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Baranov Bratva #1
Twisted Empire: King's Gambit
Gabriette
When your hidden past hunts you down, there's no escape.
For six years, I’ve been Bella Smith, not Gabriette Lombardi, the mafia princess. Just as my music career takes off, my world implodes.
𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧, 𝐌𝐢𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝
He claims my sister chose to abandon her throne and her life, leaving me chained to a destiny I’d always wanted to escape.
Now, I’m set to be his bride, his stepping stone to power. Mikhail may think he can claim me as easily as he does his other spoils of war, but he’s gravely mistaken.
In this dark symphony, he may be the conductor, but I will be the virtuoso who breaks the baton.
Mikhail
Power isn’t just a word; it's my birthright, hard-wired into my DNA. I’m the heir apparent to an empire, a kingdom built on whispers and violence.
My path seemed clear until fate intervened — in a selfish act, my intended bride chose a bullet over a life with me.
Now Gabriette is my reluctant bride, my key to power, a defiant woman who vows to make my life hell, but her defiance only fuels my desire.
Winning her might be my greatest conquest, but it may also cost a part of me I never knew I had.
When your hidden past hunts you down, there's no escape.
For six years, I’ve been Bella Smith, not Gabriette Lombardi, the mafia princess. Just as my music career takes off, my world implodes.
𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧, 𝐌𝐢𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝
He claims my sister chose to abandon her throne and her life, leaving me chained to a destiny I’d always wanted to escape.
Now, I’m set to be his bride, his stepping stone to power. Mikhail may think he can claim me as easily as he does his other spoils of war, but he’s gravely mistaken.
In this dark symphony, he may be the conductor, but I will be the virtuoso who breaks the baton.
Mikhail
Power isn’t just a word; it's my birthright, hard-wired into my DNA. I’m the heir apparent to an empire, a kingdom built on whispers and violence.
My path seemed clear until fate intervened — in a selfish act, my intended bride chose a bullet over a life with me.
Now Gabriette is my reluctant bride, my key to power, a defiant woman who vows to make my life hell, but her defiance only fuels my desire.
Winning her might be my greatest conquest, but it may also cost a part of me I never knew I had.
- GenresMafia RomanceDark
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2023
12 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 5, 2024
Part 1/2
3 ⚡️💥🌟s ❗️
My pov will be posted in the last part of this duet.
(A cliffhanger, so bad!!!! 🤬)
3 ⚡️💥🌟s ❗️
My pov will be posted in the last part of this duet.
(A cliffhanger, so bad!!!! 🤬)
November 14, 2023
WOW. Uhm. Hi, I’m Erin and I’ve been personally victimized by J.Tarr and this book. 💀🥵🫠 in the best possible way.
Oh my, oh my. Guys. Just. Go read it ASAP.
The pace of this was lovely, it was quick and easy to follow but not lacking either. I enjoyed the flow to the plot and the several fun twists I didn’t see coming. Gabi and Mikhail have an interesting time growing together, but demons are demons for a reason right? 😈
The way I had to resist the urge to hurl my kindle across the room when I hit the savage cliffhanger?! ☠️☠️☠️ I won’t be okay until book two is here.
Oh my, oh my. Guys. Just. Go read it ASAP.
The pace of this was lovely, it was quick and easy to follow but not lacking either. I enjoyed the flow to the plot and the several fun twists I didn’t see coming. Gabi and Mikhail have an interesting time growing together, but demons are demons for a reason right? 😈
The way I had to resist the urge to hurl my kindle across the room when I hit the savage cliffhanger?! ☠️☠️☠️ I won’t be okay until book two is here.
November 20, 2023
Excuse me!? What was thaaaat!? 🤯
Twisted Empire is the first book in the Baranova Bratva Duology and it was impossible to put down!
I absolutely loved everything about this dark mafia romance. Mikhail and Gabriette are two tortured souls and every scene together is just pure delicious perfection. 🥵
I highly recommend this action packed, suspenseful, emotional roller coaster of a book.
And that heart wrenching cliffhanger? I totally launched my phone across the room. What. Was. Thaaaat!? 🤯
Thank you J. Tarr for the opportunity to read this book.
Twisted Empire is the first book in the Baranova Bratva Duology and it was impossible to put down!
I absolutely loved everything about this dark mafia romance. Mikhail and Gabriette are two tortured souls and every scene together is just pure delicious perfection. 🥵
I highly recommend this action packed, suspenseful, emotional roller coaster of a book.
And that heart wrenching cliffhanger? I totally launched my phone across the room. What. Was. Thaaaat!? 🤯
Thank you J. Tarr for the opportunity to read this book.
November 18, 2023
Mikhail is due to become a Bratva Pakhan, and needing to be married, he takes Gabriette as his bride in a forced arranged marriage. Their relationship is tumultuous, chaotic, and complicated. Mikhail is ten years Gabriette's senior, and he's been hurt badly before, which allows that betrayal to seep in and affect his current relationship in the most negative of ways. Gabriette isn't the submissive, breakable woman he was expecting and goes toe to toe with him, earning his respect and slowly chinking away at his walls. They begin to fall for each other, but outside forces are trying to break them apart and are succeeding.
The writing was gripping, and I found myself compelled to read on as I watched the push and pull of Mikhail and Gabriette's relationship. It felt like no sooner had they made progress than something conveniently happened to put them back again. Although I found myself wanting their relationship to succeed, I also found myself annoyed with Mikhail's character. Even in the beginning, there were threats about people wanting to hurt Gabriette, and it was quite clear to see that things were being manipulated by the outside; he even acknowledged that in several places within the book, only to overlook it in his actions towards Gabriette. Especially with the cliffhanger, I don't know how they can come back from that, or even if she will survive for them to have anything to come back from. It's a testament to the author's writing skills that they have managed to create both a character and a relationship that, as a reader, I am so passionate about.
I loved the little snippets of information that were drip-fed to us about both Gabriette's past and Mikhail's, and everybody is a suspect in my eyes about who is trying to hurt them both. The ending will make you shout out loud, throw your Kindle, and possibly even swear, but you can be guaranteed that on the release day of the second book, I will be there desperately reading to find out what happens.
The writing was gripping, and I found myself compelled to read on as I watched the push and pull of Mikhail and Gabriette's relationship. It felt like no sooner had they made progress than something conveniently happened to put them back again. Although I found myself wanting their relationship to succeed, I also found myself annoyed with Mikhail's character. Even in the beginning, there were threats about people wanting to hurt Gabriette, and it was quite clear to see that things were being manipulated by the outside; he even acknowledged that in several places within the book, only to overlook it in his actions towards Gabriette. Especially with the cliffhanger, I don't know how they can come back from that, or even if she will survive for them to have anything to come back from. It's a testament to the author's writing skills that they have managed to create both a character and a relationship that, as a reader, I am so passionate about.
I loved the little snippets of information that were drip-fed to us about both Gabriette's past and Mikhail's, and everybody is a suspect in my eyes about who is trying to hurt them both. The ending will make you shout out loud, throw your Kindle, and possibly even swear, but you can be guaranteed that on the release day of the second book, I will be there desperately reading to find out what happens.
November 12, 2023
ARC review
That cliffhanger was something else...
I had the honor to be J.Tarr's ARC reader for the second time and the first thing I noticed was that her writing style changed. She was great with her storylines before too, but what she did with this one is marvellous.
The story is about a mafia leader-to-be who's only missing his Queen by his side. So, he got the hidden gem of another mafia underboss. She's sassy, feisty, and smart, she knows she doesn't have another choice than to be the wife of a ruthless man.
Mikhail's only incentive is to be the Pakhan and to hold his wife at arm's length. He just doesn't expect she's more than he's bargained for.
As I said above I love J.Tarr's storyline, but I especially love her detailed descriptions. Every time we get to a scene that is emotional or full of turmoil, she delivers it precisely. You can feel the characters' feelings through her words, the deep meanings behind a cello scene, or an argument between the main leads.
Both characters had a past that made them who they are now. They're opposites, still, their chemistry sizzling through the pages. Every steamy encounter, every smart-mouthed argument, and every thrilling moment in the book opens a whole new world between the main characters.
Gabriette became my favorite of J.Tarr's female leads, she was sassy enough to ignite a spark in the ruthless mafia boss who became addicted to her.
As much as I loved the cliffhanger, I screamed when it was finished like this.
I can talk all day about this book, but I don't want to give out spoilers, and even if I said more, that wouldn't be compared to J. Tarr's masterfully written lines.
Interested? Read it and you will see mafia stories in a different light.
That cliffhanger was something else...
I had the honor to be J.Tarr's ARC reader for the second time and the first thing I noticed was that her writing style changed. She was great with her storylines before too, but what she did with this one is marvellous.
The story is about a mafia leader-to-be who's only missing his Queen by his side. So, he got the hidden gem of another mafia underboss. She's sassy, feisty, and smart, she knows she doesn't have another choice than to be the wife of a ruthless man.
Mikhail's only incentive is to be the Pakhan and to hold his wife at arm's length. He just doesn't expect she's more than he's bargained for.
As I said above I love J.Tarr's storyline, but I especially love her detailed descriptions. Every time we get to a scene that is emotional or full of turmoil, she delivers it precisely. You can feel the characters' feelings through her words, the deep meanings behind a cello scene, or an argument between the main leads.
Both characters had a past that made them who they are now. They're opposites, still, their chemistry sizzling through the pages. Every steamy encounter, every smart-mouthed argument, and every thrilling moment in the book opens a whole new world between the main characters.
Gabriette became my favorite of J.Tarr's female leads, she was sassy enough to ignite a spark in the ruthless mafia boss who became addicted to her.
As much as I loved the cliffhanger, I screamed when it was finished like this.
I can talk all day about this book, but I don't want to give out spoilers, and even if I said more, that wouldn't be compared to J. Tarr's masterfully written lines.
Interested? Read it and you will see mafia stories in a different light.
November 15, 2023
⚜️Twisted Empire is the first book by J. Tarr that I’ve read and it will not be my last. Everything about this tortured mafia romance is perfect. We are thrown headfirst into the Bratva world and sent on an emotional action packed ride. This is book one of the Baranov Bratva Duet. Our beautiful cellist FMC Gabriette has her lifelong aspirations of being in the Philharmonic ripped away due to her father forcing her into an arranged marriage. Our MMC, Mikhail her future husband, is a wonderfully brooding, morally dark gray, powerful soon to be Pakhan who has limited control of his fiery emotions. Both Gabriette and Mikhail grapple with emotionally damaged pasts and struggle with trust and intimacy . The spicy banter and steamy, sensual encounters between them are beautifully written and pulls deeper into their emotional battles. While Gabriette and Mikhail try to adapt to their new turbulent relationship, they are faced with an outside enemy trying to tear them apart and destroy any chance of a future. Literally life and death situations. The side characters add so much profound depth to this dark world. The evolution of friends and family with the constant feeling of impending doom creates an awesome suspenseful vibe through the whole book. I was constantly bracing for the next impact. Twisted Empire is an epic fire storm that ends in an emotional inferno of a cliffhanger. Hanging on for dear life waiting for book 2. I will definitely be reading other books by J. Tarr in the immediate future.
November 20, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is the story of Gabiette and Mikhail. It is a forced marriage mafia romance.
Mikhail life has always been that one day he would be the head of the mafia. He is a very powerful man with some crazy moral compass and the man barely has control over his emotions. The only problem is that a king needs a queen and he has to find one. That leads him to Gabriette. This woman has worked so hard to make her dreams of playing her cello for the Philharmonic . She is right there at the cusp of all her dreams coming true when her father rips them all away in one fail swoop He is forcing her to marry Mikhail and she wants no part of it. These two have been though some things in their life and they really struggle with the damaged parts of them and there is no trust between them. However that said they really have some serious banter going on that will have you loving every second of it. Add in a enemy coming for them and you have quite the read on your hands. But be warned this is the first book in a series and it will end with you hanging on for dear life and needing the next book in your hands right this second.
This is the story of Gabiette and Mikhail. It is a forced marriage mafia romance.
Mikhail life has always been that one day he would be the head of the mafia. He is a very powerful man with some crazy moral compass and the man barely has control over his emotions. The only problem is that a king needs a queen and he has to find one. That leads him to Gabriette. This woman has worked so hard to make her dreams of playing her cello for the Philharmonic . She is right there at the cusp of all her dreams coming true when her father rips them all away in one fail swoop He is forcing her to marry Mikhail and she wants no part of it. These two have been though some things in their life and they really struggle with the damaged parts of them and there is no trust between them. However that said they really have some serious banter going on that will have you loving every second of it. Add in a enemy coming for them and you have quite the read on your hands. But be warned this is the first book in a series and it will end with you hanging on for dear life and needing the next book in your hands right this second.
February 14, 2024
When I first started Mikhail & Gabriette’s story I wasn’t immediately grabbed, & it took a minute for me to get into it. I loved Mikhail, didn’t like Gabriette. My first impression of Gabriette was she was self centered & annoyingly ignorant. I thought she acted like a 15 yr old instead of a 25 yr old. She’d just found out her sister killed herself & she could only think about herself & how she was forced to give up her life. But I eventually found myself liking her & respecting her, especially when Damien contacted her she was honest & told Mikhail. She didn’t try to hide it. But as I started liking her, my opinion on Mikhail changed. He’s so haunted by a betrayal f/a decade prior & for a good part of the book he allows those ghosts f/trying to let Gabriette in. And just when these 2 shared the dark parts of their pasts, & were starting to get close, he allowed those ghosts to cloud his judgement & he took his insecurities out on her. He should’ve confronted her about the photo- not run & hide for 2 days! He knew what Damien was capable of & the trouble he already caused & yet he still jumped to conclusions & reacted in the most unforgivable way possible & AFTER she even told him her news. I do think there’s ALOT more to his actions, & I can’t wait to start book 2!
November 13, 2023
Mikhail and Gabriette’s journey to a wild and crazy cliffhanger….
Story - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam - 🔥🔥🔥🔥.5
♥️Tropes♥️
♥️ Arranged marriage
♥️ Enemies to lovers
♥️ Touch her and die
♥️ Knife play
♥️ Praise kink
♥️ Forced proximity
♥️ Sassy FMC
♥️ Slow burn
♥️ Duology
♥️ Cliffhanger ending
This is the first book of Baranov Bratva Duet Series by Author J. Tarr and this is my first time reading this author. This is the story of Mikhail and Gabriette arranged marriage. Originally she was not supposed to married Mikhail. Mikhail was supposed to marry her sister Sophia; however, she dies under suspicious circumstances. So her father gives Gabi to Mikhail. Gabi has been living a life outside of the family (she thinks) and is pulled back into the life of a Mafia Princess in order to keep the arrangement between the Cosa Nostra and Bratva. Gabi is a musician who plays the Cello and wants to be a part of the philharmonic orchestra. Mikhail is on the path of Pakhan the leader of Barnanov Bratva. Both Gabi and Mischa have past hurts that they bring into the relationship which causes both of them huge trust issues. However, they fall each other hard and neither one of them want to give into their feelings. Gabi is a perfect match for Mischa. The banter, the looks and the steam between Gabi and Mischa is 🔥🔥🔥🔥.5. The side characters of the book add depth to the storyline (Natalya, Damian, Lorenzo, and Liadan). The last 1/3 of the book is fast paced and left me breathless. The cliffhanger left me searching for the date of the second book. I really enjoyed this book and looking forward to Tainted Empire the final book of this series.
Story - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam - 🔥🔥🔥🔥.5
♥️Tropes♥️
♥️ Arranged marriage
♥️ Enemies to lovers
♥️ Touch her and die
♥️ Knife play
♥️ Praise kink
♥️ Forced proximity
♥️ Sassy FMC
♥️ Slow burn
♥️ Duology
♥️ Cliffhanger ending
This is the first book of Baranov Bratva Duet Series by Author J. Tarr and this is my first time reading this author. This is the story of Mikhail and Gabriette arranged marriage. Originally she was not supposed to married Mikhail. Mikhail was supposed to marry her sister Sophia; however, she dies under suspicious circumstances. So her father gives Gabi to Mikhail. Gabi has been living a life outside of the family (she thinks) and is pulled back into the life of a Mafia Princess in order to keep the arrangement between the Cosa Nostra and Bratva. Gabi is a musician who plays the Cello and wants to be a part of the philharmonic orchestra. Mikhail is on the path of Pakhan the leader of Barnanov Bratva. Both Gabi and Mischa have past hurts that they bring into the relationship which causes both of them huge trust issues. However, they fall each other hard and neither one of them want to give into their feelings. Gabi is a perfect match for Mischa. The banter, the looks and the steam between Gabi and Mischa is 🔥🔥🔥🔥.5. The side characters of the book add depth to the storyline (Natalya, Damian, Lorenzo, and Liadan). The last 1/3 of the book is fast paced and left me breathless. The cliffhanger left me searching for the date of the second book. I really enjoyed this book and looking forward to Tainted Empire the final book of this series.
October 31, 2023
Twisted Empire is a dark mafia romance book featuring the arranged marriage of Russian mafia boss (soon to be Pakhan) Mikhail Baranov and secret Italian mafia princess Gabriette daughter of the Cosa Nostra leader.
The pair are part of an arranged marriage to create ties between these 2 mafia powerhouses. Mikhail is 10 years her senior and has been burned by betrayal before. He can't deny his reluctant attraction to Gabriette. She disarms him in a way that completely baffles him.
Gabriette is angry at the world for the situation she's thrust into. She's determined to survive and hopes to return to the life she believed was mafia free while living under the alias Bella Smith. She just earned a spot in the Seattle Philharmonic, and her life was finally starting. At least, she thought it was.
This tale follows the pair through the beginning of their marriage as they traverse what that means to them while some unknown force tries to destroy them.
Get ready for a wild ride with a hell of a cliffie at the end. Can't wait for book two.
The pair are part of an arranged marriage to create ties between these 2 mafia powerhouses. Mikhail is 10 years her senior and has been burned by betrayal before. He can't deny his reluctant attraction to Gabriette. She disarms him in a way that completely baffles him.
Gabriette is angry at the world for the situation she's thrust into. She's determined to survive and hopes to return to the life she believed was mafia free while living under the alias Bella Smith. She just earned a spot in the Seattle Philharmonic, and her life was finally starting. At least, she thought it was.
This tale follows the pair through the beginning of their marriage as they traverse what that means to them while some unknown force tries to destroy them.
Get ready for a wild ride with a hell of a cliffie at the end. Can't wait for book two.
November 3, 2023
If there’s something I have learned in this past year or so that I have invested myself reading Author J. Tarr books is that, she will always keep you on your toes. That’s right, whatever you think you know, whatever you think you can figured out or decipher, you got nothing. But what you will have is a craving for more.
Without further ado please come into the world of the New York Russian Mafia and the Baranov Dynasty. Enter Mikhail Baranov, not your typical Mafia boss, but a heir to it. Ruthless in every aspect of his life, yet with one more thing he has to conquer before ascending to his throne. He needs his Queen. Let me introduce you to Gabriette Lombardi, a spitfire full of sass and attitude with a penchant for music, specially the cello. Oh the sexy things I thought about.
Can Mikhail intensity and thirst be quench by Gabriette. Will Gabriette sass meet her match in Mikhail. One thing for sure, this is not a HEA, at least not yet. The cliffhanger because of course this story cannot be told in just one book!! It will leave you wanting for so much more…
Without further ado please come into the world of the New York Russian Mafia and the Baranov Dynasty. Enter Mikhail Baranov, not your typical Mafia boss, but a heir to it. Ruthless in every aspect of his life, yet with one more thing he has to conquer before ascending to his throne. He needs his Queen. Let me introduce you to Gabriette Lombardi, a spitfire full of sass and attitude with a penchant for music, specially the cello. Oh the sexy things I thought about.
Can Mikhail intensity and thirst be quench by Gabriette. Will Gabriette sass meet her match in Mikhail. One thing for sure, this is not a HEA, at least not yet. The cliffhanger because of course this story cannot be told in just one book!! It will leave you wanting for so much more…
November 13, 2023
**ARC Review**
Ahhh, where do I begin…? How about the elephant in the room - that cliffhanger. It’s been over 24hrs since I finished Twisted Empire and I’m still not okay. I will be breaking down doors to get my hands on book two, Tainted Empire.
As a long time reader of J. Tarr’s books, I knew I was in for a ride, but I wasn’t expecting the roller coaster of emotions I experienced. Anger, disgust, compassion, understanding, love, more anger… oh! Don’t forget the spice 🔥🌶️🔥🌶️🔥
Gabriette, a mafia princess, tries so desperately to escape the family and life she was born into only to be thrown right back into it when she’s promised to Mikhail, future Pakhan. What should have been just a business agreement turns into so much more. It’s a steamy story of enemies to lovers who, through a twist of possible betrayal, end back as enemies. I cannot wait to see secrets revealed and how the cliffhanger ends!
Ahhh, where do I begin…? How about the elephant in the room - that cliffhanger. It’s been over 24hrs since I finished Twisted Empire and I’m still not okay. I will be breaking down doors to get my hands on book two, Tainted Empire.
As a long time reader of J. Tarr’s books, I knew I was in for a ride, but I wasn’t expecting the roller coaster of emotions I experienced. Anger, disgust, compassion, understanding, love, more anger… oh! Don’t forget the spice 🔥🌶️🔥🌶️🔥
Gabriette, a mafia princess, tries so desperately to escape the family and life she was born into only to be thrown right back into it when she’s promised to Mikhail, future Pakhan. What should have been just a business agreement turns into so much more. It’s a steamy story of enemies to lovers who, through a twist of possible betrayal, end back as enemies. I cannot wait to see secrets revealed and how the cliffhanger ends!
November 1, 2023
★ 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘙𝘌𝘝𝘐𝘌𝘞 ★
I am a sucker for pet names in foreign languages, and once again, J Tarr delivers! Not only this, but she has also delivered on action, twists, spice, and that mother-loving cliffhanger that will have me pulling my hair and re-reading the book looking for clues!
Twisted Empire paints us the story of an ex Mafia Princess and future Pakhan that are fighting ghosts from their pasts while trying to salvage their newly founded relationship. J Tarr did an excellent job at portraying all the raw feelings and emotions through both Mikhail and Gabriette's pov. And let me tell you, cellos and knives have never been sexier! The smut and dirty talk, from both main characters... *chef's kiss*🤌🏽
I can't wait to see all the secrets come to light in the next book!
Quote: “I’m yours, Gabriette. I’ve been yours since the moment you promised to make my life a living hell.”
I am a sucker for pet names in foreign languages, and once again, J Tarr delivers! Not only this, but she has also delivered on action, twists, spice, and that mother-loving cliffhanger that will have me pulling my hair and re-reading the book looking for clues!
Twisted Empire paints us the story of an ex Mafia Princess and future Pakhan that are fighting ghosts from their pasts while trying to salvage their newly founded relationship. J Tarr did an excellent job at portraying all the raw feelings and emotions through both Mikhail and Gabriette's pov. And let me tell you, cellos and knives have never been sexier! The smut and dirty talk, from both main characters... *chef's kiss*🤌🏽
I can't wait to see all the secrets come to light in the next book!
Quote: “I’m yours, Gabriette. I’ve been yours since the moment you promised to make my life a living hell.”
November 12, 2023
When you are forced on each other is the risk of love too high? Two broken halves of the same whole find hope and light in each other. This is a deep dive into possession, violence, betrayal, scars, fears, and of course love. Author J. Tarr has been unleashed. She has an amazing way with words. The tension they create is so palpable you completely feel it. I love how believable Mikhail’s Character is. He is not just Mafia by title. Every action he takes shows the dark criminal within. Gabriette is a woman we all wish we could be. She is strong, resilient, and feisty. This book leaves your heart in your throat while we impatiently wait for the second book.
“When did her pain become my war to wage?”
“When did her pain become my war to wage?”
January 23, 2024
Another new Author for me. I LOVED this duet. Hot Bratva man.. sassy Mafia woman.. it had it all. I thought the story was original and exciting.
Mikhail is convinced this arranged marriage is the answer to his problems. A marriage in name only.. a woman to provide heirs and NO feelings involved.
Gabriette is the younger daughter of a mafia leader. Her older sister is supposed to marry Mikhail.. while she lives a life separate from organized crime. She is talented cellist. When her sister commits suicide she must take her place in the arranged marriage. SO many twists and turns in this one! Nothing is as it seems. I never knew what was going to happen.. who was on whose side… 😩😩 It was fantastic!! The spice was perfect between these two. 🥵
5⭐️ 4🌶️
Mikhail is convinced this arranged marriage is the answer to his problems. A marriage in name only.. a woman to provide heirs and NO feelings involved.
Gabriette is the younger daughter of a mafia leader. Her older sister is supposed to marry Mikhail.. while she lives a life separate from organized crime. She is talented cellist. When her sister commits suicide she must take her place in the arranged marriage. SO many twists and turns in this one! Nothing is as it seems. I never knew what was going to happen.. who was on whose side… 😩😩 It was fantastic!! The spice was perfect between these two. 🥵
5⭐️ 4🌶️
October 28, 2023
I'm a sucker for a good mafia romance with an arranged marriage, and Mikhail and Gabriette were such amazing characters to read!
For one, he fucking calls her malyshka and moya koroleva! WHY IS THAT SO FUCKING HOT?! Two, his praises to her throughout the book are EVERYTHING.
I love the story, I love the mystery and questions behind who's targeting them, (J Tarr never makes it easy for us to figure out right away which I LOVE), I love their growth and work to overcome their pasts, but I FUCKING HATE THE CLIFFHANGER AND HAVING TO WAIT!
This was honestly such a great read and I can't wait for the next one to find out what happens next and who's been targeting them.
For one, he fucking calls her malyshka and moya koroleva! WHY IS THAT SO FUCKING HOT?! Two, his praises to her throughout the book are EVERYTHING.
I love the story, I love the mystery and questions behind who's targeting them, (J Tarr never makes it easy for us to figure out right away which I LOVE), I love their growth and work to overcome their pasts, but I FUCKING HATE THE CLIFFHANGER AND HAVING TO WAIT!
This was honestly such a great read and I can't wait for the next one to find out what happens next and who's been targeting them.
November 4, 2023
I love a tortured romance. All the longing, fighting feelings and resulting storm Gabi and Mikhail create are just brilliant. The spice is epic and not the same kind of scene over and over just to fill chapters. Every time they clash / come together It's a valid, believable reason which only makes you root for them all the more...then that ending! AHHHH
I received an ARC copy and enjoyed every minute of it! More please! More! And a link for where to buy a certain knife...
I received an ARC copy and enjoyed every minute of it! More please! More! And a link for where to buy a certain knife...
January 21, 2024
Wow, wow, wow. This book was so awesome.
Gabrietta was promised that she wouldn’t have to be a part of the family. After her sister commits suicide (or so they thought) she is forced but her father to marry the head of the Baranov family. This story is filled with lies, deceit, secrets, and mystery. So many people want to hurt Gabrietta and the Baranov family that someone may wind up dead.
Great read
Gabrietta was promised that she wouldn’t have to be a part of the family. After her sister commits suicide (or so they thought) she is forced but her father to marry the head of the Baranov family. This story is filled with lies, deceit, secrets, and mystery. So many people want to hurt Gabrietta and the Baranov family that someone may wind up dead.
Great read
June 5, 2024
I was part of the Arc team and read this book ahead of print. This did not influence my review.
Gabriette and Mikhail are thrust into an unexpected union. You’ll find why it’s unexpected and there are many other twists and turns along the way as their journey unfolds. Set to the backdrop of beautiful orchestra music one will be left hanging on Tarr’s every word. Betrayal, lies, lust, love, heartbreak and more await you in this amazing story you won’t want to miss.
Gabriette and Mikhail are thrust into an unexpected union. You’ll find why it’s unexpected and there are many other twists and turns along the way as their journey unfolds. Set to the backdrop of beautiful orchestra music one will be left hanging on Tarr’s every word. Betrayal, lies, lust, love, heartbreak and more await you in this amazing story you won’t want to miss.
November 14, 2023
Went into this blind. Boy was I surprised! Couldn't put it down and finished it in one sitting. I loved the book! I've been in a slump and been dropping books after a few chapters so thanks for getting me out of it.
Thank you J. Tarr. It is now on my "Favorites Books" and will keep an eye out for book 2. Will checkout your other books as well as this one is just worth it.
Thank you J. Tarr. It is now on my "Favorites Books" and will keep an eye out for book 2. Will checkout your other books as well as this one is just worth it.
December 22, 2023
I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for book two! I always read before bed, and I've been up till 1-2am reading this story because I couldn't put it down - I had to know what happened next! I recommend this to anyone who loves mafia, enemies to lovers, tortured souls, and romance. It has it all! Not to mention some steamy love scenes to top it all off!
October 30, 2024
Twisted indeed
Wow, what a roller-coaster of emotions!! Mikhail was betrayed in the past, and he couldn't seem to move past it. Gabriette was thurst back into the world she was running away from and found love where she least expected. Will she be able to find her Happy Ever After of will Mikhail destroy the best thing that ever happened to him?
Wow, what a roller-coaster of emotions!! Mikhail was betrayed in the past, and he couldn't seem to move past it. Gabriette was thurst back into the world she was running away from and found love where she least expected. Will she be able to find her Happy Ever After of will Mikhail destroy the best thing that ever happened to him?
November 16, 2023
Could not put it down
Well, now I can’t wait for book number 2. I did not see it coming. And while I think I know what is going on, I can’t stop looking forward to read the rest of it. Briliant job J. Tarr!
Well, now I can’t wait for book number 2. I did not see it coming. And while I think I know what is going on, I can’t stop looking forward to read the rest of it. Briliant job J. Tarr!
November 19, 2023
wow
This is one of my favorite books!!! I can’t wait for the next one. This author never disappoints! Love your books
This is one of my favorite books!!! I can’t wait for the next one. This author never disappoints! Love your books
Read
October 1, 2024The whole self sacrifice thing, unless it's for a child, not my thing
May 31, 2025
enjoyed the story, but the writing style was annoying as hell. predictable all the way to the end.
January 9, 2024
Mikhail and Gabriette are the perfect Mafia Romance couple. Watching them learn to love each other and learn to trust each other in the face of all their obstacles was amazing. I can't wait to see how they get over that cliffhanger that was thrown in at the end.
November 19, 2023
The twisted empire revolves around Bratva member Mikhail and Italian mafia princess Gabriette.
Before Mikhail finds Gabriette and demands she become his bride, she lived under the alias Bella, following her dreams as a musician.
Despite Gabriette's determination to keep him at arms length, tension and chemistry were evident.
As the heir to the kingdom, Mikhail marries Gabriette, vowing not to allow himself to fall in love with her again after his past heartbreak.
This book is full of lies, secrets, and revenge, and the cliffhanger left me eager for book two.
It was my first time reading J. Tarr and I was shocked to hear it’s her first Mafia trope book, she was spot on with it.
This was a dark, angst-filled, spice-filled tale.
Before Mikhail finds Gabriette and demands she become his bride, she lived under the alias Bella, following her dreams as a musician.
Despite Gabriette's determination to keep him at arms length, tension and chemistry were evident.
As the heir to the kingdom, Mikhail marries Gabriette, vowing not to allow himself to fall in love with her again after his past heartbreak.
This book is full of lies, secrets, and revenge, and the cliffhanger left me eager for book two.
It was my first time reading J. Tarr and I was shocked to hear it’s her first Mafia trope book, she was spot on with it.
This was a dark, angst-filled, spice-filled tale.
November 20, 2023
Was intrigued by the blurb, but sadly this didn't work out for me.
ARC provided by unalive Promotions all opinions are my own.
ARC provided by unalive Promotions all opinions are my own.
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