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Molotov Betrothal #1
Une beauté désarmante (Les Fiancés Molotov t. 1)
A family contract. A dark bargain. No escape.
Eleven years ago, I met him. A year later, I was betrothed to him. Now he’s come to claim me, slaughtering anyone standing in his way.
My husband-to-be is a monster from a family as ruthless and powerful as mine, a man who deals in violence and destruction... a man terrifyingly like my father. For over a decade, he’s stalked me, shadowing my life.
I fear him. I hate him. Worst of all, I want him.
My name is Alina Molotova, and Alexei Leonov is a fate I can’t escape.
Eleven years ago, I met him. A year later, I was betrothed to him. Now he’s come to claim me, slaughtering anyone standing in his way.
My husband-to-be is a monster from a family as ruthless and powerful as mine, a man who deals in violence and destruction... a man terrifyingly like my father. For over a decade, he’s stalked me, shadowing my life.
I fear him. I hate him. Worst of all, I want him.
My name is Alina Molotova, and Alexei Leonov is a fate I can’t escape.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2022
715 people are currently reading
11824 people want to read
About the author
Anna Zaires
100 books7,835 followersAnna Zaires fell in love with books at the age of five, when her grandmother taught her to read. She wrote her first story shortly thereafter. Since then, she has always lived partially in a fantasy world where the only limits were those of her imagination. Currently residing in Florida, Anna is happily married to Dima Zales (a science fiction and fantasy author) and closely collaborates with him on all their works.
After graduating from the University of Chicago with a degree in Economics, Anna spent eight years on Wall Street analyzing stocks and writing research reports. In 2013, she became a full-time author, pursuing her lifelong dream of writing romance novels.
Dima Zales is the love of her life and a huge inspiration in all aspects of her writing. Every book Anna writes is a product of their unique collaborative process.
In addition to reading and writing, Anna enjoys drinking tea (coconut oolong, anyone?), watching addictive TV shows, and discussing book ideas during long walks with her amazing husband.
She loves hearing from her readers, so please don't hesitate to contact her through her website or connect with her on Facebook, where she hangs out way too often. Also, please visit her husband and collaborator, Dima Zales, at www.dimazales.com and check out their fantasy & science fiction books.
After graduating from the University of Chicago with a degree in Economics, Anna spent eight years on Wall Street analyzing stocks and writing research reports. In 2013, she became a full-time author, pursuing her lifelong dream of writing romance novels.
Dima Zales is the love of her life and a huge inspiration in all aspects of her writing. Every book Anna writes is a product of their unique collaborative process.
In addition to reading and writing, Anna enjoys drinking tea (coconut oolong, anyone?), watching addictive TV shows, and discussing book ideas during long walks with her amazing husband.
She loves hearing from her readers, so please don't hesitate to contact her through her website or connect with her on Facebook, where she hangs out way too often. Also, please visit her husband and collaborator, Dima Zales, at www.dimazales.com and check out their fantasy & science fiction books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 631 reviews
September 21, 2022
5 Stars
I am a huge Anna Zaires fan and will read anything she writes; however, after not really loving this book's precursor series (my review for book one in that duet can be found HERE) I wasn't sure how this one was going to pan out for me.
But, holy cow, this was everything I wanted it to be and everything I love about Anna Zaires' brand of romance... a ruthless alpha male lead who was completely and unhealthily obsessed with the heroine. With no effort made to soften his edges or excuse his lack of morals.
Delicious.
This was written differently from any AZ book I've ever read, as it was entirely composed of constant flashbacks from past to present....
Normally? I loathe this. Seriously though, I hate it.
But this time? It totally worked for me.
Perhaps it was because each cutaway was quick and dirty and then brought us right to the present... I'm not sure exactly. All I know was that it totally worked for me and I was into it 100%.
Also, the chemistry between these two was insane and I LOVED it.
I cannot wait for book two to come out.
***ARC received via the author in exchange for an honest review***
I am a huge Anna Zaires fan and will read anything she writes; however, after not really loving this book's precursor series (my review for book one in that duet can be found HERE) I wasn't sure how this one was going to pan out for me.
But, holy cow, this was everything I wanted it to be and everything I love about Anna Zaires' brand of romance... a ruthless alpha male lead who was completely and unhealthily obsessed with the heroine. With no effort made to soften his edges or excuse his lack of morals.
Delicious.
This was written differently from any AZ book I've ever read, as it was entirely composed of constant flashbacks from past to present....
Normally? I loathe this. Seriously though, I hate it.
But this time? It totally worked for me.
Perhaps it was because each cutaway was quick and dirty and then brought us right to the present... I'm not sure exactly. All I know was that it totally worked for me and I was into it 100%.
Also, the chemistry between these two was insane and I LOVED it.
I cannot wait for book two to come out.
***ARC received via the author in exchange for an honest review***
October 2, 2023
Alina Molotova and Alexei Leonov: hot, destructive, inevitable. Fans who can’t find anything they like as much as they loved Twist Me will need to read this.
*Beta Review*
Terrible Beauty (Molotov Betrothal Book 1)
A Russian mafia princess. An arranged engagement. A family destroyed. A spurned fiancé turned murderous stalker.
Alina Molotova has everything wealth can buy. But money can’t buy back her parents’ marriage. It can’t buy her freedom. And, it can’t buy her sanity. Betrothed by her ruthless and powerful father, while still a teen, to the son of his arch nemesis, it seems as if Alina has been running all her life. Not wanting a reprise of the dynamic that defined her parents vitriolic marriage, Alina has been running from handsome, deadly Alexei Leonov from the moment her papa told her she was engaged. But every time Alexei and Alina actually cross paths, his touch sets her on fire. Is she running from her fears or her fate? What happens when Alexei tires of waiting for her to acknowledge their chemistry, and takes matters into his own very lethal hands?
Terrible Beauty is easy to read. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. It’s much trickier to explain why it is so amazingly good, without spoilers and without setting unrealistic expectations. Anna Zaires is my Queen of Dark Romance. I’ve read others, but I love the added psychological dimension Anna brings to her stories. Her Stockholm isn’t just Stockholm because of this or that lust or sympathy. She takes me right into the minds of her characters. Whether I agree with their thinking or not, each emotion, each doubt, each uncertainty and shift in position is painted with detail. I have true empathy for her characters. She lets them grow and evolve. It’s why I can read her masterpiece, Twist Me, a half dozen times and still find the darkness within its pages mesmerizing and authentic. So, be aware! Anna brings her A-game to Terrible Beauty. She lets us settle into Alina’s mind and witness her ten year journey from naive ingenue to jaded and damaged orphan. This story is dark and intense.
If you have been craving this book because Alina is fascinatingly tragic, you’ll love this. If you have been titillated by the thought of being kidnapped by dangerously possessive Alexei, you won’t be disappointed. If you have no idea, but you fell for the unique obsession of Twist Me and have been chasing that train ever since, hop on board. You won’t want to miss this ride. I’m saving a spot for you!
Bookstagram Review and Edit:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CinLfBVLX...
*Beta Review*
Terrible Beauty (Molotov Betrothal Book 1)
A Russian mafia princess. An arranged engagement. A family destroyed. A spurned fiancé turned murderous stalker.
Alina Molotova has everything wealth can buy. But money can’t buy back her parents’ marriage. It can’t buy her freedom. And, it can’t buy her sanity. Betrothed by her ruthless and powerful father, while still a teen, to the son of his arch nemesis, it seems as if Alina has been running all her life. Not wanting a reprise of the dynamic that defined her parents vitriolic marriage, Alina has been running from handsome, deadly Alexei Leonov from the moment her papa told her she was engaged. But every time Alexei and Alina actually cross paths, his touch sets her on fire. Is she running from her fears or her fate? What happens when Alexei tires of waiting for her to acknowledge their chemistry, and takes matters into his own very lethal hands?
Terrible Beauty is easy to read. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. It’s much trickier to explain why it is so amazingly good, without spoilers and without setting unrealistic expectations. Anna Zaires is my Queen of Dark Romance. I’ve read others, but I love the added psychological dimension Anna brings to her stories. Her Stockholm isn’t just Stockholm because of this or that lust or sympathy. She takes me right into the minds of her characters. Whether I agree with their thinking or not, each emotion, each doubt, each uncertainty and shift in position is painted with detail. I have true empathy for her characters. She lets them grow and evolve. It’s why I can read her masterpiece, Twist Me, a half dozen times and still find the darkness within its pages mesmerizing and authentic. So, be aware! Anna brings her A-game to Terrible Beauty. She lets us settle into Alina’s mind and witness her ten year journey from naive ingenue to jaded and damaged orphan. This story is dark and intense.
If you have been craving this book because Alina is fascinatingly tragic, you’ll love this. If you have been titillated by the thought of being kidnapped by dangerously possessive Alexei, you won’t be disappointed. If you have no idea, but you fell for the unique obsession of Twist Me and have been chasing that train ever since, hop on board. You won’t want to miss this ride. I’m saving a spot for you!
Bookstagram Review and Edit:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CinLfBVLX...
September 23, 2022
Audiobook: Narrator - C.J. Bloom
I always enjoy Ms. Bloom. Her voice pulled me into the story and her performance kept me engaged. She made these characters come alive.
This was a dark and intense journey filled with suspense as the heroine’s family promises her to a rival family’s son. The perfect mafia princess set up and I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next with each turn of the page.
Alina might have been a “princess” but her hopes and dreams were far from the life her family lived. I loved the real her as well as what she does to relax when needed. She was a bit unique in that regard. As things began to take a darker turn in her life, I felt her anxiety and her struggle. Holy heck, this author knows how to frame the darkness without pushing things too far.
Things were told completely in the heroine’s point of view so it left me guessing as to what Alexei’s true intentions, his thoughts, and his ultimate goal and the reason behind it, was. His character was shrouded in mystery and definitely hidden in the shadows. When he finally shared a bit of his side, I was thunderstruck by it all. Definitely worth reading just to get to that point!
This is a bit of a slow burn but the chemistry between this hero and heroine is undeniable throughout the story. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a little darkness with their romance. You’re going to love Alexei!
Cliffhanger
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
I always enjoy Ms. Bloom. Her voice pulled me into the story and her performance kept me engaged. She made these characters come alive.
This was a dark and intense journey filled with suspense as the heroine’s family promises her to a rival family’s son. The perfect mafia princess set up and I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next with each turn of the page.
Alina might have been a “princess” but her hopes and dreams were far from the life her family lived. I loved the real her as well as what she does to relax when needed. She was a bit unique in that regard. As things began to take a darker turn in her life, I felt her anxiety and her struggle. Holy heck, this author knows how to frame the darkness without pushing things too far.
Things were told completely in the heroine’s point of view so it left me guessing as to what Alexei’s true intentions, his thoughts, and his ultimate goal and the reason behind it, was. His character was shrouded in mystery and definitely hidden in the shadows. When he finally shared a bit of his side, I was thunderstruck by it all. Definitely worth reading just to get to that point!
This is a bit of a slow burn but the chemistry between this hero and heroine is undeniable throughout the story. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a little darkness with their romance. You’re going to love Alexei!
Cliffhanger
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
September 23, 2022
well if this isn’t the plot of most mafia books🥲
I usually don’t mind switching timelines each chapter but in this book it was just intolerable 😭
and yes, it does end up on a cliffhanger which I saw coming as well so long story short this was just a really predictable book.
I usually don’t mind switching timelines each chapter but in this book it was just intolerable 😭
and yes, it does end up on a cliffhanger which I saw coming as well so long story short this was just a really predictable book.
September 25, 2022
**** 3.75 stars ****
I have a feeling I'm going to like book 2 better.
I have a feeling I'm going to like book 2 better.
![Profile Image for Namera [The Literary Invertebrate].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1647896333i%2F31792110._UX200_CR0%2C96%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
September 21, 2022
⤅ To me, this book felt like Anna Zaires-lite.
Zaires has written some of my favourite books, but this one lacked the depth to make it really compelling. It doesn't help that it's pretty short - about 60k words - and, unlike my previous Zaires experiences, the next book isn't out yet, so I can't mitigate the short length by reading the series in one go.
The premise is pretty standard if (like me) you're experienced with Harlequin romances, though Zaires has added a Russian twist to it. We open with 25-year-old Alina Molotova, scion of one of Moscow's most notorious crime families, waking up on a yacht in the middle of the ocean. She's been abducted by her fiancé, 30-year-old Alexei Leonov, to whom she's been betrothed since she was 18. But what led up to this event?
Cue the first of a series of flashbacks. Actually, most of the book is narrated in large chunks of flashback, until eventually you catch up with the present day (where very little has happened by the end of the book). Alina and Alexei first meet when she's almost 14 and he's almost 19; he initially mistakes her for an older girl and starts flirting, before discovering her true age. Reminder that Zaires pulls no punches with her dark heroes: Alexei has unrepentantly been attracted to Alina since she was a (mature-looking) 14-year-old, though he doesn't act on it until she's an adult. This did not bother me because I read Zaires for the dark heroes we don't get from other authors, but YMMV.
Anyway, Alina is shocked and horrified to discover that after she meets Alexei, he murders her pervy English tutor and sends her a little memento of the kill. Then, a while later, she learns that she's to be officially betrothed to him when she turns 18 in order to unite their warring families. The prospect terrifies her, but she can't get out of it - and nor can she get with anyone else; all the boys who show an interest in her keep dying in mysterious ways.
The rest of the book details Alina and Alexei's tumultuous history, including the various traumatic events that intervene to postpone their engagement. I have to say, I love a good flashback, but I feel like the flashbacks REALLY undermined my interest in the plot. I would actually rather have read one continuous prequel novel of their childhood relationship, then one after he abducts her. Instead what we got did justice to neither timeline.
I often didn't feel their chemistry, and I definitely don't feel like we fully understand WHY Alexei fell into obsession with Alina, which is something Zaires was good at showing with her other heroes. We don't get his POV, which I usually prefer but I know Zaires writes good male POV. He in general just doesn't feel very fleshed-out as a character, unlike Alina, who's much better drawn and comes replete with interests, hobbies, etc.
I'll still read the sequel. I've definitely found that Zaires's middle books tend to be the stronger ones. Hopefully the lack of flashbacks in the next book will give the plot and characterisation more teeth.
Zaires has written some of my favourite books, but this one lacked the depth to make it really compelling. It doesn't help that it's pretty short - about 60k words - and, unlike my previous Zaires experiences, the next book isn't out yet, so I can't mitigate the short length by reading the series in one go.
The premise is pretty standard if (like me) you're experienced with Harlequin romances, though Zaires has added a Russian twist to it. We open with 25-year-old Alina Molotova, scion of one of Moscow's most notorious crime families, waking up on a yacht in the middle of the ocean. She's been abducted by her fiancé, 30-year-old Alexei Leonov, to whom she's been betrothed since she was 18. But what led up to this event?
Cue the first of a series of flashbacks. Actually, most of the book is narrated in large chunks of flashback, until eventually you catch up with the present day (where very little has happened by the end of the book). Alina and Alexei first meet when she's almost 14 and he's almost 19; he initially mistakes her for an older girl and starts flirting, before discovering her true age. Reminder that Zaires pulls no punches with her dark heroes: Alexei has unrepentantly been attracted to Alina since she was a (mature-looking) 14-year-old, though he doesn't act on it until she's an adult. This did not bother me because I read Zaires for the dark heroes we don't get from other authors, but YMMV.
Anyway, Alina is shocked and horrified to discover that after she meets Alexei, he murders her pervy English tutor and sends her a little memento of the kill. Then, a while later, she learns that she's to be officially betrothed to him when she turns 18 in order to unite their warring families. The prospect terrifies her, but she can't get out of it - and nor can she get with anyone else; all the boys who show an interest in her keep dying in mysterious ways.
The rest of the book details Alina and Alexei's tumultuous history, including the various traumatic events that intervene to postpone their engagement. I have to say, I love a good flashback, but I feel like the flashbacks REALLY undermined my interest in the plot. I would actually rather have read one continuous prequel novel of their childhood relationship, then one after he abducts her. Instead what we got did justice to neither timeline.
I often didn't feel their chemistry, and I definitely don't feel like we fully understand WHY Alexei fell into obsession with Alina, which is something Zaires was good at showing with her other heroes. We don't get his POV, which I usually prefer but I know Zaires writes good male POV. He in general just doesn't feel very fleshed-out as a character, unlike Alina, who's much better drawn and comes replete with interests, hobbies, etc.
I'll still read the sequel. I've definitely found that Zaires's middle books tend to be the stronger ones. Hopefully the lack of flashbacks in the next book will give the plot and characterisation more teeth.
October 14, 2025
listen a possessive mafia man is going to do it for me every single time.
September 27, 2022
I'm 100% certain you know the song by The Police, "Every breath you take"...
well, let's just state the facts and to uproot the facts, the lyrics of this song perfectly portray the main male character and his actions towards the heroine...
Every breath you take
And every move you make
Every bond you break
Every step you take
I'll be watching you
Every single day
And every word you say
Every game you play
Every night you stay
I'll be watching you
Oh, can't you see
You belong to me?....
So, it's unhealthy, why most certainly, yes...
devious, hell yeah, it is...
freakishly creepy, probably that too...
You can't have a better anti-hero than Alexei Leonov.
He is the perfect villain, and still he's described in such a yummy way, for the lack of a better word...LOL, yes, I have no problem stating that this specimen is the most alluring bad man I have had the opportunity to read about...so, let the games begin...
The tempo was quite fast which made the atmosphere and the story's pacing fantastically quick yet well boosted, the fluency of the storytelling was so refreshing, it surprised me...
the book was over before it begun...so to speak...and it was brilliantly done.
looking forward to the second book, even though the waiting will probably have an impact on my sustainability...LOL
well, let's just state the facts and to uproot the facts, the lyrics of this song perfectly portray the main male character and his actions towards the heroine...
Every breath you take
And every move you make
Every bond you break
Every step you take
I'll be watching you
Every single day
And every word you say
Every game you play
Every night you stay
I'll be watching you
Oh, can't you see
You belong to me?....
So, it's unhealthy, why most certainly, yes...
devious, hell yeah, it is...
freakishly creepy, probably that too...
You can't have a better anti-hero than Alexei Leonov.
He is the perfect villain, and still he's described in such a yummy way, for the lack of a better word...LOL, yes, I have no problem stating that this specimen is the most alluring bad man I have had the opportunity to read about...so, let the games begin...
The tempo was quite fast which made the atmosphere and the story's pacing fantastically quick yet well boosted, the fluency of the storytelling was so refreshing, it surprised me...
the book was over before it begun...so to speak...and it was brilliantly done.
looking forward to the second book, even though the waiting will probably have an impact on my sustainability...LOL
November 22, 2023
4.5 I’ll-be-waiting stars
Uffff… talk about bulldozer… if you’ve ever read Peter (who’s one of my fictional husbands 💅) or Julian, you’ll be happy to know that Alexei is a combination of the two… Peter’s patience/stalking along with Julius’s IDGAF attitude… and I luuuuurved it! 😉
Side note: I borrowed this on Libby 🥰
This book’s set up in an interesting way. We start off in the present and then go back to the past in order to get the groundwork on the dynamics between Alexei (18-30) and Alina (13-25). But I like the way it’s done- Alina thinks about certain things/events and then we’re transported back to said thing/event to get the full experience of her thoughts.
Alina’s and Alexei’s parents aren’t friends. In fact, there’s been lots of fighting/tension with them, which is why their dads (more specifically, Alina’s dad) decide to bring the families together by having Alina and Alexei marry when she’s an adult.
Except that she doesn’t want to marry him 😅.
Because she’s under age when the contract is signed, they’ll have to wait until she’s 18.
Or so we think … 👀
What I liked/loved: possible spoilers
—the back and forth scenes ❤️. I love that this focuses mostly on Alina and Alexei. Yes, we get other plot points/storylines, but it revolves around the two MCs more
—how patient Alexei is 👀. This man’s patience will test a saint! We gotta give him brownie points for how sweet this makes him 🤷🏻♀️. He could’ve been more of a PHYSICAL bulldozer, but he wasn’t. He’s basically a religious figure here 🤣. While there were times I wanted him to be a little more… ahem… *aggressive* 👀, I understood his posture
—the tension 🔥. Oh LAWD! Give me strength 🫠. A woman can only hold back so much 🤣. Alexei’s so confident, so alpha, so domineering that I was melting every time he stepped into the room 👀. Tension-buildup is one of my many kryptonites 🥵 and it’s done so well here 👏🏻
—the 🔥. Sigh. I mean. Alexei always makes sure Alina feels pleasure, and pleasure she does 🫠. It’s a slow burn, but the burn was oh-so-good 🥵. Jeeeezus Alexei 💦. Their first kiss happens at almost 40% followed by the first time she 💦. And the closer closet scene? Uffff 😮💨. Poor Alexei 😅.
—he’s celibate 🫶
—he c blocks like it’s going outta style 🤣. Because he’s celibate, I didn’t mind this 💅. No one better touch his betrothed 🤷🏻♀️ which means he’s also
—protective ❤️
—stalking/spying galore 👀. I love it when it’s mutual 💅
—the mental health aspect ❤️. This can be hard to convey, but it was done realistically and the accuracy of it can be a hard pill to swallow (pun intended)
—how well AŻ writes 🥰. Considering it’s only Alina’s POV, we FEEL what Alexis’s feeling, which is always telling of an amazing writer
What I wanted more of: possible spoilers
—length 😭 and book 2’s even shorter 😭 (come on Libby)
— although I like that we go back into the past to see what’s going on, I didn’t always love that we get interrupted in the middle of a scene from the past to get what’s going on in the present. It didn’t bother me too much because it added to the angst/tension, but it did make it so that I wasn’t fully immersed in a scene a few times.
—did Alexei really have to un alive the innocent guys Alina tried dating 😭 the tutor was fine, but the other ones? Come on 🤣
Overall, I loved it ❤️
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd
-mild omd: um… the H doesn’t allow anyone to live who tries to pursue the h 🫣
-violence/bloodshed/deaths
-parental death/murder
-mental health/PTSD
-drug use
-biting/hand necklace
-virgin h/celibate H
-no condoms/breeding
-cliffy
Uffff… talk about bulldozer… if you’ve ever read Peter (who’s one of my fictional husbands 💅) or Julian, you’ll be happy to know that Alexei is a combination of the two… Peter’s patience/stalking along with Julius’s IDGAF attitude… and I luuuuurved it! 😉
Side note: I borrowed this on Libby 🥰
This book’s set up in an interesting way. We start off in the present and then go back to the past in order to get the groundwork on the dynamics between Alexei (18-30) and Alina (13-25). But I like the way it’s done- Alina thinks about certain things/events and then we’re transported back to said thing/event to get the full experience of her thoughts.
Alina’s and Alexei’s parents aren’t friends. In fact, there’s been lots of fighting/tension with them, which is why their dads (more specifically, Alina’s dad) decide to bring the families together by having Alina and Alexei marry when she’s an adult.
Except that she doesn’t want to marry him 😅.
Because she’s under age when the contract is signed, they’ll have to wait until she’s 18.
Or so we think … 👀
What I liked/loved: possible spoilers
—the back and forth scenes ❤️. I love that this focuses mostly on Alina and Alexei. Yes, we get other plot points/storylines, but it revolves around the two MCs more
—how patient Alexei is 👀. This man’s patience will test a saint! We gotta give him brownie points for how sweet this makes him 🤷🏻♀️. He could’ve been more of a PHYSICAL bulldozer, but he wasn’t. He’s basically a religious figure here 🤣. While there were times I wanted him to be a little more… ahem… *aggressive* 👀, I understood his posture
—the tension 🔥. Oh LAWD! Give me strength 🫠. A woman can only hold back so much 🤣. Alexei’s so confident, so alpha, so domineering that I was melting every time he stepped into the room 👀. Tension-buildup is one of my many kryptonites 🥵 and it’s done so well here 👏🏻
—the 🔥. Sigh. I mean. Alexei always makes sure Alina feels pleasure, and pleasure she does 🫠. It’s a slow burn, but the burn was oh-so-good 🥵. Jeeeezus Alexei 💦. Their first kiss happens at almost 40% followed by the first time she 💦. And the closer closet scene? Uffff 😮💨. Poor Alexei 😅.
—he’s celibate 🫶
—he c blocks like it’s going outta style 🤣. Because he’s celibate, I didn’t mind this 💅. No one better touch his betrothed 🤷🏻♀️ which means he’s also
—protective ❤️
—stalking/spying galore 👀. I love it when it’s mutual 💅
—the mental health aspect ❤️. This can be hard to convey, but it was done realistically and the accuracy of it can be a hard pill to swallow (pun intended)
—how well AŻ writes 🥰. Considering it’s only Alina’s POV, we FEEL what Alexis’s feeling, which is always telling of an amazing writer
What I wanted more of: possible spoilers
—length 😭 and book 2’s even shorter 😭 (come on Libby)
— although I like that we go back into the past to see what’s going on, I didn’t always love that we get interrupted in the middle of a scene from the past to get what’s going on in the present. It didn’t bother me too much because it added to the angst/tension, but it did make it so that I wasn’t fully immersed in a scene a few times.
—did Alexei really have to un alive the innocent guys Alina tried dating 😭 the tutor was fine, but the other ones? Come on 🤣
Overall, I loved it ❤️
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd
-mild omd: um… the H doesn’t allow anyone to live who tries to pursue the h 🫣
-violence/bloodshed/deaths
-parental death/murder
-mental health/PTSD
-drug use
-biting/hand necklace
-virgin h/celibate H
-no condoms/breeding
-cliffy
October 4, 2022
Terrible Beauty is intense. Like her other books, Miss Zaires delivers a very intense, sexy and hot mafia romance. It has some sarcasm humor too. It has been a while since I picked up Miss Zaires books. Her portrayal of the mafia romance is believable.
The trope is arranged marriage, age gap mafia romance. The chemistry is hot. The smut scenes are intense and kinky. I like it. The war/ rivalry between the mafia also good. Alina is sassy and smart heroine. Alexei is brooding hero. His presence in the story is dark, mysterious and powerful. I like both characters.
Overall a good book.
4 stars
The trope is arranged marriage, age gap mafia romance. The chemistry is hot. The smut scenes are intense and kinky. I like it. The war/ rivalry between the mafia also good. Alina is sassy and smart heroine. Alexei is brooding hero. His presence in the story is dark, mysterious and powerful. I like both characters.
Overall a good book.
4 stars
October 8, 2022
3.5 stars!
I really love Zaires’ writing and this was enjoyable but didn’t quite grab my attention like some of her other books.
- Alina and Alexei have explosive chemistry.
- Alina was/is a hot mess. I’m not sure how I feel about her yet.
- Alexei was ruthless and possessive. Alpha to his core and I love him.
- The constant jump between past and present didn’t work for me and drove me a little batty.
- Brutal cliffhanger.
- Looking forward to their conclusion.
I really love Zaires’ writing and this was enjoyable but didn’t quite grab my attention like some of her other books.
- Alina and Alexei have explosive chemistry.
- Alina was/is a hot mess. I’m not sure how I feel about her yet.
- Alexei was ruthless and possessive. Alpha to his core and I love him.
- The constant jump between past and present didn’t work for me and drove me a little batty.
- Brutal cliffhanger.
- Looking forward to their conclusion.
September 21, 2022
This would have been a four star if I didn’t find Alina so annoying. Seriously what was with her and her and her foul language? She was basically a druggie who came across as entitled, whiny and passive aggressive with her not wanting the lifestyle but as another reviewer said reaping the rewards from it. She was too immature and again her pill popping and smoking weed was very off putting. I honestly just didn’t like her character and couldn’t form a connection with her whiny swearing self. As for Alexei he was a lot better but he didn’t seem as alpha as he could have been in terms of dealing with whiny annoying Alina. He was still definitely one of the better dark anti hero’s AZ’s has written in years IMO. Not a great read as I thought and hoped it would be but not the worst either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2022
This book was majorly Alina saying she doesn't want him and Alexei gaslighting and telling her she is.
“You had no idea what you wanted, my beauty. You still don’t. But I will show you. And once I do, you’ll realize how wrong you were to send me away all those years ago. You’ll understand the truth of us as well as I do.”
Also this paragraph that really was ....weird and unsettling was:
But there’s no one else for me. I’ve known it from the moment I saw you in that hallway outside your father’s office, back when you were still a fucking child… a child dressed up and painted to look like an adult.I thought you were eighteen—seventeen, at worst—but you weren’t even fourteen. And I fucking wanted you. Do you know what that made me?”
I blink up at him, my hands gripping the sheets on either side of me. “I…”
“A pervert. A pedophile no better than that fucking tutor of yours.”
My breath seizes. “Is that why you killed him?”
“He touched you.” Rage ignites in his eyes and reverberates through his voice. “I saw him touch you. All those months, I fought to forget you, telling myself that you were way too young, that it was unforgiveable to want you, and there he was, lusting after you with no trace of shame. Touching you like it was his right.”
I somehow find a shred of sarcasm. “When it should’ve been your right?”
“Exactly.”
Like man *sighs*
Also even her inner monologue was her saying she was scared of the man and i don't know what it is with women in books that the hero looks at them and suddenly they're Niagara falls down there.
I honestly felt this woman did not like this man.
The book was your same old
Alina and Alexei were meant to marry and she didn't wanna marry and he did and he kept on pushing and pushing till she said yes but she doesn't so he kidnapped her and keeps her there.
Very predictable.
“You had no idea what you wanted, my beauty. You still don’t. But I will show you. And once I do, you’ll realize how wrong you were to send me away all those years ago. You’ll understand the truth of us as well as I do.”
Also this paragraph that really was ....weird and unsettling was:
But there’s no one else for me. I’ve known it from the moment I saw you in that hallway outside your father’s office, back when you were still a fucking child… a child dressed up and painted to look like an adult.I thought you were eighteen—seventeen, at worst—but you weren’t even fourteen. And I fucking wanted you. Do you know what that made me?”
I blink up at him, my hands gripping the sheets on either side of me. “I…”
“A pervert. A pedophile no better than that fucking tutor of yours.”
My breath seizes. “Is that why you killed him?”
“He touched you.” Rage ignites in his eyes and reverberates through his voice. “I saw him touch you. All those months, I fought to forget you, telling myself that you were way too young, that it was unforgiveable to want you, and there he was, lusting after you with no trace of shame. Touching you like it was his right.”
I somehow find a shred of sarcasm. “When it should’ve been your right?”
“Exactly.”
Like man *sighs*
Also even her inner monologue was her saying she was scared of the man and i don't know what it is with women in books that the hero looks at them and suddenly they're Niagara falls down there.
I honestly felt this woman did not like this man.
The book was your same old
Alina and Alexei were meant to marry and she didn't wanna marry and he did and he kept on pushing and pushing till she said yes but she doesn't so he kidnapped her and keeps her there.
Very predictable.
September 20, 2022
couldn't really enjoy this book cause the chapters constantly switched between past and present and it became so tedious but him killing any man who barely touched her or interacted with her made me feel things 🙏🏼
October 26, 2022
4.5 stars! As a big fan of the author, I loved the story of Alina, Nikolai’s sister from the Molotov Obsession duet and Alexei Leonov! ❤️
October 25, 2025
I've been eagerly waiting for Alina and Alexei' story.
Alina wasn’t one of my favorite characters, but she was definitely interesting... and Alexei intriguing.
And now I can say WOWWW.
They have a long story behind!!
I didn’t expect all of the things that happened between them.
The story unfolds between past and present, from Alina's pov.
This give us an eye on Alina, on her nature, on her past trauma....
and her behaviours, in Nikolai & Chloe's duet, start to make sense.
I have to say I missed Alexei's pov because his obsession with Alina is dark, intense, and all consuming, and it would have been amazing knowing his thoughts.
The s€xual tension between the two of them literally killed me, but so did all those emotions: pain, fear, denial and so on....
And that ending left me wanting more because i'm sure Alina and Alexei can give us much more.
Once again Anna Zaires gave us a gripping story to lost in and a villain to love.
Alina wasn’t one of my favorite characters, but she was definitely interesting... and Alexei intriguing.
And now I can say WOWWW.
They have a long story behind!!
I didn’t expect all of the things that happened between them.
The story unfolds between past and present, from Alina's pov.
This give us an eye on Alina, on her nature, on her past trauma....
and her behaviours, in Nikolai & Chloe's duet, start to make sense.
I have to say I missed Alexei's pov because his obsession with Alina is dark, intense, and all consuming, and it would have been amazing knowing his thoughts.
The s€xual tension between the two of them literally killed me, but so did all those emotions: pain, fear, denial and so on....
And that ending left me wanting more because i'm sure Alina and Alexei can give us much more.
Once again Anna Zaires gave us a gripping story to lost in and a villain to love.
February 5, 2024
3.5 STARS
As always with this author, the writing was really good . . . but the MC's didn't have much contact with each other so I couldn't quite get my head around their 'relationship'. Hopefully things will become more engaging in the next installment.
As always with this author, the writing was really good . . . but the MC's didn't have much contact with each other so I couldn't quite get my head around their 'relationship'. Hopefully things will become more engaging in the next installment.
October 6, 2022
I’ve been waiting for this book and now it’s here. Well it wasn’t what i hope to be but it’s good enough for me to be curious about the next book will be.
This is the first book of the love story about a couple name Alexei and Alina. Seriously the name of the couple is so romantic and hot 😍😍😍 lol. The first book is more about the past though and the history about them meeting and have this weird awkward relationship😂 I was annoyed at first because i hate reading PAST AND FUTURE NOW BACK IN FORTH😂 But hey the past is worth reading for because I get to understand the whole story better🫣😍 Also the past is hot too🔥😏 Not boring at all😌😌😌
So the couple… The heroine ALINA is from Russia. Same with the hero Alexei too. They’re parents are somehow business partners and friends. They made a deal about their children to be engaged and get married so their family will be united. ONE NIGHT when the hero is maybe 16-17 years old and the heroine is 13 years old almost 14 years old, the heroine’s mom told her to get ready cause their having a party with her father’s business friends downstairs. The heroine agrees and was late to get downstairs because she was playing a game in her Nintendo (i forgot it was a nintendo or the computer so it was those two maybe lol). When she was out of her room, she saw someone getting out from her father’s office. She was surprised and she stumbles almost hitting the floor. But someone got her in time by holding her…. They saw each other and feel this electricity between them. That someone is the HERO himself…
And the rest of the story to be honest is interesting and fun and annoying and mysterious and dangerous lol. Their love story was supposed to be great at first but because of the situations and the heroine was just not really mature enough, it can’t be great at first…. Too many pushing away and confusing feelings along the way from the heroine for the hero that many times it doesn’t even make sense. It doesn’t even funny or cute anymore. More like annoying and pissing me off sometimes🫣
The hero and heroine was finally engaged and arranged to be married when the heroine was 15 years old and the hero is 20 years old. The hero meet the heroine for the first time when he was 18 years old and the heroine is 13 years old almost 14 years old. They touch other sometimes and even make each other come for 10 YEARS. BUT NEVER HAD SEX IN THOSE 10 YEARS. BUT…. THEY ALSO NEVER HAD SEX WITH ANYONE ELSE IN 10 YEARS. SINCE THEY’RE BOTH SEE OTHER FOR THE FIRST TIME, BOTH NEVER HAVE SEX WITH ANYONE ELSE EVER… THE HERO NEVER TOUCH ANYONE ELSE OR HAVE SEX WITH ANYONE ELSE IN THOSE ONE DECADE…. ONLY WITH THE HEROINE THAT HE TOUCH HER AND FINALLY WHEN THEY’RE UNITED AFTER 10 YEARS, THEY HAVE SEX. THE HEROINE DID TRY TO TOUCH AND KISS (ONLY TOUCH AND KISS AND NEVER WENT TOO FAR FROM THAT BECAUSE SHE WANTS THE HERO) WITH SOMEONE ELSE LIKE TWO GUYS BUT SHE NEVER HAD SEX WITH THEM… SHE NEVER WENT FAR…
“You think I’ve been fucking other women?”
“Haven’t you?”
“No, my beauty. From the moment our betrothal contract was signed, I haven’t so much as kissed another woman. I wanted to. Believe me, I fucking wanted to. So many times, I wanted to forget you, to walk away and find someone else… anyone else. But there’s no one else for me. I’ve known it from the moment I saw you in that hallway outside your father’s office, back when you were still a fucking child…”
In those ten years both of the couple have this weird back in forth confusing relationship😂 So I can’t even really say i had fun reading this because it was not my type of book to read😭 maybe the second book will be more less confusing and more fun than this one for sure. So be patient reading this first book🥲😂
BUT SERIOUSLY ANNA?? TEN YEARS????
TEN YEARS????!!!!!!
that’s not even cute or good anymore🥲🥲🥲
Too long…. TOO LONG. TEN YEARS😭😭😭😭
‼️‼️‼️NO CHEATING, NO EX FVCK BUDDY OR EX GIRLFRIEND FROM THE HERO EVER SHOWS UP OR MADE A SCENE, AND THE GUYS THE HEROINE TOUCH AND KISSED ONLY APPEARS ONE TIME AND NEVER MORE, VERY HOT TOUCHING SCENE AND SMUT SCENES🔥
‼️‼️‼️OVER THE TOP POSSESSIVE PROTECTIVE BILLIONAIRE MAFIA BOSS HERO. THE HERO IS NOT A MANWHOR3. THE HERO IS VERY MUCH OBSESSED WITH THE HEROINE AND WANTS THE HEROINE SO BADLY AND STALK HER ALL THE TIME…
The hero is really a great character here. I love him the most. He so understanding and so loving to the heroine… he even give her time when she was having a hard time in her life and didn’t interrupt her in a long time… Even when the heroine was being such a b*tch and nonsense and pushing the hero away many times for stupid reasons (yeah it’s so stupid trust me), THE HERO NEVER PUSH HER AWAY AND ALWAYS PURSUE HER ALL THE TIME FOR MANY YEARS 🥺🥺🥺
‼️‼️‼️MANY MANY. MANY JEALOUS SCENES FROM THE HERO…
and little from the heroine.
“The betrothal was the best way to ensure that you’d be mine when you grew up, that no other man but me would ever have you.“
‼️‼️‼️TRIGGERS: Killing, kidnapping, high on violence, bad parenting, alcohol, drugs, and death.
‼️‼️‼️THE HEROINE IS A PRO GAME PLAYER. I love that she always likes to play games on her computer and pretty much on every device (like me🥰) Really unique one thank you author. And the heroine have three brothers who is so close to her and they’re relationship is so cute🥺🥺
The heroine is sassy too. But her pushing away and childish thoughts sometimes made me want to punch or slap her😒
‼️‼️‼️LOCATION: RUSSIA, SOMEWHERE IN THE OCEAN AND NEW YORK CITY.
‼️‼️‼️THE HERO ALWAYS SAYS TO THE HEROINE AND TO EVERYONE THAT SHE IS MINE. YOU’RE MINE. MINE.
‼️‼️‼️THE HEROINE IS A VIRGIN.
‼️‼️‼️GREAT CHEMISTRY.
Hot chemistry ❤️❤️❤️❤️
‼️‼️‼️ENDS WITH A CLIFFHANGER.
‼️‼️‼️I think if you want to read this then you have to read the previous book from this one. It’s about the heroine’s brother love story and it explains well there about the heroine’s family and her situation even better. And also that book is more better than this one😂 And if you want to read this then make sure you had the time to read this because it’s not a quick and easy one to read tbh. Enjoy!
The reason why I continue reading this book is because the hero though. The way he pursue the heroine and the way he really chase her all the way in many years really made me continue reading this until the end💕
👉🏽👉🏽👉🏽Thank you so much for reading my review❤️❤️ For you who loves my review and follow it, THANK YOU SO MUCH. I did not get paid or be told to do a review on a book. I’m here just to write review about a book so i can remember it. Its my honest opinion😚 I didn’t know at first people will find me and follow me and trust me to be honest, I was surprised myself to look at the notifications from people who reach out to me😆 So everything i write down here on a review is based on my personal opinion and based on my true writing. I DID NOT COPY SOMEONE’S REVIEW OR WRITING SKILL because at first when i was using this app for one year i didn’t know how to scroll down on a book and see the reviews from others😂😅🤣 I know, silly me but hey I finally learned my lesson 😛😛😛 Thats why when people assume i copy someone’s review i was like what? Because at first i didn’t know how to use this app properly and i didn’t know how to open someone’s review because for a year i never follow someone or add friends or someone😂😂😂🤣 (I’m laughing so hard) 🤪 AND I NEVER COPY SOMEONE’S REVIEW EVER. IF I WRITE SOMETHING WRONG OR DOESN’T MAKE SENSE PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND BE NICE OKAY. 👈🏽👈🏽👈🏽✋🏽✋🏽 IF YOU'RE BEING MEAN AND NEGATIVE ALREADY WITH A WARNING AND NOT BEING WISE TO ME, I WILL NOT ENTIRELY READ YOUR COMMENT AND REMOVE YOU EASILY AND FAST. I DO NOT TOLERATE NEGATIVE COMMENT SO KNOW YOUR PLACE, THANK YOU SO MUCH.
I’m writing my disclaimer again here cause many negative people still don't get it or still be stupid enough not to understand my POV when I already write it so many times before. So here I am writing it again to you beautifuls human being😁😁 WHEN YOU READ MY LONG OR SHORT REVIEW, YOU WOULD KNOW THAT WHAT I LIKE ABOUT A STORY AND CHARACTERS RIGHT... IF YOU DON'T KNOW THEN HERE IT IS: I LIKE A BOOK WITH VERY POSSESSIVE PROTECTIVE ALPHA MALE, NO CHEATING, AND PLEASE NO MANWHOR3, NO MANY PUSHING AWAY, NO DOORMAT HEROINES, NO MANY OW DRAMA, NO S3X SCENE WITH SOMEONE ELSE. AND SAFE ALL THE WAY AND A HAPPY ENDING. Something that I don't like it very much if the hero or heroine have a crazy fvcked up personality and likes. Example: killing someone and let the heroine watch it all and push the heroine to lick all the blood of his victim and made her have to eat the meat of humans. and fvcks many woman in front of the heroine while telling her he loves her. I DON'T LIKE THAT TYPE OF SH*T AT ALL. That's just who I am, that's what I like and I don't like on a book. Maybe you love that, but I don't. We humans are different, we think very differently from one another. You have your likes and I have mine, you have your opinions and I have mine of my own. You think it's stupid of me to love such a book or to not love a book or to hate it whatever lol, I think it's bad you think that way cause I respect people's opinions cause I know for a fact we have our differences. YOU AND ME ARE DIFFERENT FOR PETE'S SAKE. I even have my own friends or people I follow here that shows how much they don't like the book I like, I never even give them a long comment or short Comment. Cause I respect their opinions. I don't like to give people I hard time here cause life itself is already hard enough. I do respect your opinion if you say my review is bad or whatever negative things about it, but in the end of the day I will not changed my mind about what book I dislike and how my thoughts about it. You can't tell me what to do. You can give me advice but it's me who decided to know what's right for me, this is my life and not yours. Read that again. Don’t assume things about me that is not even real, just don’t. cause when you do you’re more small minded for sure. You're thinking why I'm telling you all of this when you already know? Is because you still hating on my opinions and don't understand my POV and don't respect my POV. You think i like writing this disclaimer when obviously you're an adult already? no i personally think this is unnecessary... but because there are people out there who still don't get it *rolling my eyes*. Hopefully they or the people who read this disclaimer can use a beautiful thing called a brain:) AND WHEN YOU READ MY REVIEW, READ IT VERY CLEARLY TO SEE IF I FINISHED THE BOOK OR NOT. KNOW THE DIFFERENCE. AND YES ENGLISH IS NOT MY FIRST LANGUAGE. BUT IF YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT I'M WRITING, THEN IT MEANS YOU UNDERSTAND IT ENOUGH. I DO NOT TOLERATE BULLYING, NEGATIVE COMMENTS AND MEAN WORDS. PLEASE USE A WISE WORDS SO WE DON'T ATTACK EACH OTHER. SIMPLY, I DON’T LIKE TO HAVE AN ARGUMENT WITH STRANGERS LIKE YOU CAUSE I HAVE BETTER THINGS TO DO😚 BUT IF YOU STILL WANT TO BE AMBER HEARD KARENS THAT DON'T UNDERSTAND MY DISCLAIMER AFTER I JUST WRITE IT DOWN, THEN GO ENJOY YOUR DAY AND GO AWAY. IT'S VERY EASY FOR A HUMAN COULD DO YA KNOW. IF YOU STILL HERE HATING ME OR ANNOYED WITH ME, THAT'S YOUR PROBLEM. NOT ME PROBLEM. HASHTAGS BURN😂😂 DON'T TAKE THINGS TOO PERSONALLY ON ONLINE CAUSE WE ALL A STRANGERS, WE NEVER EVER MEET. WE'RE ADULTS HERE SO LETS BE WISER. LAST, I BLOCK NEGATIVE PEOPLE! SO GET WELL SOON TO THE HATERS. HOPEFULLY YOUR HEART AND MIND WILL BE MORE POSITIVE 🙏🙏🙏 AND THIS DISCLAIMER MAY SEEMS LIKE TOO HARSH ON YOU BUT HEY I DON'T LIKE TO SUGAR COATED THINGS. I LIKE TO SAY TO THE POINT WITH MY UNDERSTANDING AND MY OWN THOUGHTS, CAUSE THAT'S HOW HUMANS ARE. WE ARE DIFFERENT REMEMBER👍 HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYONE!!
This is the first book of the love story about a couple name Alexei and Alina. Seriously the name of the couple is so romantic and hot 😍😍😍 lol. The first book is more about the past though and the history about them meeting and have this weird awkward relationship😂 I was annoyed at first because i hate reading PAST AND FUTURE NOW BACK IN FORTH😂 But hey the past is worth reading for because I get to understand the whole story better🫣😍 Also the past is hot too🔥😏 Not boring at all😌😌😌
So the couple… The heroine ALINA is from Russia. Same with the hero Alexei too. They’re parents are somehow business partners and friends. They made a deal about their children to be engaged and get married so their family will be united. ONE NIGHT when the hero is maybe 16-17 years old and the heroine is 13 years old almost 14 years old, the heroine’s mom told her to get ready cause their having a party with her father’s business friends downstairs. The heroine agrees and was late to get downstairs because she was playing a game in her Nintendo (i forgot it was a nintendo or the computer so it was those two maybe lol). When she was out of her room, she saw someone getting out from her father’s office. She was surprised and she stumbles almost hitting the floor. But someone got her in time by holding her…. They saw each other and feel this electricity between them. That someone is the HERO himself…
And the rest of the story to be honest is interesting and fun and annoying and mysterious and dangerous lol. Their love story was supposed to be great at first but because of the situations and the heroine was just not really mature enough, it can’t be great at first…. Too many pushing away and confusing feelings along the way from the heroine for the hero that many times it doesn’t even make sense. It doesn’t even funny or cute anymore. More like annoying and pissing me off sometimes🫣
The hero and heroine was finally engaged and arranged to be married when the heroine was 15 years old and the hero is 20 years old. The hero meet the heroine for the first time when he was 18 years old and the heroine is 13 years old almost 14 years old. They touch other sometimes and even make each other come for 10 YEARS. BUT NEVER HAD SEX IN THOSE 10 YEARS. BUT…. THEY ALSO NEVER HAD SEX WITH ANYONE ELSE IN 10 YEARS. SINCE THEY’RE BOTH SEE OTHER FOR THE FIRST TIME, BOTH NEVER HAVE SEX WITH ANYONE ELSE EVER… THE HERO NEVER TOUCH ANYONE ELSE OR HAVE SEX WITH ANYONE ELSE IN THOSE ONE DECADE…. ONLY WITH THE HEROINE THAT HE TOUCH HER AND FINALLY WHEN THEY’RE UNITED AFTER 10 YEARS, THEY HAVE SEX. THE HEROINE DID TRY TO TOUCH AND KISS (ONLY TOUCH AND KISS AND NEVER WENT TOO FAR FROM THAT BECAUSE SHE WANTS THE HERO) WITH SOMEONE ELSE LIKE TWO GUYS BUT SHE NEVER HAD SEX WITH THEM… SHE NEVER WENT FAR…
“You think I’ve been fucking other women?”
“Haven’t you?”
“No, my beauty. From the moment our betrothal contract was signed, I haven’t so much as kissed another woman. I wanted to. Believe me, I fucking wanted to. So many times, I wanted to forget you, to walk away and find someone else… anyone else. But there’s no one else for me. I’ve known it from the moment I saw you in that hallway outside your father’s office, back when you were still a fucking child…”
In those ten years both of the couple have this weird back in forth confusing relationship😂 So I can’t even really say i had fun reading this because it was not my type of book to read😭 maybe the second book will be more less confusing and more fun than this one for sure. So be patient reading this first book🥲😂
BUT SERIOUSLY ANNA?? TEN YEARS????
TEN YEARS????!!!!!!
that’s not even cute or good anymore🥲🥲🥲
Too long…. TOO LONG. TEN YEARS😭😭😭😭
‼️‼️‼️NO CHEATING, NO EX FVCK BUDDY OR EX GIRLFRIEND FROM THE HERO EVER SHOWS UP OR MADE A SCENE, AND THE GUYS THE HEROINE TOUCH AND KISSED ONLY APPEARS ONE TIME AND NEVER MORE, VERY HOT TOUCHING SCENE AND SMUT SCENES🔥
‼️‼️‼️OVER THE TOP POSSESSIVE PROTECTIVE BILLIONAIRE MAFIA BOSS HERO. THE HERO IS NOT A MANWHOR3. THE HERO IS VERY MUCH OBSESSED WITH THE HEROINE AND WANTS THE HEROINE SO BADLY AND STALK HER ALL THE TIME…
The hero is really a great character here. I love him the most. He so understanding and so loving to the heroine… he even give her time when she was having a hard time in her life and didn’t interrupt her in a long time… Even when the heroine was being such a b*tch and nonsense and pushing the hero away many times for stupid reasons (yeah it’s so stupid trust me), THE HERO NEVER PUSH HER AWAY AND ALWAYS PURSUE HER ALL THE TIME FOR MANY YEARS 🥺🥺🥺
‼️‼️‼️MANY MANY. MANY JEALOUS SCENES FROM THE HERO…
and little from the heroine.
“The betrothal was the best way to ensure that you’d be mine when you grew up, that no other man but me would ever have you.“
‼️‼️‼️TRIGGERS: Killing, kidnapping, high on violence, bad parenting, alcohol, drugs, and death.
‼️‼️‼️THE HEROINE IS A PRO GAME PLAYER. I love that she always likes to play games on her computer and pretty much on every device (like me🥰) Really unique one thank you author. And the heroine have three brothers who is so close to her and they’re relationship is so cute🥺🥺
The heroine is sassy too. But her pushing away and childish thoughts sometimes made me want to punch or slap her😒
‼️‼️‼️LOCATION: RUSSIA, SOMEWHERE IN THE OCEAN AND NEW YORK CITY.
‼️‼️‼️THE HERO ALWAYS SAYS TO THE HEROINE AND TO EVERYONE THAT SHE IS MINE. YOU’RE MINE. MINE.
‼️‼️‼️THE HEROINE IS A VIRGIN.
‼️‼️‼️GREAT CHEMISTRY.
Hot chemistry ❤️❤️❤️❤️
‼️‼️‼️ENDS WITH A CLIFFHANGER.
‼️‼️‼️I think if you want to read this then you have to read the previous book from this one. It’s about the heroine’s brother love story and it explains well there about the heroine’s family and her situation even better. And also that book is more better than this one😂 And if you want to read this then make sure you had the time to read this because it’s not a quick and easy one to read tbh. Enjoy!
The reason why I continue reading this book is because the hero though. The way he pursue the heroine and the way he really chase her all the way in many years really made me continue reading this until the end💕
👉🏽👉🏽👉🏽Thank you so much for reading my review❤️❤️ For you who loves my review and follow it, THANK YOU SO MUCH. I did not get paid or be told to do a review on a book. I’m here just to write review about a book so i can remember it. Its my honest opinion😚 I didn’t know at first people will find me and follow me and trust me to be honest, I was surprised myself to look at the notifications from people who reach out to me😆 So everything i write down here on a review is based on my personal opinion and based on my true writing. I DID NOT COPY SOMEONE’S REVIEW OR WRITING SKILL because at first when i was using this app for one year i didn’t know how to scroll down on a book and see the reviews from others😂😅🤣 I know, silly me but hey I finally learned my lesson 😛😛😛 Thats why when people assume i copy someone’s review i was like what? Because at first i didn’t know how to use this app properly and i didn’t know how to open someone’s review because for a year i never follow someone or add friends or someone😂😂😂🤣 (I’m laughing so hard) 🤪 AND I NEVER COPY SOMEONE’S REVIEW EVER. IF I WRITE SOMETHING WRONG OR DOESN’T MAKE SENSE PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND BE NICE OKAY. 👈🏽👈🏽👈🏽✋🏽✋🏽 IF YOU'RE BEING MEAN AND NEGATIVE ALREADY WITH A WARNING AND NOT BEING WISE TO ME, I WILL NOT ENTIRELY READ YOUR COMMENT AND REMOVE YOU EASILY AND FAST. I DO NOT TOLERATE NEGATIVE COMMENT SO KNOW YOUR PLACE, THANK YOU SO MUCH.
I’m writing my disclaimer again here cause many negative people still don't get it or still be stupid enough not to understand my POV when I already write it so many times before. So here I am writing it again to you beautifuls human being😁😁 WHEN YOU READ MY LONG OR SHORT REVIEW, YOU WOULD KNOW THAT WHAT I LIKE ABOUT A STORY AND CHARACTERS RIGHT... IF YOU DON'T KNOW THEN HERE IT IS: I LIKE A BOOK WITH VERY POSSESSIVE PROTECTIVE ALPHA MALE, NO CHEATING, AND PLEASE NO MANWHOR3, NO MANY PUSHING AWAY, NO DOORMAT HEROINES, NO MANY OW DRAMA, NO S3X SCENE WITH SOMEONE ELSE. AND SAFE ALL THE WAY AND A HAPPY ENDING. Something that I don't like it very much if the hero or heroine have a crazy fvcked up personality and likes. Example: killing someone and let the heroine watch it all and push the heroine to lick all the blood of his victim and made her have to eat the meat of humans. and fvcks many woman in front of the heroine while telling her he loves her. I DON'T LIKE THAT TYPE OF SH*T AT ALL. That's just who I am, that's what I like and I don't like on a book. Maybe you love that, but I don't. We humans are different, we think very differently from one another. You have your likes and I have mine, you have your opinions and I have mine of my own. You think it's stupid of me to love such a book or to not love a book or to hate it whatever lol, I think it's bad you think that way cause I respect people's opinions cause I know for a fact we have our differences. YOU AND ME ARE DIFFERENT FOR PETE'S SAKE. I even have my own friends or people I follow here that shows how much they don't like the book I like, I never even give them a long comment or short Comment. Cause I respect their opinions. I don't like to give people I hard time here cause life itself is already hard enough. I do respect your opinion if you say my review is bad or whatever negative things about it, but in the end of the day I will not changed my mind about what book I dislike and how my thoughts about it. You can't tell me what to do. You can give me advice but it's me who decided to know what's right for me, this is my life and not yours. Read that again. Don’t assume things about me that is not even real, just don’t. cause when you do you’re more small minded for sure. You're thinking why I'm telling you all of this when you already know? Is because you still hating on my opinions and don't understand my POV and don't respect my POV. You think i like writing this disclaimer when obviously you're an adult already? no i personally think this is unnecessary... but because there are people out there who still don't get it *rolling my eyes*. Hopefully they or the people who read this disclaimer can use a beautiful thing called a brain:) AND WHEN YOU READ MY REVIEW, READ IT VERY CLEARLY TO SEE IF I FINISHED THE BOOK OR NOT. KNOW THE DIFFERENCE. AND YES ENGLISH IS NOT MY FIRST LANGUAGE. BUT IF YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT I'M WRITING, THEN IT MEANS YOU UNDERSTAND IT ENOUGH. I DO NOT TOLERATE BULLYING, NEGATIVE COMMENTS AND MEAN WORDS. PLEASE USE A WISE WORDS SO WE DON'T ATTACK EACH OTHER. SIMPLY, I DON’T LIKE TO HAVE AN ARGUMENT WITH STRANGERS LIKE YOU CAUSE I HAVE BETTER THINGS TO DO😚 BUT IF YOU STILL WANT TO BE AMBER HEARD KARENS THAT DON'T UNDERSTAND MY DISCLAIMER AFTER I JUST WRITE IT DOWN, THEN GO ENJOY YOUR DAY AND GO AWAY. IT'S VERY EASY FOR A HUMAN COULD DO YA KNOW. IF YOU STILL HERE HATING ME OR ANNOYED WITH ME, THAT'S YOUR PROBLEM. NOT ME PROBLEM. HASHTAGS BURN😂😂 DON'T TAKE THINGS TOO PERSONALLY ON ONLINE CAUSE WE ALL A STRANGERS, WE NEVER EVER MEET. WE'RE ADULTS HERE SO LETS BE WISER. LAST, I BLOCK NEGATIVE PEOPLE! SO GET WELL SOON TO THE HATERS. HOPEFULLY YOUR HEART AND MIND WILL BE MORE POSITIVE 🙏🙏🙏 AND THIS DISCLAIMER MAY SEEMS LIKE TOO HARSH ON YOU BUT HEY I DON'T LIKE TO SUGAR COATED THINGS. I LIKE TO SAY TO THE POINT WITH MY UNDERSTANDING AND MY OWN THOUGHTS, CAUSE THAT'S HOW HUMANS ARE. WE ARE DIFFERENT REMEMBER👍 HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYONE!!
September 21, 2022
I really liked the beginning. The leads first meet when they are younger and have been "celibate" ever since. I adored that feature. He was 18 and she was 13, but she appeared older to him initially as her parents coerce her to “present” herself suitably. Many of their early exchanges were fiery and thrilling. I was anticipating that takeoff, but instead it devolved into a monotonous repetitive drag.
Naturally, there isn't much in the way of norms or limitations with dark reads. You are reading for a certain experience.
Alexei waited for her. He plotted patiently so he could be betrothed to her. He hurt for her. He broke boundaries to gain access to her. He killed for her. He valued and respected her. He was generous with her and almost always honoured her requests.
Even I reached a point where I was like… yeah ten years is pushing it. Claim her. Alina believes he is this heartless, cunning, and power-hungry monster like her father, which accounts for a significant portion of her resentment toward him. He should have been more astute. He was being jilted and duped by her left, right and centre. It was becoming ludicrous and I expected more from an AZ male lead. He was bordering towards becoming a dummy. If she’s physically scared of you, maybe relieve her misconceptions. If she has anxiety, attempt to romance her. To be fair, he couldn’t get a word in edgeways.
Alina was a rather underwhelming heroine. Flighty, indecisive, feeble is an understatement. She wasn't powerful or versatile, especially for a woman bred in the mafia environment, making her almost pitiful in retrospect. Russian princesses who were raised in the mafia are supposed to be a different breed of tough. She was tech-savvy so there’s that I suppose, but she wouldn’t engage with any part of the business, yet reaps all it’s benefits, so all her moral standards were hypocritical. We couldn’t get a chunk of dialogue between the MCs without her verbiage that he’s a bad man, and her running away. Someone born into the mafia would be aware there are “shades” of grey. She was literally unable to bear any sort confrontation without turning into a collapsing mess. It starts to get real boring.
So the romance was there on the hero’s side Heroine merely disliked him despite her attraction to him. However, despite her repeated claims that she didn't want him, she let him finger her. But let's not…you were opening your legs. Please understand that I enjoy both resistance and pursuit. I occasionally enjoy a heroine who lies about her emotions. But, it DRAGGING because this was supposed to be ten years worth of pathetic interactions.
He gave her TEN years to come to terms with them. She repeatedly requested that they postpone the announcement, and he always accommodated her. Yet she wasn’t intelligent enough to realise, “hey this man is honouring my words, far more than my father or any member of my family does, maybe he’s worth having a conversation with?”. No one in mafia land gets that. She didn’t realise quite how good she had it. Instead it was the same insults, the same conversations: “big bad wolf”. Their relationship was surface. He knew everything about her, and she knew nothing about him. She didn’t experience much growth from being a teenager and was presented as spoilt and dependent. We don’t learn if she has a medical condition, but she’s very reliant on misused drugs, pills and alcohols for her migraines.
Safety:
Near the book's conclusion, they eventually, finally have intercourse. To be honest, I didn't really care at this point. Slow burners only succeed when there is a strong emotional bond between the characters, something the heroine's side of the relationship lacked greatly. I actually wish he didn’t wait on her.
So, he claims celibacy ever since he met her at age 18. I'm going to rule it safe with exception because it was a very planned bit of information drop. He claims to have made an effort to forget her since he feels that by lusting after someone so young, he was no better than a pervert.
She is a virgin (not by choice). She tried dating and had several kisses with guys, but they all died shortly after thanks to the hero.
Naturally, there isn't much in the way of norms or limitations with dark reads. You are reading for a certain experience.
Alexei waited for her. He plotted patiently so he could be betrothed to her. He hurt for her. He broke boundaries to gain access to her. He killed for her. He valued and respected her. He was generous with her and almost always honoured her requests.
Even I reached a point where I was like… yeah ten years is pushing it. Claim her. Alina believes he is this heartless, cunning, and power-hungry monster like her father, which accounts for a significant portion of her resentment toward him. He should have been more astute. He was being jilted and duped by her left, right and centre. It was becoming ludicrous and I expected more from an AZ male lead. He was bordering towards becoming a dummy. If she’s physically scared of you, maybe relieve her misconceptions. If she has anxiety, attempt to romance her. To be fair, he couldn’t get a word in edgeways.
Alina was a rather underwhelming heroine. Flighty, indecisive, feeble is an understatement. She wasn't powerful or versatile, especially for a woman bred in the mafia environment, making her almost pitiful in retrospect. Russian princesses who were raised in the mafia are supposed to be a different breed of tough. She was tech-savvy so there’s that I suppose, but she wouldn’t engage with any part of the business, yet reaps all it’s benefits, so all her moral standards were hypocritical. We couldn’t get a chunk of dialogue between the MCs without her verbiage that he’s a bad man, and her running away. Someone born into the mafia would be aware there are “shades” of grey. She was literally unable to bear any sort confrontation without turning into a collapsing mess. It starts to get real boring.
So the romance was there on the hero’s side Heroine merely disliked him despite her attraction to him. However, despite her repeated claims that she didn't want him, she let him finger her. But let's not…you were opening your legs. Please understand that I enjoy both resistance and pursuit. I occasionally enjoy a heroine who lies about her emotions. But, it DRAGGING because this was supposed to be ten years worth of pathetic interactions.
He gave her TEN years to come to terms with them. She repeatedly requested that they postpone the announcement, and he always accommodated her. Yet she wasn’t intelligent enough to realise, “hey this man is honouring my words, far more than my father or any member of my family does, maybe he’s worth having a conversation with?”. No one in mafia land gets that. She didn’t realise quite how good she had it. Instead it was the same insults, the same conversations: “big bad wolf”. Their relationship was surface. He knew everything about her, and she knew nothing about him. She didn’t experience much growth from being a teenager and was presented as spoilt and dependent. We don’t learn if she has a medical condition, but she’s very reliant on misused drugs, pills and alcohols for her migraines.
Safety:
Near the book's conclusion, they eventually, finally have intercourse. To be honest, I didn't really care at this point. Slow burners only succeed when there is a strong emotional bond between the characters, something the heroine's side of the relationship lacked greatly. I actually wish he didn’t wait on her.
So, he claims celibacy ever since he met her at age 18. I'm going to rule it safe with exception because it was a very planned bit of information drop. He claims to have made an effort to forget her since he feels that by lusting after someone so young, he was no better than a pervert.
She is a virgin (not by choice). She tried dating and had several kisses with guys, but they all died shortly after thanks to the hero.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2023
13 yaşında bir kıza sübyancılık yapmasaydınız her şey çok daha iyi olabilirdi🙄 Neymiş büyük gösteriyormuş, o kadar küçük olduğunu düşünmemiş. Peki öğrendikten sonra neyin takıntısı bu 🤦🏻♀️
Hikâye çok çabuk aktı. Günümüz ve geçmiş arasında bir anlatım var. Ben daha çok günümüz odaklı okumak istesem de eskiyi ve neler olduğunu da anlatıyor.
Alina ve Alexei arasında geçen bir hikâye. İki düşman rus aile... Çıkarları için çocuklarının nişan sözleşmesini yaparlar ve büyümelerini beklerler. Bu süreçte arada sırada denk gelirler.
Birde günümüz var. Artık büyüdüler. Ve Alina'nın sözünü tutma zamanıdır.
Bu kitapta çok fazla şey anlattılar diyemem. Sanırım asıl olay ikinci kitapta. Yan yana etkileşimleri hep kısaydı. Ve çocuklardı tabi.
Alina'nın abisi Nikolai'nin de bundan önce yazılmış bir ikilemesi var. Onunda hikayesinden bir sahne gördüm. Bir tık ilgimi çekti ama ne zaman bakarım bilmiyorum.
Hikâye çok çabuk aktı. Günümüz ve geçmiş arasında bir anlatım var. Ben daha çok günümüz odaklı okumak istesem de eskiyi ve neler olduğunu da anlatıyor.
Alina ve Alexei arasında geçen bir hikâye. İki düşman rus aile... Çıkarları için çocuklarının nişan sözleşmesini yaparlar ve büyümelerini beklerler. Bu süreçte arada sırada denk gelirler.
Birde günümüz var. Artık büyüdüler. Ve Alina'nın sözünü tutma zamanıdır.
Bu kitapta çok fazla şey anlattılar diyemem. Sanırım asıl olay ikinci kitapta. Yan yana etkileşimleri hep kısaydı. Ve çocuklardı tabi.
Alina'nın abisi Nikolai'nin de bundan önce yazılmış bir ikilemesi var. Onunda hikayesinden bir sahne gördüm. Bir tık ilgimi çekti ama ne zaman bakarım bilmiyorum.
November 29, 2023
2.75 stars
Wow this was super toxic! I expected it, but it's the first time I've read a book where the fmc's mental health is affected by the mmc. My ratings don't mean shit because I wanted PRESENT chapters and not Past ones. Maybe I'll rate the 2nd one better.
• Alina and Alexei were betrothed to each other when they were 15-20, and since then, Alina's been doing everything to stall things. And Alexei has been giving her time, until her parents die and the contract is nullified. Alexei still gave her a few years to heal until she ran away, and now he has finally kidnapped her.
This book is short, with the present chapters (where he kidnapped her) covering only about one day, while the rest of the chapters show their history together from Alina's pov, from age 14 to 25. Honestly, I understand that Alexei is obsessive and gave her a lot of time to heal, being patient and not seeking anyone else. It really fucked up with Alina's mental health. She was attracted to him, but she was being forced to marry him until she didn't, yet he didn't leave her and kept stalking and killing the guys she started to see, which made her stop. Then she had to run away, only for him to find her and blackmail her.
I wanted Alina to put up more of a fight in the present chapters, but seriously, 11 years is way too long, and Alexei seriously drove her insane. Let's see what happens in the next book because he wants to tie her to him with a child. It's fucked up 🤡
Wow this was super toxic! I expected it, but it's the first time I've read a book where the fmc's mental health is affected by the mmc. My ratings don't mean shit because I wanted PRESENT chapters and not Past ones. Maybe I'll rate the 2nd one better.
• Alina and Alexei were betrothed to each other when they were 15-20, and since then, Alina's been doing everything to stall things. And Alexei has been giving her time, until her parents die and the contract is nullified. Alexei still gave her a few years to heal until she ran away, and now he has finally kidnapped her.
This book is short, with the present chapters (where he kidnapped her) covering only about one day, while the rest of the chapters show their history together from Alina's pov, from age 14 to 25. Honestly, I understand that Alexei is obsessive and gave her a lot of time to heal, being patient and not seeking anyone else. It really fucked up with Alina's mental health. She was attracted to him, but she was being forced to marry him until she didn't, yet he didn't leave her and kept stalking and killing the guys she started to see, which made her stop. Then she had to run away, only for him to find her and blackmail her.
I wanted Alina to put up more of a fight in the present chapters, but seriously, 11 years is way too long, and Alexei seriously drove her insane. Let's see what happens in the next book because he wants to tie her to him with a child. It's fucked up 🤡
will-not-finish
December 25, 2022i'd rather throw myself off a motorcycle than finish this book. what tedious writing. boring and cardboard characters.
September 21, 2022
This was one of my most anticipated books this year, and i was not disappointed.
In order to better understand the story of Alina and Alexei it is advised to read the Molotov Obsession series.
That being said, let's get down to business.
Not only being the daughter of one of the most ruthless and well known families in Russia, Alina Molotov was a beauty to behold. She has all the things money can buy, except the one thing she desires the most; a peaceful marriage for her parents. She hoped to have a different fate than her parents, but her hopes were dashed when her father announced her betrothal to the son of his arch nemesis. Since then she did everything to escape Alexei's orbit.
The story unfolds between past and present, from Alina's pov. This gave us a more in depth perception of their story and helped understand the reasons behind Alina's actions.
The sexual tension between her and Alexei literally killed me, i was screaming because the present chapters were TOOOO SHORT!!! But honestly it was all worth it. However, i would have LOVED an Alexei pov, his obsession with Alina was so intense and consuming so it would have been great to see his thoughts.
The ending left me speechless and wanting more, so ill be her impatiently waiting for Beautiful Chains 😫 (sigh)
*ARC in exchange for an honest review*
In order to better understand the story of Alina and Alexei it is advised to read the Molotov Obsession series.
That being said, let's get down to business.
Not only being the daughter of one of the most ruthless and well known families in Russia, Alina Molotov was a beauty to behold. She has all the things money can buy, except the one thing she desires the most; a peaceful marriage for her parents. She hoped to have a different fate than her parents, but her hopes were dashed when her father announced her betrothal to the son of his arch nemesis. Since then she did everything to escape Alexei's orbit.
The story unfolds between past and present, from Alina's pov. This gave us a more in depth perception of their story and helped understand the reasons behind Alina's actions.
The sexual tension between her and Alexei literally killed me, i was screaming because the present chapters were TOOOO SHORT!!! But honestly it was all worth it. However, i would have LOVED an Alexei pov, his obsession with Alina was so intense and consuming so it would have been great to see his thoughts.
The ending left me speechless and wanting more, so ill be her impatiently waiting for Beautiful Chains 😫 (sigh)
*ARC in exchange for an honest review*
September 20, 2022
Alexei has the patience of a saint for waiting on Alina’s indecisive ass.
Alina is so dumb for not living her life and afraid of love just because her parents were in a toxic relationship. And what’s up with all the pot smoking and Rx pills? Not cool.
Alina is so dumb for not living her life and afraid of love just because her parents were in a toxic relationship. And what’s up with all the pot smoking and Rx pills? Not cool.
June 14, 2024
this felt like rape to me and the pregnancy thing really made me hate this,but i seem to like torturing myself so i think i'll read the next one:)
February 17, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
Bello e Terribile è il primo volume della dilogia "il fidanzamento dei Molotov" di Anna Zaires. La protagonista di questa storia Alina, l'abbiamo già conosciuta nel precedente libro che parlava di suo fratello Nikolai e Chloe, per chi non l'avesse letto i titoli sono, (la Tana del Diavolo e la Gabbia dell'Angelo) a mio modesto parere imperdibili, e danno un ampia visione alla caratterizzazione della protagonista e la sua pericolosa e interessante famiglia!
Alina mi aveva molto incuriosita e non vedevo l'ora di leggere la sua storia, e devo dire che non ne sono rimasta assolutamente delusa, anzi.
La Zaires ci narra con maestria la travagliata storia di Alina e Alexei tra passato e presente, mantenendo la tensione alta.
Alina Molotov ha quindici anni quando il padre le comunica del contratto di matrimonio con Alexei a cui dovrà sottostare da lì a pochi anni. Matrimonio che Alina rifiuta con tutta se stessa, sfidando l'ira del padre e sfuggendo per anni alla forte attrazione e ossessione dello spietato fidanzato.
💘"Volevo che mi lasciassi in pace, come ti avevo pregato." Un angolo della sua bocca si curva verso l'alto. "Ah sì?" "Sì!" Inalo un respiro per rilassarmi, moderando poi il tono di voce. "Certo che sì. Te l'avevo detto, non ti voglio nella mia vita. Non ti ho mai voluto."💘
Alexei è un uomo potente e passionale, ma anche tanto paziente e comprensivo, mi sono piaciuti tantissimo i due protagonisti, sono riusciti a catturarmi con la loro appassionante storia e tenermi incollata al Kindle.
💕"Non sapevi affatto cosa volevi, bellezza. E non lo sai nemmeno adesso. Ma te lo mostrerò. E quando lo farò , capirai di esserti proprio sbagliata ad allontanarmi, tutti quegli anni addietro. Capirai la verità di noi due, tanto quanto me."💕
Purtroppo il libro finisce sul più bello, lasciandoci l'acquolina in bocca e la voglia di avere subito il seguito. "Anna, ti prego non farci aspettare troppo"🥺
Lo consiglio assolutamente alle amanti del genere e della bravissima Zaires.
P.s, devo fare i complimenti per l'ottima traduzione.
Bello e Terribile è il primo volume della dilogia "il fidanzamento dei Molotov" di Anna Zaires. La protagonista di questa storia Alina, l'abbiamo già conosciuta nel precedente libro che parlava di suo fratello Nikolai e Chloe, per chi non l'avesse letto i titoli sono, (la Tana del Diavolo e la Gabbia dell'Angelo) a mio modesto parere imperdibili, e danno un ampia visione alla caratterizzazione della protagonista e la sua pericolosa e interessante famiglia!
Alina mi aveva molto incuriosita e non vedevo l'ora di leggere la sua storia, e devo dire che non ne sono rimasta assolutamente delusa, anzi.
La Zaires ci narra con maestria la travagliata storia di Alina e Alexei tra passato e presente, mantenendo la tensione alta.
Alina Molotov ha quindici anni quando il padre le comunica del contratto di matrimonio con Alexei a cui dovrà sottostare da lì a pochi anni. Matrimonio che Alina rifiuta con tutta se stessa, sfidando l'ira del padre e sfuggendo per anni alla forte attrazione e ossessione dello spietato fidanzato.
💘"Volevo che mi lasciassi in pace, come ti avevo pregato." Un angolo della sua bocca si curva verso l'alto. "Ah sì?" "Sì!" Inalo un respiro per rilassarmi, moderando poi il tono di voce. "Certo che sì. Te l'avevo detto, non ti voglio nella mia vita. Non ti ho mai voluto."💘
Alexei è un uomo potente e passionale, ma anche tanto paziente e comprensivo, mi sono piaciuti tantissimo i due protagonisti, sono riusciti a catturarmi con la loro appassionante storia e tenermi incollata al Kindle.
💕"Non sapevi affatto cosa volevi, bellezza. E non lo sai nemmeno adesso. Ma te lo mostrerò. E quando lo farò , capirai di esserti proprio sbagliata ad allontanarmi, tutti quegli anni addietro. Capirai la verità di noi due, tanto quanto me."💕
Purtroppo il libro finisce sul più bello, lasciandoci l'acquolina in bocca e la voglia di avere subito il seguito. "Anna, ti prego non farci aspettare troppo"🥺
Lo consiglio assolutamente alle amanti del genere e della bravissima Zaires.
P.s, devo fare i complimenti per l'ottima traduzione.
September 14, 2022
"It pays to keep an eye on your enemy." A soft, derisive laugh escapes his throat. "You think I'm your enemy?" "You're certainly not my friend." I could be." A peculiar beam brightens his dark eyes. "I could be your everything."
This book pulled me in very quickly. It's the first book in the latest series by Anna Zaires. This is Alina Molotova & Alexei Leonov's story. Alina is Nikolai 's sister (from Devil’s Lair). I was so excited to read this book ever since the teasers started to come out and it did not disappoint. Alexei was a little crazy, obsessive and possessive but no matter how morally grey he was, he cared about Alina a lot and it showed through his moves. Alexei has had feelings for Alina since she was practically young and their families arrange their betrothal. Though a series of events take place before they're finally together and some of which were tragic and shocking. I'm intrigued to see whether Alina's feelings would change about their relationship because she seemed to be broken and worn out by the hurdles that being involved in her family's life threw at her. Alexei & Alina's relationship was unique. She feared him but wanted him more which was unusual. There were many time jumps and flashbacks in between but it didn't get confusing even once. I liked the flow and pace of the plot. Overall, this book was full of thrill, action, angst and lots of unbridled sexual tension. And as usual well written which had me hooked!
"After all this time, all these years, he's here. He's come to claim me. Deep down, I've always known he would."
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review
This book pulled me in very quickly. It's the first book in the latest series by Anna Zaires. This is Alina Molotova & Alexei Leonov's story. Alina is Nikolai 's sister (from Devil’s Lair). I was so excited to read this book ever since the teasers started to come out and it did not disappoint. Alexei was a little crazy, obsessive and possessive but no matter how morally grey he was, he cared about Alina a lot and it showed through his moves. Alexei has had feelings for Alina since she was practically young and their families arrange their betrothal. Though a series of events take place before they're finally together and some of which were tragic and shocking. I'm intrigued to see whether Alina's feelings would change about their relationship because she seemed to be broken and worn out by the hurdles that being involved in her family's life threw at her. Alexei & Alina's relationship was unique. She feared him but wanted him more which was unusual. There were many time jumps and flashbacks in between but it didn't get confusing even once. I liked the flow and pace of the plot. Overall, this book was full of thrill, action, angst and lots of unbridled sexual tension. And as usual well written which had me hooked!
"After all this time, all these years, he's here. He's come to claim me. Deep down, I've always known he would."
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review
October 8, 2022
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4.5 / 5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : yes
Hero : alexie
Heroine : alina
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 6/10
Heat Rating : 6/10
Triggers Involved :
Plot Summary :
Being the mafia princess was never the tale people made it out to be for Alina. With her over protective brothers , she never had an easy life. And an abusive father? The worst fate. That is until she met the devil. The one boy who made her heart beat faster. Alexie .
Now she is in context with her life only for him to come back and remind her of their upcoming marriage. Of the contract their parents signed. His ownership of her. And this time , he is not going until he has what he wants. HER. No matter how much she protests, she will be his , even if he has to kill her entire family to get her.
Overall Opinion :
I have been waiting for this one! Alina and Alexie are amazing. Meeting them in Alina's brother's book, I was so intrigued. When the author mentioned their relationship as that of Hades and Persephone, my mind went crazy with theories. But nothing could have compared to their real book .
In this book we get to see about their past, about how they met and what happened throughout the years until the end where alexie takes Alina captive to be his wife no matter how much she resisted. She has run away far enough. Seeing their story was such an amazing experience for me! The cliffhanger was brutal and I just want the next book of his duet so bad. Alina's brother's book was a bit like for me but Alexie is more on the darker side. He is possessive and I loved all his scenes! This one definitely has more triggers than the last duet of this world by this author.
Definitely recommending this one to all the dark romance loving people out there.
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February 14, 2023
4 stelle e 1/2
💋Recensione per il blog New Adult e dintorni💋
Oggi vi parlerò del primo volume della serie Fidanzamento dei Molotov di Anna Zaires, spin-off del duetto "Ossessione Molotov". Alina, la protagonista femminile, è infatti la sorella di Nikholai personaggio centrale nella precedente dilogia. Ero molto curiosa di conoscere la sua storia e già nell’altra dilogia si era capito il suo amore odio verso il suo rapitore, il nemico giurato della famiglia Molotov, Alexei Leonov. Per fortuna la Zaires non ha deluso le aspettative e tra passato e presente ci ha mostrato Alina respingere il suo promesso sposo fino a cedere disarmata a una passione travolgente.
Alina Molotov ha solo quattordici anni quando deve sottostare a un contratto, finalmente le due famiglie mafiose più pericolose della Russia si uniscono nonostante l’odio che le divide da anni. Ma lei non ci sta, tenace e combattiva si rifiuta categoricamente e negli anni che la dividono da quell’odiato matrimonio dovrà fare i conti con l’ossessione di Alexei. Più lei lo respinge in quei pochi e fugaci momenti di condivisione reciproca e più lui torna a invadere i suoi spazi, la sua privacy. Non riesce a godersi la sua adolescenza e in un momento di svolta per loro due quando sembra che Alina possa cedere a questa passione e a questo amore tormentato succede un fatto tragico che la cambierà per sempre.
‘Ogni sogno, ogni incubo che abbia mai avuto su di lui, diventa improvvisamente vivido nella mia mente, così come quelle dolci e acute sensazioni che mi rifiuto di portare alla naturale conclusione. Perché lui ne è responsabile. È l'unico che mi abbia mai fatto sentire così.’
Alexei è purtroppo narrato dall’animo arrabbiato e battagliero della protagonista quindi abbiamo un quadro di difficile comprensione, ma una cosa è certa per lui Alina è molto più di un mezzo per ottenere potere. Lo si ama, lo si brama e nonostante i suoi metodi poco ortodossi è facile innamorarsi della sua pazienza, della sua dedizione ma la strada è ancora così lunga per ottenere la fiducia di Alina. Il finale è un cliffhanger ed ovviamente non vedo l’ora di leggere il seguito, l’autrice non l’ha ancora scritto ma spero lo faccia il prima possibile perché Alexei rientra nel podio dei suoi personaggi maschili, una bellissima rivelazione, complimenti.
"Non sapevi affatto cosa volevi, bellezza. E non lo sai nemmeno adesso. Ma te lo mostrerò. E quando lo farò, capirai di esserti proprio sbagliata ad allontanarmi, tutti quegli anni addietro. Capirai la verità di noi due, tanto quanto me."
Con la trama non vado oltre, l’autrice è stata molto brava a creare l’aspettativa, il passato un po’ lo conosciamo perché chi ha letto la storia di Nikolai sa già i punti salienti del tormentato passato di Alina. Ma niente ci prepara al presente, alla resa dei conti, a quando finalmente la lussuria e la loro incontenibile attrazione esploderanno.
Per Alina ho avuto sentimenti contrastanti, diciamo che già nell’altra dilogia era sfuggente, sempre presa dalle sue emicranie, un po’ con la puzza sotto il naso. Ma le motivazioni del suo smarrimento e il suo gesto di coraggio me l’hanno fatta rivalutare, avrei voluto che fosse un po’ più incline al corteggiamento serrato e ossessivo di Alexei. Devo farle però i complimenti per la testardaggine e il coraggio, non è sicuramente comune nei dark e mafia Romance trovare tanta determinazione davanti all’eroe brutale di turno.
Le scene hot non sono molte ma vi posso assicurare sono assolutamente intriganti e lussuriose.
‘Ci siamo. Niente più fughe, niente più nascondigli, niente più ritardi. Dopo più di un decennio, la resa dei conti è arrivata.’
Lo straconsiglio, questa è la Zaires che mi piace, mi ha tenuta incollata alle pagine fino alla fine, spero tenga lo stesso ritmo e la stessa partecipazione anche nel seguito, non vedo l’ora di leggerlo.
💋Recensione per il blog New Adult e dintorni💋
Oggi vi parlerò del primo volume della serie Fidanzamento dei Molotov di Anna Zaires, spin-off del duetto "Ossessione Molotov". Alina, la protagonista femminile, è infatti la sorella di Nikholai personaggio centrale nella precedente dilogia. Ero molto curiosa di conoscere la sua storia e già nell’altra dilogia si era capito il suo amore odio verso il suo rapitore, il nemico giurato della famiglia Molotov, Alexei Leonov. Per fortuna la Zaires non ha deluso le aspettative e tra passato e presente ci ha mostrato Alina respingere il suo promesso sposo fino a cedere disarmata a una passione travolgente.
Alina Molotov ha solo quattordici anni quando deve sottostare a un contratto, finalmente le due famiglie mafiose più pericolose della Russia si uniscono nonostante l’odio che le divide da anni. Ma lei non ci sta, tenace e combattiva si rifiuta categoricamente e negli anni che la dividono da quell’odiato matrimonio dovrà fare i conti con l’ossessione di Alexei. Più lei lo respinge in quei pochi e fugaci momenti di condivisione reciproca e più lui torna a invadere i suoi spazi, la sua privacy. Non riesce a godersi la sua adolescenza e in un momento di svolta per loro due quando sembra che Alina possa cedere a questa passione e a questo amore tormentato succede un fatto tragico che la cambierà per sempre.
‘Ogni sogno, ogni incubo che abbia mai avuto su di lui, diventa improvvisamente vivido nella mia mente, così come quelle dolci e acute sensazioni che mi rifiuto di portare alla naturale conclusione. Perché lui ne è responsabile. È l'unico che mi abbia mai fatto sentire così.’
Alexei è purtroppo narrato dall’animo arrabbiato e battagliero della protagonista quindi abbiamo un quadro di difficile comprensione, ma una cosa è certa per lui Alina è molto più di un mezzo per ottenere potere. Lo si ama, lo si brama e nonostante i suoi metodi poco ortodossi è facile innamorarsi della sua pazienza, della sua dedizione ma la strada è ancora così lunga per ottenere la fiducia di Alina. Il finale è un cliffhanger ed ovviamente non vedo l’ora di leggere il seguito, l’autrice non l’ha ancora scritto ma spero lo faccia il prima possibile perché Alexei rientra nel podio dei suoi personaggi maschili, una bellissima rivelazione, complimenti.
"Non sapevi affatto cosa volevi, bellezza. E non lo sai nemmeno adesso. Ma te lo mostrerò. E quando lo farò, capirai di esserti proprio sbagliata ad allontanarmi, tutti quegli anni addietro. Capirai la verità di noi due, tanto quanto me."
Con la trama non vado oltre, l’autrice è stata molto brava a creare l’aspettativa, il passato un po’ lo conosciamo perché chi ha letto la storia di Nikolai sa già i punti salienti del tormentato passato di Alina. Ma niente ci prepara al presente, alla resa dei conti, a quando finalmente la lussuria e la loro incontenibile attrazione esploderanno.
Per Alina ho avuto sentimenti contrastanti, diciamo che già nell’altra dilogia era sfuggente, sempre presa dalle sue emicranie, un po’ con la puzza sotto il naso. Ma le motivazioni del suo smarrimento e il suo gesto di coraggio me l’hanno fatta rivalutare, avrei voluto che fosse un po’ più incline al corteggiamento serrato e ossessivo di Alexei. Devo farle però i complimenti per la testardaggine e il coraggio, non è sicuramente comune nei dark e mafia Romance trovare tanta determinazione davanti all’eroe brutale di turno.
Le scene hot non sono molte ma vi posso assicurare sono assolutamente intriganti e lussuriose.
‘Ci siamo. Niente più fughe, niente più nascondigli, niente più ritardi. Dopo più di un decennio, la resa dei conti è arrivata.’
Lo straconsiglio, questa è la Zaires che mi piace, mi ha tenuta incollata alle pagine fino alla fine, spero tenga lo stesso ritmo e la stessa partecipazione anche nel seguito, non vedo l’ora di leggerlo.
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