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Volkov Bratva #2
A Sense of Duty
I was never supposed to marry Andrei Belov. He was meant to marry my beautiful sister. But she did something very wrong to have the man in charge of the Volkov Bratva change his mind.
Now I’m married to a man many call a monster. He ignores me. I mean nothing to him.
I’m trapped and alone in a loveless marriage. My parents don’t care. They have what they want. Andrei doesn’t like it when I have friends. He doesn’t like it when others take care of me. He claims not to have slept with my sister, but Bethany is still around to cause me trouble, to make me doubt.
It all starts with a kiss to get what I want. If I kiss him, I'll get a reward, but soon the game changes.
I’m Andrei Belov’s wife. In this world, no one is safe, especially not me. I didn’t know it, but I have an enemy, one that wants me dead no matter the cost. I wasn’t supposed to marry into this family, but now, there is no way out.
Now I’m married to a man many call a monster. He ignores me. I mean nothing to him.
I’m trapped and alone in a loveless marriage. My parents don’t care. They have what they want. Andrei doesn’t like it when I have friends. He doesn’t like it when others take care of me. He claims not to have slept with my sister, but Bethany is still around to cause me trouble, to make me doubt.
It all starts with a kiss to get what I want. If I kiss him, I'll get a reward, but soon the game changes.
I’m Andrei Belov’s wife. In this world, no one is safe, especially not me. I didn’t know it, but I have an enemy, one that wants me dead no matter the cost. I wasn’t supposed to marry into this family, but now, there is no way out.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2023
293 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Sam Crescent
552 books5,504 followersSam Crescent is passionate about fiction. She loves a good erotic romance and so it only made sense for her to spread her wings and start writing. She began writing in 2009 and finally got that first acceptance in 2011 by Total-E-Bound.
She loved creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.
She loved creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
March 21, 2023
SAFETY SPOILERS!!! Read at your own risk!!
Warning ⚠️
SPOILERS:
Ok so this one would’ve been a 5 star review if it hadn’t been the uncertainty of the hero’s celibacy after meeting h. Hero was engaged to heroines sister but because she was trash, she was removed as his intended and her little sister, the h, was exchanged. The hero never fucked the first sister. All good so far. THEN, Out of nowhere, it turns out the hero encountered the h a couple years earlier and he’s been watching over her ever since. He never makes a move on her because he doesn’t want her exposed to the brutality of the bratva life. It’s unclear if he was still sticking his dick into std-traps while watching over the h. At one point it says he’s been celibate for a while, but no dates are given.
The only certainty is that after they’re officially engaged, he is only with the heroine and no one else, despite offers. He was vicious and hard and emotionally closed off and I LOVED watching him slowly melt for the heroine.
Besides all the OW and manwhore sliminess, this story was really good. This was a perfect pairing of light and dark, innocence and corruption, the yin and Yang. So much emotional intensity and angst and some heart wrenching moments. There’s lots of a blood and violence, with a hero who isn’t afraid to murder and torture, and at one point, heroine is caught in the web of violence. And sadly, she suffers a miscarriage. Thankfully, this ends on an HEA and she gets pregnant again. I loved the heroine—she was so gentle and sweet and just wanted to be loved and belong.
Safety unknown. Hero’s past is mentioned and he was a manwhore, but has been celibate for an undisclosed period of time. He is faithful to heroine after their engagement. Heroine is a virgin and gives the hero the gift of claiming all her firsts for himself. Ow drama, no real OM drama, no cheating after together, no sharing or abuse between MCs. HEA with epilogue years out.
Warning ⚠️
SPOILERS:
Ok so this one would’ve been a 5 star review if it hadn’t been the uncertainty of the hero’s celibacy after meeting h. Hero was engaged to heroines sister but because she was trash, she was removed as his intended and her little sister, the h, was exchanged. The hero never fucked the first sister. All good so far. THEN, Out of nowhere, it turns out the hero encountered the h a couple years earlier and he’s been watching over her ever since. He never makes a move on her because he doesn’t want her exposed to the brutality of the bratva life. It’s unclear if he was still sticking his dick into std-traps while watching over the h. At one point it says he’s been celibate for a while, but no dates are given.
The only certainty is that after they’re officially engaged, he is only with the heroine and no one else, despite offers. He was vicious and hard and emotionally closed off and I LOVED watching him slowly melt for the heroine.
Besides all the OW and manwhore sliminess, this story was really good. This was a perfect pairing of light and dark, innocence and corruption, the yin and Yang. So much emotional intensity and angst and some heart wrenching moments. There’s lots of a blood and violence, with a hero who isn’t afraid to murder and torture, and at one point, heroine is caught in the web of violence. And sadly, she suffers a miscarriage. Thankfully, this ends on an HEA and she gets pregnant again. I loved the heroine—she was so gentle and sweet and just wanted to be loved and belong.
Safety unknown. Hero’s past is mentioned and he was a manwhore, but has been celibate for an undisclosed period of time. He is faithful to heroine after their engagement. Heroine is a virgin and gives the hero the gift of claiming all her firsts for himself. Ow drama, no real OM drama, no cheating after together, no sharing or abuse between MCs. HEA with epilogue years out.
September 1, 2024
So I gave this one 3 ⭐ because at least I could finish it. There were some elements here that made the story interesting as well.. but it seemed like the author struggled too much to keep the overall plot, as well as the characters consistent. And so that's what made this one a let down for me..
Our heroine starts out very strong, well rounded, if not a little lonely and resigned to her fate, due to her nasty upbringing with her parents and only sibling... but somewhere around the 7th chapter she begins to display behaviors and thoughts that are totally not in line with the character we've come to know at that point. And the "conflict", if one can call it that, was completely ridiculous, because she should have known better. Because she knows EXACTLY who her sister is and what that chick is capable of..
So naturally her acting afraid, unsure, and completely clueless for majority of the story, about being conflicted with who and what to believe, REALLY annoyed me.
Then we have the secondary plots and issues with the Bratva and their enemies and allies.. Some of it was interesting and just down right gruesome. Some of it was just Meh and not all that well fleshed out.. Therefore the flow of all things including reveals, didn't flow well or link up tightly.
Now, Andrei, I like.. but he's a very imbalanced individual. But his personal story was heartbreaking to witness.. the only thing I truly connected with here, was his feelings for Adelaide..🤍 But because she was turning into a disappointment, I later couldn't understand WHY he was having such strong emotions for her.
So there you go🥴
Also, this author from a technical stand point, needs to improve the skill of telling a story in the present tense, without using past tense descriptions and lingo.. This really threw me out of the flow of a scene too often in this story.
Overall this story was just Meh to me, but with occasional flashes of intrigue and scary.
So due to the Author's prose/style, I will not be continuing on with this series..
This is also the first book I read in this series.. I know it was out of sequence, but the 1st book synopsis did not pique my interest enough.
Our heroine starts out very strong, well rounded, if not a little lonely and resigned to her fate, due to her nasty upbringing with her parents and only sibling... but somewhere around the 7th chapter she begins to display behaviors and thoughts that are totally not in line with the character we've come to know at that point. And the "conflict", if one can call it that, was completely ridiculous, because she should have known better. Because she knows EXACTLY who her sister is and what that chick is capable of..
So naturally her acting afraid, unsure, and completely clueless for majority of the story, about being conflicted with who and what to believe, REALLY annoyed me.
Then we have the secondary plots and issues with the Bratva and their enemies and allies.. Some of it was interesting and just down right gruesome. Some of it was just Meh and not all that well fleshed out.. Therefore the flow of all things including reveals, didn't flow well or link up tightly.
Now, Andrei, I like.. but he's a very imbalanced individual. But his personal story was heartbreaking to witness.. the only thing I truly connected with here, was his feelings for Adelaide..🤍 But because she was turning into a disappointment, I later couldn't understand WHY he was having such strong emotions for her.
So there you go🥴
Also, this author from a technical stand point, needs to improve the skill of telling a story in the present tense, without using past tense descriptions and lingo.. This really threw me out of the flow of a scene too often in this story.
Overall this story was just Meh to me, but with occasional flashes of intrigue and scary.
So due to the Author's prose/style, I will not be continuing on with this series..
This is also the first book I read in this series.. I know it was out of sequence, but the 1st book synopsis did not pique my interest enough.
June 1, 2024
First, let me say, 2023 is the year of Sam Crescent. This is a newer series and a bit different from other Bratva/Mafia books. I honestly don't know where to start. This was so well written that the story grabs you from the first page and does not let go. There was never a dull moment or a lull. This story is the second in the Volkov Bratva series, but can be read as a stand-alone. I was amazed at how the characters came back to me from the first book and seamlessly eased in to this book. This story centers on Andrei, a Bratva brigadier, and his arranged marriage to Adelaide. I don't want to give anything away. This is a dark romance with violence but has a HEA and worth the ride. I can't wait for Ivan and Ive's stories. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 15, 2023
I love Sam
I have been reading and following her books for a long time because she writes good series and sometimes she comes out with gems 💎 that stay in your memory for ever
But this book was a discarded carbon copy of book 1
It is literally the same story line, same character personalities, same issues and insecurities
It's like Sam was busy and wanted to get through this book as quickly as possible so she just took book 1, changed the names added a few snippets here and there and Voila! Book 2
(And from the look of it, book 3 is heading in the same direction)
Forced marriage
A female who is so insecure, so discarded by her family, so overshadowed by her older sister that all she has on her mind is "is he fucking other women" and " I am bored"
I love Sam for featuring the plus-sized females but come on! Make it reliable!
So all her family are skinny but she somehow ends up Vegan and curvey?????
And the hit man who befriends her because she is "not like other girls"????
I DNFed at 70% Because I felt that if I continue I would go in search of a girl Ike Adelaide to slap the shit out her
I have been reading and following her books for a long time because she writes good series and sometimes she comes out with gems 💎 that stay in your memory for ever
But this book was a discarded carbon copy of book 1
It is literally the same story line, same character personalities, same issues and insecurities
It's like Sam was busy and wanted to get through this book as quickly as possible so she just took book 1, changed the names added a few snippets here and there and Voila! Book 2
(And from the look of it, book 3 is heading in the same direction)
Forced marriage
A female who is so insecure, so discarded by her family, so overshadowed by her older sister that all she has on her mind is "is he fucking other women" and " I am bored"
I love Sam for featuring the plus-sized females but come on! Make it reliable!
So all her family are skinny but she somehow ends up Vegan and curvey?????
And the hit man who befriends her because she is "not like other girls"????
I DNFed at 70% Because I felt that if I continue I would go in search of a girl Ike Adelaide to slap the shit out her
July 10, 2025
Searching for you
Can I just say that I absolutely love Ivan, not to be confused with Ive. He has such a mysterious air about him and he follows only his own agenda. I hope that we will get to read his HEA once he is finished marrying off all of his men. This book was a fantastic read! The author overlaid it with book one in some parts and it fit perfectly. The characters were as amazing as I was hoping they would be after getting glimpses of them in book one. I love that she started the book with a bang, quite literally, and then circled back around. I enjoyed each moment of this story and I will be anxiously awaiting the next installment.
Can I just say that I absolutely love Ivan, not to be confused with Ive. He has such a mysterious air about him and he follows only his own agenda. I hope that we will get to read his HEA once he is finished marrying off all of his men. This book was a fantastic read! The author overlaid it with book one in some parts and it fit perfectly. The characters were as amazing as I was hoping they would be after getting glimpses of them in book one. I love that she started the book with a bang, quite literally, and then circled back around. I enjoyed each moment of this story and I will be anxiously awaiting the next installment.
March 17, 2023
I’m a big fan of this authors MC books so when I spotted this mafia story I wanted to see her spin on this trope. She did not disappoint. I loved the hero and how he’s only gentle with the heroine. Plenty of action, some angst and a great cast of supporting characters. I’m definitely going to read book one & hoping there’s a book for the boss coming soon. Definitely recommend.
I received an arc of this book
I received an arc of this book
April 7, 2023
I tried to read multiple books from this author but
1. Her plots are so boring
2. Her heroines are always annoying, weak, “not like other girls.” And doormat behavior
3. Her heroes are equally unlikeable, alpha assholes and not the good kind, never change their ways or attitudes towards the heroines
4. The author rambles ALOT…
1. Her plots are so boring
2. Her heroines are always annoying, weak, “not like other girls.” And doormat behavior
3. Her heroes are equally unlikeable, alpha assholes and not the good kind, never change their ways or attitudes towards the heroines
4. The author rambles ALOT…
May 28, 2023
Andrei and Adelaide were the most unlikely couple in a world that seems to be against them both. However, they work as a couple and it makes you want them to receive their happily ever after.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
should-i-shouldnt-i
December 18, 2023Free in Smashwords store 18 December 2023 - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Read
August 20, 2024DNF at 31%
The H calling ow names will never be okay.
The H calling ow names will never be okay.
January 13, 2024
My rating: 3 stars
What I loved: I liked how Andrei(H) didn’t sleep with the sister and that he actually hated her. I also liked how Leo tried to help Adelaide and Andrei’s relationship.
What I didn’t like: I wish the sister would have died a slow painful death especially after everything she did to Adelaide(h). I also wished we got to see her parents struggling in the future and begging Adelaide and Andrei’s for help (of course they turn them down). I also didn’t like that Leo died. I really liked him.
**Major Spoilers/ Details/Triggers: H is part of the mafia and is engaged to marry h’s sister. When the sister is caught having an orgy the h marries the H instead. H always wanted the h and never liked the sister (never had sexual relations with her). The h isn’t happy because the H leaves her alone with nothing to do. H doesn’t take h’s virginity waiting on the h. When the sister causes problems, telling the h that H and her are having sex, h gets upset. H tells h that he never touched the sister. They works things out. They become intimate and h gets pregnant. When the h goes to the H after receiving a text to come, h gets shot and looses the baby. H finds out that sister was behind it, along with another mafia guy. H and h start getting closer and go on their honeymoon. When they get back they are shot at again, this time no one gets hurt. H finally has enough proof on the sister with the mafia guy and lets the head boss know. At the end, the h gets kidnapped and the H with the head boss and his trusted men go and get her back. They kill the traitor and the h’s sister. HEA five years later with the h no longer talking or supporting her parents, them having a five year old son and her pregnant again.
Final thoughts: I have read a few of this author’s books and I enjoy most of them. I will definitely go back and read the rest of this series.
What I loved: I liked how Andrei(H) didn’t sleep with the sister and that he actually hated her. I also liked how Leo tried to help Adelaide and Andrei’s relationship.
What I didn’t like: I wish the sister would have died a slow painful death especially after everything she did to Adelaide(h). I also wished we got to see her parents struggling in the future and begging Adelaide and Andrei’s for help (of course they turn them down). I also didn’t like that Leo died. I really liked him.
**Major Spoilers/ Details/Triggers: H is part of the mafia and is engaged to marry h’s sister. When the sister is caught having an orgy the h marries the H instead. H always wanted the h and never liked the sister (never had sexual relations with her). The h isn’t happy because the H leaves her alone with nothing to do. H doesn’t take h’s virginity waiting on the h. When the sister causes problems, telling the h that H and her are having sex, h gets upset. H tells h that he never touched the sister. They works things out. They become intimate and h gets pregnant. When the h goes to the H after receiving a text to come, h gets shot and looses the baby. H finds out that sister was behind it, along with another mafia guy. H and h start getting closer and go on their honeymoon. When they get back they are shot at again, this time no one gets hurt. H finally has enough proof on the sister with the mafia guy and lets the head boss know. At the end, the h gets kidnapped and the H with the head boss and his trusted men go and get her back. They kill the traitor and the h’s sister. HEA five years later with the h no longer talking or supporting her parents, them having a five year old son and her pregnant again.
Final thoughts: I have read a few of this author’s books and I enjoy most of them. I will definitely go back and read the rest of this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2023
I received an ARC from netgalley in exchange of an honest review:
I loved this, way more than I thought I would. Adelaide had been through so much in her life, Andrei too. They both suffered so much, be it phsysically or mentally, I felt really bad for them, they deserved so much more from life. Adelaide had so low self esteem, she was so sweet and a good person and beautiful too, but she couldn't see it, my heart broke for her. Andrei loved her but didn't want to show weakness, but loving her just made him stronger and a more good person. They deserved their happiness and each other, they really deserved their HEA. I can't wait for the rest of their books
I loved this, way more than I thought I would. Adelaide had been through so much in her life, Andrei too. They both suffered so much, be it phsysically or mentally, I felt really bad for them, they deserved so much more from life. Adelaide had so low self esteem, she was so sweet and a good person and beautiful too, but she couldn't see it, my heart broke for her. Andrei loved her but didn't want to show weakness, but loving her just made him stronger and a more good person. They deserved their happiness and each other, they really deserved their HEA. I can't wait for the rest of their books
March 31, 2023
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4 / 5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : None
Hero : Adelaide
Heroine : Andrie
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 5/10
Heat Rating : 5/10
Triggers Involved : Forced Marriage , Mafia , Violence , Manipulation
Plot Summary :
When a sudden change of fate forces Adelaide to marry the man her sister was going to marry , she knows nothing will ever be the same . Andrie is a man who is not to be crossed and she knows that she is not cut out for the mafia life. But now she has no choice but to comply and live with a man who won't hesitate to hurt her if he feels like it. Or so she thinks.
Overall Opinion :
I have always been a fan of this author's books and never hesitate to pick them up. This one was no different. I love her mafia heroes and was so excited to read this one finally!
Andrie and Adelaide have a tale that will hook you in right from the start to the end. This book was more like an enemies to lovers romance but there was no intense hate between the characters and things got smoothened out pretty quickly. Definitely recommending this one to all the dark romance loving people out there.
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May 10, 2023
okay, so this novel was so much better than the first entry in the series, and i loved that, even though there were some things i think could have been improved in "second best". andrei, the H, is actually head over fucking heels for adelaide, his arranged wife and our h from the moment he sees her, and unabashadly loves her body, which i am so here for. their relationship felt less... frustrating than that of aurora and slavik, and just more sweet (if very unrealistic lol). adelaide also was more interesting to me as a heroine (even though they are basically the same person, the female heroines in sam crescent's books are all kinda the same character archetype), and i liked their friendship. all in all, this one was a great read, 12/10. looking forward to the next one which i gather will focus on ive and lottie. i hope we'll also get a book on ivan volkov himself, that's what i'm most curious about.
July 3, 2023
I liked it…
This book, like the first has typos and one instance of a mix up in character name.
However, I was hooked from the first chapter and I couldn't get enough of Andrei and Adelaide. I couldn't read fast enough to see what would happen.
PLOT: A book about a man who is arranged to be married to a spoiled bitch. But when the slut messes up her innocent sister takes her place. She is scared but ends up falling for her arranged husband. But her sister is evil. And tries to tear them apart.
That said, the story line will certainly allow additional Bratva books be written. I am hopeful books for Ivan and also Nathan follow.
This book, like the first has typos and one instance of a mix up in character name.
However, I was hooked from the first chapter and I couldn't get enough of Andrei and Adelaide. I couldn't read fast enough to see what would happen.
PLOT: A book about a man who is arranged to be married to a spoiled bitch. But when the slut messes up her innocent sister takes her place. She is scared but ends up falling for her arranged husband. But her sister is evil. And tries to tear them apart.
That said, the story line will certainly allow additional Bratva books be written. I am hopeful books for Ivan and also Nathan follow.
March 7, 2023
This story is the second in a series, but can be read as a stand-alone without too much trouble. This story focuses on Andrei, a bravata brigadier, and is arranged marriage to Adelaide. This story is dark and does contain lots of violence, multiple times directed at the FL, but not by the ML.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2023
Andrei and Adelaide’s story was bitterly sweet and so chaotic at times my head was spinning. Adelaide was the second choice to be betrothed to Andrei, a brigadier in the Bratva.
This story had so many twists and turns which created a fast and furious pace.
I thoroughly enjoyed this couples story and can’t wait to read more.
This story had so many twists and turns which created a fast and furious pace.
I thoroughly enjoyed this couples story and can’t wait to read more.
March 7, 2023
What a read
Sam does not disappoint! What an adventure that I just did not want it to end. A must read!
If I could give more than 5 Stars I would!!
Sam does not disappoint! What an adventure that I just did not want it to end. A must read!
If I could give more than 5 Stars I would!!
September 8, 2023
3.5 stars 🌟
June 14, 2024
Loved this!.
Dark mafia story, standalone but previous characters do appear, with a happily ever after. You did get a glimpse of these 2 in the first book.
Well written, cleverly put together and with twists and turns.
He isn’t the best at first, as in ignoring or or trying to keep her safe by effectively confining her to the penthouse. But the whole thing progresses perfectly.
Dark mafia story, standalone but previous characters do appear, with a happily ever after. You did get a glimpse of these 2 in the first book.
Well written, cleverly put together and with twists and turns.
He isn’t the best at first, as in ignoring or or trying to keep her safe by effectively confining her to the penthouse. But the whole thing progresses perfectly.
April 10, 2023
4.4 stars out of 5 (standard rounding rules apply)
*Please be kind to yourself, and check your CWs and TWs.*
Within the first chapter I was completely hooked. Andrei and Adelaide are our two main characters, and they don't disappoint. Having been the first book I read by Sam Crescent; it made me question why I never picked up any of her books before.
This book can be read as a standalone, however, due to it being a book two reading the first would probably be helpful. I did not read the first one, and was capable of putting pieces together. There is that feeling though that certain dynamics and 'updates', if you will, on some of the other minor/supporting character would have been covered in the first book. I plan to read the first, and then read this one again. This is a recommendation, though not a requirement as the story stands well enough by itself.
Andrei is a brigadier within the Bratva. He is known for being brutal, but also loyal through and through to his Pakhan. There was a lot of character development with him, though most could only be found when he is alone with Adelaide. This I felt worked really well with his 'touch her, and I'll unalive you' mentality. But like most alpha-hole characters he is not without tragedy, much of which helps to create the person he is to the outside world.
Adelaide probably had more development. She was the outcast daughter, who despite it all was kind, caring and nurturing to many around her. One thing I really loved about her was that she was a curvy female lead. With that came insecurities but they were not the driving point of the story; in fact, this was done well in a way it felt relatable for anyone who doesn't fit the "standard size". Through all this she found that not everything she had heard about Andrei was true, though some of it was - just not to her.
When it comes to spice, I would definitely give it a solid three chili-peppers out of five chili-peppers. (Please keep in mind this is my personal opinion, and it may be more or less to you.) There were definitely some adventurous scenes within the story. These were done well, though I felt it took some time for it to get there which was disappointing - but I am also impatient when the characters chemistry is steaming off the pages.
This story would definitely be classified as a dark romance considering some of the subject matter within. With one of the major plots being someone is trying to kill Adelaide, or maybe it's Andrei... or perhaps both. Throughout it all though these two prevail, partly due to the determination to rise above their traumatic pasts; and the other part being the drive to support and protect the other while trying not to fall in love.
As mentioned at the very top, please be kind to yourself and be aware of TWs and CWs. However, if you don't have any within (or at all) this book will definitely knock your socks off and keep you guessing along the way. There were definitely some minor issues within which kept it from being a five star. This is an immediate add to my dark romance, mafia/bratva/mob recommendation list.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
*Please be kind to yourself, and check your CWs and TWs.*
Within the first chapter I was completely hooked. Andrei and Adelaide are our two main characters, and they don't disappoint. Having been the first book I read by Sam Crescent; it made me question why I never picked up any of her books before.
This book can be read as a standalone, however, due to it being a book two reading the first would probably be helpful. I did not read the first one, and was capable of putting pieces together. There is that feeling though that certain dynamics and 'updates', if you will, on some of the other minor/supporting character would have been covered in the first book. I plan to read the first, and then read this one again. This is a recommendation, though not a requirement as the story stands well enough by itself.
Andrei is a brigadier within the Bratva. He is known for being brutal, but also loyal through and through to his Pakhan. There was a lot of character development with him, though most could only be found when he is alone with Adelaide. This I felt worked really well with his 'touch her, and I'll unalive you' mentality. But like most alpha-hole characters he is not without tragedy, much of which helps to create the person he is to the outside world.
Adelaide probably had more development. She was the outcast daughter, who despite it all was kind, caring and nurturing to many around her. One thing I really loved about her was that she was a curvy female lead. With that came insecurities but they were not the driving point of the story; in fact, this was done well in a way it felt relatable for anyone who doesn't fit the "standard size". Through all this she found that not everything she had heard about Andrei was true, though some of it was - just not to her.
When it comes to spice, I would definitely give it a solid three chili-peppers out of five chili-peppers. (Please keep in mind this is my personal opinion, and it may be more or less to you.) There were definitely some adventurous scenes within the story. These were done well, though I felt it took some time for it to get there which was disappointing - but I am also impatient when the characters chemistry is steaming off the pages.
This story would definitely be classified as a dark romance considering some of the subject matter within. With one of the major plots being someone is trying to kill Adelaide, or maybe it's Andrei... or perhaps both. Throughout it all though these two prevail, partly due to the determination to rise above their traumatic pasts; and the other part being the drive to support and protect the other while trying not to fall in love.
As mentioned at the very top, please be kind to yourself and be aware of TWs and CWs. However, if you don't have any within (or at all) this book will definitely knock your socks off and keep you guessing along the way. There were definitely some minor issues within which kept it from being a five star. This is an immediate add to my dark romance, mafia/bratva/mob recommendation list.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 11, 2023
3.75 stars—A SENSE OF DUTY is the second instalment in Sam Crescent’s contemporary, adult VOLKOV BRATVA dark, erotic, Bratva romance series. This is forty year old, Bratva Brigadier Andrei Belov, and twenty-one year old Adelaide’s story line. A SENSE OF DUTY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Adelaide and Andrei) A SENSE OF DUTY follows in the aftermath of the arranged marriage between forty year old, Bratva Brigadier Andrei Belov, and twenty-one year old Adelaide. Ivan Volkov is the head of the Volkov Bratva, and as such has arranged a marriage between his Brigadier Andrei Belov, and Adelaide’s sister Bethany but Bethany has angered the man in charge, and Andrei finds himself facing a woman who knows nothing about the life of which she is about to enter. Adelaide is an innocent, unaware of the nuances of Bratva life, and believes she is nothing more than a pawn in a bigger game for the Bratva alliances. From the outset Andrei Belov struggles with what to do with his new wife, a struggle that forces Andrei to push away the woman with whom he will fall in love but someone is targeting our story line couple, and with Andrei’s territory at risk, the safety of his young wife, and his need for control, threaten everything that has ever mattered. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Andrei and Adelaide, and the potential fall-out as Adelaide must face down an enemy she knows all too well.
The relationship between Adelaide and Andrei is an age gap, arranged marriage between a powerful member of the Volkov Bratva, and an innocent woman with issues of low self esteem, and a family who has turned their backs on their youngest daughter. Adelaide is the black sheep of the family, and as such as been sold to the Bratva to save someone else. Andrei’s attraction to Adelaide is hidden behind a mask of indifference and power but Andrei’s control is about to snap when the threat against Adelaide comes from a familiar place. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and provocative.
There is a large ensemble cast of interesting secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Andrei’s driver and security Leo; Adelaide’s friend Nathan, her sister Bethany, Volkov Pakhan Ivan Volkov; casino worker Anna; MC member Rage, and his ‘daughter’ Lottie, Oleg Pavlov, and the return of Aurora and Slavik Ivanov. The requisite evil has many faces.
A SENSE OF DUTY is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, fractured family dynamics, acceptance and love. The premise is dark, gritty and heart breaking; the romance is provocative but struggles in the face of issues of trust; the characters are broken, charismatic and tenacious.
www.thereadingcafe.com
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Adelaide and Andrei) A SENSE OF DUTY follows in the aftermath of the arranged marriage between forty year old, Bratva Brigadier Andrei Belov, and twenty-one year old Adelaide. Ivan Volkov is the head of the Volkov Bratva, and as such has arranged a marriage between his Brigadier Andrei Belov, and Adelaide’s sister Bethany but Bethany has angered the man in charge, and Andrei finds himself facing a woman who knows nothing about the life of which she is about to enter. Adelaide is an innocent, unaware of the nuances of Bratva life, and believes she is nothing more than a pawn in a bigger game for the Bratva alliances. From the outset Andrei Belov struggles with what to do with his new wife, a struggle that forces Andrei to push away the woman with whom he will fall in love but someone is targeting our story line couple, and with Andrei’s territory at risk, the safety of his young wife, and his need for control, threaten everything that has ever mattered. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Andrei and Adelaide, and the potential fall-out as Adelaide must face down an enemy she knows all too well.
The relationship between Adelaide and Andrei is an age gap, arranged marriage between a powerful member of the Volkov Bratva, and an innocent woman with issues of low self esteem, and a family who has turned their backs on their youngest daughter. Adelaide is the black sheep of the family, and as such as been sold to the Bratva to save someone else. Andrei’s attraction to Adelaide is hidden behind a mask of indifference and power but Andrei’s control is about to snap when the threat against Adelaide comes from a familiar place. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and provocative.
There is a large ensemble cast of interesting secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Andrei’s driver and security Leo; Adelaide’s friend Nathan, her sister Bethany, Volkov Pakhan Ivan Volkov; casino worker Anna; MC member Rage, and his ‘daughter’ Lottie, Oleg Pavlov, and the return of Aurora and Slavik Ivanov. The requisite evil has many faces.
A SENSE OF DUTY is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, fractured family dynamics, acceptance and love. The premise is dark, gritty and heart breaking; the romance is provocative but struggles in the face of issues of trust; the characters are broken, charismatic and tenacious.
www.thereadingcafe.com
March 25, 2023
A Sense of Duty was my introduction to the Volkov series, and I really liked Andrei. The plot itself was great, and the characters were also great!
I really wanted to give A Sense of Duty five stars, but there were so many errors with the writing that I can't.
Throughout the story, there's TONS of continuity errors, including from one line to the next (such as a glass being shattered, but then being drank from and refilled in the next line). Unfortunately, the continuity errors are glaringly obvious and really take you out of the story - doubting what you read a minute ago.
The relationship between Andrei and Adelaide was incredible to read, if sometimes a little annoying (like the continuity errors, Adelaide flip-flops between two opposite opinions at the drop of a hat). I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the pair, especially from Andrei's POV! Andrei's POV was written really well, but I found Adelaide incredibly self-pitying, with not all too much going for her. A lot of her POV is either complaining or doing a complete 180 on her opinions, but there are good moments. I hoped for more character development, but even towards the end of the book, Adelaide doesn't really change much.
It was great that there weren't many typos in the book (I counted one), it was definitely edited well! Some of the writing, though, absolutely needed an editor to take a closer look at. Certain lines don't make any sense at all, and left me struggling to understand what was happening (at one point, Adelaide claims it's so dark, she doesn't know if she can physically feel something), and some of the action scenes were just as perplexing.
The start of the book seems very fixated on one thing about Adelaide, and the author isn't afraid to remind you on almost every page that Adelaide has a specific trait. It was cute at first, but did start to grate on me and I began to find it more creepy than cute. The 18+ scenes are well written and very quick for the most part, though some of it reads awkwardly. These scenes are over quite fast, and I feel like they could be a little longer, but still - they're enjoyable!
Overall, A Sense of Duty was an enjoyable read, and I fell in love with Andrei! The only things holding this back are oversights with phrasing, continuity errors, and a slightly weak main character. Adelaide could've been so much more, but she was reduced to self-pitying and having no solid opinions (including about animals, which seems to be a big part of her at the start of the book?). Things definitely feel tied up by the end with no burning questions remaining, it feels well explained (even if you didn't read the first book). If you like bad boy mafia romance, this is definitely a read for you - but it might be a bit of a struggle overlooking some of the issues I've mentioned above.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really wanted to give A Sense of Duty five stars, but there were so many errors with the writing that I can't.
Throughout the story, there's TONS of continuity errors, including from one line to the next (such as a glass being shattered, but then being drank from and refilled in the next line). Unfortunately, the continuity errors are glaringly obvious and really take you out of the story - doubting what you read a minute ago.
The relationship between Andrei and Adelaide was incredible to read, if sometimes a little annoying (like the continuity errors, Adelaide flip-flops between two opposite opinions at the drop of a hat). I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the pair, especially from Andrei's POV! Andrei's POV was written really well, but I found Adelaide incredibly self-pitying, with not all too much going for her. A lot of her POV is either complaining or doing a complete 180 on her opinions, but there are good moments. I hoped for more character development, but even towards the end of the book, Adelaide doesn't really change much.
It was great that there weren't many typos in the book (I counted one), it was definitely edited well! Some of the writing, though, absolutely needed an editor to take a closer look at. Certain lines don't make any sense at all, and left me struggling to understand what was happening (at one point, Adelaide claims it's so dark, she doesn't know if she can physically feel something), and some of the action scenes were just as perplexing.
The start of the book seems very fixated on one thing about Adelaide, and the author isn't afraid to remind you on almost every page that Adelaide has a specific trait. It was cute at first, but did start to grate on me and I began to find it more creepy than cute. The 18+ scenes are well written and very quick for the most part, though some of it reads awkwardly. These scenes are over quite fast, and I feel like they could be a little longer, but still - they're enjoyable!
Overall, A Sense of Duty was an enjoyable read, and I fell in love with Andrei! The only things holding this back are oversights with phrasing, continuity errors, and a slightly weak main character. Adelaide could've been so much more, but she was reduced to self-pitying and having no solid opinions (including about animals, which seems to be a big part of her at the start of the book?). Things definitely feel tied up by the end with no burning questions remaining, it feels well explained (even if you didn't read the first book). If you like bad boy mafia romance, this is definitely a read for you - but it might be a bit of a struggle overlooking some of the issues I've mentioned above.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 6, 2024
I love the concept, past trauma, sweet but has a backbone fmc. Cold mmc. It sounds amazing to meeeee. So now your wondering why it’s 3 stars. Let’s dissect.
Love/like:
Like I mentioned, I luvvvv the tropes they are like music to my ears. Heroine was confident about her curves. Adelaide was a sweetheart through and through. She talked back to some extent to change her present cuz she was unhappy. Next, I love when the hero is cold and then breaks his barriers for the fmc it’s just so satisfying and rewarding.
Hated:
1. I hated how Andrei was a little dog just following orders from Ivan. Like Ivan even seemed like a friend the way he acted. But in Andrei’s POV he seemed distant and wayyyy lower in rank. I felt like they should’ve had a brothers type of relationship. Literally Slavik and Ivan seemed like two close friends that singled out Andrei. In his POV it said he didn’t care but I felt like he did idk. 2. Andrei was SOO controlling. Like he didn’t let her hangout with her FRIENDS and have electronics. I knew he didn’t trust people easily but he never said he didn’t trust her like in a jealous way. He just did not want her to have electronics? That is so toxic and weird, I hated that a lot. 3. Whenever he stopped her from touching him and she said to him something like “you won’t even let me touch you” in a hurtful way, he never assured her that it was HER touch it was more his own troubles. And even in his POV when she said that he just completed ignored it and focused on other things.
the flow/inconsistency of emotions:
the characters is so hot and cold. Adelaide is scared pooplesssssss of her new husband (rightfully), one talk after Ivan and now she is talking back and frustrated? That’s like a 180 is 2 seconds. Also he acted sooo cold and indifferent to anything she did as long as it followed his rules (🙄) buttt in his POV he acts like he is the most open and confrontal person on this planet. Another…and final thing… why did Adelaide’s feelings change from day and night in like 24 hrs or less?? I never knew how long smth had taken, the time length wasn’t making sense or am I just stupid? I just felt one chapter was inconsistent compared to the last.
Side note: the Evil Savages MC sounds so stupid and ridiculous. Like “evil savages” really? Also the thing with Ivan me Ive’s names being the exact same. What is the reason for that? It added nothing to the plot instead it just makes it a little more confusing. Plus Ive looks like I’ve and I keep pronouncing Ive as I’ve.
Kill me but I’m gonna read the next one HAH😘
Love/like:
Like I mentioned, I luvvvv the tropes they are like music to my ears. Heroine was confident about her curves. Adelaide was a sweetheart through and through. She talked back to some extent to change her present cuz she was unhappy. Next, I love when the hero is cold and then breaks his barriers for the fmc it’s just so satisfying and rewarding.
Hated:
1. I hated how Andrei was a little dog just following orders from Ivan. Like Ivan even seemed like a friend the way he acted. But in Andrei’s POV he seemed distant and wayyyy lower in rank. I felt like they should’ve had a brothers type of relationship. Literally Slavik and Ivan seemed like two close friends that singled out Andrei. In his POV it said he didn’t care but I felt like he did idk. 2. Andrei was SOO controlling. Like he didn’t let her hangout with her FRIENDS and have electronics. I knew he didn’t trust people easily but he never said he didn’t trust her like in a jealous way. He just did not want her to have electronics? That is so toxic and weird, I hated that a lot. 3. Whenever he stopped her from touching him and she said to him something like “you won’t even let me touch you” in a hurtful way, he never assured her that it was HER touch it was more his own troubles. And even in his POV when she said that he just completed ignored it and focused on other things.
the flow/inconsistency of emotions:
the characters is so hot and cold. Adelaide is scared pooplesssssss of her new husband (rightfully), one talk after Ivan and now she is talking back and frustrated? That’s like a 180 is 2 seconds. Also he acted sooo cold and indifferent to anything she did as long as it followed his rules (🙄) buttt in his POV he acts like he is the most open and confrontal person on this planet. Another…and final thing… why did Adelaide’s feelings change from day and night in like 24 hrs or less?? I never knew how long smth had taken, the time length wasn’t making sense or am I just stupid? I just felt one chapter was inconsistent compared to the last.
Side note: the Evil Savages MC sounds so stupid and ridiculous. Like “evil savages” really? Also the thing with Ivan me Ive’s names being the exact same. What is the reason for that? It added nothing to the plot instead it just makes it a little more confusing. Plus Ive looks like I’ve and I keep pronouncing Ive as I’ve.
Kill me but I’m gonna read the next one HAH😘
March 30, 2023
“He knew how hard I fought against this pull that Adelaide had over me.”
Finally we get another Volkov Bratva book. I feel like I’ve been waiting forever. No, it’s not Ivan’s story. I guarantee Sam’s going to save him for last. To be honest I kind of expected the second book would be about Andrei and Adelaide, seeing as how we saw their beginning in the first book.
I’ll admit, Andrei was just one surprise after another. He was nothing like I expected. I actually really liked him and it turned out he and Adelaide were really cute together. Adelaide was exactly how I thought she would be. She had a lot in common with Aurora, though in many ways her situation is worse. Her parents make Aurora’s look almost acceptable.
Just like the first book, this one has a ton of action with unexpected plot twists and lots of steam. It’s also on the longer side so it’s never rushed. There’s time for both character and story development, which makes it that much more enjoyable. Of course, the editing is typical of Sam’s books. I swear I don’t think she even uses one. But even that doesn’t lessen how good it really is.
Personally I feel the best thing in these books is Ivan. I absolutely adore the man! He doesn’t act in any way like a Bratva Pakhan. He’s usually very laid back and often amused. Kind and caring of those around him, it’s always a shock when his violent side shows itself, reminding us how he rose from nothing to become the most powerful man in the criminal world. He’s a huge meddler, always getting involved even when uninvited and clearly constantly planning. I bet there is nothing he does spontaneously. He’s a big old matchmaker as well. He truly cares for his brigadiers, almost in a fatherly way. In the Bratva world the Pakhan is sometimes called papa and that fits Ivan well. He said in the first book it is important to him that his men are happy and he really seems to choose the perfect wife for each one. I can’t wait until he finds his own HEA as he truly deserves it. In the meantime Ive is next. He and Lottie are going to make an interesting story. I loved how Ivan immediately realized how right they were for each other, even when I’m sure neither of them have any desire to be together. After that we’ll get the absent Victor and Peter as well, with Ivan being the final prize at the end. I just hope we don’t have to wait two years for each book to be released. That would be pure torture.
Finally we get another Volkov Bratva book. I feel like I’ve been waiting forever. No, it’s not Ivan’s story. I guarantee Sam’s going to save him for last. To be honest I kind of expected the second book would be about Andrei and Adelaide, seeing as how we saw their beginning in the first book.
I’ll admit, Andrei was just one surprise after another. He was nothing like I expected. I actually really liked him and it turned out he and Adelaide were really cute together. Adelaide was exactly how I thought she would be. She had a lot in common with Aurora, though in many ways her situation is worse. Her parents make Aurora’s look almost acceptable.
Just like the first book, this one has a ton of action with unexpected plot twists and lots of steam. It’s also on the longer side so it’s never rushed. There’s time for both character and story development, which makes it that much more enjoyable. Of course, the editing is typical of Sam’s books. I swear I don’t think she even uses one. But even that doesn’t lessen how good it really is.
Personally I feel the best thing in these books is Ivan. I absolutely adore the man! He doesn’t act in any way like a Bratva Pakhan. He’s usually very laid back and often amused. Kind and caring of those around him, it’s always a shock when his violent side shows itself, reminding us how he rose from nothing to become the most powerful man in the criminal world. He’s a huge meddler, always getting involved even when uninvited and clearly constantly planning. I bet there is nothing he does spontaneously. He’s a big old matchmaker as well. He truly cares for his brigadiers, almost in a fatherly way. In the Bratva world the Pakhan is sometimes called papa and that fits Ivan well. He said in the first book it is important to him that his men are happy and he really seems to choose the perfect wife for each one. I can’t wait until he finds his own HEA as he truly deserves it. In the meantime Ive is next. He and Lottie are going to make an interesting story. I loved how Ivan immediately realized how right they were for each other, even when I’m sure neither of them have any desire to be together. After that we’ll get the absent Victor and Peter as well, with Ivan being the final prize at the end. I just hope we don’t have to wait two years for each book to be released. That would be pure torture.
March 15, 2024
I enjoy Sam Crescent's writing, but I was disappointed that book 2 followed a similar plotline as the first book. They are both stories about an arranged marriage of the "ugly" virgin sister and the silent but deadly Bratva brigadier.
Adelaide is a curvy woman who is ostracized by her family and forced to marry the Bratva brigadier who was originally engaged to her greedy and power-hungry sister. She has been conditioned by her family's toxic dynamic to believe that she is unworthy of love and attention and this insecurity is further fueled by her sister's constant belittlement and lies and Andrei's stoic demeanor. I prefer stronger female leads and found Adelaide a bit whiney and immature for my liking. Personally, I thought Andrei was very lenient toward her which is uncommon for a man in his line of work. She does finally come into her own toward the end of the book by conquering her fear and being the wife Andrei would be proud of, but I wished her epiphany had come sooner in the story.
Andrei Belov is not your typical Bratva soldier. Yes, he kills people for a living, but he shows a surprising tender side toward Adelaide, which can be attributed to a secret from his past that involves her. His possessiveness and protectiveness toward her stem from his mistrust of everyone around her, as he rightly fears that she may be harmed due to his profession. When he finally opens his heart and shows her his smile, it's game over for both of them.
The supporting characters include Andrei's Pakhan and strange matchmaker Ivan Volkov who is a cross between a kindly father and a psychopath, Slavik and Aurora from the first book who have a marriage for Adelaide and Andrei to aspire to, and Adelaide's mysterious friend Nathan who has an interesting secret life.
The danger is eminent and the suspense is fierce as the Volkov Bratva hunts down traitors, forms new alliances, and get their long-awaited revenge. Not to mention, the chemistry between the main characters is provocative and worth waiting for.
Despite the duplication in storylines, I recommend this book for those who love romantic suspense and complex characters destined to live happily ever after.
Thank you to Ms. Crescent for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Adelaide is a curvy woman who is ostracized by her family and forced to marry the Bratva brigadier who was originally engaged to her greedy and power-hungry sister. She has been conditioned by her family's toxic dynamic to believe that she is unworthy of love and attention and this insecurity is further fueled by her sister's constant belittlement and lies and Andrei's stoic demeanor. I prefer stronger female leads and found Adelaide a bit whiney and immature for my liking. Personally, I thought Andrei was very lenient toward her which is uncommon for a man in his line of work. She does finally come into her own toward the end of the book by conquering her fear and being the wife Andrei would be proud of, but I wished her epiphany had come sooner in the story.
Andrei Belov is not your typical Bratva soldier. Yes, he kills people for a living, but he shows a surprising tender side toward Adelaide, which can be attributed to a secret from his past that involves her. His possessiveness and protectiveness toward her stem from his mistrust of everyone around her, as he rightly fears that she may be harmed due to his profession. When he finally opens his heart and shows her his smile, it's game over for both of them.
The supporting characters include Andrei's Pakhan and strange matchmaker Ivan Volkov who is a cross between a kindly father and a psychopath, Slavik and Aurora from the first book who have a marriage for Adelaide and Andrei to aspire to, and Adelaide's mysterious friend Nathan who has an interesting secret life.
The danger is eminent and the suspense is fierce as the Volkov Bratva hunts down traitors, forms new alliances, and get their long-awaited revenge. Not to mention, the chemistry between the main characters is provocative and worth waiting for.
Despite the duplication in storylines, I recommend this book for those who love romantic suspense and complex characters destined to live happily ever after.
Thank you to Ms. Crescent for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
April 3, 2023
Part of the Volkov Bratva series hang on and buckle up this is a wild ride, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love (ALL THINGS TO EXPECT FROM THE MAFIA WORLD). By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter! CAN’T SAY YOU WEREN’T WARNED!!!!!. Adelaide is a sweetheart who has been beaten down by her family because of her curves living with a beautiful sister (on the outside only) the abuse she has endure at their hands and then married off to a monster of a man or so she thought. Andrei sexy as all get out ruthless, very deadly but his childhood was that of horror how he survived it to even become an adult is beyond me but he survived to become one of the most feared men and now married unsure of but knows she is his responsibility and he will protect her no matter what never imagining it would change his path. Once she got out of her head or should I say got her family out of her head and he got out of his own head did they both realize the attraction brewing between them but when her sister comes in throwing accusation sending her right back to square one forcing his hand in admitting he loved her and realizing love isn’t a weakness it is his strength especially when they come after her will she tell him the truth about her family, will she tell the truth about her sister, will he take out who is after his girl, can they find their way around the brokenness enough to heal, and can they find the peace and the happiness they both deserve?.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2023
I've read a few of this author's books and I'd say, I quite enjoy her writing style. Engaging with an easy flow.
I enjoyed this book but I have some issues. I didn't like much the characters but I agree that they live up to their roles. Most of the book, they aren't even together much. I shouldn't expect a soft, sweet and weak character from a Bratva hero or a very confident self assured curvy heroine considering their past and present situation, but still. Not until much later that they just developed some kind of relationship through lots of sex and not much communication. Heroine is mostly kept in the dark.
Some sort of compensation for my frustration about this two, was reading the hero's POV. Despite of who he is, and how he is, I got to appreciate his true regard for the heroine. I found it annoying though, his attitude through most of the book dealing with heroine, which most of the time none. Having feelings for the heroine, he remains absent, cold and distant most of the time. Well until 70% of the book I guess. Considering he nearly lost her in one incident, this annoyed me to no end 'cause I was expecting some progress already with regard to their dealing with each other. I understand his reason and conviction with regard to Mafia life, women and relationships, but it gets tiresome after a while. If not for the meddling, pushing and orders of his mob boss, I doubt this love story would go anywhere if it's up to the hero. I didn't like this part.
The heroine though I understand her situation, annoys me a bit too. She mulls constantly and repetitively about everything, mostly about her insecurities and doubts. Nevertheless, I like that she's got some spunk in her. She's not a weak heroine.
I liked too that aside from the romance, some Mafia business and a bit OW are present which make this a good Mafia book.
Overall, despite the premise and plot aren't that original, a bit of repetitive and dragging parts, this is quite an engaging and enjoyable read.
I enjoyed this book but I have some issues. I didn't like much the characters but I agree that they live up to their roles. Most of the book, they aren't even together much. I shouldn't expect a soft, sweet and weak character from a Bratva hero or a very confident self assured curvy heroine considering their past and present situation, but still. Not until much later that they just developed some kind of relationship through lots of sex and not much communication. Heroine is mostly kept in the dark.
Some sort of compensation for my frustration about this two, was reading the hero's POV. Despite of who he is, and how he is, I got to appreciate his true regard for the heroine. I found it annoying though, his attitude through most of the book dealing with heroine, which most of the time none. Having feelings for the heroine, he remains absent, cold and distant most of the time. Well until 70% of the book I guess. Considering he nearly lost her in one incident, this annoyed me to no end 'cause I was expecting some progress already with regard to their dealing with each other. I understand his reason and conviction with regard to Mafia life, women and relationships, but it gets tiresome after a while. If not for the meddling, pushing and orders of his mob boss, I doubt this love story would go anywhere if it's up to the hero. I didn't like this part.
The heroine though I understand her situation, annoys me a bit too. She mulls constantly and repetitively about everything, mostly about her insecurities and doubts. Nevertheless, I like that she's got some spunk in her. She's not a weak heroine.
I liked too that aside from the romance, some Mafia business and a bit OW are present which make this a good Mafia book.
Overall, despite the premise and plot aren't that original, a bit of repetitive and dragging parts, this is quite an engaging and enjoyable read.
March 31, 2023
This is the first book that I have read by Sam Crescent and although it is second of a series I found it easy to read as a standalone.
"I…..I'm so cold" these words would haunt Andrei Belov for the rest of his life.
Ivan Volkov was the Pakhan (leader) of the mighty, powerful Volkov Bratva, he was feared by all but respected by his men, he knew more about his Brigadiers and their need than they knew themselves that is why Andrei Belov was so perplexed that he had arranged a marriage for him with quiet, naive Adelaide, twenty years his junior and definitely not Bratva wife material, he had been betrothed to Adelaide's sister Bethany until she had blotted her copy book.
Adelaide didn't fit into her family unit as Bethany did, her model mother had married her father for his money, they doted on Bethany who was probably more selfish, egotistical and self seeking than her mother but Bethany was cruel especially towards Adelaide, forever belittling her and now seething with jealousy that Adelaide was to marry Andrei. The family fortunes had declined, they needed an alliance with the Volkov bratva, after Bethany's disgrace Adelaide was the only choice that they had left………… a lamb to the slaughter.
Adelaide was so afraid of her un smiling, inked, scared but ruggedly handsome husband, Adelaide had been warned by Bethany what Andrei was capable of.
This story follows two exact opposites fighting the hurdles of their marriage, a marriage of two strangers…..but were they ? the fact that they couldn't communicate, Andrei's jealousy of Adelaide's only friend, Nathan, and the limits that he would go to to keep them apart, the wisdom of Ivan, the gentleness and passion as the two slowly fall in love. A great story.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
"I…..I'm so cold" these words would haunt Andrei Belov for the rest of his life.
Ivan Volkov was the Pakhan (leader) of the mighty, powerful Volkov Bratva, he was feared by all but respected by his men, he knew more about his Brigadiers and their need than they knew themselves that is why Andrei Belov was so perplexed that he had arranged a marriage for him with quiet, naive Adelaide, twenty years his junior and definitely not Bratva wife material, he had been betrothed to Adelaide's sister Bethany until she had blotted her copy book.
Adelaide didn't fit into her family unit as Bethany did, her model mother had married her father for his money, they doted on Bethany who was probably more selfish, egotistical and self seeking than her mother but Bethany was cruel especially towards Adelaide, forever belittling her and now seething with jealousy that Adelaide was to marry Andrei. The family fortunes had declined, they needed an alliance with the Volkov bratva, after Bethany's disgrace Adelaide was the only choice that they had left………… a lamb to the slaughter.
Adelaide was so afraid of her un smiling, inked, scared but ruggedly handsome husband, Adelaide had been warned by Bethany what Andrei was capable of.
This story follows two exact opposites fighting the hurdles of their marriage, a marriage of two strangers…..but were they ? the fact that they couldn't communicate, Andrei's jealousy of Adelaide's only friend, Nathan, and the limits that he would go to to keep them apart, the wisdom of Ivan, the gentleness and passion as the two slowly fall in love. A great story.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
September 7, 2024
A Sense Of Duty - The Volkov Bratva - Book 2 - By Sam Crescent
This is the second book in the Volkov Bratva series and it features Andrei Belov as he deals with threats to his territory, a rival for control of his territory, The Evil Savages MC who are trying to get control, a psychotic ex fiancee, his boss Ivan Volkov and his constant plotting and fantastic matchmaking skills and most importantly a beautiful new bride. There is never a dull moment in the life of Andrei Belov who at forty doesn't faulter a single step with all of this going on around him, that is until his wife starts to get under his skin. When Adelaide is told she will be marrying a member of the Bratva she is hurt at being forced into a situation she doesn't want. However she soon learns that Andrei although feared by many is nothing but kind to Adelaide. Even after her twenty one years with her family they never gave her a glimpse of love, respect or even kindness but with time she soon comes to see being with Andrei he gives her everything she could of ever dreamt of and so much more. She is important, she does matter and means everything to him, she is precious. This is a great addition to a promising series, a well written age gap romance filled with action and drama with high heat and heartfelt scenes between Andrei and Adelaide. They are well written characters that I enjoyed seeing develop as the story progressed. They grew together and showed hope, trust and love, when you find it you never let it go. They were just beautiful together. I am looking forward to Ive and lottie's story and also curious if Nathan will get a story. I also can't wait for Ivan's book that will be something else I'm sure. Happy Reading.
Please note that I was given an arc of this book for my honest review which is exactly what I have given.
5 out of 5 stars.
This is the second book in the Volkov Bratva series and it features Andrei Belov as he deals with threats to his territory, a rival for control of his territory, The Evil Savages MC who are trying to get control, a psychotic ex fiancee, his boss Ivan Volkov and his constant plotting and fantastic matchmaking skills and most importantly a beautiful new bride. There is never a dull moment in the life of Andrei Belov who at forty doesn't faulter a single step with all of this going on around him, that is until his wife starts to get under his skin. When Adelaide is told she will be marrying a member of the Bratva she is hurt at being forced into a situation she doesn't want. However she soon learns that Andrei although feared by many is nothing but kind to Adelaide. Even after her twenty one years with her family they never gave her a glimpse of love, respect or even kindness but with time she soon comes to see being with Andrei he gives her everything she could of ever dreamt of and so much more. She is important, she does matter and means everything to him, she is precious. This is a great addition to a promising series, a well written age gap romance filled with action and drama with high heat and heartfelt scenes between Andrei and Adelaide. They are well written characters that I enjoyed seeing develop as the story progressed. They grew together and showed hope, trust and love, when you find it you never let it go. They were just beautiful together. I am looking forward to Ive and lottie's story and also curious if Nathan will get a story. I also can't wait for Ivan's book that will be something else I'm sure. Happy Reading.
Please note that I was given an arc of this book for my honest review which is exactly what I have given.
5 out of 5 stars.
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