meet up with the Sokolovs, to strengthen the ties that bind and secure my family’s place in the Russian mafia world. As the new boss, I need to make a name for myself both at home and abroad, and find out more about the legacy my father left behind after his sudden death.

But that’s not all I find.

Her. The ballerina. Her grace and talent put even the best dancers from my home country to shame. Her energy and beauty make me want her, make me need her, make me crave a taste of her.

Damn the alliances, damn the expectations. I’m my own man, and I’ll do things my own way. I have to have her, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make her mine…

JANET

Dance. It’s all I’ve known for my entire life. My parents told me I could be anything I wanted to be, as long as I was the best at what I did, and I have lived accordingly. Now, I have finally made it. I’m the prima ballerina—something I have fantasized about since I was old enough to tie my pointe shoes. Nothing can distract me from this dream come true.

Nothing except a handsome stranger with shockingly blue eyes and a roguish smile. He’s tall. He’s hot. And I can tell that underneath that tailored suit of his is a rock-hard body. And that’s not the only thing…

But he’s dangerous, I can tell. And as enticing as he is with his old-fashioned charm and sexy Slavic accent, I can’t let a man like that burrow his way into my heart. Can I?

•••••••••

REVIEW: BALLERINA FOR THE BRATVA is the fourth instalment in Maura Rose’s contemporary, adult RUSSIAN MAFIA ROMANCE series focusing on the members of the Russian Bratva. This is the Vanin Bratva’s new leader Alexei Vanin, and American born ballerina Janet Wong’s story line. BALLERINA FOR THE BRATVA can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Alexei and Janet) BALLERINA FOR THE BRATVA follows Alexei Vanin in the aftermath of his father’s death. As the new head of the Vanin Bratva Alexei heads to America in an effort to introduce himself as his father’s successor. What Alexei never expected was to meet American born Prima Ballerina Janet Wong, a woman who stirs something deep within our story line hero. What ensues is the building relationship between Janet and Alexei, and the potential fall-out as Alexei keeps secret his life back home.

Alexei Vanin needs to make a good impression on his American Bratva counterparts but something isn’t right when he is introduced to his former Russian compatriots. Hoping to reconcile with what he has learned, our hero heads back to Russia in an effort to shore up his defences if the truth is revealed. Janet Wong has dreamed of being the Prima Ballerina and her hard work has paid off with the dual lead in Swan Lake. Meeting Alexei Vanin meant a chance for a future but a future that begins with lies of omission.

The relationship between Janet and Alexei is one of immediate attraction but Alexei is only in the US for a short while. Janet’s social life is virtually non-existent as she spends every waking minute working towards her professional debut. Alexei is determined to seduce the woman that calls to his heart, a woman he will one day bring home to meet his mother. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Alexei’s mother Masha Vanin; Janet’s parents, and fellow ballerina’s Sofia and Vicky; as well as the head of the Sokolov Bratva Ivan Sokolov and his wife Kelly (Burning for the Bratva); his lieutenant Pavel and his wife Natalia (Blazing for the Bratva).

BALLERINA FOR THE BRATVA is a sexy and engaging story line with powerful hero who isn’t afraid to show his softer side. The premise is captivating; the romance is intimate; the characters are colorful and dynamic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Beholden to the Bratva
Burning for the Bratva
Blazing for the Bratva
Ballerina for the Bratva

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Brothers United (Bratva Blood Brothers #6) by K.J. Dahlen-a review

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BROTHERS UNITED (Bratva Blood Brothers #6) by KJ Dahlen-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 30, 2018

Roman
I’ll burn in hell before I let her go. But can a man have it all? The first rule of the streets…protect what’s yours. I made her my own. She made me stronger. Freed me from a haunting past. It’s more than a love affair. It’s an irresistible infatuation. She’s lived a life of fear, abuse, and distrust. I promised her I’d change all of that. I promised I’d never hurt her. I was sure of it. Until I’m faced with my distant past. A shocking reunion could corrode everything. Men I’d lost a lifetime ago vs. the woman that’s my future. Again, I’m faced with my past. Again, she’s faced with impending danger. I can’t lose her, not now. But, with more than just herself to think about, will she trust me enough to stick around?

Stevie
My secret could make us or destroy us. He’s the man who touched my unreachable heart. But, life’s taught me you can’t fully trust anyone. I’ve never known the meaning of ‘family’. My head says I can’t rely on nobody. My heart knows he’s special. Finally, I feel safe. Loved. Now, every cell in my body tells me to run. My own problems are knocking at the front door. Dark, threatening forces are closing in. I’d rather flee than see him dead on the streets. An unknown killer wants my blood. I’ve a brother and an unborn child to protect. Yet, I stay. Much to his estranged father’s displeasure. Can I fight for love and survival and win both battles?

••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: BROTHERS UNITED is the sixth instalment in KJ Dahlen’s contemporary, adult BRATVA BLOOD BROTHERS Russian, mafia romance series. This is forty-year old warehouse owner Roman Salizar, and Stephanie ‘Stevie’ Angelica Grace’s continuing story. BROTHERS UNITED should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately upon the events of book five ROMAN.

SOME BACKGROUND : Five young boys and childhood friends (Yuri, Sazon, Barshan, Mikial and Roman) survived the mean-streets of Russia only to be rescued and reared by a local gym owner Ivan Russo, who would meet his death by a local gang. Seeking revenge against the gang, local Russian Bratva member and soon to be New York Russian mafia leader Nikoli Silvanic would mentor the five young men until they were ready to take on the world, with the approval of Russian Bratva leader Sergi Constantine. When the time came Nikoli Silvanic would take over the New York territory, while the five ‘blood brothers’ would take over New Orleans. These are their stories.

Told from several third person points of view including Stevie and Roman BROTHERS UNITED focuses on the search for a killer. Stevie Grace has stolen some important information to be used in the upcoming trial of the man who destroyed her life. As the date draws nearer several attempts against her life find Stevie considering her options including protecting the man with whom she has fallen in love by running at the first available opportunity. But life has changed, and Stevie’s future is about to take a dramatic turn, leaving our heroine under the protective custody of the Bratva Blood Brothers. As the Brothers call in favors from the Devils Advocate MC, another surprise from the past reveals itself to Roman Salizar. What ensues is the hunt for a killer, and the potential fall-out as Roman must face his past, a past he has no desire to revisit or remember.

BROTHERS UNITED follows several paths that interconnect with the threats against Stevie’s life. From hired assassins and killers, pedophiles and perverts, dirty lawyers, connected MCs, and the Russian and Romanian mobs, BROTHERS UNITED is an ensemble story line that focuses on the friendships and family of five young boys, now strong and powerful men, who had banded together in an effort to survive. A story of suspense, intrigue, power and love, BROTHERS UNITED proves that sometimes the bonds formed by love are stronger than those formed by blood.

But…once again, I did have a few issues with the numerous spelling and grammar errors that should have been caught before publication. There is no excuse for the lack of proof-reading or lack of professional editing -every book in the series is laced with errors (spelling, missing letters, possessive errors etc).

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Yuri
Mikial
Barshan
Sazon
Roman
Brothers United

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Reviewed by Sandy

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