Broken Angel

The Umarova Crime Family #1

by Ivy Black, Elizabeth Knox

He’s gone without a trace, but I know his heart is still beating.

RUSLAN

The men who shackled me here were told not to kill me. They should have when they had the chance. Now, I’m going to take them out one by one.

Once I figure out who’s behind this, I won’t hold back my anger. Revenge is a dish best served cold, and I’ll make sure to hit them where it hurts the most.

But as soon as I’m free, I’m going to find her first.

The thief who may not be a thief… unless it’s matters of the heart. She clenches mine in her fist, and I don’t want her to let go.

AMELIA

The handsome Russian man I had a one-night stand with is gone. All I’m left with is the sickening realization he helped me make – that my ex-boyfriend stole my identity, and I’ve been paying off his debt.

Ruslan could have helped me out of this mess, but now that he’s disappeared, I have no one on my side. I have to find him.

Not just because I owe him… because I can’t be without him.

Broken Angel is book one of The Umarova Crime Family dark mafia series of interconnected standalone, full-length novels. Devour this decadent mafia story next!

Genres: Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, Crime, Romance

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 17, 2023

Reviews

[Krystal Skye H. · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Will probably update later) Meh...

So I really want to like this book/series so much I got the 2nd book before I finished the 1st. But the way this story is written...I just don't like it. Instead of being able to walk through the beginning of the couples' story (which is when she "stole" from him), it starts weeks after they already met. Then, when Ruslan is kidnapped and they are trying to find him, it skips over the whole search and how they found him to him being immediately rescued. Imo, start at the beginning of the story and create your path from there instead of "recalling" moments - you should just have us experience them in their entirety. Because it makes me not care about the characters because there isn't a build-up of information/feelings. For the length of this book, a linear story shouldn't have been too difficult. Where you want info, you don't get it, but when you are reading about what the fmc is wearing, you have whole pages describing that information......😒

I'll give it a reread later on to see if I can move past it, but as of now, I'm shelving it.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is considered a standalone a little note to let people know its interconnected with another series may be an option. I didn't find the story to be bad at all it was well written and interesting and I enjoyed the characters but I just felt like I was missing something the entire time, like Ruslan and Amelia's relationship made no sense honestly, it was entirely too quick to have so many feelings lol. I will definitely go back and read the Steele Brothers series and give this book another shot after I do so since I really was lost a whole lot of the time even reading the prequel didn't help dispel that feeling that I was missing chunks.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75stars—BROKEN ANGEL is the first instalment in the contemporary, adult UMAROVA CRIME FAMILY, dark, erotic, romance series-a spin off/interconnected series with Elizabeth Knox’s STEELE BROTHERS SERIES. This is Chechen,Ruslan Umarova, and Amelia’s story line. BROKEN ANGEL can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the Steele Brothers series where Amelia and Ruslan’s story begins.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ruslan and Amelia) BROKEN ANGEL follows in the wake of the abduction of Ruslan Umarova. Ruslan is missing, and Amelia is desperate for his return. Seven weeks without a word ends when Ruslan is rescued by his brother Lom, wherein he will reveal the betrayal at the hands of someone close. Vengeance is Ruslan’s to mete out but finding the person responsible may take a little more time. Meanwhile, Amelia continues to struggle with the accusations against her, and the theft of her identity that have left her broke but when Amelia’s ex boyfriend continues to circle our story line heroine, Ruslan takes control, ferreting out the truth, and the people involved. What ensues is the continuing romance and relationship between Ruslan and Amelia, and Ruslan’s ascension to the top of the Umarova family.

The relationship between Ruslan and Amelia began in the Steele Brothers series, a relationship predicated on betrayal and lies. Amelia was Ruslan’s target, a means to an end for a perceived betrayal by someone else. Amelia has fallen for the man who could destroy her heart but the abduction of Ruslan pushed Amelia to open her life to the man she would love. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters including Amelia’s mother, and her cousin Emily; Ruslan’s brother Lom; his right hand man Danill, as well as Ruslan and Lom’s mother, their step-father, and half-siblings Nazyr and Eset. Lom and EMily’s story is next.The requisite evil has many faces.

BROKEN ANGEL is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, abuse and torture, acceptance and love. The premise is dark, gritty, dramatic and intense; the romance is seductive but not without some scenes of questionable conduct; the characters are powerful,energetic, broken but trying to heal.

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Angel is book one in the Umarova Crime Family Series. A full-length standalone novel with no cheating or cliffhanger and guaranteed HEA. A brilliantly written story with broken characters fuel by revenge that grabs you by the throat and keeps you hooked and and riveting and turning the pages until the end. It's addicting, fast paced and keeps you on your toes. This is Ruslan and Amelia story. Amelia and Ruslan had an one night stand until he just up and disappeared. Amelia had her identity stolen by her ex-boyfriend and Ruslan was helping clearing her and she have been paying off that debt. He was only helping against ex and could go up against him but now that he has disappeared.
She's now completely alone all she knows is that she as to find him because she owes and needs him. He was abducted and shackled by his evil step-father. Ruslan is the heir to the Umarova crime family. He was held hostage until his family rescued him. The story is dark, edgy, thrilling and engaging. It's filled with danger, violence, drama, suspense, deception, darkness, lies, action, emotions, revenge, twists and turns, betrayal, enemies, hate, anger, survival, lust, devotion, mystery, worry, mafia romance, secret, passion, and love.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story of Ruslan and Amelia. This is an older man and younger woman story. But it works for them. Their beginning was unique. Ruslan was attracted to Amelia but there was a problem of a theft that pointed to her. After bailing her out of that he wanted her to be exclusively his. She had no problem with that. As a matter of fact Amelia is a survivor. She suffered abuse at the hands of her last boyfriend. She was also dealing with owing thousands of dollars due to identity theft. Naturally stressed. But Ruslan saw who she was, he saw her true self and showed her how to see it too. Ruslan was the heir to his father's thrown. But his awful stepfather was in his way for far too long. There was action and danger, romance and new friendships. I read the prequel which really added to the story. I read it all in one sitting. I could not put it down. It really held my interest. All the characters were fascinating, realistic, loving and loyal. When the next book comes out I hope it is about one of Ruslan's siblings. An excellent read. I highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Happily Ever After
Page-turner
Romantic
Steamy
Tragic
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters

[Coastie Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruslan Umarova – betrayed by his own, captured and tortured for weeks. Amelia – accused of being a thief, but Ruslan ended up covering the debt for her. The sparks were flying and one thing led to another! When Ruslan didn’t return from Russia, Amelia turned to his second and talked her way into going to Russia to help find him.

Deception by his stepfather, lies, secrets, twists, and turns uncover even more to the deception than originally thought. Who can the Umarova’s trust? And who really set up Amelia with the theft of the Steele’s money and her identity? Wait until you find out! I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not my first book by these authors but it is one of my favorites for sure. This is the first book in this series and what a great start it is. I look forward to seeing what is next in this series. I found this book to be well written and hard to put down. I enjoyed how the author used details to make their story pop. There is a realistic feel to the story as well. The characters pull you into their dark world from the start. They are steamy characters that add suspense to the story along with steamy romance. I enjoyed watching their growth as well as their chemistry throughout the story. This is a fast paced story that you don't want to miss. It is a must read! I highly recommend this book.

[Andra Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Angel is the first book in the Umarova crime Family series. It gives this series a phenomenal start. It is definitely a dark romance, but it is all good, as the Umarova family characters are wonderfully charming, believable, and hardcore. Amelia and Emily are just as believable, relatable, and innocent until they meet the Umarova brothers.

With much intense mafia-style action, high drama, suspense, thrills, steamy romance, and more, Broken Angel is a page-turner that I read instead quickly. Now that Ruslan and Amelia have their happily ever after, I can hardly wait to see what happens with Zom and Emily in the next book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruslan and Amelia have a lot of baggage, but it doesn't stop the feelings growing between them. When Ruslan is taken, he had guessed that his stepfather was behind it. When he was rescued by his brother, he had retribution on his mind. Amelia has her own set of problems her ex took all of her money, and now she is accused of stealing money. This sets up their story and the trials and tribulations that follows. It is an action-packed story with so many twists and turns I was scared of putting the book down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something about crime families that adhere to readers. The power, illicit crimes, leadership, death and yes - love. Broken Angel falls into this category, yet still feels fresh.

A brutal start but needed o form storyline. Ruslan Umarova is a name to be aware of. His revenge for what was done to him has no bounds. This is the first book in series and needs to be read in order.

Amelia is in debt to Ruslan for reasons that I will not spoil. Both have endured much within their whirlwind relationship.

Overall, as stated, first book with more to follow. There are siblings and relatives who have storylines too.

Demanding
Trusting
Sexual & more ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series, and this is Ruslan and Amelia’s journey. Ruslan s the heir of his father’s empire, while Amelia is a survivor of an abusive relationship, and a victim of identity theft. This is a well written story which is action packed, emotionally charged, and with loyalty, revenge, danger, suspense, intrigue, forgiveness, family, friendships, secrets, hope, twists, and is an unpredictable steamy page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to a new series Umarova crime family. I love Amelia and Ruslan in this fast-paced action, adventure with several twist and turns. Amelia loves him, she knows he would not have just disappeared. She’ll find him no matter the cost. Who betrays a mafia boss, as we see Russian fighting hard for his freedom and destroy them. This captivating story has it all secrets, lies and betrayal with a dark romance in the middle of the mafia drama. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy Mccleary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Angel a story with twists

The story starts with the lawful mob first born Ruslan, taken and kept until the family finds him and takes him back.

The people involved are chased and Ruslan wants a life with his girl Amelia. While their meeting is unusual, the both help each other to solve crimes in both their families.

Who tried to kill Ruslan and why?

Who was behind the robbery that Amelia was blamed for.
Will they be able to stay alive while asking for favors?

This has a HEA with 5 stars and 2 spice

Who tried to unalive Ruslan?

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Mafia series and I enjoyed this book very much. Ruslan is your typical mafia heir and he proves how fearless and unrelenting he can be when it comes to people betraying him and hurting those he loves. This book was fast paced and filled with lots of action from the very beginning. There is also lots of passion between Ruslan and Amelia. Lots of suspense and a great story to boot. Loved it so much and am can’t wait to get into the next book in the series.

I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic crime family romance. It was the first full story of this new series and though not totally necessary I would recommend read the short prequel to the story first. It contains some interesting details and context. Ruslan and Amelia did not have smooth sailing in the beginning but they had chemistry. I was so caught up in the story that I had a hard time putting it down and I can’t wait for the series to continue.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is worth noting that there is a prequel to this story that describes a bit more about the characters leading to the beginning of this book. I would recommend reading it first to fully enjoy this story.

Ruslan has been taken by the orders of one of his own men. While he is gone, Amelia, his casual girlfriend, becomes increasingly worried. Ruslan was helping her clear her name after she was framed for theft.

The story is fast paced and kept me engaged. I am looking forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruslan and Amelia's story picks up where the prequel Broken left off and as soon as I read the prequel I jumped right into Broken Angel. This is an action packed, age gap, mafia romance with page turning twists and a captivating story that had me reading nonstop until the final page. Broken Angel is book one in The Umarova Crime Family series and I can't wait to read the read of this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Rachel Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Angel is a dark mafia romance with plenty of love and passion. The character's have so much chemistry between them but there's lots of twists and turns and is suspenseful. I Ioved this book so much, it's well written and thought out and is a page turner and I couldn't put it down. It's the first book I have read by this author and it won't be the last, the author knows how to pull a reader in, its such a great book, It's a must read.

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Angel is a dark, mafia, romantic suspense, older man/ younger woman romance. This book was well-written, intense, dramatic, action-packed, emotional read with betrayal, intrigue, and power. The plot and characters were phenomenal and this would have been a 5 star read if I didn't feel like I was missing important information while reading. Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the upcoming books in this series.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was alright. It doesn't have the action and suspense that I'm used to from the authors. Maybe if they had given some background information instead of starting where it did. Ruslan and Amelia are the main characters in this first book of the series. I had trouble getting into this book. Hope I do better on the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great afternoon read

If you love dark mafia romance that has an enemies to lovers vibe then I highly recommend giving Ruslan & Amelia's story a read. Their story has plenty of family drama, intrigue & darkness. There is a connection between them but when he goes missing what lengths will Amelia go to to find him? Will there be a HEA for Ruslan & Amelia?
I look forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great start to a new series! This book drew me in immediately. It kept my attention. I finished it in one sitting. I could not put it down. It's dark, gritty, addicting, fast paced and keeps you on your toes. This is Ruslan and Amelia's story. Once you start it you will not want to stop. The characters will capture your heart. Your emotions will be all over the place. Check it out and see what I mean. So fantastic!!!

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t totally love Amelia because of the ways she made demands on Ruslan not knowing much about his life, especially with all he was doing for her. Ruslan does everything he can for her and her safety, I am interested to see how this plays out later with his mother. I love the siblings coming together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[blueyed_cntry_girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suggest reading the prequel (Broken) first as it makes the start of this book better. You have the back story on Ruslan n Amelia. Definitely had violence and very well descriptive. Betrayal is always in crime families but some just hurt worse than others. The things these two, mainly him, went through is a lot. Good book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debs · Rating 5 out of 5]

For readers that love romantic suspense with lots of action and drama, then Broken Angel, the first book in The Umarova Crime Family series is one to pick up. Ivy Black and Elizabeth Knox have teamed up to give their readers a great series starting with Ruslan and Amelia's story. It is a standalone read that will keep the reader engaged to the HEA that romance readers look forward to. **I was gifted with "Broken Angel" via Booksprout, leaving my review based on my reading.** 4.5 Stars

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to new series

Broken Angel is the first book in The Umarova Crime Family Series and start the series off strong. The books are interconnected with an overarching story-line and characters so you need to read the books in order. All I can say is that this story captured me from the start and kept me wanting more at the end. The story is about Amelia and Ruslan and they are a couple who can explode.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors have given us a heart pounding story that pulls us into the lives of Ruslan and Amelia and does not let go. The story grabs our attention on the very first page and keeps us turning the pages with betrayal, danger, action and steam.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brandy Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great start to a new series. Amelia and Rusian are both amazing characters. Their story is fast-paced and filled with drama, adventure action and twists and turns. I really enjoyed this story and can't wait for more.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caylee T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, it felt like I was missing some context in the beginning but that’s very possible if there’s are prequel lol

Otherwise I liked the characters & the relationship they had. It was well written & the development of the story moved at a decent pace that it didn’t feel like it was dragged out.

[MsRoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Angel: An Alpha Male Dark Mafia Romance (The Umarova Crime Family Series Book 1) By Ivy Black and Elizabeth Knox. Ruslin Umarova is the head of the Umarova Family he is taken torture for days. Unfortunately his stepfather is acting like he is the head of the Umarova Family. Ruslin will have to take control of his title. Great book …