What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wicked Trilogy #1
Wicked Brute
I thought I was safe from my father’s revenge. But he’s not the only one who wants me dead… Once upon a time, I was many things. An accomplished ballerina. The daughter of a powerful man. A Bratva princess . Now I’m none of those. Disinherited and alone, I use the skills that once elevated me to the height of the Moscow ballet for something else altogether–dancing for men who have no idea who I used to be. Who don’t care. Until I meet him . A dangerous brute of a man who wants me for reasons I don’t understand–and who makes me feel things I never knew I could. Things that I know I shouldn’t want. Things that could destroy me, if I give in. Dangerous things. Filthy things. Wicked things.
- GenresMafia Romance
300 pages, Paperback
Published February 15, 2023
353 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
M. James
65 books403 followersPrepare to be captivated by the sensational world of M. James, the mastermind behind a genre-defying realm of romance and intrigue. With a pen dipped in passion and a heart that beats to the rhythm of forbidden desires, M. James weaves tantalizing tales that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.
Follow her to the dark side where strong heroines fearlessly navigate treacherous paths and damaged heroes find solace in their darkest corners. Her words will wrap around your senses like a seductive embrace, transporting you to a world where love and danger dance a wicked tango.
M. James resides in the suburbs of Chicago but lives for the big moments that make life interesting. Although writing brings her passion and darkest fantasies alive, watching suspenseful thrillers with her two dogs and loving husband brings her excitement in the most exhilarating way. Nonetheless, getting lost in a dark mafia romance along with a tall glass of wine makes any day a bit juicier.
From enemies to lovers to forbidden romances, M. James' stories of passion, intrigue, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very end. If your appetite craves the intoxicating prose of Rina Kent or the allure of Sophie Lark, prepare to be entangled in M. James' captivating new series. But be warned, dear reader, for her world is not for the faint of heart. It is a world where inhibitions are shed, and inhibitions are tested. It is a world where passion reigns supreme, and where the pursuit of love can ignite a blaze that consumes all in its path.
FOLLOW ME ON MY SOCIALS
INSTAGRAM
BUNDLES & MORE
EXCLUSIVE FACEBOOK GROUP
TIKTOK
Follow her to the dark side where strong heroines fearlessly navigate treacherous paths and damaged heroes find solace in their darkest corners. Her words will wrap around your senses like a seductive embrace, transporting you to a world where love and danger dance a wicked tango.
M. James resides in the suburbs of Chicago but lives for the big moments that make life interesting. Although writing brings her passion and darkest fantasies alive, watching suspenseful thrillers with her two dogs and loving husband brings her excitement in the most exhilarating way. Nonetheless, getting lost in a dark mafia romance along with a tall glass of wine makes any day a bit juicier.
From enemies to lovers to forbidden romances, M. James' stories of passion, intrigue, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very end. If your appetite craves the intoxicating prose of Rina Kent or the allure of Sophie Lark, prepare to be entangled in M. James' captivating new series. But be warned, dear reader, for her world is not for the faint of heart. It is a world where inhibitions are shed, and inhibitions are tested. It is a world where passion reigns supreme, and where the pursuit of love can ignite a blaze that consumes all in its path.
FOLLOW ME ON MY SOCIALS
BUNDLES & MORE
EXCLUSIVE FACEBOOK GROUP
TIKTOK
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 2, 2023
Part 1 of the Wicked trilogy
Okay, so I knew what I was getting into by reading the first book of a trilogy. I knew it would be somewhat cliffhanger-ish. I just didnt know how bad I would want part two so quickly! I should know better than to start a series without the next book being released yet!
Mikhail is out to get revenge on the last remaing member of the Obelensky family for ruining his family. Natalia knows she needs to stay hidden for that very reason. She's hiding out as a stripper in a seedy club so she can make enough money to get fake documents to get out of Moscow. Having found her, he is out to gain her trust so he can ruin her and most likely kill her.
This was so intense. He knows he hates her but is definitely grappling with his feelings for her. This is labeled as a love story but I see none of that so far. It's more like a lust/hate story so far. But with his feelings of possesion and protection of her and Natalia's mixed feelings of hate and attraction to him, I can see it heading that way...
*As a somewhat warning, the sexual encounters in this book are heated and raw even though there is no actual sex until the end (I don't think that's a spoiler since you know it's building to that) but it is sorta 'forced' upon her even though it's what she wants. However, that may make some people feel slightly to very uncomfortable.
I am anxiously awaiting book two to see what happens next and hopefully get answers to some other shady things happening.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems)
Okay, so I knew what I was getting into by reading the first book of a trilogy. I knew it would be somewhat cliffhanger-ish. I just didnt know how bad I would want part two so quickly! I should know better than to start a series without the next book being released yet!
Mikhail is out to get revenge on the last remaing member of the Obelensky family for ruining his family. Natalia knows she needs to stay hidden for that very reason. She's hiding out as a stripper in a seedy club so she can make enough money to get fake documents to get out of Moscow. Having found her, he is out to gain her trust so he can ruin her and most likely kill her.
This was so intense. He knows he hates her but is definitely grappling with his feelings for her. This is labeled as a love story but I see none of that so far. It's more like a lust/hate story so far. But with his feelings of possesion and protection of her and Natalia's mixed feelings of hate and attraction to him, I can see it heading that way...
*As a somewhat warning, the sexual encounters in this book are heated and raw even though there is no actual sex until the end (I don't think that's a spoiler since you know it's building to that) but it is sorta 'forced' upon her even though it's what she wants. However, that may make some people feel slightly to very uncomfortable.
I am anxiously awaiting book two to see what happens next and hopefully get answers to some other shady things happening.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems)
February 25, 2023
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.
It was okay. It was dark. I expected a little violence with this being a Russian Bravta story with the hero exacting revenge.I didn't like the fact it ended in a cliffhanger- which is something I getting burnt out on.
It was okay. It was dark. I expected a little violence with this being a Russian Bravta story with the hero exacting revenge.I didn't like the fact it ended in a cliffhanger- which is something I getting burnt out on.
July 20, 2023
Natalia's Struggle
When I first started reading this book I was a little bit confused in the time difference and also what happened in Santorini for her to leave and risk it back in Russia.
I struggled to see Natalia (Athena/Ekaterina) as the character she is in this book. She is VERY far removed from the sister that helped Sasha. I found myself throughout the book saying "Why doesn't she contact her sister and go to America?" that's where she knew she had to go to stay safe so why is she back.
We also meet a very, very angry and vengeful Makhail. While I started the warm to his character in the middle of the book by the end I was with Natalia in my dislike for him.
I think that the last few scenes that they have together while outlined new discoveries about themselves and their 'arrangement' were way too intense for what was needed.
I have read alot of rough scenes but there was always an undertone of desire and want. But I didn't feel that in these scenes, especially not the last one. Their first time while being intense and full of want for what each of them wanted the other for; was way to brutal and was just like she was a hooker and he could do as he pleased. I feel like there would've been a bigger impact if it was more like the scene in the penthouse; especially that through most of the book it was always teetering and teasing on them ending up in bed together.
I feel like M. James may have missed the mark on that sense. It could've been written a very different way making more of an impact with the cuffs and culmination at the end of the book. Her previous books have had the intensity and roughness and absolute passion in the scenes before but these ones left me wishing it was a different way so the betrayal and revenge could mean so much more.
We also don't get any hint on the people of who Mikhail is avenging; we may in next books but still it would help us relate to him. I also don't really get how he hasn't realised that if she helped kill and killed her father and his guards then how can we get his revenge. She did his job for him obviously she hated her father. Mikhail might not like her for doing it instead of him but at least it's been done....
When I first started reading this book I was a little bit confused in the time difference and also what happened in Santorini for her to leave and risk it back in Russia.
I struggled to see Natalia (Athena/Ekaterina) as the character she is in this book. She is VERY far removed from the sister that helped Sasha. I found myself throughout the book saying "Why doesn't she contact her sister and go to America?" that's where she knew she had to go to stay safe so why is she back.
We also meet a very, very angry and vengeful Makhail. While I started the warm to his character in the middle of the book by the end I was with Natalia in my dislike for him.
I think that the last few scenes that they have together while outlined new discoveries about themselves and their 'arrangement' were way too intense for what was needed.
I have read alot of rough scenes but there was always an undertone of desire and want. But I didn't feel that in these scenes, especially not the last one. Their first time while being intense and full of want for what each of them wanted the other for; was way to brutal and was just like she was a hooker and he could do as he pleased. I feel like there would've been a bigger impact if it was more like the scene in the penthouse; especially that through most of the book it was always teetering and teasing on them ending up in bed together.
I feel like M. James may have missed the mark on that sense. It could've been written a very different way making more of an impact with the cuffs and culmination at the end of the book. Her previous books have had the intensity and roughness and absolute passion in the scenes before but these ones left me wishing it was a different way so the betrayal and revenge could mean so much more.
We also don't get any hint on the people of who Mikhail is avenging; we may in next books but still it would help us relate to him. I also don't really get how he hasn't realised that if she helped kill and killed her father and his guards then how can we get his revenge. She did his job for him obviously she hated her father. Mikhail might not like her for doing it instead of him but at least it's been done....
February 28, 2023
Wicked Indeed Be Prepared for the unexpected
M.James has delivered another amazing dark mafia romance and its a trilogy so we get 2 more books with these amazing characters. This book is filled with secrets, lies, deception, sinfully delicious scenes of intense moments between our two main characters. Mikhail is ruggedly handsome and oh so delicious with his secret plotting and we get glimpses of his messed up past that makes him want go destroy Natalia. She is his enemies only living heir and he must make her disappear because he needs this closure . He can't and won't let her distract him except that is al! she has been doing and can be real?y go through with his plan! Natalia has been hiding away in Moscow in hopes of escaping her past and starting new somewhere else and finally be free from the Bratva and everything her old life was! She never expected to meet a man like Mikhail and he does things to her she never knew would turn her on so much! She can't lose focus and her past is not entirely behind her abd she could still be in danger.
There are some hints of some of M. James other amazing characters reappearing in the books ahead and I can't wait to see what Book 2 is going to hold because their story is far from over and I know it's going to be a wild ride. Be prepared to be blown away from this amazing new series. You will not be able to get enough of this hot and oh so sinful Russians. Happy Reading!!!!
M.James has delivered another amazing dark mafia romance and its a trilogy so we get 2 more books with these amazing characters. This book is filled with secrets, lies, deception, sinfully delicious scenes of intense moments between our two main characters. Mikhail is ruggedly handsome and oh so delicious with his secret plotting and we get glimpses of his messed up past that makes him want go destroy Natalia. She is his enemies only living heir and he must make her disappear because he needs this closure . He can't and won't let her distract him except that is al! she has been doing and can be real?y go through with his plan! Natalia has been hiding away in Moscow in hopes of escaping her past and starting new somewhere else and finally be free from the Bratva and everything her old life was! She never expected to meet a man like Mikhail and he does things to her she never knew would turn her on so much! She can't lose focus and her past is not entirely behind her abd she could still be in danger.
There are some hints of some of M. James other amazing characters reappearing in the books ahead and I can't wait to see what Book 2 is going to hold because their story is far from over and I know it's going to be a wild ride. Be prepared to be blown away from this amazing new series. You will not be able to get enough of this hot and oh so sinful Russians. Happy Reading!!!!
March 11, 2023
3.75 stars
M James certainly knows how to write the sexual tension and scenes.
I’m thinking you need to have read the prior trilogies to understand Mikhail’s pov. He’s out for revenge, straight and simple. And to get back into the good graces of Viktor. And you will get the most of the story by understanding Viktor’s story.
I’m dying to know who the woman and child in the picture in his wallet are. Wife? Sister? I thought he said he’d not been in love.
But he is obsessed, maniacally obsessed, with Athena, Ekaterina, Natalia.
So, revenge, yes. But also, I sense a total love story coming.
M James certainly knows how to write the sexual tension and scenes.
I’m thinking you need to have read the prior trilogies to understand Mikhail’s pov. He’s out for revenge, straight and simple. And to get back into the good graces of Viktor. And you will get the most of the story by understanding Viktor’s story.
I’m dying to know who the woman and child in the picture in his wallet are. Wife? Sister? I thought he said he’d not been in love.
But he is obsessed, maniacally obsessed, with Athena, Ekaterina, Natalia.
So, revenge, yes. But also, I sense a total love story coming.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2023
He will get what he wants!
Natalia is hiding out trying to make enough money to escape from Moscow after her father's death. Mikhail is trying to find a way to get revenge against the Obelenskys for making his boss think he betrayed him. When he learns where he can find Natalia Obelensky he starts playing a game of cat and mouse with her and plans on using her to clear his name and then he will dispose of her so there is not a single Obelensky still breathing. This is the first book in their story so be ready for a cliffhanger ending. Great story so far and I'm looking forward to book two.
Natalia is hiding out trying to make enough money to escape from Moscow after her father's death. Mikhail is trying to find a way to get revenge against the Obelenskys for making his boss think he betrayed him. When he learns where he can find Natalia Obelensky he starts playing a game of cat and mouse with her and plans on using her to clear his name and then he will dispose of her so there is not a single Obelensky still breathing. This is the first book in their story so be ready for a cliffhanger ending. Great story so far and I'm looking forward to book two.
August 6, 2023
A dangerous man wanting revenge
Mikhail, wants revenge more than anything else, he wanted to kill Natalia father but someone beat him to it, he now wants the person responsible for taking that pleasure from him Plus find his legitimate daughter Natalia and kill her as well, she was reported dead but he thinks she is in hiding, he just has to find her, he is working on that a along with a snitch and others who are searching. He then gets a lead and a photograph but Mikhail is not convinced It is her, yet. Well written and believable, hard to put down.
Mikhail, wants revenge more than anything else, he wanted to kill Natalia father but someone beat him to it, he now wants the person responsible for taking that pleasure from him Plus find his legitimate daughter Natalia and kill her as well, she was reported dead but he thinks she is in hiding, he just has to find her, he is working on that a along with a snitch and others who are searching. He then gets a lead and a photograph but Mikhail is not convinced It is her, yet. Well written and believable, hard to put down.
May 13, 2024
Fanciful
Nothing but sexual fantasies, wet dreams and sensual thoughts. Where is the story? What is the main male character Mikhail mad about? What exactly happened to Natalia to cause her to hide? Nothing is explained. There is no background to introduce the characters. There is no character development. There is no intimacy. Sex is repetitive and boring. Stopped when abuse occurred in penthouse.
Nothing but sexual fantasies, wet dreams and sensual thoughts. Where is the story? What is the main male character Mikhail mad about? What exactly happened to Natalia to cause her to hide? Nothing is explained. There is no background to introduce the characters. There is no character development. There is no intimacy. Sex is repetitive and boring. Stopped when abuse occurred in penthouse.
February 27, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a steamy mafia plot with lots of twists. It’s full of drama and violence and a touch of stalking. Not for the faint of heart, for sure! A very good read. *this was a complimentary copy via HiddenGems and this is my honest review*
March 6, 2023
Who doesn’t love a ballerina
I can’t wait for the next book!
This is a trilogy so there is still so much we don’t know and I honestly really want to see the journey these two amazing characters are going to go on.
I can’t wait for the next book!
This is a trilogy so there is still so much we don’t know and I honestly really want to see the journey these two amazing characters are going to go on.
March 12, 2024
Mmmmmmmm
What a beginning? Mikhail is a force to be reckoned with. Natalia was count ok before meeting Mikhal....or at least working at it. They kind of played each other but for different outcomes. I think Mikhail his about to face a dilemma?
What a beginning? Mikhail is a force to be reckoned with. Natalia was count ok before meeting Mikhal....or at least working at it. They kind of played each other but for different outcomes. I think Mikhail his about to face a dilemma?
May 17, 2025
Thank you so much M.James for that cliff hanger at the end of the book. I had to hurry up and get started on the 2nd book. I love Natalia. She is such a strong woman for everything that she has gone through. You really know how to get me hooked with your writing!
February 22, 2023
This was okay. It was not as exciting as I expected it to be. I will not continue the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2023
I NEED more
Oh my goodness this is too good!! Can’t wait for this trilogy to be completed!!! So many questions I need answers to!!
Oh my goodness this is too good!! Can’t wait for this trilogy to be completed!!! So many questions I need answers to!!
August 3, 2023
oh god
Oh my this is a hot book to read , bad men taking what they want no matter what, strong women too
Oh my this is a hot book to read , bad men taking what they want no matter what, strong women too
February 6, 2024
I honestly thought she was going to be with Levin but guess not lol there was a lot of build up though which I liked
March 6, 2023
Great book.. Can't wait for the next..
February 24, 2025
DNF - only 40% I am over reading novels that are revenge tropes that possess such a visceral assault upon an innocent woman who happens to be a daughter, or sister, or cousin to the actual perpetrator and is held accountable for her families' sins. Unless a revenge trope has something else to it, I won't waste my time reading it. I look for an author who is able to think out of the box and provide a revenge trope with a twist to the plot instead of the usual read and repeat of; "guy going after girl because of who she is related to. It's been done many times by many authors and needs a good story attached to it that is actually based upon something other than sexual attraction, bondage, torture and submission.
Neither Nikolai or or Natalia are very interesting characters even though they could be. This author has a history of taking the MFC and putting them through hell, many times by everyone including the MMC by the end of the trilogy. I've read Viktor's and Catarina's story as well as many of the other trilogies leading up to this trilogy and have found some I liked and some that were just okay. I connected with the characters in those trilogies, but found even at 40% I wasn't connecting with either character.
Nikolai's character is dark but is too much of a deviant for my taste and Natalia's character is just tepid. There is not allot to Nikolai's character that I am attracted to while expecting more from a (run-away/trying to stay alive) Natalia.
Neither Nikolai or or Natalia are very interesting characters even though they could be. This author has a history of taking the MFC and putting them through hell, many times by everyone including the MMC by the end of the trilogy. I've read Viktor's and Catarina's story as well as many of the other trilogies leading up to this trilogy and have found some I liked and some that were just okay. I connected with the characters in those trilogies, but found even at 40% I wasn't connecting with either character.
Nikolai's character is dark but is too much of a deviant for my taste and Natalia's character is just tepid. There is not allot to Nikolai's character that I am attracted to while expecting more from a (run-away/trying to stay alive) Natalia.
May 21, 2023
This was okay. I don’t think I’ve read anything from this author before but I was curious how the story would play out, I’ve read one or two that were along the same lines. While I enjoyed the cat and mouse between Mikhaïl and Natalia, I didn’t love the details of it. The story was dark and twisted, but it felt like a slow burn towards the bigger story. I guess I needed more that what I got which should leave me wanting for the next book, but it didn’t. It’s worth reading if your into mafia princess stories. It definitely had its moments.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a copy.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a copy.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews