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Viktorov Bratva #1
Whiskey Poison
The stranger who saved my life is officially my new boss.
Now, I’m stuck in a house with him and his BABY...
Until I find a way to get both of us out.
He’s a CEO.
A Bratva don.
My new boss...
And now, my prison warden.
Timofey Viktorov has no problems blackmailing me into his deal.
Live in my mansion …
Care for my baby …
“No” is not an option .
There’s only one way out of this
Uncover the secrets he’s hiding and blackmail him right back..
But the longer I’m in his house, the harder things get.
He’s getting closer.
The ice is getting thinner.
Sooner or later, it’s going to crack.
WHISKEY POISON is Book 1 of the Viktorov Bratva Duet. The story concludes in Book 2, WHISKEY PAIN.
Now, I’m stuck in a house with him and his BABY...
Until I find a way to get both of us out.
He’s a CEO.
A Bratva don.
My new boss...
And now, my prison warden.
Timofey Viktorov has no problems blackmailing me into his deal.
Live in my mansion …
Care for my baby …
“No” is not an option .
There’s only one way out of this
Uncover the secrets he’s hiding and blackmail him right back..
But the longer I’m in his house, the harder things get.
He’s getting closer.
The ice is getting thinner.
Sooner or later, it’s going to crack.
WHISKEY POISON is Book 1 of the Viktorov Bratva Duet. The story concludes in Book 2, WHISKEY PAIN.
662 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2023
3512 people are currently reading
2128 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Fox
195 books4,800 followersNicole Fox writes smart, sexy mafia romance novels. She is a crazy cat lady in her late 30s with a coffee addiction, an overactive imagination, and a husband who somehow puts up with her impulsive need to keep buying new plants for their house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
June 19, 2023
Way too long and slow moving
2.75. Both books (combined) in this duet are over 1,000 pages long. That would be fine if the story moved along or if it had enough happening whereas it didn’t feel drawn out. The storyline is very drawn out and very slow moving. If a story has plenty of originality and characters to keep the reader engaged, then length isn’t a problem.
Timofey’s character is well done, everything I expect from a Bratva leader; but Piper’s character has grown very annoying in book one. I can only imagine it will only get worse in book 2. I have issues with MFC’s who continue to make stupid decisions over and over again. She is too nosey for her own good. She seemingly attempts to fix everyone, but ends up being a very bad Florence Nightingale when it comes to herself and what is good for her. I had high hopes for her character but have grown very tired of her meddling, poor decision making and poor self-esteem. I personally dislike a female character who gets used by the people in her life she considers friends and family repetitively, but never gets it. It’s one thing to be a doormat and not realize it, but another when you actually know you are and continue to let yourself fall down that rabbit hole.
Timofey’s character is the only reason I will try to read book two otherwise Book one would be it.
2.75. Both books (combined) in this duet are over 1,000 pages long. That would be fine if the story moved along or if it had enough happening whereas it didn’t feel drawn out. The storyline is very drawn out and very slow moving. If a story has plenty of originality and characters to keep the reader engaged, then length isn’t a problem.
Timofey’s character is well done, everything I expect from a Bratva leader; but Piper’s character has grown very annoying in book one. I can only imagine it will only get worse in book 2. I have issues with MFC’s who continue to make stupid decisions over and over again. She is too nosey for her own good. She seemingly attempts to fix everyone, but ends up being a very bad Florence Nightingale when it comes to herself and what is good for her. I had high hopes for her character but have grown very tired of her meddling, poor decision making and poor self-esteem. I personally dislike a female character who gets used by the people in her life she considers friends and family repetitively, but never gets it. It’s one thing to be a doormat and not realize it, but another when you actually know you are and continue to let yourself fall down that rabbit hole.
Timofey’s character is the only reason I will try to read book two otherwise Book one would be it.
July 17, 2025
4.5 ⭐
Tropes:
~ Mafia romance
~ Single dad/Nanny
~ forced proximity
~ Enemies to lovers
~ Age gap
~ Mental health rep
• Trigger warnings:
Claustrophobic heroine, Abusive parents, Abusive ex boyfriend, Gun violence, branding, traumatic childhoods.
• The main female character is a CPS social worker and she is drawn into the main male characters life when he finds a baby on his doorstep and decides he wants to get legal guardianship of it. This is complicated when the social worker discovers in his case file a lengthy history of criminal conduct and alleged ties to the Bratva. She's an above board woman and rejects his bribe and he decides for whatever reason to blackmail her into leaving her career and being a nanny for the baby in his mansion in exchange for him not killing or harming her small group of family and friends.
• It's my first time i read anything from this author and it won't be my last because i really liked This book even though it was so long and had a frustrating cliffhanger but i enjoyed it very much and very excited to finish the duet.
The push and pull between Piper and Timofey is so good! I love their banter and little arguments so much.
And how tomofry was so opened to change for piper and he was the only one caring for her also his love for his adoptive son was so beautiful.
Tropes:
~ Mafia romance
~ Single dad/Nanny
~ forced proximity
~ Enemies to lovers
~ Age gap
~ Mental health rep
• Trigger warnings:
Claustrophobic heroine, Abusive parents, Abusive ex boyfriend, Gun violence, branding, traumatic childhoods.
• The main female character is a CPS social worker and she is drawn into the main male characters life when he finds a baby on his doorstep and decides he wants to get legal guardianship of it. This is complicated when the social worker discovers in his case file a lengthy history of criminal conduct and alleged ties to the Bratva. She's an above board woman and rejects his bribe and he decides for whatever reason to blackmail her into leaving her career and being a nanny for the baby in his mansion in exchange for him not killing or harming her small group of family and friends.
• It's my first time i read anything from this author and it won't be my last because i really liked This book even though it was so long and had a frustrating cliffhanger but i enjoyed it very much and very excited to finish the duet.
The push and pull between Piper and Timofey is so good! I love their banter and little arguments so much.
And how tomofry was so opened to change for piper and he was the only one caring for her also his love for his adoptive son was so beautiful.
July 9, 2025
“I’ll always come back for you. I’ll never leave you.”
This follows Piper, who is a Child Protective Services worker. She has always wanted to help children and protect them from monsters. After work one afternoon, while getting her bike to ride home, she is approached and attacked by a disgruntled father. That’s when an intense presence with blue eyes helps her and tells the man off. Little does she know, Timofey Viktorov, the Don of the Bratva who stepped in, is her next case—a wealthy, handsome, intense man who is involved in the criminal underworld. Death, secrets, and lies follow Timofey, and now Piper is caught in the crossfire.
This was a great book. The tension between the two main characters was brilliant. Piper lets people walk all over her, though, as she is so giving, while also dealing with past trauma and a phobia that she struggles with. Timofey is a brick wall who hides his emotions inside. The way he takes care of Benjamin and Piper as a protector and would do anything for them made my heart swell. The plot twists leading up to the end got me good, and it ended on a cliffhanger, so I'm excited for the next book. The dual narration was fantastic as well, so I recommend picking up the audiobook. I do want to mention that it has the nanny trope, but for a good chunk of the book, I didn’t see Piper do much with Benjamin at all, let alone Benjamin being around until the second half of the book. I felt as though I didn’t know Benjamin and his personality at all, as he seemed just an object in the book. Lastly, I felt a spicy scene that occurred after an emotional hospital trip, and them waiting on results the next morning, was not necessary. It was a great scene, but with everything going on, I would have liked a more open, intimate situation, where they found comfort in one another without the spice.
If you love:
🔹Dark Mafia (Russian)
🔹Billionaire
🔹Nanny
🔹Hate To Love
🔹Slow Burn Tension
🔹Delicious Spice
Genre/Type: Dark Adult Romance 18+
APK: Physical and Audiobook
Pages: 654
Audiobook Length: 15hrs 2mins
Narrators: Laura Horowitz and Walker Williams - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Book One In The Viktorov Bratva Duet
Tropes or Themes: Mafia (Russian), Nanny, Billionaire, Hate To Love, Workplace, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn, FMC Brat, Protective MMC, Tension, Touch Her And Die, Taken Care Of, Mine, Manipulation, Broken Home, Child Abandonment, Panic Attack, Fire Injury, Claustrophobia, Mental Health, Guns, Violence, Medical Content, Cursing, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Praise, Bath Scene, Impact Play and Breath Play
Mentions: Drug Abuse and Death Of Parent
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
This follows Piper, who is a Child Protective Services worker. She has always wanted to help children and protect them from monsters. After work one afternoon, while getting her bike to ride home, she is approached and attacked by a disgruntled father. That’s when an intense presence with blue eyes helps her and tells the man off. Little does she know, Timofey Viktorov, the Don of the Bratva who stepped in, is her next case—a wealthy, handsome, intense man who is involved in the criminal underworld. Death, secrets, and lies follow Timofey, and now Piper is caught in the crossfire.
This was a great book. The tension between the two main characters was brilliant. Piper lets people walk all over her, though, as she is so giving, while also dealing with past trauma and a phobia that she struggles with. Timofey is a brick wall who hides his emotions inside. The way he takes care of Benjamin and Piper as a protector and would do anything for them made my heart swell. The plot twists leading up to the end got me good, and it ended on a cliffhanger, so I'm excited for the next book. The dual narration was fantastic as well, so I recommend picking up the audiobook. I do want to mention that it has the nanny trope, but for a good chunk of the book, I didn’t see Piper do much with Benjamin at all, let alone Benjamin being around until the second half of the book. I felt as though I didn’t know Benjamin and his personality at all, as he seemed just an object in the book. Lastly, I felt a spicy scene that occurred after an emotional hospital trip, and them waiting on results the next morning, was not necessary. It was a great scene, but with everything going on, I would have liked a more open, intimate situation, where they found comfort in one another without the spice.
If you love:
🔹Dark Mafia (Russian)
🔹Billionaire
🔹Nanny
🔹Hate To Love
🔹Slow Burn Tension
🔹Delicious Spice
Genre/Type: Dark Adult Romance 18+
APK: Physical and Audiobook
Pages: 654
Audiobook Length: 15hrs 2mins
Narrators: Laura Horowitz and Walker Williams - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Book One In The Viktorov Bratva Duet
Tropes or Themes: Mafia (Russian), Nanny, Billionaire, Hate To Love, Workplace, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn, FMC Brat, Protective MMC, Tension, Touch Her And Die, Taken Care Of, Mine, Manipulation, Broken Home, Child Abandonment, Panic Attack, Fire Injury, Claustrophobia, Mental Health, Guns, Violence, Medical Content, Cursing, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Praise, Bath Scene, Impact Play and Breath Play
Mentions: Drug Abuse and Death Of Parent
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
June 1, 2023
If I could give this book 0 stars, I would.
Now, normally I don’t write bad reviews. In fact, this is my first book review I’ve ever done. But let me tell you, this book just has me THAT fed up. So fed up that I went to Amazon to leave a review, but they wouldn’t let me, so I CREATED A GOODREADS account.
I’ve been reading for nearly 6 years. Hundreds to maybe even thousands of books I’ve read. I’ve come across some tedious, drawn out, boring books. But this one takes the cake.
Almost 700 pages OF NOTHING. AND ITS A DUET!! So there’s MORE of this BS.
Long books aren’t a problem to me. I read Den of Vipers in just under five hours. Which is about the length of this book. It didn’t feel tedious or like a chore. Wanna know why? BECAUSE CRAP HAPPENED IN THAT BOOK. It wasn’t stale.
Let me tell you exactly how this book goes…
H tells h not to do something and to obey. They argue. She tries to leave and take the baby with her. He catches her. Some tension of the spicy variety happens. They get distracted right as SOMETHING mildly entertaining is finally about to happen.
AND IT REPEATS! Over and Over and Over. I got well over half way into this book. 400 pages to be exact before I said, ‘You know what? I’m wasting my time. LITERALLY NOTHING IS HAPPENING’.
They banter, he threatens her, she has a panic attack. When I tell you I kept having to take breaks because the amount of NOTHING that was happening…
Detail is amazing in a book. Don’t get me wrong. BUT THERES A REASON THIS BOOK IS DOG GONE NEAR 700 PAGES LONG. It’s because we’re literally reading about EVERY aspect of their day.
Yet, we barely get any character descriptions of what the characters look like. The baby that she’s supposedly taking care of? We don’t learn his age to nearly half way through the book. We just know that he’s a baby.
Speaking of such baby. She’s there to care for him, but we maybe see her interact with him like, 3 times. And it’s was only for a couple paragraphs. 🙄
How are you going to make a book so long, but put little to no details in?
I normally just DNF a book if I don’t like it. I’ll give it a chance and push myself to read at least halfway through to see if things start kicking up. Also to just give it a fair chance.
I WAS 400 PAGES IN AND NOTHING. Literally nothing of substance. In fact, you could start the book from page 350 and know exactly what’s going on.
I have never been this frustrated over a book EVER. Got me typing a review like I’m a Karen or something. But if I can stop one person from wasting their time, I will.
This may be some peoples cup of tea and that’s fine, but there is no reason this book needs to be this long. You could cut more than half of it out and that would be perfect.
Glad I got this through KU instead of buying it. That’s all I’m saying.
Now, normally I don’t write bad reviews. In fact, this is my first book review I’ve ever done. But let me tell you, this book just has me THAT fed up. So fed up that I went to Amazon to leave a review, but they wouldn’t let me, so I CREATED A GOODREADS account.
I’ve been reading for nearly 6 years. Hundreds to maybe even thousands of books I’ve read. I’ve come across some tedious, drawn out, boring books. But this one takes the cake.
Almost 700 pages OF NOTHING. AND ITS A DUET!! So there’s MORE of this BS.
Long books aren’t a problem to me. I read Den of Vipers in just under five hours. Which is about the length of this book. It didn’t feel tedious or like a chore. Wanna know why? BECAUSE CRAP HAPPENED IN THAT BOOK. It wasn’t stale.
Let me tell you exactly how this book goes…
H tells h not to do something and to obey. They argue. She tries to leave and take the baby with her. He catches her. Some tension of the spicy variety happens. They get distracted right as SOMETHING mildly entertaining is finally about to happen.
AND IT REPEATS! Over and Over and Over. I got well over half way into this book. 400 pages to be exact before I said, ‘You know what? I’m wasting my time. LITERALLY NOTHING IS HAPPENING’.
They banter, he threatens her, she has a panic attack. When I tell you I kept having to take breaks because the amount of NOTHING that was happening…
Detail is amazing in a book. Don’t get me wrong. BUT THERES A REASON THIS BOOK IS DOG GONE NEAR 700 PAGES LONG. It’s because we’re literally reading about EVERY aspect of their day.
Yet, we barely get any character descriptions of what the characters look like. The baby that she’s supposedly taking care of? We don’t learn his age to nearly half way through the book. We just know that he’s a baby.
Speaking of such baby. She’s there to care for him, but we maybe see her interact with him like, 3 times. And it’s was only for a couple paragraphs. 🙄
How are you going to make a book so long, but put little to no details in?
I normally just DNF a book if I don’t like it. I’ll give it a chance and push myself to read at least halfway through to see if things start kicking up. Also to just give it a fair chance.
I WAS 400 PAGES IN AND NOTHING. Literally nothing of substance. In fact, you could start the book from page 350 and know exactly what’s going on.
I have never been this frustrated over a book EVER. Got me typing a review like I’m a Karen or something. But if I can stop one person from wasting their time, I will.
This may be some peoples cup of tea and that’s fine, but there is no reason this book needs to be this long. You could cut more than half of it out and that would be perfect.
Glad I got this through KU instead of buying it. That’s all I’m saying.
May 12, 2023
And another one down, Nicole Fox is the unparalleled queen of mafia romance novels. She constantly has me waiting for the next one to be released - and they consistently, without a doubt, surpass all my expectations. Piper is a strong woman but in the words of Timofey, her family and friends "suck her dry." Timofey of course, is the perfect alphahole Bratva Don that we all love to read about again and again. I've read very little of the Nanny trope but this one was just remarkable, and the sexual tension was off the charts. I loved seeing them break down each other, to pretty much be the better versions of themselves. I think this one has certainly been my favourite first book out of all the Nicole Fox, Mafia Duets I've read. After that monumental cliffhanger, it had me downloading book two straight away. I MUST KNOW WHAT HAPPENS. I can't wait to read book two of the Viktorov Bratva, Whisky Pain - and to see how Timofey and Pipers' story concludes.
“There’s no one around and she is still pretending to be worried about me. But I’m not pretending. I haven’t been for a while. And I have no clue how to tell her that I would put myself in danger one thousand times over if it meant making sure she was safe.”
I received a free advance review copy from BookSprout, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
“There’s no one around and she is still pretending to be worried about me. But I’m not pretending. I haven’t been for a while. And I have no clue how to tell her that I would put myself in danger one thousand times over if it meant making sure she was safe.”
I received a free advance review copy from BookSprout, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 30, 2023
“I’ll always come back for you Piper, I’ll never leave you.”
3.75 ★
First I’d like to thank the author who sent me this book along with the second. I am voluntarily writing my review.
This story follow Timofey who is the Don of the Bratva. He has a son and chooses a social worker, Piper to become his nanny in order to have full custody on the child.
Okay the way this book had me hooked from the beginning. It was a page turner for sure. Both Piper & Timofey have gone through a lot since a young age.
I liked how this book was slowly bringing up their chemistry together. I appreciated how it wasn’t insta love bc honestly those aren’t my fav. I also appreciate timofey being a true don. Usually when I read books about mafia, the capo or don usually softens up as soon as he meets the heroine. But these two literally went back and forth.
it is a SLOW BURN, they literally don’t kiss till 200+ pages in & won’t fuck till 300+. I didn’t mind it though honestly.
The side character Akim, who is Timofey’s best friend had me cracking up!!! Every time his character would pop up, I was excited.
This leaves on a cliffhanger so I’m definitely going to pick up the second book after this review.
Now the reason for the rating is because it felt too long for a mafia romance. I usually prefer romance books to be 300 pages. Although I enjoyed it, I still wish it wasn’t so long. Also Piper was getting on my nerves. I need her character to be a badass in the next book.
Read this if you like :
- mafia romance
- boss / employee
- slow burn
- alpha mc
- dual pov
3.75 ★
First I’d like to thank the author who sent me this book along with the second. I am voluntarily writing my review.
This story follow Timofey who is the Don of the Bratva. He has a son and chooses a social worker, Piper to become his nanny in order to have full custody on the child.
Okay the way this book had me hooked from the beginning. It was a page turner for sure. Both Piper & Timofey have gone through a lot since a young age.
I liked how this book was slowly bringing up their chemistry together. I appreciated how it wasn’t insta love bc honestly those aren’t my fav. I also appreciate timofey being a true don. Usually when I read books about mafia, the capo or don usually softens up as soon as he meets the heroine. But these two literally went back and forth.
it is a SLOW BURN, they literally don’t kiss till 200+ pages in & won’t fuck till 300+. I didn’t mind it though honestly.
The side character Akim, who is Timofey’s best friend had me cracking up!!! Every time his character would pop up, I was excited.
This leaves on a cliffhanger so I’m definitely going to pick up the second book after this review.
Now the reason for the rating is because it felt too long for a mafia romance. I usually prefer romance books to be 300 pages. Although I enjoyed it, I still wish it wasn’t so long. Also Piper was getting on my nerves. I need her character to be a badass in the next book.
Read this if you like :
- mafia romance
- boss / employee
- slow burn
- alpha mc
- dual pov
May 25, 2023
Not great from a social worker perspective
I am a social worker, and was shocked to see a FMC in the same profession. The male lead finds her being attacked being a former client while ironically being on the way to threaten her himself. He saves her, but notes she didn't report the attack and breaks into her home to threaten her into letting him keep custody of the child he wants. The fact that she lied to her coworkers the next day and didn't report either incident because he's sexy or whatever was a slap in the face of my profession. The male enjoys mocking her for not doing the right thing from the start, but she somehow finds herself panting over him at every turn despite the direct threats to herself, her family, and her livelihood. The cheeky jokes she makes about Stockholm Syndrome fall flat. She literally lights herself on fire to create a distraction after he invites her loved ones to the home as a threat, while simultaneously thinking about how hawt he is. He has a crooked cop arrest her to show he means business and we are all meant to believe she's still able to keep her job as his social worker with a recent arrest on her record. Her job that she rarely goes to, despite complaining about being overworked at the beginning of the book. She's caught eavesdropping more than once and tells the male lead's best friend her plan to find incriminating evidence against him. She attempts to leave with the child, leading to her being physically restrained and brought back to the home. She is begging the lead not to hurt her in front of the child, and we are meant to find it funny that he's actually thinking about kissing her. He goes from threatening her with grave bodily harm to wanting to make out at the drop of the hat, and the well-adjusted readers at home are meant to find that appealing. Everyone laughs off her antics. How is it possible this man is a crime boss who kills anyone that talks to him wrong? Like, come on. If you're going to make a naive character with no self worth, please do not cast them as a social worker of all things. I kept waiting for the "oh wait, I'm a social worker and this is messed up" to kick in. This is a character that has supposedly been a victim of abuse as a child as well, so the decision to make her a pushover who leaves children with dangerous people because biceps is weird as hell. I have not finished it yet, and I'm not sure I will. He will probably take things too far one day and then let her go in a moment of clarity only for her to be kidnapped and dub him a blameless savior when he comes to the rescue. She will quit her job that she never goes to and become his arm candy wife nanny.
I am a social worker, and was shocked to see a FMC in the same profession. The male lead finds her being attacked being a former client while ironically being on the way to threaten her himself. He saves her, but notes she didn't report the attack and breaks into her home to threaten her into letting him keep custody of the child he wants. The fact that she lied to her coworkers the next day and didn't report either incident because he's sexy or whatever was a slap in the face of my profession. The male enjoys mocking her for not doing the right thing from the start, but she somehow finds herself panting over him at every turn despite the direct threats to herself, her family, and her livelihood. The cheeky jokes she makes about Stockholm Syndrome fall flat. She literally lights herself on fire to create a distraction after he invites her loved ones to the home as a threat, while simultaneously thinking about how hawt he is. He has a crooked cop arrest her to show he means business and we are all meant to believe she's still able to keep her job as his social worker with a recent arrest on her record. Her job that she rarely goes to, despite complaining about being overworked at the beginning of the book. She's caught eavesdropping more than once and tells the male lead's best friend her plan to find incriminating evidence against him. She attempts to leave with the child, leading to her being physically restrained and brought back to the home. She is begging the lead not to hurt her in front of the child, and we are meant to find it funny that he's actually thinking about kissing her. He goes from threatening her with grave bodily harm to wanting to make out at the drop of the hat, and the well-adjusted readers at home are meant to find that appealing. Everyone laughs off her antics. How is it possible this man is a crime boss who kills anyone that talks to him wrong? Like, come on. If you're going to make a naive character with no self worth, please do not cast them as a social worker of all things. I kept waiting for the "oh wait, I'm a social worker and this is messed up" to kick in. This is a character that has supposedly been a victim of abuse as a child as well, so the decision to make her a pushover who leaves children with dangerous people because biceps is weird as hell. I have not finished it yet, and I'm not sure I will. He will probably take things too far one day and then let her go in a moment of clarity only for her to be kidnapped and dub him a blameless savior when he comes to the rescue. She will quit her job that she never goes to and become his arm candy wife nanny.
May 16, 2023
I received this arc and promised to read and review. I began reading it and was sorely disappointed in the MFC Piper. It is hard to explain her obsession, one track mind and her serious lack of trust in everyone. She had three people close to her and she finds they don't return her care and affection. In the meantime the way she thinks is what ruined the beginning of the story for me. It wasn't until over half way through things got really interesting. Timofey started showing Piper how much he cared for her in different ways. But when Piper once again reverts back to her "I can't trust anyone" mode and ditches Timofey for something he did in her best interest. She really blew it. He really was looking out for her and she just did not get it. But like I said it really got interesting half way through the book. Lots of action, secrets uncovered, mysteries solved and more. Soft cliffhanger. On to book two "Whiskey Pain".
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Page-turner
Romantic
Realistic
Scary
Steamy
Tragic
Twisted
Unpredictable
Wonderful 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.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Page-turner
Romantic
Realistic
Scary
Steamy
Tragic
Twisted
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 4, 2023
Review for the duet:
This was one of the most back and forth stories of Fox’s that I have ever read. And sometimes only seconds would pass for my feelings to change. All it took was Timofey to open his big, fat mouth to turn my hope for him and Piper to ash. I loved him one second only to hate him the next. And Piper was no different. She couldn’t make up her mind to save her life. Escape, stay. Escape, stay. Which one is it going to be?
But honestly, I loved every single second of it. I loved the fast pacing of the story. The unpredictableness (that’s a word right?) of it all. I loved seeing this rough and tough, heartless Don fall for his woman. The kind of fall he never knew was taking place and still wanted to end the world just to have her. This book had me in it’s grip the entire read. A total head spin of a story. An absolute heart wrenching tale.
Fox really showed up and showed out in this duet. Twisting what I thought would happen into something so much more. 5 Stars.
This was one of the most back and forth stories of Fox’s that I have ever read. And sometimes only seconds would pass for my feelings to change. All it took was Timofey to open his big, fat mouth to turn my hope for him and Piper to ash. I loved him one second only to hate him the next. And Piper was no different. She couldn’t make up her mind to save her life. Escape, stay. Escape, stay. Which one is it going to be?
But honestly, I loved every single second of it. I loved the fast pacing of the story. The unpredictableness (that’s a word right?) of it all. I loved seeing this rough and tough, heartless Don fall for his woman. The kind of fall he never knew was taking place and still wanted to end the world just to have her. This book had me in it’s grip the entire read. A total head spin of a story. An absolute heart wrenching tale.
Fox really showed up and showed out in this duet. Twisting what I thought would happen into something so much more. 5 Stars.
May 15, 2023
Whoa! What a crazy, and action packed ride. One thing I can definitely say is that Nicole can write one hell of a mafia book that is packed with action, suspense, betrayal, twists and turns and lots of steamy scenes. This was another 5 star, and a must read. There were times (quite a few) that I didn’t particularly like Piper, but I loved Timofey! I just wished Piper wasn’t so in her head and kind of naive. I loved that she became a case worker to save children from what she endured, but I didn’t like how she was constantly thinking of ways to take Benjamin away from Timofey. It got to be a little irritating.
But the cliffhanger ending!!! Damn! I need book 2- like NOW! I can’t wait!
But the cliffhanger ending!!! Damn! I need book 2- like NOW! I can’t wait!
October 1, 2023
This should be the exact type of story + tropes that I love but sadly, this is a miss. I don't feel the chemistry between Piper and Timofey nor understand how they feel the way they do about each other. It seemed a bit too insta. Similar to the Oryolov duet, the FMC is the one at a disadvantage but unlike it, Piper annoys the fuck out of me. I'll leave it at that rather than be more disparaging.
Of course things end on a cliffhanger, but reading comments that she is STILL annoying in the second book, I'm done. Hopefully the next duet I pick up from Fox will be more enjoyable.
Of course things end on a cliffhanger, but reading comments that she is STILL annoying in the second book, I'm done. Hopefully the next duet I pick up from Fox will be more enjoyable.
June 23, 2023
Loved this story and rushed straight off to download the second book in the duo. Ms Fox is one of my favourite dark romance writers, lots of twists and turns.
I love Timofey, but some sweet secondary characters too
I love Timofey, but some sweet secondary characters too
May 23, 2023
Whiskey Poison is book one the Viktorov Bratva Duet. The story concludes in Book two WHISKEY PAIN. It's beautifully written with extraordinary characters and twisty storyline that captures your attention and keeps you hooked, invested and riveting and turning the pages with it's twists and turns, suspense, and mystery. A full-length standalone novel with no cheating and ends on a mind-blowing cliffhanger. This is Timofey and Piper story. It contains danger, lies, single dad, stalking, childhood trauma and neglect, murder, secrets, enemies-to-lovers, hate-to-love, opposite attracts, nanny/boss relationship, blackmail, manipulations, extortion, action packed, emotions, tension, deception, betrayal, enemies, violence, hatred, drama, revelations, fear, dark Bratva mafia romance, lust, anger, coercion, illness, threats, physical assault, attacks, bloodshed, steam, passion and love.
Timofey Viktorov is a ruthless Don of the Viktorov Bratva and a businessman he had his life disrupted when a child was left on his door step. His friend dropped off her young son Benjamin for him to care for. However, CPS doesn't believe that he's perfect fit for a child an has started an investigation into him. Piper Cook works for CPS and as been assign to the case. Piper has had traumatic childhood which held her to her current job and her wanting to make sure that all children are well cared for. When Timofey gets wind of whose assign to son case he watched them stalk them. One evening Piper was attacked and was nearly choked to death just as she was about to pass out a man came to her rescue and stopped the assault.
When Piper received her new case and showed up to the mansion she was shocked when she to come face to face with the man who rescued her. In order to get his son to stay in his home forcefully, coerced Piper into writing him favorable letter of recommendation about his ability as dad. He offered to pay her four times above the amount than she's currently making, threatens her family, and to go against her ethics and moral. While reviewing his file she found out he that has a long history criminal of activities and crimes with mafia ties to the Viktorov Bratva. Timofey will do anything to keep his son under his roof even by making the CPS worker an offer that she couldn't refuse to work as his son's nanny. Although from they're from two different world Timofey and Piper as a lot in common. She started to fall in love with young Benjamin as she care for him and she also realize that Timofey is really not a bad father and doesn't deserve to be separated from his son. She soon starts to fall for him as well. The story ends on mind-blowing cliffhanger.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Timofey Viktorov is a ruthless Don of the Viktorov Bratva and a businessman he had his life disrupted when a child was left on his door step. His friend dropped off her young son Benjamin for him to care for. However, CPS doesn't believe that he's perfect fit for a child an has started an investigation into him. Piper Cook works for CPS and as been assign to the case. Piper has had traumatic childhood which held her to her current job and her wanting to make sure that all children are well cared for. When Timofey gets wind of whose assign to son case he watched them stalk them. One evening Piper was attacked and was nearly choked to death just as she was about to pass out a man came to her rescue and stopped the assault.
When Piper received her new case and showed up to the mansion she was shocked when she to come face to face with the man who rescued her. In order to get his son to stay in his home forcefully, coerced Piper into writing him favorable letter of recommendation about his ability as dad. He offered to pay her four times above the amount than she's currently making, threatens her family, and to go against her ethics and moral. While reviewing his file she found out he that has a long history criminal of activities and crimes with mafia ties to the Viktorov Bratva. Timofey will do anything to keep his son under his roof even by making the CPS worker an offer that she couldn't refuse to work as his son's nanny. Although from they're from two different world Timofey and Piper as a lot in common. She started to fall in love with young Benjamin as she care for him and she also realize that Timofey is really not a bad father and doesn't deserve to be separated from his son. She soon starts to fall for him as well. The story ends on mind-blowing cliffhanger.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2023
Whiskey Poison
Viktorov Bratva Book #1
By Nicole Fox
I picked up Whiskey Poison as my mother’s day gift to myself. I was pretty sure
this author would keep my weekend hopping and she surely did!
Piper Quinn really meant well, she was a CPS worker she felt she could help her clients, but maybe she was looking through jaded eyes. Piper herself had gone through the system and she believed when came to what the children and families that she worked with she always was making the right decision. Would her newest family open her eyes?
Timofey Viktorov was the head of his Bratva as well as the CEO of his legitimate businesses, he wanted to adopt the baby that had been left on his doorstep. What he needed was for Piper to give him the thumbs up when it came to making baby Benjamin his forever. It seems however, that Piper isn’t willing to go along with what Timofey is asking her to do!
These two make perfect foils for each other…..Piper believes she is the saviour of children, Timofey believes she might be a little off her rocker! But she’s pretty and she really believes she is doing what’s best for Baby Benjamin…between her misinterpreted beliefs when it comes to rumours and innuendos she may think she knows the real Timofey Voktorov but she soon learns that there is no real black and white in the world…she finally getting to see the grey!
The back and forth/push~pull that takes place between these two makes the pages fly by. There are sparks that can be guaranteed to heat up your Ereader. There is always something happening, you can count on that.
Once Piper is privy to many of Timofey’s truths will she help him get custody of the baby?
Readers have to make up their own minds about Piper and how she sees things and of course Timofey is going to do exactly what the Bratva Don needs to do…but the real Timofey comes out and I was totally on his side. Together they are going to have to face a traitor and that will have an effect on both of them. Whiskey Poison ends on a cliffhanger and we are lucky the books came out within days of each other so no long waits!
Viktorov Bratva Book #1
By Nicole Fox
I picked up Whiskey Poison as my mother’s day gift to myself. I was pretty sure
this author would keep my weekend hopping and she surely did!
Piper Quinn really meant well, she was a CPS worker she felt she could help her clients, but maybe she was looking through jaded eyes. Piper herself had gone through the system and she believed when came to what the children and families that she worked with she always was making the right decision. Would her newest family open her eyes?
Timofey Viktorov was the head of his Bratva as well as the CEO of his legitimate businesses, he wanted to adopt the baby that had been left on his doorstep. What he needed was for Piper to give him the thumbs up when it came to making baby Benjamin his forever. It seems however, that Piper isn’t willing to go along with what Timofey is asking her to do!
These two make perfect foils for each other…..Piper believes she is the saviour of children, Timofey believes she might be a little off her rocker! But she’s pretty and she really believes she is doing what’s best for Baby Benjamin…between her misinterpreted beliefs when it comes to rumours and innuendos she may think she knows the real Timofey Voktorov but she soon learns that there is no real black and white in the world…she finally getting to see the grey!
The back and forth/push~pull that takes place between these two makes the pages fly by. There are sparks that can be guaranteed to heat up your Ereader. There is always something happening, you can count on that.
Once Piper is privy to many of Timofey’s truths will she help him get custody of the baby?
Readers have to make up their own minds about Piper and how she sees things and of course Timofey is going to do exactly what the Bratva Don needs to do…but the real Timofey comes out and I was totally on his side. Together they are going to have to face a traitor and that will have an effect on both of them. Whiskey Poison ends on a cliffhanger and we are lucky the books came out within days of each other so no long waits!
May 28, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is book 1 of the Viktorov Bratva Duet & is not a standalone. The book's blurb gives you a good idea of what to expect. It's a great enemies to lovers dual pov mafia romance.
Piper's upbringing inspired her to work for the CPS & ensure that other children have a chance to be raised better than she was. She's a caring person sometimes giving away too much of herself to those that don't necessarily deserve her. When she encounters Timofey & he gives her no choice but to work for him caring for Benjamin, his son, she decides she will do her best to protect Benjamin. While she knows Timofey's nature & knows he isn't a good man, she begins to realize that there is more to him than she thought.
Like Piper, Timofey's upbringing was rough but, although he values the importance of family, it has taught him to look out for his own interests. He will do whatever it takes to get whatever he wants. He has no second thoughts about using Piper's weaknesses against her & sees her as an end to a means. However, he can't deny the attraction that he feels for her & how he wants to protect her from those he deems of (physically & emotionally) harming her. &, as they spend more time together, he opens up to her & sees what a life with her & Benjamin could look like.
While Timofey has disdain for Piper's occupation, he doesn't really hate her personally but she certainly does hate him upon first meeting him. So, the words & actions they exchange will certainly satisfy the enjoyers of the enemies to lovers trope. Their tension & chemistry is strong & have you waiting for the moment that they finally give in to each other. The conflict is easy to follow but will have you guessing when things will tip over the edge. & the ending will definitely make you want book 2 in your hands already.
Piper's upbringing inspired her to work for the CPS & ensure that other children have a chance to be raised better than she was. She's a caring person sometimes giving away too much of herself to those that don't necessarily deserve her. When she encounters Timofey & he gives her no choice but to work for him caring for Benjamin, his son, she decides she will do her best to protect Benjamin. While she knows Timofey's nature & knows he isn't a good man, she begins to realize that there is more to him than she thought.
Like Piper, Timofey's upbringing was rough but, although he values the importance of family, it has taught him to look out for his own interests. He will do whatever it takes to get whatever he wants. He has no second thoughts about using Piper's weaknesses against her & sees her as an end to a means. However, he can't deny the attraction that he feels for her & how he wants to protect her from those he deems of (physically & emotionally) harming her. &, as they spend more time together, he opens up to her & sees what a life with her & Benjamin could look like.
While Timofey has disdain for Piper's occupation, he doesn't really hate her personally but she certainly does hate him upon first meeting him. So, the words & actions they exchange will certainly satisfy the enjoyers of the enemies to lovers trope. Their tension & chemistry is strong & have you waiting for the moment that they finally give in to each other. The conflict is easy to follow but will have you guessing when things will tip over the edge. & the ending will definitely make you want book 2 in your hands already.
May 26, 2023
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐��
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
POV: Dual
Ending: Cliffhanger
MMC: Timofey
FMC: Piper
Recommendation: Yes
How likely is it that the head of the Viktorov Bratva hooks up with a CPS Social Worker? The couple cross paths when Timofey forcefully requests Piper to write a recommendation that allows him to parent baby Benjamin. He gets her to agree to his demands by threatening her family and friends.
Piper takes a lot of unnecessary risks throughout the book. She is on a quest to take down Timofey because she cannot see past his gray/dark character. The book is like 650 pages long and i kid you not that the first 400 is filled with push/pull between Piper and Timofey and their backstories. It’s not boring, but could have been wrapped up in fewer pages. The last 250 pages or so is where the book really gets going good. Piper and Timofey both are shaped by their traumatic childhoods and personal experiences with CPS so they sort of bond when they intervene on one of Pipers cases. They have different viewpoints of how CPS works for different children so when they open up to each other and their lives they kind of have a better understanding of each other.
Once the books picks up Nicole Fox takes us through scenes of Timofey getting attacked, the beginning of their 🥵 romance, a wedding and reception, an unalive moment, and baby Benjamin getting ill. Then it ends in a cliffhanger that makes you want to read the next book and thank heavens the next book is shorter.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
POV: Dual
Ending: Cliffhanger
MMC: Timofey
FMC: Piper
Recommendation: Yes
How likely is it that the head of the Viktorov Bratva hooks up with a CPS Social Worker? The couple cross paths when Timofey forcefully requests Piper to write a recommendation that allows him to parent baby Benjamin. He gets her to agree to his demands by threatening her family and friends.
Piper takes a lot of unnecessary risks throughout the book. She is on a quest to take down Timofey because she cannot see past his gray/dark character. The book is like 650 pages long and i kid you not that the first 400 is filled with push/pull between Piper and Timofey and their backstories. It’s not boring, but could have been wrapped up in fewer pages. The last 250 pages or so is where the book really gets going good. Piper and Timofey both are shaped by their traumatic childhoods and personal experiences with CPS so they sort of bond when they intervene on one of Pipers cases. They have different viewpoints of how CPS works for different children so when they open up to each other and their lives they kind of have a better understanding of each other.
Once the books picks up Nicole Fox takes us through scenes of Timofey getting attacked, the beginning of their 🥵 romance, a wedding and reception, an unalive moment, and baby Benjamin getting ill. Then it ends in a cliffhanger that makes you want to read the next book and thank heavens the next book is shorter.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 18, 2023
Lawd have mercy. I am completely annoyed with Piper literally almost the entire novel. I can understand someone having a heart and can easily manipulated. Trust me I get it. But this girl is new level of ignorance. Despite Timofey having his dillhole moments....he at least makes sense majority of the time.
You don't need to know people from a Bravata personally to have common freaking sense. This man is a don...but you continue to try to kidnap the baby because of who he is? To put him in foster care after your own experience of bad foster parents so you're willingness to give him a 50/50 chance of a shitty home instead of leaving him with a don that has proven he cares for this baby? Despite the fact he directly tells you he will kill you if you try it again and say to yourself...hey let me do it anyway?
How about the fact she literally has family and friends that use her and continues to let them do it then gets upset at Timofey to talk reason into her to show her they're using her and she goes out her way to still say and do crappy things just to defend her actions?
The best part is when it's a life or death situation and she just decides to jeopardize the baby's life and herself because she thinks there is a better way?
If I was Timofey I would of just fired her ass because idc who you are....if you constantly make dumb decisions and cannot take care of yourself I would not have this person responsible for my child. Just saying. I will assume book 2 she will still drive me nuts.
You don't need to know people from a Bravata personally to have common freaking sense. This man is a don...but you continue to try to kidnap the baby because of who he is? To put him in foster care after your own experience of bad foster parents so you're willingness to give him a 50/50 chance of a shitty home instead of leaving him with a don that has proven he cares for this baby? Despite the fact he directly tells you he will kill you if you try it again and say to yourself...hey let me do it anyway?
How about the fact she literally has family and friends that use her and continues to let them do it then gets upset at Timofey to talk reason into her to show her they're using her and she goes out her way to still say and do crappy things just to defend her actions?
The best part is when it's a life or death situation and she just decides to jeopardize the baby's life and herself because she thinks there is a better way?
If I was Timofey I would of just fired her ass because idc who you are....if you constantly make dumb decisions and cannot take care of yourself I would not have this person responsible for my child. Just saying. I will assume book 2 she will still drive me nuts.
June 24, 2023
I loved the characters, and I enjoyed the book. That being said, I had a few moments, when I just kind of wanted to beat my head against the wall. Or maybe I wanted to be one of the characters’ heads against the wall. Piper is a social worker with CPS (Child Protective Services). She is sent to evaluate Timofey, the main character, for his suitability, as an adoptive parent for an abandoned baby named Benjamin. Timofey just happens to be the head of a Russian mafia family. Somehow this works into a romance between Piper and Timofey (as expected), however, Piper consistently feels that Timofey is not a safe or good father for Benjamin. Even though she admits it to herself more than once, she allows herself to be manipulated constantly by her friends and family, and she doesn’t see it. Timofey does, and tries to protect her as best he can, but ultimately he can’t protect her from herself. There were a lot of things to like in the book, and I do like the way Timofey takes care of Piper when he can. There are a few inconsistencies in the editing, but nothing that takes away from the book. I feel like we get glimpses into some of the peripheral characters, but not enough to really understand them. I kind of feel like they’re almost window dressing in some respects, likable, or not likable; friend, probably not friend. But, that being said, let’s get back to basics; I liked it, and I liked it enough that I am heading off to read the sequel.
January 6, 2025
(2.5 stars)
Bro this book did not have to be over 600 pages! 300 pages would have been perfectly suitable for this story! Honestly I didn’t enjoy a lot of parts of this book. The best parts of a single dad/ nanny book def when it’s a darker story with the mafia involved is getting to see a softer side of the MMC as his heart grows for the FMC and seeing her with his child become a happy family. But it just felt like Timofey was not growing as a character at all! He really never showed his care for Piper. Yes he found her attractive and they hooked up but never were deep on an emotional level which really made the story lack depth. Plus Piper was also annoying in the fact that she always would see that Benjamin was taken care of but would still say that she needs to take him away from Timofey… like what?!? Working for CPS she should know how hard it is for a child to be safe in a loving home and that is exactly where Ben was! Having a father that would lay down his own life for his child… so why the fuck would u take the baby away! I guessed very early on that Timofey’s dad killed Emily but finding out that Rodion was his birth son and he killed Emily cuz she knew the truth was a huge twist! Then on top of that the whole Nolle thing was also wack! Like she obviously took the baby on her own accord but now Timofey will think Piper had something to do with it and start all this bullshit drama! Welp on to the final book in this duet…
Bro this book did not have to be over 600 pages! 300 pages would have been perfectly suitable for this story! Honestly I didn’t enjoy a lot of parts of this book. The best parts of a single dad/ nanny book def when it’s a darker story with the mafia involved is getting to see a softer side of the MMC as his heart grows for the FMC and seeing her with his child become a happy family. But it just felt like Timofey was not growing as a character at all! He really never showed his care for Piper. Yes he found her attractive and they hooked up but never were deep on an emotional level which really made the story lack depth. Plus Piper was also annoying in the fact that she always would see that Benjamin was taken care of but would still say that she needs to take him away from Timofey… like what?!? Working for CPS she should know how hard it is for a child to be safe in a loving home and that is exactly where Ben was! Having a father that would lay down his own life for his child… so why the fuck would u take the baby away! I guessed very early on that Timofey’s dad killed Emily but finding out that Rodion was his birth son and he killed Emily cuz she knew the truth was a huge twist! Then on top of that the whole Nolle thing was also wack! Like she obviously took the baby on her own accord but now Timofey will think Piper had something to do with it and start all this bullshit drama! Welp on to the final book in this duet…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2025
Timofey and Piper's Story
This is a love story about a Bratva Don and his nanny. Both are the product of their brutal childhood, with Timofey becoming cold, heartless, and driven, and Piper becoming a Child Protection Services agent to help abused children.
Timofey Viktorov is the adopted son of Sergey Viktorov, a ruthless and vicious former Bratva Don. Timofey was adopted as a teenager after his mother committed suicide and was trained to lead the Bratva family in the image of his adopted father.
An infant was left with Timofey, and CPS is investigating whether he is a fit guardian/father. The backstory about the origin of the child is disclosed later in the book.
Piper Quinn is the CPS agent who is assigned to the case. Piper is very compassionate with her friends and family, never denying any financial or emotional demand. She is a doormat for everyone.
Timofey offers her a role as the baby's nanny, including paying all her past due bills that were incurred helping others in exchange for a good CPS review.
Piper thinks the baby will be better off away from Timofey and his violent world. She tries stealing him several times, unsuccessfully.
Meanwhile, they start to fall in love with each other and the baby. Everything gets crazy complicated with plot twists at the end of the book, leading into part 2 of the duet.
I recommend this book.
Sergey Rodian
This is a love story about a Bratva Don and his nanny. Both are the product of their brutal childhood, with Timofey becoming cold, heartless, and driven, and Piper becoming a Child Protection Services agent to help abused children.
Timofey Viktorov is the adopted son of Sergey Viktorov, a ruthless and vicious former Bratva Don. Timofey was adopted as a teenager after his mother committed suicide and was trained to lead the Bratva family in the image of his adopted father.
An infant was left with Timofey, and CPS is investigating whether he is a fit guardian/father. The backstory about the origin of the child is disclosed later in the book.
Piper Quinn is the CPS agent who is assigned to the case. Piper is very compassionate with her friends and family, never denying any financial or emotional demand. She is a doormat for everyone.
Timofey offers her a role as the baby's nanny, including paying all her past due bills that were incurred helping others in exchange for a good CPS review.
Piper thinks the baby will be better off away from Timofey and his violent world. She tries stealing him several times, unsuccessfully.
Meanwhile, they start to fall in love with each other and the baby. Everything gets crazy complicated with plot twists at the end of the book, leading into part 2 of the duet.
I recommend this book.
Sergey Rodian
May 12, 2023
I devoured this book! Like I couldn't read it fast enough yet wanted to savior every word. Nicole Fox is the true master of Mafia romances. It was truly amazing story! I also want to say that I absolutely love this title and cover! Gorgeous!!
Piper and Timofey have a very intense relationship right from the start. Piper is funny and I loved her sarcastic wit. She came across as really relatable and just an overall good person. She was always trying to help and do the right thing.
Timofey was a great character as well. I don't know how Nicole Fox does it but she surely can write an absolute jerk of a character and still have you fall in love with him by the time you hit the halfway mark. You just want him to love enough to change his ways and watching Piper try to get him there was very entertaining.
I loved that both characters were 'broken' and worked so hard on mending themselves. I also loved that Piper wasn't perfect and had debilitating claustrophobia and anxiety. I like seeing mental health struggles depicted in books because they are normal and it shows that you can live with them and overcome the stigma of having a mental health diagnosis.
This was a wonderfully written story that leaves you with an epic cliffhanger. I can't wait to finish Timofey and Piper's story in the next book. I highly recommend Whiskey Poison!
Piper and Timofey have a very intense relationship right from the start. Piper is funny and I loved her sarcastic wit. She came across as really relatable and just an overall good person. She was always trying to help and do the right thing.
Timofey was a great character as well. I don't know how Nicole Fox does it but she surely can write an absolute jerk of a character and still have you fall in love with him by the time you hit the halfway mark. You just want him to love enough to change his ways and watching Piper try to get him there was very entertaining.
I loved that both characters were 'broken' and worked so hard on mending themselves. I also loved that Piper wasn't perfect and had debilitating claustrophobia and anxiety. I like seeing mental health struggles depicted in books because they are normal and it shows that you can live with them and overcome the stigma of having a mental health diagnosis.
This was a wonderfully written story that leaves you with an epic cliffhanger. I can't wait to finish Timofey and Piper's story in the next book. I highly recommend Whiskey Poison!
May 15, 2023
Piper had a rough time growing up. She works for Child Protective Services, she likes to help children since she didn’t get any help growing up. Piper helps her father and grandmother financially so she doesn’t have a lot of money. As Piper is coming out of work she heads for her bicycle and she is attacked by a man who lost his child to CPS. It’s raining and Piper freezes because of what happened in her youth. The man is choking her and she is almost ready to pass out when a big man stops the attack. Piper has a home visit scheduled for the next day and she is late because of the attack the night before. When Piper is shown into the office she is shocked to see the man who saved her. Timofey is trying to get custody of Benjamin and he has a meeting with Piper from CPS. Timofey is the Don of the Viktorov Bratva. He knows that Piper needs help financially and he has to convince her to let him have Benjamin. Timofey blackmails Piper into being the live-in nanny for Benjamin and possibly a piece for him. Will Piper become the live-in nanny? Will Piper be able to keep her friends and family safe? Will Piper develop feelings for Timofey? Will Timofey develop feelings for Piper? Will Timofey and Piper find peace and comfort in their lives?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via Booksprout.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via Booksprout.
October 19, 2025
Okay… First of all… Nicole, girl, WTF?!!! Babe your books had meaning and depth, this was straight up sort of AI written nightmare.
Second of all, for the love of god, can someone find her a backbone?!!!
Third of all, is the way a social worker does? Skips on documenting about a child???!!! Is this how social workers are in the US? This terrifies me for many reasons and also wow!
I mean there’s barely any romance, she’s “fallen” for the guy in like a gap of 3 days?! The entire book happens in like 2-3 weeks. Sure some of these books have over the top story lines, but this is just too much… just too much. I just want to go back and reread all of her books to see if they have been bad as well. I had to read half of the book before anything actually happens. There’s no romance, no suspense, no mystery, nothing really… it just read boring. There’s no anticipation to anything. For the first time I was excited for the book to be over, still have 1/4 remaining. Hopefully it’ll read better?
Edit: Finally finished the book. It’s about 75 chapters too many. Stuff that should have happened in chapter 3 happened in chapter 90. I really wished Piper grew a backbone or even just a little bit of common sense but not.
I started book 2 and chapter 1, absolutely disappointed that she’s still making assumptions and is letting a baby be with killers instead of protecting him. Man, this girl is the absolute worst, and I read a book where the FMC is a serial killer and she was amazing.
Second of all, for the love of god, can someone find her a backbone?!!!
Third of all, is the way a social worker does? Skips on documenting about a child???!!! Is this how social workers are in the US? This terrifies me for many reasons and also wow!
I mean there’s barely any romance, she’s “fallen” for the guy in like a gap of 3 days?! The entire book happens in like 2-3 weeks. Sure some of these books have over the top story lines, but this is just too much… just too much. I just want to go back and reread all of her books to see if they have been bad as well. I had to read half of the book before anything actually happens. There’s no romance, no suspense, no mystery, nothing really… it just read boring. There’s no anticipation to anything. For the first time I was excited for the book to be over, still have 1/4 remaining. Hopefully it’ll read better?
Edit: Finally finished the book. It’s about 75 chapters too many. Stuff that should have happened in chapter 3 happened in chapter 90. I really wished Piper grew a backbone or even just a little bit of common sense but not.
I started book 2 and chapter 1, absolutely disappointed that she’s still making assumptions and is letting a baby be with killers instead of protecting him. Man, this girl is the absolute worst, and I read a book where the FMC is a serial killer and she was amazing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2023
Whiskey Poison
Nicole is my go to for a mafia read. I know each book has the same concept. Woman meets man. Man turns out to be mafia. Man is obsessed and possessive but damn are they hot. Enters the sextuplets tension. Hot moments where the man declares his love without actually saying the words. Through a baby into the mix and quirky friends and you have an awesome book.
Timothey runs the bratva. He kind of stalks Piper because she is running the child services investigation into whether or not he gets to keep Benjamin, his friends child. He saves her when she is attacked and the next day she goes to his house for an at home visit when she realizes her savior is the man from the night before. Timothey offers her an opportunity she can’t refuse, literally since he breaks into her house like a sexy beast and demands it. Piper is struggling financially because she has a lot of people in her life that take advantage of her and so his offer would make a huge difference.
I loved the book. I know going into Nicole’s books that I am going to love it. This woman knows how to write a mafia romance. The spice was hot and heavy. There were so many moments where I was like damn I wish I had a Timothey in my life I swear.
Nicole is my go to for a mafia read. I know each book has the same concept. Woman meets man. Man turns out to be mafia. Man is obsessed and possessive but damn are they hot. Enters the sextuplets tension. Hot moments where the man declares his love without actually saying the words. Through a baby into the mix and quirky friends and you have an awesome book.
Timothey runs the bratva. He kind of stalks Piper because she is running the child services investigation into whether or not he gets to keep Benjamin, his friends child. He saves her when she is attacked and the next day she goes to his house for an at home visit when she realizes her savior is the man from the night before. Timothey offers her an opportunity she can’t refuse, literally since he breaks into her house like a sexy beast and demands it. Piper is struggling financially because she has a lot of people in her life that take advantage of her and so his offer would make a huge difference.
I loved the book. I know going into Nicole’s books that I am going to love it. This woman knows how to write a mafia romance. The spice was hot and heavy. There were so many moments where I was like damn I wish I had a Timothey in my life I swear.
May 23, 2023
Piper is a Child Protective Service worker. She tries to help children and rescue them from horrible situations. Piper as a child was abused by her parents and later rescued and sent to her grandmother. Piper is extremely claustrophobic so much so that driving in a car is enough to trigger her. She is surrounded by toxic people who truly drain her. It’s almost upsetting that not only is Piper surrounded by toxic people but she works with toxic people. One of her jobs involve Timofey Viktorov who has mafia ties. Timofey was also in the system and was adopted. Timofey found a baby on his door steps and is determined to keep Benjamin. Timofey wants Piper to be Benjamin’s nanny and to write a glowing report about him. Timofey is not opposed to do whatever it takes to bribe or control Piper.
This was truly an unusual take on the traditional mafia story. I was completely enthralled in the story curious about what was going to happen next. The only slightly annoying thing was Piper. She really is a contradiction. She is afraid to fight back but she constantly does things that would put her in that fight momentum.
This is the first book in the duet. I’m quite anxious to see how this duet will enfold. As always Nicole Fox never disappoints her readers. Great book.
This was truly an unusual take on the traditional mafia story. I was completely enthralled in the story curious about what was going to happen next. The only slightly annoying thing was Piper. She really is a contradiction. She is afraid to fight back but she constantly does things that would put her in that fight momentum.
This is the first book in the duet. I’m quite anxious to see how this duet will enfold. As always Nicole Fox never disappoints her readers. Great book.
July 9, 2023
From the blurb alone, I was suprise when finally read the book. So much are not what I expected from Bratva romance.
Yes, there's blackmail. But so much more on the angst and conflict playing. Like, the child abuse and child care system are like double sword on the play. Who to protect, who to hurt to protect the other.
I love how the author conflict on this matter are in the same line like I do.
Then the characters. Timofey and Piper are both strong survivor. When Piper choose to be in the system to help, be a CSA, Timofey choose the be the victor of all. In his mind, be the upper dog is his way to get out of his past.
Their conflict, their banters, their fights, their debates... I love!
It's so real and passionated!
Makes their chemistry flow so effortlessly. It's just feel so natural.
The steamy scenes.. There are times I need to throw Piper's phone far far far away for how it c*ck blocking them... 😂
But, their strong personality bring them down at the end. For how Piper stubbornly can't see how he's the only one taking care of her. And Timofey can't see this strong woman need to be free, even only into illusion.
Can't wait for second book to see how the story ends.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Yes, there's blackmail. But so much more on the angst and conflict playing. Like, the child abuse and child care system are like double sword on the play. Who to protect, who to hurt to protect the other.
I love how the author conflict on this matter are in the same line like I do.
Then the characters. Timofey and Piper are both strong survivor. When Piper choose to be in the system to help, be a CSA, Timofey choose the be the victor of all. In his mind, be the upper dog is his way to get out of his past.
Their conflict, their banters, their fights, their debates... I love!
It's so real and passionated!
Makes their chemistry flow so effortlessly. It's just feel so natural.
The steamy scenes.. There are times I need to throw Piper's phone far far far away for how it c*ck blocking them... 😂
But, their strong personality bring them down at the end. For how Piper stubbornly can't see how he's the only one taking care of her. And Timofey can't see this strong woman need to be free, even only into illusion.
Can't wait for second book to see how the story ends.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Plot: 5/5
I don't know where to begin. When I opened this book, I didn't know I would be so involved in this story. Feel so many of the emotions that Piper felt. Much less the emotions of everything happening in the book. Mad, sad, hopeful, everything. You name it. I felt it like I was in the middle of everything.
Nothing ever compares to when you find a character that holds traits that you have. And you're able to see yourself in them. Maybe not all, but some. And they rock you to your core. You immediately get mad for them at the circumstances they are thrust in and their choices. But you want to think you would choose otherwise.
The mafia never fails to excite me with their shenanigans, possessive and protective men who will do ANYTHING for those they care about. Timofey was a dark don from the start and is so much more in the end. I can't wait to read the concluding book!!
Thank you so much to the Nicole and Booksprout for the complimentary review copy. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the complimentary book.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Plot: 5/5
I don't know where to begin. When I opened this book, I didn't know I would be so involved in this story. Feel so many of the emotions that Piper felt. Much less the emotions of everything happening in the book. Mad, sad, hopeful, everything. You name it. I felt it like I was in the middle of everything.
Nothing ever compares to when you find a character that holds traits that you have. And you're able to see yourself in them. Maybe not all, but some. And they rock you to your core. You immediately get mad for them at the circumstances they are thrust in and their choices. But you want to think you would choose otherwise.
The mafia never fails to excite me with their shenanigans, possessive and protective men who will do ANYTHING for those they care about. Timofey was a dark don from the start and is so much more in the end. I can't wait to read the concluding book!!
Thank you so much to the Nicole and Booksprout for the complimentary review copy. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the complimentary book.
May 17, 2023
Nicole is guaranteed to write a story to suck you in and the ending will always leave you wanting more. I need the second half ASAP!
I can’t decide if Piper is strong or a whimpering fool. For what she has gone through, to survive like she has, she’s is so strong…and to stand up to Timofey the way she does takes some serious backbone. But the way she is a doormat for everyone else in her life and the way she thinks, drives me nuts. I honestly don’t know what he sees in her. The friends she has are absolutely horrible.
Timofey is supposed to be the bad guy, and the way he goes about things and the fact he’s the don, he is. However, he’s honestly the better of the two it seems, which surprises me.
I know this sounds like the story may not be very good, but it really is.
These two go back and forth and are starting to heal each other, then of course, Piper has to run away and the baby goes missing and he assumes it’s her. It may be, but it’s to protect the baby from her friends and not from him like originally planned I suspect.
Now…I need answers!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I can’t decide if Piper is strong or a whimpering fool. For what she has gone through, to survive like she has, she’s is so strong…and to stand up to Timofey the way she does takes some serious backbone. But the way she is a doormat for everyone else in her life and the way she thinks, drives me nuts. I honestly don’t know what he sees in her. The friends she has are absolutely horrible.
Timofey is supposed to be the bad guy, and the way he goes about things and the fact he’s the don, he is. However, he’s honestly the better of the two it seems, which surprises me.
I know this sounds like the story may not be very good, but it really is.
These two go back and forth and are starting to heal each other, then of course, Piper has to run away and the baby goes missing and he assumes it’s her. It may be, but it’s to protect the baby from her friends and not from him like originally planned I suspect.
Now…I need answers!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 20, 2024
Fuck I love this author.
Every single time I read something by her, it sucks me in. The writing and the stories are always so fucking good.
I've decided I'm just going to download all her books when I'm done with this one and just binge read them all.
I hated Timofy (I kept saying his name tim-o-fee. Which I'm not quite sure if that's right, but that F threw me off every damn time hahahah. The FMC pissed me off at times, but so did the MMC. I really wanted to hate him, and honestly, I thought I did, but it turns out, I really don't hate him at all.
So like why the hell did she take him? She should've known MMC would come after her. She could've gotten away free if she just left on her own. Yeah he is a Don but come on! He loves that kid. His world may not be the safest, but he would do everything to protect him.
ugh and homeboy died with out knowing he had a son, that bout killed me. I know he wasn't suppose to be a good guy, but damn. He should've at least been told.
I just need more.
:D
Spice 2/5
Humor 1/5
Emotional 2/5
World Building 5/5
Overall 5/5
Every single time I read something by her, it sucks me in. The writing and the stories are always so fucking good.
I've decided I'm just going to download all her books when I'm done with this one and just binge read them all.
I hated Timofy (I kept saying his name tim-o-fee. Which I'm not quite sure if that's right, but that F threw me off every damn time hahahah. The FMC pissed me off at times, but so did the MMC. I really wanted to hate him, and honestly, I thought I did, but it turns out, I really don't hate him at all.
So like why the hell did she take him? She should've known MMC would come after her. She could've gotten away free if she just left on her own. Yeah he is a Don but come on! He loves that kid. His world may not be the safest, but he would do everything to protect him.
ugh and homeboy died with out knowing he had a son, that bout killed me. I know he wasn't suppose to be a good guy, but damn. He should've at least been told.
I just need more.
:D
Spice 2/5
Humor 1/5
Emotional 2/5
World Building 5/5
Overall 5/5
May 15, 2023
I love Nicole Fox’s duets! When I am done with book 1, I am always anxiously awaiting book #2. Timofey is dark, dangerous, mysterious and is trying to keep a child left on his doorstep. Piper works for CPS – she is troubled, determined, untrusting, but has a good heart. She had a crappy childhood and was always the person everyone went to when they needed something. She didn’t realize that she was never doing anything for herself.
Timofey will go to great lengths to make sure he gets to keep little Benjamin. Piper is “given” the job of nanny so Timofey can keep an eye on her and make sure everything goes according to plan. Piper will do anything to get Benjamin away from Timofey. But what happens when the sparks between the two turns into more? Add in the fact someone is out to take everything away from Timofey (including Piper) and you’ve got suspense, deceptions, lies, violence, secrets and betrayal. The cliffhanger will keep you guessing and a new twist is introduced!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Timofey will go to great lengths to make sure he gets to keep little Benjamin. Piper is “given” the job of nanny so Timofey can keep an eye on her and make sure everything goes according to plan. Piper will do anything to get Benjamin away from Timofey. But what happens when the sparks between the two turns into more? Add in the fact someone is out to take everything away from Timofey (including Piper) and you’ve got suspense, deceptions, lies, violence, secrets and betrayal. The cliffhanger will keep you guessing and a new twist is introduced!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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