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The Cells of Kalashov #1
The Collector
She isn’t mine, but that won’t stop me from keeping her.
My job is never easy.
They fight, claw, and plead for me to let them go.
But I never do.
I’m the collector for Victor, a ruthless Russian mob boss.
I collect every time.
I never fail.
Until Mila.
Mila
I knew this day would come.
Victor threatened to send his collector.
He warned me I would return one way or another.
That time is now.
I go willingly.
I don’t fight or scream.
I know it’s pointless.
But The Collector breaks the rules.
He doesn’t take me to Victor.
He keeps me for himself.
Only, he has no idea what he’s set in motion.
He has no idea who I am.
Now his fate is sealed along with mine.
The Collector is the first book in the Cells of Kalashov Series. It is a Dark Bratva Enemies to Lovers Romance, complete with HEA and no cliffhangers.
My job is never easy.
They fight, claw, and plead for me to let them go.
But I never do.
I’m the collector for Victor, a ruthless Russian mob boss.
I collect every time.
I never fail.
Until Mila.
Mila
I knew this day would come.
Victor threatened to send his collector.
He warned me I would return one way or another.
That time is now.
I go willingly.
I don’t fight or scream.
I know it’s pointless.
But The Collector breaks the rules.
He doesn’t take me to Victor.
He keeps me for himself.
Only, he has no idea what he’s set in motion.
He has no idea who I am.
Now his fate is sealed along with mine.
The Collector is the first book in the Cells of Kalashov Series. It is a Dark Bratva Enemies to Lovers Romance, complete with HEA and no cliffhangers.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2023
512 people are currently reading
982 people want to read
About the author
Vi Carter
171 books1,309 followersWhen Vi Carter isn’t writing dark romance books that feature the mafia, are filled with suspense, and take you on a fast-paced ride, you can find her reading her favorite authors, baking, taking photos or enjoying long walks in the Irish countryside.
Vi’s biggest selling series, Young Irish Rebels, is available in Audio, English and Dutch.
Married with three children, Vi divides her time between motherhood and all the other hats she wears as an author.
She has declared herself a coffee & chocolate addict! Do not judge.
Subscribe to Vi’s newsletter for a free book to follow her down a dark path alongside the Mafia!
Keep up with Vi on all platforms:
Newsletter Sign up ➜ https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f609c...
Facebook➜ https://l1nk.dev/AuthorViCarter
Twitter➜ http://hyperurl.co/qzbewu
Goodreads ➜ http://hyperurl.co/qcw7g0
Website ➜ https://authorvicarter.com
Instagram➜ https://l1nk.dev/authorvicarter
Vi’s biggest selling series, Young Irish Rebels, is available in Audio, English and Dutch.
Married with three children, Vi divides her time between motherhood and all the other hats she wears as an author.
She has declared herself a coffee & chocolate addict! Do not judge.
Subscribe to Vi’s newsletter for a free book to follow her down a dark path alongside the Mafia!
Keep up with Vi on all platforms:
Newsletter Sign up ➜ https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f609c...
Facebook➜ https://l1nk.dev/AuthorViCarter
Twitter➜ http://hyperurl.co/qzbewu
Goodreads ➜ http://hyperurl.co/qcw7g0
Website ➜ https://authorvicarter.com
Instagram➜ https://l1nk.dev/authorvicarter
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
September 9, 2020
A good read with a likeable heroine. I initially didn’t like the start of the book as I found the hero a bit too cold with heroine and there definitely wasn’t a chemistry between them from the start. I still won’t say that I found their chemistry sizzling or anything even after to be honest but they had enough so there’s that. I am always quite sceptical about anyone having a “betraying body alert” thing when they are in a dangerous situation with a known dangerous person. I always figured fear would control based urges but I guess that’s the whole point of having fictional books. Anyway I actually did start to really like the hero after and his protectiveness for heroine was really sweet. So overall plot was really good with likeable characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2023
The book was ok, but a somewhat predictable and instantly forgettable cookie-cutter "dark" (and only because the MMC was unrepentant regarding his actions) mafia romance. It was a freebie on Amazon but I'm not sure I'd spend money on buying the next book
I couldn't be bothered to write a review as soon as I'd finished and now I barely recall anything that happened - I certainly can't remember their names! However it was well written enough that I read the whole book, I don't remember it being too far-fetched or OTT so there were positives too.
I couldn't be bothered to write a review as soon as I'd finished and now I barely recall anything that happened - I certainly can't remember their names! However it was well written enough that I read the whole book, I don't remember it being too far-fetched or OTT so there were positives too.
May 8, 2021
A great Dark mafia romance, well written by Vi.
meet Nicholai who is the collector and is sent to kidnap Mila and take her to her Victor, but he decides he wants to keep her for himself.
Such a good story, fast-paced and a page turner.
Read to find out the couples history and how it affects how the story turns.
Twists and turns which made my jaw drop at some points.
You know it's going to be good when kidnappings involved.
meet Nicholai who is the collector and is sent to kidnap Mila and take her to her Victor, but he decides he wants to keep her for himself.
Such a good story, fast-paced and a page turner.
Read to find out the couples history and how it affects how the story turns.
Twists and turns which made my jaw drop at some points.
You know it's going to be good when kidnappings involved.
April 16, 2023
Found this one for free on Apple Books,and decided it might be a good opportunity to find out if i would be tempted to read more.
While it was entertaining and fast-paced,the characters didn’t pull me in as i’d hoped.
The plot was ok,but the actions of the H and h were a little unconvincing at times.
Maybe this one is a case of it’s me?? Not sure,but i wasn’t really impressed.
I díd finish it,but only because it wasn’t too long….
While it was entertaining and fast-paced,the characters didn’t pull me in as i’d hoped.
The plot was ok,but the actions of the H and h were a little unconvincing at times.
Maybe this one is a case of it’s me?? Not sure,but i wasn’t really impressed.
I díd finish it,but only because it wasn’t too long….
May 21, 2023
This just didn’t have the spark it needed. The Collector was a bit too subservient to his boss Victor….
November 3, 2020
Nicholai is given a job to take Mila and keep her with him until someone comes to take her. He knows from the moment he got the message, that this case won’t be like his others. And he’s right.
Mila knows what’s waiting for her, so she doesn’t disobey when Nicholai takes.
Nicholai thinks of her as his another case, but in no time he realises that Mila is hiding something and he’s eager to find out.
He starts to being protective of her.
For both of them begins a full of twists and obstacles ride to love.
I loved the book. There was so much action and unexpected plot twists.
Mila knows what’s waiting for her, so she doesn’t disobey when Nicholai takes.
Nicholai thinks of her as his another case, but in no time he realises that Mila is hiding something and he’s eager to find out.
He starts to being protective of her.
For both of them begins a full of twists and obstacles ride to love.
I loved the book. There was so much action and unexpected plot twists.
September 25, 2020
Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author.
Read
November 22, 2020DNF 28%
September 16, 2020
I read this story in an hour!
Perfect beach read.
Perfect beach read.
Want to read
September 17, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (4/14/2023)! 🎁
September 8, 2020
Nicholai, more commonly known as the Collector is good at his job he works for Victor and never misses a person for collection to the can. But his new assignment is different Mila is to be detained and kept till further notice. Mila knew the Collector would come for her one day and when he arrives theres no point in trying to run, but being taken back to his home, causes abit of an alarm for Mila that's not what's meant to happen is it? So Mila runs but with a tracker Nicholai placed in her neck he finds her easily. When one of Victor men, Oleg turns up at Nicholai's place and beats Mila up and bugs the room he demands she stays in Nicholai realises theres more to her story than most and he needs to get her to trust him so that he knows what hes getting into with this collection, but it soon turns into something more than just a job, when the sizzling fire between the two ignites, and Nicholai learns who Mila really is he will do what ever it takes to protect her. Well written with an enticing story line that keeps you hooked to the pages. Filled with action, violence, trust, betrayals, lust, desire, romance and hot scenes galore.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
October 19, 2023He is The Collector, but not of things. Of people.
I always enjoy Vi Carter, and this book is no exception.
Nicolai collects people and delivers them to the Can.
He doesnt cqrw and he doesnt ask. They are just a name in a text.
Until one day, her name comes up. Mila.
She witnessed something that she shouldn't, whilst being held in a hell hole, on her father's orders.
Nicolai collectS her, but can't bring himself to take her to the Can and almost certain death.
So he does the only thing that feels right... he protects her instead.
Now they're on the run from her father and the Bratva.
I always enjoy Vi Carter, and this book is no exception.
Nicolai collects people and delivers them to the Can.
He doesnt cqrw and he doesnt ask. They are just a name in a text.
Until one day, her name comes up. Mila.
She witnessed something that she shouldn't, whilst being held in a hell hole, on her father's orders.
Nicolai collectS her, but can't bring himself to take her to the Can and almost certain death.
So he does the only thing that feels right... he protects her instead.
Now they're on the run from her father and the Bratva.
September 11, 2020
Vi Carter created a mood in THE COLLECTOR that grips the reader from the first paragraph. I’ve read a lot of dark mafia romances, but this is the first one with a “collector” and just that role creates a menacing air. Then putting the character of Nicholai in that role adds to the darkness.
What I really felt in this book was Nicholai as a lone wolf. He was attached to no one. People that knew him, knew that things weren’t good if he showed up. Even so he collects Mila as instructed, but shows that although he often kills people and gets rid of their bodies for a living, he’s not really a mean person.
Mila knows too much. She knows what it means when The Collector comes but she is strong and spirited. She doesn’t sit and accept her fate.
This book is really mesmerizing in the way The Collector has his routine, then has it disrupted by Mila. I loved the whole story - even the “wet work”, but especially how the romance developed. Read it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What I really felt in this book was Nicholai as a lone wolf. He was attached to no one. People that knew him, knew that things weren’t good if he showed up. Even so he collects Mila as instructed, but shows that although he often kills people and gets rid of their bodies for a living, he’s not really a mean person.
Mila knows too much. She knows what it means when The Collector comes but she is strong and spirited. She doesn’t sit and accept her fate.
This book is really mesmerizing in the way The Collector has his routine, then has it disrupted by Mila. I loved the whole story - even the “wet work”, but especially how the romance developed. Read it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 15, 2023
2.75/5⭐️ rounding up.
Just another mafia romance that’s mostly sex and violence. Nothing wrong with that, it was a quick and entertaining read but it isn’t winning any literary awards.
Just another mafia romance that’s mostly sex and violence. Nothing wrong with that, it was a quick and entertaining read but it isn’t winning any literary awards.
December 16, 2023
This was mid at best
September 21, 2020
Nicholai is the collector. He collects people his boss orders him to acquire for him. Everyone knows that the people he collects are never seen again. And Nicholai is fine with that until he is ordered to collect Mila. And it’s not as easy to do as it usually is. This is an excellent book! I read the entire book at once. Definitely recommend!
November 4, 2023
3.5 stars rounding up! Easy, quick (barely 200 pages), little dark romance read. Started it in the middle of the night to try to lull myself to sleep with some reading and it ended up having exactly the opposite effect😆😆😆 I love a MMC who doesn't say much that's tatted just *everywhere* who can't get enough of the FMC. The "falling in love" side of things felt a bit rushed, but that may be because the author was looking to keep it a shorter book. Either way-fun and easy to devour.
February 21, 2023
I am struggling to understand the high ratings for this book. There are so many plot holes, no believable chemistry between the characters, and the ending especially is very rushed with many unanswered questions. Most of the characters have the personality of a wet blanket and the author doesn’t give us much of a reason to root for anyone. I read the whole thing because it was a short read and was hoping it would get better. It had potential, and the premise was intriguing, but fell so flat.
April 26, 2023
I really enjoyed The Collector! The suspense kept me invested in the story and I loved the surprises thrown in! I didn’t expect Mila to be who she turned out to be, that was a surprise! I loved seeing Nicholai go from being this cold, detached person to someone who cared and protected Mila fiercely. He would’ve done anything to keep her safe. I felt the ending was rushed, I would’ve liked to have seen more as far as Nicholai and Mila’s HEA. But I really enjoyed this book and love reading anything by Vi!
April 21, 2023
Nicholai is the collector for a mafia family. When he collects Mila, he is ordered to keep her for a few days. Will he find out what she knows? What will happen when sparks begin to fly between them? Fast-paced mafia read with loads of drama, suspense and steam. Great characters with lots of twists and turns. I liked it.
September 28, 2023
The Collector is an okay short mafia story. If you read it, you read it; if you don't, well, you're not particularly missing out.
"She pleaded with me, but I wanted to be feared. To me, it was a rich ingredient that was designed for real men. I'm walking behind Mila. Fear has her body trembling, and I've never felt like less of a man."
----------------------—
Story rating: 2.0 ⭐️
Romance rating: 2.0 ⭐️
Spice level: 2.0 🌶️
Smut frequency: 3.0 ⏳
----------------------—
Tropes:
🔫 Mafia
🪢 Kidnapping | Forced proximity
⛔️ Forbidden love
🔒 Hidden Identity
----------------------—
~ STORY & PLOT 📝 ~
Globally, the story is easy to read and if you're not too much focused on details, it can be enjoyable. But, I'm detail-focused so a lot of things didn't make sense to me. Also, a lot of things are also very convenient for them. 🤷🏽♀️
Oleg must be the stupidest mafia man ever because he only made the worst choices at each and every turn... And that's why Mila and Nicholai got to get their love story (and survived too).
Every side character has weird behaviors considering the situation they're put in by FMC and MMC but everybody does exactly what they need without questions. Like they don't put themselves in danger by doing so.
~ ROMANCE & MAIN CHARACTERS 💖 ~
I didn't hate Nicholai, but I can't say I liked him either. He's weird. He can be considerate and tries to protect her, and sometimes he's also very sweet.
But then he would just say or do the worst thing out of nowhere. 👀
Here are few examples :
➡️ "She doesn't seem like a girl who just came from the mil. She was tight; she was fresh" bc as we all know, women who are sexually active are very loose and stale...
➡️ "This is why women will never rule. You're too emotional" Do I need to point out what's wrong in this sentence?
➡️ " 'I love you.[...] I'm just trying to keep you safe' I add, sensing that I'm winning right now." Sooo they argue and he "wins" by saying I love you to her. I think it was the first time he said it but I'm not sure.. Still, it's pretty shitty.
Then again, he did a lot of things to Mila in order to have it his way: like lying and hiding things. But then he would "apologize" by saying he was doing it for her... 🥱
Mila is whatever. She's there I guess. She's nothing bad but she's nothing particularly good either.
~ SPICE 🌶️ ~
Spice is alright with no particular kinks in sight, and happened enough for a 200-page book.
My only remark is that an@l without proper lub is a big NO! 🙅🏽♀️
"She pleaded with me, but I wanted to be feared. To me, it was a rich ingredient that was designed for real men. I'm walking behind Mila. Fear has her body trembling, and I've never felt like less of a man."
----------------------—
Story rating: 2.0 ⭐️
Romance rating: 2.0 ⭐️
Spice level: 2.0 🌶️
Smut frequency: 3.0 ⏳
----------------------—
Tropes:
🔫 Mafia
🪢 Kidnapping | Forced proximity
⛔️ Forbidden love
🔒 Hidden Identity
----------------------—
~ STORY & PLOT 📝 ~
Globally, the story is easy to read and if you're not too much focused on details, it can be enjoyable. But, I'm detail-focused so a lot of things didn't make sense to me. Also, a lot of things are also very convenient for them. 🤷🏽♀️
Oleg must be the stupidest mafia man ever because he only made the worst choices at each and every turn... And that's why Mila and Nicholai got to get their love story (and survived too).
Every side character has weird behaviors considering the situation they're put in by FMC and MMC but everybody does exactly what they need without questions. Like they don't put themselves in danger by doing so.
~ ROMANCE & MAIN CHARACTERS 💖 ~
I didn't hate Nicholai, but I can't say I liked him either. He's weird. He can be considerate and tries to protect her, and sometimes he's also very sweet.
But then he would just say or do the worst thing out of nowhere. 👀
Here are few examples :
➡️ "She doesn't seem like a girl who just came from the mil. She was tight; she was fresh" bc as we all know, women who are sexually active are very loose and stale...
➡️ "This is why women will never rule. You're too emotional" Do I need to point out what's wrong in this sentence?
➡️ " 'I love you.[...] I'm just trying to keep you safe' I add, sensing that I'm winning right now." Sooo they argue and he "wins" by saying I love you to her. I think it was the first time he said it but I'm not sure.. Still, it's pretty shitty.
Then again, he did a lot of things to Mila in order to have it his way: like lying and hiding things. But then he would "apologize" by saying he was doing it for her... 🥱
Mila is whatever. She's there I guess. She's nothing bad but she's nothing particularly good either.
~ SPICE 🌶️ ~
Spice is alright with no particular kinks in sight, and happened enough for a 200-page book.
My only remark is that an@l without proper lub is a big NO! 🙅🏽♀️
April 30, 2023
The start of The Cells of Kalashov series and I will say 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!!!!! Nicholai sexy as all get out known as the collector sent to collect anything, everything, everyone he always comes through obtaining his target and his latest target is a sweet, beautiful young lady. Mila has always wanted freedom from everything/ everyone do live as she wants but knows that is pretty much a pipe dream so when the collector shows up she knows better to fight him even though she knows she is nothing more than a job to him a man without heart but she quickly realizes something is different just as he quickly realizes something is different she isn’t just a job she is now a puzzle to learn the secret she is keeping but in doing so he makes an effort to get to know her and the more he learns the more his decision to keep her for himself sets in changing the way he see her and the way he sees himself. But when one of bosses men arrive at his place bugging the place beating her he knows he has to earn her trust because there is more to the story than what he was told and in order to protect her she must trust him with her truth but will she believe he wants what’s best for her, will she truly ever trust him, will the whole story change the way he see everything, what are her secrets, will they be able to get through it all considering he works for some very powerful people, and can they find something more than just being held hostage, and being just the collector something like happiness?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2021
Nicholai is known as "The Collector" he's tall handsome, imposing, scary, and relentless. He's a thirty two years old Russian and part Irish with a blanket of tattoos from his head to toes. Nicholai worked for the Bratva ruthless Russian mob boss Victor Ivanov as their debt collector, anytime he gets a text about someone who owes the Bratva he goes to collect them and drops them off at the can. "The Collector" is very effective he always gets his man or woman. Nicholai was tasked with collecting Mila Ivanov, Victor's daughter by Oleg Victor's second in command. Mila was a troubled girl who was distracting her dad from the business so he sent her to the mill as punishment. While there she witnessed something that she should not see so Mila has been in hiding dreading the day when "The Collector" will come knocking.
Nicholai does a whole lot of collection but the moment he gets the text for Mila and it says to keep he until further notice he knew that something was different about her. Mila and her father doesn't get along and Oleg uses this to his advantage. Oleg left her with The Collector and bug a room in his house to see she was going to divulge him what happened at the mill between him and Liddi. Nicholai has a rule don't get involved with the job but Mila was different. He knew that she was hiding something her innocence and vulnerability calls to him and for the first time since he started working for the Bratva he wanted to break his rule.
The more time that they spend together Mila realized that The Collector has a caring side to him that's privy others. The chemistry between Mila and Nicholai was scorching hot and the passion was carnal sensual and sinful. The Collector is action pack, intense, with intriguing characters. It was riddled with violence, murder, suspense, betrayal, secrets, revenge, deception, revelations, drama, surprises, twists and turns and love. It was well written and easy to read and a standalone.
I received an advanced early copy of this book from the author via Bookfunnel and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nicholai does a whole lot of collection but the moment he gets the text for Mila and it says to keep he until further notice he knew that something was different about her. Mila and her father doesn't get along and Oleg uses this to his advantage. Oleg left her with The Collector and bug a room in his house to see she was going to divulge him what happened at the mill between him and Liddi. Nicholai has a rule don't get involved with the job but Mila was different. He knew that she was hiding something her innocence and vulnerability calls to him and for the first time since he started working for the Bratva he wanted to break his rule.
The more time that they spend together Mila realized that The Collector has a caring side to him that's privy others. The chemistry between Mila and Nicholai was scorching hot and the passion was carnal sensual and sinful. The Collector is action pack, intense, with intriguing characters. It was riddled with violence, murder, suspense, betrayal, secrets, revenge, deception, revelations, drama, surprises, twists and turns and love. It was well written and easy to read and a standalone.
I received an advanced early copy of this book from the author via Bookfunnel and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2023
THE COLLECTOR is the first instalment in Vi Carter’s contemporary, adult THE CELLS OF KALASHOV dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is thirty-two year old, Nicholai, The Collector, and Mila’s story line.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Nicholai and Mila) THE COLLECTOR focuses on payment for a debt. Nicholai is a ‘collector’ for the Russian Bratva, and his latest target is a waitress he knows only as Mila, a young woman who claims she has done nothing wrong but at every turn, and every corner someone is hunting down our story line couple. Nicholai takes orders from a man named Victor and his second in command Oleg, and Oleg has tasked Nicholai with ‘collecting’ our story line heroine but Nicholai sees something different in Mila Ivanov’s eyes, and he quickly becomes aware that there is more to the story than any has revealed. What ensues is the quickly building and sexual relationship between Nicholai and Mila, and the potential fall-out as betrayal and vengeance are at the heart of Nicholai’s latest assignment.
The relationship between Nicholai and Mila begins as captive and captor, enemies to lovers, forced proximity in the wake of Nicholai’s abduction and imprisonment of our story line heroine but all does not go according to plan when another collection goes wrong, and our couple are targeted themselves. The $ex scenes are aggressive and intense.
We are introduced to club owner Gail and her lover Dimitri; head of the Bratva Victor Ivanov,his second Oleg; Mila’s ex Eric, his father Vlad, and The Handler-Lucca. Lucca’s story line is next.
THE COLLECTOR is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, death, destruction and abuse, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is provocative; the characters are desperate and determined.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Nicholai and Mila) THE COLLECTOR focuses on payment for a debt. Nicholai is a ‘collector’ for the Russian Bratva, and his latest target is a waitress he knows only as Mila, a young woman who claims she has done nothing wrong but at every turn, and every corner someone is hunting down our story line couple. Nicholai takes orders from a man named Victor and his second in command Oleg, and Oleg has tasked Nicholai with ‘collecting’ our story line heroine but Nicholai sees something different in Mila Ivanov’s eyes, and he quickly becomes aware that there is more to the story than any has revealed. What ensues is the quickly building and sexual relationship between Nicholai and Mila, and the potential fall-out as betrayal and vengeance are at the heart of Nicholai’s latest assignment.
The relationship between Nicholai and Mila begins as captive and captor, enemies to lovers, forced proximity in the wake of Nicholai’s abduction and imprisonment of our story line heroine but all does not go according to plan when another collection goes wrong, and our couple are targeted themselves. The $ex scenes are aggressive and intense.
We are introduced to club owner Gail and her lover Dimitri; head of the Bratva Victor Ivanov,his second Oleg; Mila’s ex Eric, his father Vlad, and The Handler-Lucca. Lucca’s story line is next.
THE COLLECTOR is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, death, destruction and abuse, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is provocative; the characters are desperate and determined.
October 29, 2023
I liked the idea and story in general but the execution was lacking...
Unfortunately there were a few plot holes and things that just don't make sense...
After she tells The Collector who her father is the inner dialogue after says that "I know the lie the moment it leaves my lips. But I am under no obligation to tell him who I am." But... she wasn't lying...?
At one point she says she is at the mill for a year.. then it says Liddi was killed soon after she was there and then a week later Oleg took her out of the mill and sent her on her way?
There is also like no chemistry between the two? They seem to have s*x randomly... like they barely speak or get to know each other... The Collector barely has a personality since his work rules his life? The girl refuses to open up to him? Yet they just jump into bed at a seemingly random time..
**Spoiler alert**
The whole reason all these problems are happening is because she saw Oleg killed someone. Yet at one point it eludes to women being killed at the mill is normal? So her seeing him kill one of the girls is kind of confusing why it was such a big deal? I get that because of who she is her father didn't want to see something like that.. but he also doesn't care about her?
There are just so many things that didn't make sense for the world they were living in to be honest. Like the fact that Oleg could have easily killed her too and made sure his body was never found from the beginning? It seems like that would have been a better solution then letting the girl run around the city?
So yeah.. I like the idea of "The Collector" getting too close to one of his collections but her background just didn't make sense.
Unfortunately there were a few plot holes and things that just don't make sense...
After she tells The Collector who her father is the inner dialogue after says that "I know the lie the moment it leaves my lips. But I am under no obligation to tell him who I am." But... she wasn't lying...?
At one point she says she is at the mill for a year.. then it says Liddi was killed soon after she was there and then a week later Oleg took her out of the mill and sent her on her way?
There is also like no chemistry between the two? They seem to have s*x randomly... like they barely speak or get to know each other... The Collector barely has a personality since his work rules his life? The girl refuses to open up to him? Yet they just jump into bed at a seemingly random time..
**Spoiler alert**
The whole reason all these problems are happening is because she saw Oleg killed someone. Yet at one point it eludes to women being killed at the mill is normal? So her seeing him kill one of the girls is kind of confusing why it was such a big deal? I get that because of who she is her father didn't want to see something like that.. but he also doesn't care about her?
There are just so many things that didn't make sense for the world they were living in to be honest. Like the fact that Oleg could have easily killed her too and made sure his body was never found from the beginning? It seems like that would have been a better solution then letting the girl run around the city?
So yeah.. I like the idea of "The Collector" getting too close to one of his collections but her background just didn't make sense.
September 18, 2020
This book is gripping, captivating and draws the reader in with lots of intrigue action and suspense and succeeds in keeping the reader on the edge of their seat, captivated and with baited breath. We have suspense, murder, action, betrayals, drama, intense chemistry, kidnapping and so many twists and turns and the book keeps you guessing until the last page.
The book opens with action with Mila sees the collector and knows he is there for her. Mila is collected by the collector Nikolai and instead of the "CAN" she is to be kept by him, where her father's right hand man Oleg comes to see her and proceed in beating her and leaving her alive but with instructions he is to be left in a certain room, that he bugged. Nikolai the collector knows Mila is hiding something and for the first time he starts questioning the motives behind the collection for Victor.
The author did an amazing job highlighting and describing the emotions and feelings between Mila and Nikolai and their growing attraction to each other. The supporting characters and relationships between them were realistic and well done. I did not care much for Lucca's sister and her calling Mila "kitten" in what I saw as a condescending manner. I would have I would have liked to see some interaction and compromise between Mila and Victor, all we get is a mention in the epilogue that she will never talk to him or forgive him. I loved this book can't wait to read more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book opens with action with Mila sees the collector and knows he is there for her. Mila is collected by the collector Nikolai and instead of the "CAN" she is to be kept by him, where her father's right hand man Oleg comes to see her and proceed in beating her and leaving her alive but with instructions he is to be left in a certain room, that he bugged. Nikolai the collector knows Mila is hiding something and for the first time he starts questioning the motives behind the collection for Victor.
The author did an amazing job highlighting and describing the emotions and feelings between Mila and Nikolai and their growing attraction to each other. The supporting characters and relationships between them were realistic and well done. I did not care much for Lucca's sister and her calling Mila "kitten" in what I saw as a condescending manner. I would have I would have liked to see some interaction and compromise between Mila and Victor, all we get is a mention in the epilogue that she will never talk to him or forgive him. I loved this book can't wait to read more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 15, 2020
💣💣ONE JAW DROPPING THRILL💣💣
Holy hell! Vi brought it with this thrilling little number, serving up this brilliantly spun debacle, keeping you riveted on a razors edge and frozen to your seat, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. One skillfully compelling, action packed, hard hitting, heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, page flipping, jaw dropping, block buster, blasting this gem to life spectacularly. Duplicity runs rampant and betrayal is rife, presenting this killer plot chocked-full of deadly drama, churning turmoil, nail-biting encounters, perilous intrigue, heinous acts, damning secrets, unfolding revelations, escalating danger, mounting suspense and unnerving situations, unveiling revelations of sinister intents and vicious iniquity, make for one mind-blowing masterpiece. The magnetism, attraction and chemistry collides with such intensity and ardor, drawing our characters deeper, exposing profound emotions, binding them to one another beautifully. The characters, banter, interactions and charged atmosphere are realistic, complex and genuine with traits and qualities, add depth and diversity, blending into charismatic personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating one gruesome backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Vi, thanks for sharing this thrilling treat with us.
Holy hell! Vi brought it with this thrilling little number, serving up this brilliantly spun debacle, keeping you riveted on a razors edge and frozen to your seat, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. One skillfully compelling, action packed, hard hitting, heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, page flipping, jaw dropping, block buster, blasting this gem to life spectacularly. Duplicity runs rampant and betrayal is rife, presenting this killer plot chocked-full of deadly drama, churning turmoil, nail-biting encounters, perilous intrigue, heinous acts, damning secrets, unfolding revelations, escalating danger, mounting suspense and unnerving situations, unveiling revelations of sinister intents and vicious iniquity, make for one mind-blowing masterpiece. The magnetism, attraction and chemistry collides with such intensity and ardor, drawing our characters deeper, exposing profound emotions, binding them to one another beautifully. The characters, banter, interactions and charged atmosphere are realistic, complex and genuine with traits and qualities, add depth and diversity, blending into charismatic personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating one gruesome backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Vi, thanks for sharing this thrilling treat with us.
May 17, 2021
The Collector is amazing!
The Collector collects the people who wrong the Bratva in and way and his next assignment... Mila. He’s to collect her and hold her until further notice. He found her (of course), even though she’s done her best to try and not be found. She accepts her fate knowing that it can’t possibly do her any good... or can it?
Mila knows she’s been found and has grudging accepted that the life she made for herself and grown accustomed to has come to an end. She gets collected and gets taken to his house, where she is restrained so she can’t get away. Mila shows that she still has fight in her when she tried to break free, although ends up injuring herself. The Collector comes back and actually takes care of her wound. Mila uses the limited knowledge she has to try to bargain with him and it starts a chain reaction. Their attraction grows and soon they find themselves unrestrained together. Things do not go smoothly and not once, not twice but a few times find themselves almost on the receiving end of men coming after them. They have to escape and make a run for it a few times and one of those times is to The Collector’s good friend Lucca. But what happens when they find out who Mila really is?
Former friends, friends who are family, secrets are brought to light, crazy plot twists and being on the run lead up to the climax and then the ending of this book. It was amazing and had a twist that I didn’t see coming. I’m so excited for book two!
The Collector collects the people who wrong the Bratva in and way and his next assignment... Mila. He’s to collect her and hold her until further notice. He found her (of course), even though she’s done her best to try and not be found. She accepts her fate knowing that it can’t possibly do her any good... or can it?
Mila knows she’s been found and has grudging accepted that the life she made for herself and grown accustomed to has come to an end. She gets collected and gets taken to his house, where she is restrained so she can’t get away. Mila shows that she still has fight in her when she tried to break free, although ends up injuring herself. The Collector comes back and actually takes care of her wound. Mila uses the limited knowledge she has to try to bargain with him and it starts a chain reaction. Their attraction grows and soon they find themselves unrestrained together. Things do not go smoothly and not once, not twice but a few times find themselves almost on the receiving end of men coming after them. They have to escape and make a run for it a few times and one of those times is to The Collector’s good friend Lucca. But what happens when they find out who Mila really is?
Former friends, friends who are family, secrets are brought to light, crazy plot twists and being on the run lead up to the climax and then the ending of this book. It was amazing and had a twist that I didn’t see coming. I’m so excited for book two!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2023
The Cells of Kalashov Is My New Obsession 🔥❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review
OMG I’m freaking obsessed!! This was my first read by Vi, yeah sadly I have a bunch of TBR books by her to read but definitely not for long. I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to read her work but dang am I glad I picked up The Collector. It was freaking awesome and the characters….yeah absolute perfection.
Nicholai is a collector for the Bratva, he’s the man they call when they need someone picked up and delivered. So when he’s instructed to pick up a young woman and hold her instead of delivering her his world is turned upside down. Mila knew the day would come when she’d be collected, her father is a bad man, but she never expected the Collector to be so handsome and intriguing. After having her in his home just one night Mila has made him begin to question everything. Their story is absolutely fantastic and a definite must read.
It’s full of danger, action, suspense, betrayal, lies, secrets, steam, intense chemistry and so so much more. Mila and Nicholai are a freaking perfect match for each other. She’s independent, strong, stubborn, sassy and feisty. He’s powerful, possessive, protective, cruel but soft when needed and insanely hot. Love that they get their HEA after so many twists and turns. Definitely worth reading and I most definitely highly recommend it. Can’t wait for Lucca’s story The Handler. And can’t wait to clear out my TBR list a bit by reading all Vi’s books!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review
OMG I’m freaking obsessed!! This was my first read by Vi, yeah sadly I have a bunch of TBR books by her to read but definitely not for long. I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to read her work but dang am I glad I picked up The Collector. It was freaking awesome and the characters….yeah absolute perfection.
Nicholai is a collector for the Bratva, he’s the man they call when they need someone picked up and delivered. So when he’s instructed to pick up a young woman and hold her instead of delivering her his world is turned upside down. Mila knew the day would come when she’d be collected, her father is a bad man, but she never expected the Collector to be so handsome and intriguing. After having her in his home just one night Mila has made him begin to question everything. Their story is absolutely fantastic and a definite must read.
It’s full of danger, action, suspense, betrayal, lies, secrets, steam, intense chemistry and so so much more. Mila and Nicholai are a freaking perfect match for each other. She’s independent, strong, stubborn, sassy and feisty. He’s powerful, possessive, protective, cruel but soft when needed and insanely hot. Love that they get their HEA after so many twists and turns. Definitely worth reading and I most definitely highly recommend it. Can’t wait for Lucca’s story The Handler. And can’t wait to clear out my TBR list a bit by reading all Vi’s books!!
April 6, 2022
The Collector is the first book in Vi Carter’s The Cells of Kalashov series. In this Russian Bratva romantic suspense, readers meet Mila and Nicolai. She is Victor Ivanov’s daughter and he the Collector for the Bratva. He kidnaps individuals who’ve offended Victor and delivers them as part of the Bratva justice. Mila is kidnapped and kept hostage. She witnesses the death of a young girl who was kidnapped as a sex slave for Oleg, Victor’s second in command. Oleg is corrupt and underhanded. Misuses his power and influence for personal gain. Nicolai collects her but is so enthralled with her beauty he decides to keep her. What retaliation will befall him? Can he keep her safe? Will Mila and her father ever reconnect? What becomes of Nicolai and Mila’s romance? You must read this book to find out.
Ms. Carter penned another delightful Russian Bratva romance with strong multi-layered lead characters. In this book her lead characters are strong, determined, confident and vulnerable. I enjoyed their growth as the story progressed. I liked the strong dialog. I appreciated the three-person point of view to tell their back stories. Ms. Carter's’ use of descriptive language paints vivid scenes. Particularly, two scenes stand out. The first scene is when Mila first runs into the Collector. Her recognition of him and what he stands for ignites a fear that readers can detect. The second is when the two lovers independently carry out self-sacrificing acts facing Victor to save the other. The fact that Carter merges these acts into one scene with Victor is impactful. These scenes and others contribute to this captivating read. Well done, Ms. Carter!
Ms. Carter penned another delightful Russian Bratva romance with strong multi-layered lead characters. In this book her lead characters are strong, determined, confident and vulnerable. I enjoyed their growth as the story progressed. I liked the strong dialog. I appreciated the three-person point of view to tell their back stories. Ms. Carter's’ use of descriptive language paints vivid scenes. Particularly, two scenes stand out. The first scene is when Mila first runs into the Collector. Her recognition of him and what he stands for ignites a fear that readers can detect. The second is when the two lovers independently carry out self-sacrificing acts facing Victor to save the other. The fact that Carter merges these acts into one scene with Victor is impactful. These scenes and others contribute to this captivating read. Well done, Ms. Carter!
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