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The Antonov Legacy #1
Hate to Love You
Lurking behind his eyes are demons as dark as mine.
Abby
We were always told as children that monsters are the things that go bump in the night, but they were wrong. Monsters are often the ones that warm your bed, poison dripping from their teeth and claws, embedding in your skin.
I hunt them. I end them. Without hesitation.
But…then I hesitated. I stumbled straight into the monster’s den, the biggest and baddest of them all. The king of New York.
I fell in love with him, and his demons.
And I hate him for it.
Roman
Who I am?
I’m the guy parents warn their children about. The name that strikes fear into the heart of this city and brings it to its knees.
I show no mercy. Cross me, and you will die screaming.
And the only thing I ever wanted was her. She was always meant to be mine, I knew that from the start. Even if she didn’t.
But my life, and my family, are not your typical aristocracy.
We’re monsters. Cutthroats. Killers.
But then again…so is she.
A match made in hell.
Whilst this is book one in a series, it can be read as a standalone.
Abby
We were always told as children that monsters are the things that go bump in the night, but they were wrong. Monsters are often the ones that warm your bed, poison dripping from their teeth and claws, embedding in your skin.
I hunt them. I end them. Without hesitation.
But…then I hesitated. I stumbled straight into the monster’s den, the biggest and baddest of them all. The king of New York.
I fell in love with him, and his demons.
And I hate him for it.
Roman
Who I am?
I’m the guy parents warn their children about. The name that strikes fear into the heart of this city and brings it to its knees.
I show no mercy. Cross me, and you will die screaming.
And the only thing I ever wanted was her. She was always meant to be mine, I knew that from the start. Even if she didn’t.
But my life, and my family, are not your typical aristocracy.
We’re monsters. Cutthroats. Killers.
But then again…so is she.
A match made in hell.
Whilst this is book one in a series, it can be read as a standalone.
613 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2023
181 people are currently reading
2678 people want to read
About the author
Charly Nicole
2 books55 followersCharly Nicole is a writing duo made up of Charly Jade and Nicole Fanning. Who are separated by an entire ocean, but even that isn't enough to stop them. They are dedicated to writing darkly twisted villains that you just cant get enough of.
Charly Jade lives in the rainy UK, with her two cats. She spends her days either writing delicious villains or messing around with photoshop. When she isn't doing that, she's working in retail and day dreaming about her latest book boyfriend. Charly always roots for the villain, no wonder she decided to write about them getting the girl.
Award winning author Nicole Fanning lives on the east coast with her husband, two dogs and her cats. She has a background in marketing, and Human Resources. She has often found that the human element is by far the most colorful, complex, and most interesting in the world. She writes dark and sexy thriller mafia romance. You will often find Nicole cuddled up in her writing cave, when she isn’t writing you’ll find her spending time with her friends and family.
The duo connected online, and the rest is history.
Charly Jade lives in the rainy UK, with her two cats. She spends her days either writing delicious villains or messing around with photoshop. When she isn't doing that, she's working in retail and day dreaming about her latest book boyfriend. Charly always roots for the villain, no wonder she decided to write about them getting the girl.
Award winning author Nicole Fanning lives on the east coast with her husband, two dogs and her cats. She has a background in marketing, and Human Resources. She has often found that the human element is by far the most colorful, complex, and most interesting in the world. She writes dark and sexy thriller mafia romance. You will often find Nicole cuddled up in her writing cave, when she isn’t writing you’ll find her spending time with her friends and family.
The duo connected online, and the rest is history.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
October 2, 2023
"My sun, my world… became a monster with a wedding ring. It all came to a head the night our fourth wedding anniversary. That night he nearly killed me… And that night I decided to kill him."
Abigail Wayne has been through hell.
No one should have to go through what she did.
And she will do anything she can to make sure of that.
"I do what I do because of what was done to me. And nothing will ever stop me."
So what happens when one of her targets works for Roman Antonov?
The most dangerous mobster in New York? The King of New York?
Well, Abigail just landed a job interview, little does she know she's walking into the lion's den.
"Roman Nikolai Antonov has demons, but so do I. Let the darkest demon's win."
Roman Antonov is the most dangerous man in New York.
Everyone knows it.
The only thing Roman has ever wanted was her.
"The Brunette"
It has become an obsession, one that he has never caught.
Until now.
So what happens when his obsession walks straight into his office?
"The little fox has wandered into my den… and now I'm going to devour her."
✨4.5 stars✨
I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ok. Ok. Ok.
I don't even know how to start describing this book, all I know for sure was that this was so addicting!!
You have Abby who is a femme fatale, a literal "black widow", who gets justice by killing abusive men. She takes their power from them. She is a badass, sassy, killer woman. And I love her!
"They do not get to survive the torment they have caused on another human being. They do not get to survive me."
And then you have Roman Antonov who is the perfect example for possessive mafia MMC and I am here for every single crumble people!! I mean the obsession, the morally greyness, the possessiveness. It was everything and it was amazing!!
"Little fox, after the stunt you just pulled, flaunting this in front of me, even God can't help you."
Also, I made a small playlist for this one in combination with the author's playlist and mine:
Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1dm...
🎶 "Angry Too" - Lola Blanc
🎶 "Labour" - Paris Paloma
🎶 "Money, Money, Money" - Abba
🎶 "Black Widow" - Iggy Azalea
🎶 "Karma" - Taylor Swift
🎶 "Eat Your Young" - Hozier
🎶 "Gasoline" - I Prevail
🎶 "Belladonna" - Ava Max
🎶 "Little Girl Gone" - Chinchilla
🎶 "The Summoning" - Sleep Token
🎶 "Nameless" - Stevie Howie
🎶 "How Villains Are Made" - Madalen Duke
🎶 "Do it Like a Girl" - Morgan St. Jean
🎶 "Paint the Town Red" - Doja Cat
🎶 "Dangerous Hands" - Austin Giorgio
🎶 "Lipstick" - Charlie Puth
Anyways. This book literally had my kindle in a death grip. The moment I picked up this book I did not put it down and I have no regrets.
And come one people, how can I, when I have this:
"I told you not to make a sound. Maybe you need something to fill that sassy mouth of yours."
"Now be a good little slut… and bend over my fucking desk."
🏢 Tropes: 🏢
☠️ "Hell Hath No Fury Like a Woman Scorned"
☠️ Mafia Romance
☠️ Workplace Relationship
☠️ Boss X Employee
☠️ Serial Killer
☠️ Touch her/him and die
☠️ Vigilante Justice
☠️ Obsessive MMC
Abigail Wayne has been through hell.
No one should have to go through what she did.
And she will do anything she can to make sure of that.
"I do what I do because of what was done to me. And nothing will ever stop me."
So what happens when one of her targets works for Roman Antonov?
The most dangerous mobster in New York? The King of New York?
Well, Abigail just landed a job interview, little does she know she's walking into the lion's den.
"Roman Nikolai Antonov has demons, but so do I. Let the darkest demon's win."
Roman Antonov is the most dangerous man in New York.
Everyone knows it.
The only thing Roman has ever wanted was her.
"The Brunette"
It has become an obsession, one that he has never caught.
Until now.
So what happens when his obsession walks straight into his office?
"The little fox has wandered into my den… and now I'm going to devour her."
✨4.5 stars✨
I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ok. Ok. Ok.
I don't even know how to start describing this book, all I know for sure was that this was so addicting!!
You have Abby who is a femme fatale, a literal "black widow", who gets justice by killing abusive men. She takes their power from them. She is a badass, sassy, killer woman. And I love her!
"They do not get to survive the torment they have caused on another human being. They do not get to survive me."
And then you have Roman Antonov who is the perfect example for possessive mafia MMC and I am here for every single crumble people!! I mean the obsession, the morally greyness, the possessiveness. It was everything and it was amazing!!
"Little fox, after the stunt you just pulled, flaunting this in front of me, even God can't help you."
Also, I made a small playlist for this one in combination with the author's playlist and mine:
Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1dm...
🎶 "Angry Too" - Lola Blanc
🎶 "Labour" - Paris Paloma
🎶 "Money, Money, Money" - Abba
🎶 "Black Widow" - Iggy Azalea
🎶 "Karma" - Taylor Swift
🎶 "Eat Your Young" - Hozier
🎶 "Gasoline" - I Prevail
🎶 "Belladonna" - Ava Max
🎶 "Little Girl Gone" - Chinchilla
🎶 "The Summoning" - Sleep Token
🎶 "Nameless" - Stevie Howie
🎶 "How Villains Are Made" - Madalen Duke
🎶 "Do it Like a Girl" - Morgan St. Jean
🎶 "Paint the Town Red" - Doja Cat
🎶 "Dangerous Hands" - Austin Giorgio
🎶 "Lipstick" - Charlie Puth
Anyways. This book literally had my kindle in a death grip. The moment I picked up this book I did not put it down and I have no regrets.
And come one people, how can I, when I have this:
"I told you not to make a sound. Maybe you need something to fill that sassy mouth of yours."
"Now be a good little slut… and bend over my fucking desk."
🏢 Tropes: 🏢
☠️ "Hell Hath No Fury Like a Woman Scorned"
☠️ Mafia Romance
☠️ Workplace Relationship
☠️ Boss X Employee
☠️ Serial Killer
☠️ Touch her/him and die
☠️ Vigilante Justice
☠️ Obsessive MMC
September 24, 2023
Mann I wanted to like this book. Supposedly this had a strong heroine. But she was not strong , she was pathetic just masked in a lot of bravado which faltered and puddled. It was so ridiculous. She was nothing but a hypocrite . I started off liking her and then I could not stand her. Childish and so lame with her short skirts and jealousy but constantly acting like she was some sort of vigilante . She was literally letting him step all over her and then acted like a jealous bitch . Kept talking about girls and their physical features and degrades them 10x worst than men “Botox”, “idiots”, “slut” , “whore” her cackle, how she wants to kill them and then turn around kill men who hurt women? She is no worst than them if not more . Damn hate these fake ass FMC .
January 27, 2024
𝗦𝗲𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 + 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 ❤️🔥
That prologue had no right doing the things it did to me.
She loves pushing his buttons, the whole skirt fiasco was perfect ammo for their office wars. These two are fire and gasoline, in the office, in the bedroom, via emails, everywhere 😂😚
After enjoying the story buildup, I was ready for the boss to conquer his bratty secretary or rather try to conquer 😉 his success depends on perspective and that’s what makes it all the more fun 🔥
—————— 🌙🖤 𝚊𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 💋⛓️——————
Having already read this book, I was super excited to listen to it in audio. And I knew I already loved it, but listening to it took it to a whole new level 🖤
Originally this was a 4 star but there was no way after listening to this that I wasn’t bumping it up to a 5 😍 My decision had been made less than 10% into the book, that’s how amazing this performance was 👌🏼
Seriously, whether you’re a first time reader, or just wanting to try the audio. It’s a must have!! all the things I already adored about this book were just enhanced, elevated, blown through the roof with this listen. That’s what I call power 😉
_____________
🏷️ 𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦:
Enemies to Lovers, Mafia, Close Proximity, Workplace, Vigilante justice, Office Banter, Boss/Secretary
😈 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦:
Spnking, Bratty Defiance, Lust Fuelled Banter,
🐱Spnks, Hate to Want, Panties Drive
🫠 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀:
—> “Good Girl.”
🚩 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀 (𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝘆 😉):
Serial Unaliver, Touch Him & Bye, Touch Her & Bye, Scarily Possessive Duo
⛔️ 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲:
Animal Injury, Sẽx Trǎffiċking, Sǔiciďe, Sẽxǔal Ašsuält/Abǔse, Pröstitǔtion, Miscarriage&Infertility, Emotional Abǔse, Abǔsivē Relationship + other potentially triggering themes. If you are unsure, check TW/CW, otherwise buckle in! 🎢
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: Anotov Legacy #1
𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: dark mafia romance
𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐞: Abby & Roman
𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫: Little Fox/Foxy
𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 5 ✮
𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲: CJ Bloom & Grayson Owens
𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞: dual narration
—— ❗️𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜❗️——
That prologue had no right doing the things it did to me.
She loves pushing his buttons, the whole skirt fiasco was perfect ammo for their office wars. These two are fire and gasoline, in the office, in the bedroom, via emails, everywhere 😂😚
After enjoying the story buildup, I was ready for the boss to conquer his bratty secretary or rather try to conquer 😉 his success depends on perspective and that’s what makes it all the more fun 🔥
—————— 🌙🖤 𝚊𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 💋⛓️——————
Having already read this book, I was super excited to listen to it in audio. And I knew I already loved it, but listening to it took it to a whole new level 🖤
Originally this was a 4 star but there was no way after listening to this that I wasn’t bumping it up to a 5 😍 My decision had been made less than 10% into the book, that’s how amazing this performance was 👌🏼
Seriously, whether you’re a first time reader, or just wanting to try the audio. It’s a must have!! all the things I already adored about this book were just enhanced, elevated, blown through the roof with this listen. That’s what I call power 😉
_____________
🏷️ 𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦:
Enemies to Lovers, Mafia, Close Proximity, Workplace, Vigilante justice, Office Banter, Boss/Secretary
😈 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦:
Spnking, Bratty Defiance, Lust Fuelled Banter,
🐱Spnks, Hate to Want, Panties Drive
🫠 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀:
—> “Good Girl.”
🚩 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀 (𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝘆 😉):
Serial Unaliver, Touch Him & Bye, Touch Her & Bye, Scarily Possessive Duo
⛔️ 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲:
Animal Injury, Sẽx Trǎffiċking, Sǔiciďe, Sẽxǔal Ašsuält/Abǔse, Pröstitǔtion, Miscarriage&Infertility, Emotional Abǔse, Abǔsivē Relationship + other potentially triggering themes. If you are unsure, check TW/CW, otherwise buckle in! 🎢
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: Anotov Legacy #1
𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: dark mafia romance
𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐞: Abby & Roman
𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫: Little Fox/Foxy
𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 5 ✮
𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲: CJ Bloom & Grayson Owens
𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞: dual narration
—— ❗️𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜❗️——
March 29, 2025
I FEAR... THIS ATE BITCHESSSSS!!!!!
This book was amazing! Listen if you want a woman that's fierce and kills rapists and bad men from the world....I fear you will love this and don't be shy, after reading this you will feel as BADASS AS MY GIRL OVER HERE!!!!
I loved this soo much and the storyline and plot were amazingggg!!! OH AND DON'T START WITH THE SPICE MY GIRLIES!!! 3/5 🌶️
The MMC in this was amazing aswell! This man will let his girl delete his partners (men working partners, calm down he straight) because he knows they are bad men and well because HE IS OBSESSED! OH AND DID I MENTION THIS WAS MAFIA??!!!!
This book was amazing! Listen if you want a woman that's fierce and kills rapists and bad men from the world....I fear you will love this and don't be shy, after reading this you will feel as BADASS AS MY GIRL OVER HERE!!!!
I loved this soo much and the storyline and plot were amazingggg!!! OH AND DON'T START WITH THE SPICE MY GIRLIES!!! 3/5 🌶️
The MMC in this was amazing aswell! This man will let his girl delete his partners (men working partners, calm down he straight) because he knows they are bad men and well because HE IS OBSESSED! OH AND DID I MENTION THIS WAS MAFIA??!!!!
September 8, 2023
Let me start by just saying Charly & Nicole absolutely SMASHED it.
I binged this book in 14 hours (It would of been sooner but adulting got in the way) and it was an absolute rollercoaster. This book definitely falls on the side of much more darker mafia/serial unaliver romance so be sure to check the TWs.
Where oh where will I begin? Ah right Abigail, I am OBSESSED with this female lead🧎♀️. It’s very rare in mafia/organised crime romances that we get a strong/tough FMC but this is not the case with Abigail… Our woman here is a serial unaliver who eliminates the vile men that exist in the world. #Slay💅 These activities of Abigail’s stemmed from her past where she was abused/mistreated by her horrible ex-husband, until Abigail had enough and took out the trash (he will not be missed..), and may I say the way she takes out her marks with poisonous flowers is absolutely genius👀.
Abigail crosses paths with our MMC Roman when she applies for a secretary job in his company. While working in Romans company this allowed Abigail to profile her next mark(s) who so happened to be Romans men. Roman is you’re typical dominant/alpha mafia boss (and yes I am a sucker for this man) but he also has been OBSESSED with our Abigail for years, since the moment he laid eyes on her in the apartment block she lived in with her ex-husband. He never acted upon his feelings when he first laid eyes upon her and then she disappeared only to resurface years later when she shows up at the job interview.
There is push and pull and a whole lot of tension between Abigail and Roman and I was absolutely LIVING for it, especially the jealousy moments because I must say I do enjoy the MMC/FMC being possessive of one another. This tension just kept building until it finally reached breaking point and my god did the temperature rise when the dam finally broke🌶️.
One of the main reasons I loved this book is that both MCs embraced their own inner darkness but also encouraged that darkness in each other, and I mean it when I say they are just as CRAZY as each other. And if you’re wondering yes that darkness made its way in to a few spicy moments (RIP to my Kindle highlights👀)
Without providing any spoilers this book is an absolute rollercoaster from start to finish and if you enjoy the following I would highly recommend this book for you:
-Enemies to lovers
-Mafia Romance
-Close Proximity
-Work Place Romance
-Serial unaliver FMC
-Touch him/Touch her and you die
I am looking forward to reading more in this series and from both of these authors. I am so grateful to have been provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts.✨
I binged this book in 14 hours (It would of been sooner but adulting got in the way) and it was an absolute rollercoaster. This book definitely falls on the side of much more darker mafia/serial unaliver romance so be sure to check the TWs.
Where oh where will I begin? Ah right Abigail, I am OBSESSED with this female lead🧎♀️. It’s very rare in mafia/organised crime romances that we get a strong/tough FMC but this is not the case with Abigail… Our woman here is a serial unaliver who eliminates the vile men that exist in the world. #Slay💅 These activities of Abigail’s stemmed from her past where she was abused/mistreated by her horrible ex-husband, until Abigail had enough and took out the trash (he will not be missed..), and may I say the way she takes out her marks with poisonous flowers is absolutely genius👀.
Abigail crosses paths with our MMC Roman when she applies for a secretary job in his company. While working in Romans company this allowed Abigail to profile her next mark(s) who so happened to be Romans men. Roman is you’re typical dominant/alpha mafia boss (and yes I am a sucker for this man) but he also has been OBSESSED with our Abigail for years, since the moment he laid eyes on her in the apartment block she lived in with her ex-husband. He never acted upon his feelings when he first laid eyes upon her and then she disappeared only to resurface years later when she shows up at the job interview.
There is push and pull and a whole lot of tension between Abigail and Roman and I was absolutely LIVING for it, especially the jealousy moments because I must say I do enjoy the MMC/FMC being possessive of one another. This tension just kept building until it finally reached breaking point and my god did the temperature rise when the dam finally broke🌶️.
One of the main reasons I loved this book is that both MCs embraced their own inner darkness but also encouraged that darkness in each other, and I mean it when I say they are just as CRAZY as each other. And if you’re wondering yes that darkness made its way in to a few spicy moments (RIP to my Kindle highlights👀)
Without providing any spoilers this book is an absolute rollercoaster from start to finish and if you enjoy the following I would highly recommend this book for you:
-Enemies to lovers
-Mafia Romance
-Close Proximity
-Work Place Romance
-Serial unaliver FMC
-Touch him/Touch her and you die
I am looking forward to reading more in this series and from both of these authors. I am so grateful to have been provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts.✨
January 20, 2024
Aburrido y extremadamente largo.
February 3, 2024
Roman and Abby might just be my new favorite unhinged mafia couple. This book is dark, sexy and will also leave you giggling. Check the trigger warnings. I loved learning more about Roman and Abby, who are side characters in the Heart Of The Inferno Series. Crossovers please me greatly. Written by 2 authors, this book is seamless. You would never know. 4.45/5
The audiobook was fantastic. CJ Bloom and Grayson Owens Russian accents did not disappoint. In fact, portraying multiple characters who have Russian accents and doing them wonderfully. I was very impressed. 5/5
The audiobook was fantastic. CJ Bloom and Grayson Owens Russian accents did not disappoint. In fact, portraying multiple characters who have Russian accents and doing them wonderfully. I was very impressed. 5/5
September 26, 2023
Does no one know how to write a decent or likeable ‘badass’ FMC?
That bitch wasn’t a girl’s girl
Oh and the Hero was so boringggggg and bland. No chemistry between them whatsoever.
That bitch wasn’t a girl’s girl
Oh and the Hero was so boringggggg and bland. No chemistry between them whatsoever.
September 16, 2023
I am so grateful to have been provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts!
"My sun, my world… became a monster with a wedding ring... That night he nearly killed me… And that night I decided to kill him."
Abigail Wayne has been through hell.
No one should have to go through what she did.
And she will do anything she can to make sure of that.
If you're looking for a vigilante book or you're obsessed with Black Widow, this book is for you! Our woman here is a serial unaliver who eliminates the vile men that exist in the world.
Abigail and Roman relationship is the literal definition of "like calls to like" with their darkness matching each other. There is push and pull and a whole lot of tension between Abigail and Roman and I was absolutely LIVING for it! And god I love a possessive man but it's even hotter when both the MC are because Abigail is such a badass! Damn I love a strong FMC!! The tension just kept building until it finally reached breaking point and oh my god it was hot! 🔥
I am looking forward to reading more in this series and from both of these authors.
4⭐️
4🌶️
Tropes:
- Mafia Romance
- Enemies To Lovers
- Workplace Relationship
- Strong FMC
- Serial Killer
- Touch her/him and die
- Vigilante Justice
- Obsessive MMC
- Force Proximity
"My sun, my world… became a monster with a wedding ring... That night he nearly killed me… And that night I decided to kill him."
Abigail Wayne has been through hell.
No one should have to go through what she did.
And she will do anything she can to make sure of that.
If you're looking for a vigilante book or you're obsessed with Black Widow, this book is for you! Our woman here is a serial unaliver who eliminates the vile men that exist in the world.
Abigail and Roman relationship is the literal definition of "like calls to like" with their darkness matching each other. There is push and pull and a whole lot of tension between Abigail and Roman and I was absolutely LIVING for it! And god I love a possessive man but it's even hotter when both the MC are because Abigail is such a badass! Damn I love a strong FMC!! The tension just kept building until it finally reached breaking point and oh my god it was hot! 🔥
I am looking forward to reading more in this series and from both of these authors.
4⭐️
4🌶️
Tropes:
- Mafia Romance
- Enemies To Lovers
- Workplace Relationship
- Strong FMC
- Serial Killer
- Touch her/him and die
- Vigilante Justice
- Obsessive MMC
- Force Proximity
January 30, 2024
can’t wait for more!!
I’m not gonna lie. It took me quite a while to get fully invested into this book but once I was, I honestly couldn’t get enough. Abigail and Roman have such a fiery and explosive dynamic. I absolutely loved every single interaction that these two had. The tension really kept me on my toes. I love how possessive they were of each other. Usually you only see that with the main male character in most romance books, but Abigail is just as, if not even more possessive than Roman is. These two love really, really hard and that’s so apparent almost from the beginning. As always, these narrators did a fantastic job with the audio for this book. I honestly don’t think that they could’ve cast two veteran narrators than these two!
This writing duo is really great. I’ve read one of the two authors before and I love reading new to me authors especially duos. I really enjoyed the writing style and the story overall. I can’t wait to read more from these two!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m not gonna lie. It took me quite a while to get fully invested into this book but once I was, I honestly couldn’t get enough. Abigail and Roman have such a fiery and explosive dynamic. I absolutely loved every single interaction that these two had. The tension really kept me on my toes. I love how possessive they were of each other. Usually you only see that with the main male character in most romance books, but Abigail is just as, if not even more possessive than Roman is. These two love really, really hard and that’s so apparent almost from the beginning. As always, these narrators did a fantastic job with the audio for this book. I honestly don’t think that they could’ve cast two veteran narrators than these two!
This writing duo is really great. I’ve read one of the two authors before and I love reading new to me authors especially duos. I really enjoyed the writing style and the story overall. I can’t wait to read more from these two!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 19, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5 stars
🌶🌶🌶🌶 level 4 spice
*picks jaw off floor*
Ughhhh I did not want this book to end! The characters, the spice, the ✨️*DRAMA*✨️ 🤌
In case you couldn't tell by the synopsis, Abby is a widow who lives in a townhouse with her cat, and she lovesssss to garden.
Little does everyone know that her garden is full of deadly plants that help her unalive people. #goals
Not just any people, but men (like her dead husband) who abuse women. And I'm 100% obsessed with her. So is our MMC, Roman, who is a part of the Russian Mafia and happens to have some abusive men working for him that keep randomly dropping dead.
Roman simultaneously hunts down and falls in love with the very person who is killing his men without even knowing it.
Their relationship is the literal definition of "like calls to like" with their darkness matching each other.
Mafia dark romances with a "touch her and die" trope are my go-to, but adding a strong FMC who doesn't need saved has become my new weakness. She's not a cheesy "badass" either. Abby is a woman who can hold her own and doesn't need a man, but WANTS one man and demands respect. We love that.
The spicy scenes were short but very well written, and the book wasn't over saturated with it. Their banter and tension were almost enough on their own!
4.5 stars because I felt like the ending was rushed, but otherwise, I highly recommend it!
💀Vigilante FMC
💀 Mafia MMC
💀Enemies to lovers
💀Touch her/him and die
🌶 He falls first
🌶 Workplace/close proximity
Thank you, Charly and Nicole, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
🌶🌶🌶🌶 level 4 spice
*picks jaw off floor*
Ughhhh I did not want this book to end! The characters, the spice, the ✨️*DRAMA*✨️ 🤌
In case you couldn't tell by the synopsis, Abby is a widow who lives in a townhouse with her cat, and she lovesssss to garden.
Little does everyone know that her garden is full of deadly plants that help her unalive people. #goals
Not just any people, but men (like her dead husband) who abuse women. And I'm 100% obsessed with her. So is our MMC, Roman, who is a part of the Russian Mafia and happens to have some abusive men working for him that keep randomly dropping dead.
Roman simultaneously hunts down and falls in love with the very person who is killing his men without even knowing it.
Their relationship is the literal definition of "like calls to like" with their darkness matching each other.
Mafia dark romances with a "touch her and die" trope are my go-to, but adding a strong FMC who doesn't need saved has become my new weakness. She's not a cheesy "badass" either. Abby is a woman who can hold her own and doesn't need a man, but WANTS one man and demands respect. We love that.
The spicy scenes were short but very well written, and the book wasn't over saturated with it. Their banter and tension were almost enough on their own!
4.5 stars because I felt like the ending was rushed, but otherwise, I highly recommend it!
💀Vigilante FMC
💀 Mafia MMC
💀Enemies to lovers
💀Touch her/him and die
🌶 He falls first
🌶 Workplace/close proximity
Thank you, Charly and Nicole, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
February 1, 2024
TROPES:
🌱Workplace/close proximity
🌱Enemies to Lovers
🌱Touch Him/Touch her and ☠️
🌱Cęreal Unäliver
🌱Mâfia Romance
🌱Vigilante Justice
Charly Nicole gave us A LOT with this book. From the dedication page all the way to the end, Charly Nicole had my emotions ROOOOLLLING. Abby (FMC) found strength through her tough past. She was a force to be reckoned with. She came with a plan and man did she execute it. We LOVE a FMC with Brains, strength and regained confidence. HOWEVER, when Roman (MMC) enters her life (and vice verse) things quickly become chaotic. There is an interference with plans that caused a lot trouble for Abby and Roman.. like… I had 95% left in the book and I was sweating over how everything would play out! Charly Nicole really didn’t mess around with this book.
I also listened to the this book on Audio and I don’t think I could have picked a better cast for Abby and Roman. Charly Nicole seriously nailed it will their selection. This book was dual narrated by Grayson Owens and CJ Bloom and man, they performed these characters and the supporting characters with pure perfection. What really makes this audiobook stand out is not just the emotions they put to the words but the ACCENTS! Russian, American, Italian and more! Both CJ Bloom and Grayson blew me away with this audiobook. These characters and this story really allowed them to showcase their talent. As an added bonus… they brought alllll the heat to the spicy scenes. I mean at one point I needed to cool off before continuing. Definitely recommend grabbing the audiobook but you really can’t miss no matter how you decide to read this book!
✨🌱Happy Reading & Happy Listening 🌱✨
🌱Workplace/close proximity
🌱Enemies to Lovers
🌱Touch Him/Touch her and ☠️
🌱Cęreal Unäliver
🌱Mâfia Romance
🌱Vigilante Justice
Charly Nicole gave us A LOT with this book. From the dedication page all the way to the end, Charly Nicole had my emotions ROOOOLLLING. Abby (FMC) found strength through her tough past. She was a force to be reckoned with. She came with a plan and man did she execute it. We LOVE a FMC with Brains, strength and regained confidence. HOWEVER, when Roman (MMC) enters her life (and vice verse) things quickly become chaotic. There is an interference with plans that caused a lot trouble for Abby and Roman.. like… I had 95% left in the book and I was sweating over how everything would play out! Charly Nicole really didn’t mess around with this book.
I also listened to the this book on Audio and I don’t think I could have picked a better cast for Abby and Roman. Charly Nicole seriously nailed it will their selection. This book was dual narrated by Grayson Owens and CJ Bloom and man, they performed these characters and the supporting characters with pure perfection. What really makes this audiobook stand out is not just the emotions they put to the words but the ACCENTS! Russian, American, Italian and more! Both CJ Bloom and Grayson blew me away with this audiobook. These characters and this story really allowed them to showcase their talent. As an added bonus… they brought alllll the heat to the spicy scenes. I mean at one point I needed to cool off before continuing. Definitely recommend grabbing the audiobook but you really can’t miss no matter how you decide to read this book!
✨🌱Happy Reading & Happy Listening 🌱✨
September 17, 2023
Everyone absolutely needs to read this book!
If you like a man absolutely unhinged and ready to what he needs to do for his women - you will love this book!
If you like a woman who is absolutely unhinged and willing to do what she needs to do to protect not only herself, her independence, and her man - this book is for you!
I was hooked start to finish!
If you like a man absolutely unhinged and ready to what he needs to do for his women - you will love this book!
If you like a woman who is absolutely unhinged and willing to do what she needs to do to protect not only herself, her independence, and her man - this book is for you!
I was hooked start to finish!
September 15, 2023
This is the debut novel for this author, when I say I jumped right into this book after reading the blurb & the trigger warnings. It starts with the main female character Abigail Wayne, who just so happens to be the “brunette” that Roman Antonov has been fantasizing about for a very long time after seeing her the first time with her husband at an event they both attended. Now her husband may have been the dotting type when in public, but he was quite the opposite when the doors were closed. She became very good within her greenhouse & when it came to growing certain types of plants making the “Widowmaker”, so when her husband died of a “heart attack” nobody looked her way. Abby only uses her “garden” when it comes to men that physically & mentally abuse woman, which so happens to bring her in the presence of Roman. Let’s be honest Roman is a mafia don, so with that being said unaliving people is not really an issue when it comes to being with him but Abby doesn’t know that till Roman brings light to knowing what she has been doing to his men. The sexual tension between these two is ridiculously strong, I’m surprised they don’t rip off their clothes every time they’re alone together. Roman has waited a very long time for Abby, so it’s going to take a hell of a lot more than a few of his men dying to give up his woman. Abby started having strong feelings for Roman, so when it came to the point of people coming after Roman that’s when she decided she would kill for this man because nobody was going to mess with what was hers & that most definitely went for Heather from accounting too. I’m not going to lie, I throughly enjoyed seeing Abby’s jealous side in that bathroom. When Roman & Abby come together whether it’s on his desk or another piece of furniture, it’s electric & explosive between the two of them. Now towards the end when shit gets crazy with Polina I was biting my nails because that chick was crazy. It does end in a HEA that will have you giggling, but also your heart will be happy. Both main characters are very strong willed & the way they bicker back & forth is fun to read because you know they are just tiptoeing around the fact they want to devour each other. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this amazing new author!
September 15, 2023
3,5 ⭐️ - 2,5 🌶️
First I wanna thank the authors for giving me the chance to read an ARC copy of their book. I was really excited about reading this book. I really liked the tropes and honestly I enjoyed reading the book, although it was a little bit long for me, personally.
It’s a dark mafia romance, and some of the themes that are talked about in this book are not for everyone. Definitely check the trigger warnings before starting this book.
My relationship with the main characters, Abby and Roman, was a bit hot and cold. there were parts when I liked them, and there were parts when I really disagreed with their actions. Abby was giving me Poison Ivy vibes, which I loved. In the major parts of the book I really liked her, how she reacted given her relationship with Roman. I liked Roman too. There were some parts in the book when I really really really agreed with how he reacted toward some of Abby’s actions. but there were other parts when he acted childish. Sometimes he was the strong leader that he pretended he was, but other times he was just some teenager who didn’t understand his emotions.
Definitely were some differences between these two personalities of him, but in the end I enjoyed his presence in the book. Abby also acted childish in some moments, but in general she was really strong, and she knew what she wanted in her life.
The spice was present in the book, and I really liked how it was written. I gave the book some extra points for the spicy parts. As I said in the beginning, the book was a little bit longer for me. I think the story could have been told in less pages. But although long for me, it kept me hooked. I was really curious about what was going to happen next, so that kept me reading.
Given the fact that it’s their debut novel, I think the authors did a pretty good job. Whilst this is book one in a series, it can be read as a standalone. I am really interested in the next book in the series and I look forward to read it. Thank you again for the ARC opportunity.
First I wanna thank the authors for giving me the chance to read an ARC copy of their book. I was really excited about reading this book. I really liked the tropes and honestly I enjoyed reading the book, although it was a little bit long for me, personally.
It’s a dark mafia romance, and some of the themes that are talked about in this book are not for everyone. Definitely check the trigger warnings before starting this book.
My relationship with the main characters, Abby and Roman, was a bit hot and cold. there were parts when I liked them, and there were parts when I really disagreed with their actions. Abby was giving me Poison Ivy vibes, which I loved. In the major parts of the book I really liked her, how she reacted given her relationship with Roman. I liked Roman too. There were some parts in the book when I really really really agreed with how he reacted toward some of Abby’s actions. but there were other parts when he acted childish. Sometimes he was the strong leader that he pretended he was, but other times he was just some teenager who didn’t understand his emotions.
Definitely were some differences between these two personalities of him, but in the end I enjoyed his presence in the book. Abby also acted childish in some moments, but in general she was really strong, and she knew what she wanted in her life.
The spice was present in the book, and I really liked how it was written. I gave the book some extra points for the spicy parts. As I said in the beginning, the book was a little bit longer for me. I think the story could have been told in less pages. But although long for me, it kept me hooked. I was really curious about what was going to happen next, so that kept me reading.
Given the fact that it’s their debut novel, I think the authors did a pretty good job. Whilst this is book one in a series, it can be read as a standalone. I am really interested in the next book in the series and I look forward to read it. Thank you again for the ARC opportunity.
January 27, 2024
Black Widow meets Mafia Don! 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
This is #1 of the Antonov Legacy by #CharlyNicole and can be read as a standalone. It is about Roman, a good friend of Jaxon Pace from The Hearts of the Inferno series by #NicoleFanning
I really loved the quirky and extremely dangerous FMC Abigail (Foxy). I also understood and accepted why she killed. What didn't make sense to me was how an abused doormat suddenly transforms into a serial k*ller. These dark demons must have been there since birth, particularly when you see the punishment she doles out to one of Roman's employees.
When Roman, the delicious but menacing Don of the Russian Mafia in New York meets Foxy, the woman of his dreams, all bets are off and he is prepared to go to any lengths to protect her! Their chemistry is off the charts, and they are literally made for each other. I loved their banter and how they pushed each other's buttons, e.g. the desk and glasshouse sprinkler scenes were priceless!
I did feel, though, that the ending was rather abrupt with unexplained and unresolved issues and hope that these will be dealt with as the series progresses.
The narration was perfect by the incomparable #CJBloom and #GraysonOwens
Although I received a copy of this ALC from #bluenoseaudio all opinions are my own.
This is #1 of the Antonov Legacy by #CharlyNicole and can be read as a standalone. It is about Roman, a good friend of Jaxon Pace from The Hearts of the Inferno series by #NicoleFanning
I really loved the quirky and extremely dangerous FMC Abigail (Foxy). I also understood and accepted why she killed. What didn't make sense to me was how an abused doormat suddenly transforms into a serial k*ller. These dark demons must have been there since birth, particularly when you see the punishment she doles out to one of Roman's employees.
When Roman, the delicious but menacing Don of the Russian Mafia in New York meets Foxy, the woman of his dreams, all bets are off and he is prepared to go to any lengths to protect her! Their chemistry is off the charts, and they are literally made for each other. I loved their banter and how they pushed each other's buttons, e.g. the desk and glasshouse sprinkler scenes were priceless!
I did feel, though, that the ending was rather abrupt with unexplained and unresolved issues and hope that these will be dealt with as the series progresses.
The narration was perfect by the incomparable #CJBloom and #GraysonOwens
Although I received a copy of this ALC from #bluenoseaudio all opinions are my own.
September 24, 2023
-Enemies to lovers
-Mafia Romance
-Work Place Romance
-Serial killer FMC
-Touch him/Touch her and you die
Abby Wayne * Roman Antonov
Abby has been through hell in a marriage with a man who’d abuse her just because he was of a different class with her. But she was inlove and blinded by it until she realised it wasn’t love but hell and so she unlocks her demons unalives him by making it look like he had a heartattack.
From then on she decides to become a vigilante who fights for women who are being abused. She hunts them; ends them without hesitation. And she’s pretty good at it.
Thats when her next target lands on her list- “ROMAN ANTONOV”. So she goes to his company and pretends to be looking for a job just to get closer for her mission.
Roman is the god in the Mafia world; he’s feared by many and his reputation surpasses him. But he’s always wanted Abby and sometimes even fantasizes with her as they’ve met on several occasions in all the high society balls and parties. But when her husband dies Abby retreats from the meetups. And Roman is still looking for her; in dire need to own her but then out of no where …SHE LANDS IN HIS OFFICE FOR AN INTERVIEW AS HIS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT!!
I loved how Roman has a soft spot for Abby! Through their battering back and fourth bout her dressing and how she talks back at him; the power in her and how she was protecting the other women behind closed doors…thats was mind blowing for me…Abby’s BADASS! No lie🤍…totally love her
From then the story gets better and better! Y’all have got to read this. Already live on Amazon…You’ll love it….
Thank you @theauthor.agency for this Beautiful arc!
-Mafia Romance
-Work Place Romance
-Serial killer FMC
-Touch him/Touch her and you die
Abby Wayne * Roman Antonov
Abby has been through hell in a marriage with a man who’d abuse her just because he was of a different class with her. But she was inlove and blinded by it until she realised it wasn’t love but hell and so she unlocks her demons unalives him by making it look like he had a heartattack.
From then on she decides to become a vigilante who fights for women who are being abused. She hunts them; ends them without hesitation. And she’s pretty good at it.
Thats when her next target lands on her list- “ROMAN ANTONOV”. So she goes to his company and pretends to be looking for a job just to get closer for her mission.
Roman is the god in the Mafia world; he’s feared by many and his reputation surpasses him. But he’s always wanted Abby and sometimes even fantasizes with her as they’ve met on several occasions in all the high society balls and parties. But when her husband dies Abby retreats from the meetups. And Roman is still looking for her; in dire need to own her but then out of no where …SHE LANDS IN HIS OFFICE FOR AN INTERVIEW AS HIS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT!!
I loved how Roman has a soft spot for Abby! Through their battering back and fourth bout her dressing and how she talks back at him; the power in her and how she was protecting the other women behind closed doors…thats was mind blowing for me…Abby’s BADASS! No lie🤍…totally love her
From then the story gets better and better! Y’all have got to read this. Already live on Amazon…You’ll love it….
Thank you @theauthor.agency for this Beautiful arc!
September 10, 2023
4.5/5 ⭐️
I received an ARC for this! Let me tell you I was OBSESSED straight off the bat. I’m in my dark romance mafia era right now so boy did I 👏🏻EAT👏🏻THIS👏🏻UP👏🏻
I really loved the whole idea of this book. It’s very opposite to what people usually write where this time it’s the girl doing the unaliving 👀
Our MFC Abby, is STRONG WILLED AF and never backs down. She challenges Roman, our MMC in every way. The TENSION between them *chefs kiss*
We learn a lot about their past and their inner demons just compliment each other and also brought it out to play. They’re like a missing piece to each others puzzle. They’re possessive of each other and there’s jealousy and my heart loved every single bit of it. GIMME MORE
Also can we appreciate nicknames MMC give FMC in books cuz “Foxy” and “little fox” 😩❤️❤️
🌶️SPICE🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
⭐️TROPES⭐️
•Mafia Romance
•Enemies to lovers
•Serial 🔪 MFC
•Work Place Romance
•Close Proximity
•Touch him/Touch her and you die
•Obsessive MMC
•Love/Hate
Can’t wait to read the more!
I received an ARC for this! Let me tell you I was OBSESSED straight off the bat. I’m in my dark romance mafia era right now so boy did I 👏🏻EAT👏🏻THIS👏🏻UP👏🏻
I really loved the whole idea of this book. It’s very opposite to what people usually write where this time it’s the girl doing the unaliving 👀
Our MFC Abby, is STRONG WILLED AF and never backs down. She challenges Roman, our MMC in every way. The TENSION between them *chefs kiss*
We learn a lot about their past and their inner demons just compliment each other and also brought it out to play. They’re like a missing piece to each others puzzle. They’re possessive of each other and there’s jealousy and my heart loved every single bit of it. GIMME MORE
Also can we appreciate nicknames MMC give FMC in books cuz “Foxy” and “little fox” 😩❤️❤️
🌶️SPICE🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
⭐️TROPES⭐️
•Mafia Romance
•Enemies to lovers
•Serial 🔪 MFC
•Work Place Romance
•Close Proximity
•Touch him/Touch her and you die
•Obsessive MMC
•Love/Hate
Can’t wait to read the more!
May 26, 2024
i felt like i've been reading this for days but when i looked, i was only at 28%?? DNF
i wanted to like this so much because the premise is so good: serial killer fmc and mafia boss mc? yesss!
alas, it looks like abigail is a cheap, lameass Target version of lana myers, the scarlet slayer from the mindfck series. she's uninteresting as heck. same goes with roman antonov, who has no other personality other than "i'm boss" "hmm pussy" and "guns". 🙄🙄🙄
i would have pushed through, but the writing is also so so bad. i hope this author hired a proofreader to edit her works after this book, or had axed whoever edited this book because the writing and sentences are just awful. i can't do 600 pages of this.
bad. just bad.
i wanted to like this so much because the premise is so good: serial killer fmc and mafia boss mc? yesss!
alas, it looks like abigail is a cheap, lameass Target version of lana myers, the scarlet slayer from the mindfck series. she's uninteresting as heck. same goes with roman antonov, who has no other personality other than "i'm boss" "hmm pussy" and "guns". 🙄🙄🙄
i would have pushed through, but the writing is also so so bad. i hope this author hired a proofreader to edit her works after this book, or had axed whoever edited this book because the writing and sentences are just awful. i can't do 600 pages of this.
bad. just bad.
December 22, 2025
So. . . this book really and I mean REALLY got me by surprise. . .
When I decided to pick it up I was pretty sure this was going to be a bland read. . . and I couldn't be more wrong! This was so freaking amazing and addicted!
The story and plot was so bad ass and different from the usual mafia romance.
And don't get me started on the characters and their chemistry that was also so well written.
Abby and Roman were simple a match made in hell and I enjoyed every moment of their story that I really couldn't put the book down.
I'm so curious to see what else this author has planned for the future!
▬ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: dark romance, mafia, revenge, workplace/office romance (boss x secretary), obsessed boy
▬ 𝐭𝐰: violence, death, cheating
When I decided to pick it up I was pretty sure this was going to be a bland read. . . and I couldn't be more wrong! This was so freaking amazing and addicted!
The story and plot was so bad ass and different from the usual mafia romance.
And don't get me started on the characters and their chemistry that was also so well written.
Abby and Roman were simple a match made in hell and I enjoyed every moment of their story that I really couldn't put the book down.
I'm so curious to see what else this author has planned for the future!
▬ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: dark romance, mafia, revenge, workplace/office romance (boss x secretary), obsessed boy
▬ 𝐭𝐰: violence, death, cheating
September 12, 2023
Thank you to the editor and the authors for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review !
Wooow I was so invested in this story it was insane.
I just loved how unhinged both the MCs are.
I’ve always loved mafia romance, morally dark gray MMC and badass FMCS, so I was really happy to find this book.
I really loved it, the story was well-developed, the characters had depth, the spice was spicing.
I won’t talk about the epilogue because honestly, I rarely like epilogues. But I don’t mind, that’s just like a bonus scene to me haha.
Overall, a really nice book, quite thick too, with good development, good characters, everything I can ask for in a mafia book.
Wooow I was so invested in this story it was insane.
I just loved how unhinged both the MCs are.
I’ve always loved mafia romance, morally dark gray MMC and badass FMCS, so I was really happy to find this book.
I really loved it, the story was well-developed, the characters had depth, the spice was spicing.
I won’t talk about the epilogue because honestly, I rarely like epilogues. But I don’t mind, that’s just like a bonus scene to me haha.
Overall, a really nice book, quite thick too, with good development, good characters, everything I can ask for in a mafia book.
November 22, 2023
This book was incredibly difficult to get through. I usually avoid writing negative reviews, but holy crap this book pissed me off. I’ll keep it spoiler free and just stick to my 2 high level complaints.
1) ABBY is the worst FMC I’ve ever read. Cocky, immoral anti-heroes are the norm in a genre like this but it only works if the reader finds them to be intelligent and, most importantly, LIKABLE. Abby is incompetent and insufferable. Abby is not strong, witty, clever, or capable. Abby makes idiotic, illogical decisions and her musings are so cringy. She’s a narcissist and has the critical thinking skills of a sociopathic 12 year old. There’s nothing to root for except the vain hope that an anvil will fall on her head and end the story early.
How on earth did two adult writers create a protagonist like Abby without realizing that she’s a toddler?🧐
2) LENGTH. I like long books, but this story didn’t require 600+ pages. No aspect of it was compelling enough to earn my attention for that long. I saw it through to the end out of spite. The story also lacks cohesion. Add in the terrible cast of characters and it’s an extended trip through hell. 😩
It appears this is going to be a series. Blegh. Good luck. I won’t be returning to this world.
1) ABBY is the worst FMC I’ve ever read. Cocky, immoral anti-heroes are the norm in a genre like this but it only works if the reader finds them to be intelligent and, most importantly, LIKABLE. Abby is incompetent and insufferable. Abby is not strong, witty, clever, or capable. Abby makes idiotic, illogical decisions and her musings are so cringy. She’s a narcissist and has the critical thinking skills of a sociopathic 12 year old. There’s nothing to root for except the vain hope that an anvil will fall on her head and end the story early.
How on earth did two adult writers create a protagonist like Abby without realizing that she’s a toddler?🧐
2) LENGTH. I like long books, but this story didn’t require 600+ pages. No aspect of it was compelling enough to earn my attention for that long. I saw it through to the end out of spite. The story also lacks cohesion. Add in the terrible cast of characters and it’s an extended trip through hell. 😩
It appears this is going to be a series. Blegh. Good luck. I won’t be returning to this world.
September 12, 2023
I don’t even know where to start. This story kept me on my toes, it provided some steamy scenes, very fun banter, and all around amazing character development. I laughed, cried and even got a bit angry at times. This book was also my first by Charly Nicole but it won’t be my last!
If you love mafia, alphaholes, bada$$ female main characters, and lots of banter — read this book! You will not be disappointed.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you The Author Agency and Charly Nicole.
If you love mafia, alphaholes, bada$$ female main characters, and lots of banter — read this book! You will not be disappointed.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you The Author Agency and Charly Nicole.
January 22, 2024
I listened to this and love love love the combo of CJ Bloom and Grayson Owens. The way both narrators nail their Russian accents is incredible and adds a great deal to the story. I adore when narrators don’t just read a story but they bring it to life. I highly recommend listening because of how much Grayson and CJ bring to the table with their emotions, tempers, scoffs, laughs, and sass. It’s a treat.
March 1, 2024
Plot: 📖📖📖📖📖
Originality: 📝📝📝📝📝
Narration:🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Action:👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽
Troupe: femme fatale, mafia romance
Triggers: violence, abuse
Perfect! Bad ass heroine, strong hero, well developed side characters and a crazy story line. Can’t wait for book 2.
Originality: 📝📝📝📝📝
Narration:🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Action:👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽
Troupe: femme fatale, mafia romance
Triggers: violence, abuse
Perfect! Bad ass heroine, strong hero, well developed side characters and a crazy story line. Can’t wait for book 2.
January 11, 2025
While this book was fun to read, I feel I was robbed of a proper ending and left wanting closure. Also the characters got a little ridiculous towards the end so much so it was unrealistic considering it’s the MOB
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2025
I love supporting women’s wrongs. Abigail’s desire to murder the men of the man she is working for was so entertaining but she was also a dumb bitch 🤦🏽♀️
October 1, 2023
THIS WAS SOO GOOD.
I'm not overly a mafia romance girly but I was hooked so quickly. I have long been in a book slump and this broke it. I can't wait to read more in this world.
Loved the characters. Loved the spice. Loved the action.
A great debut book!
I'm not overly a mafia romance girly but I was hooked so quickly. I have long been in a book slump and this broke it. I can't wait to read more in this world.
Loved the characters. Loved the spice. Loved the action.
A great debut book!
October 21, 2023
This dang book is too dang gone long, should be cut by 25% and it would not be so slow. I stumbled at 4% when Abby said she able to hear a victims group and names in the library stacks. WTH!! I read that twice and thought... no way would a victim group be that open to all to hear and see the members talking about there abusers. Returning my copy today. Shame on the author, for thinking the reader would fall for this scenario.
September 23, 2023
3.75⭐️
Well this was interesting to say the least😅
It had really good promise and protential and I thought of a few ways Abby could have been more badass bit I feel like she forgot she was being badass and more bat shit crazy.
Roman was cringe on and off throughout the entirety of this Ngl… he was acting like a kid who just wanted to look all scary but was weird and I got second hand embarrassment half of the time.
I really liked this and I even struggled to put it down… Until they got together…. After that I was struggling to focus and there was just some moments where I was like “is this even necessary?”
The ending ruined.. I hate a time jump, especially when it doesn’t make much sense. there was so many gaps in the story, it made my head spin
Overall I feel like this should have been two books instead of Smashing everything into one book… like what really happened to her parents?? Did the war just stop?? Because he was okay with leaving his girlfriend alone 4 WEEKS after she got kidnapped?? Considering how protective he was?? Nahhh
Well this was interesting to say the least😅
It had really good promise and protential and I thought of a few ways Abby could have been more badass bit I feel like she forgot she was being badass and more bat shit crazy.
Roman was cringe on and off throughout the entirety of this Ngl… he was acting like a kid who just wanted to look all scary but was weird and I got second hand embarrassment half of the time.
I really liked this and I even struggled to put it down… Until they got together…. After that I was struggling to focus and there was just some moments where I was like “is this even necessary?”
The ending ruined.. I hate a time jump, especially when it doesn’t make much sense. there was so many gaps in the story, it made my head spin
Overall I feel like this should have been two books instead of Smashing everything into one book… like what really happened to her parents?? Did the war just stop?? Because he was okay with leaving his girlfriend alone 4 WEEKS after she got kidnapped?? Considering how protective he was?? Nahhh
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