Bratva Bully

by Sam Crescent

Galina is about to marry a monster. A bully. The guy who made most of her high school life miserable.Mikhail Belsky is the son of the man who rules the Belsky Bratva. He’s a dangerous man, but what he wants, he gets. When it comes to Galina, he will not allow her to marry anyone else. She will belong to him. Gone are the cruel jokes, the mocking laughter, and in its place is a man determined to have her at his side.Mikhail has never hated Galina. He bullied her because he couldn’t have her. When he learned who Galina was meant to marry, he knew he couldn’t allow her to fall to that fate, so he gave his father an ultimatum.If his father wanted the Belsky Bratva to flourish, then he’d get Galina, but if his father gave her to someone else, Mikhail would see to it that the Belsky name crumbled. Galina belongs to him.

Genres: Romance, Novella, Mafia Romance, Contemporary Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, He Falls First

116 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2023

About the author

Sam Crescent is passionate about fiction. She loves a good erotic romance and so it only made sense for her to spread her wings and start writing. She began writing in 2009 and finally got that first acceptance in 2011 by Total-E-Bound.
She loved creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.

Reviews

[Vashti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short ,but a really good read!

[Luna ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

»I've been in love with Galina since I was five years old.«

★ ★ ★ ★

❥ 𝑮𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒂
Adored her! The way she talks back to Mikhail? So good. She stands her ground against him and I liked that.

❥ 𝑴𝒊𝒌𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒍
He is the perfect man. There were so many said sentences that were just cute and show how much he loves Galina.

✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
This book had the potential to be a five star read if it was longer. Like why is the story so short? It was very good!
I loved the characters. Galina and Mikhail have good tension and their conversations were so funny sometimes. The way Mikhail cares about here is just perfect.
The plot was interesting and I had fun following their story.
The writing style was enjoyable and easy to read.
This was a short bratva romance which I definitely would recommend.

𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓
plot: 4/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 5/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 4/5
happy end?: yes

𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
bratva, bully romance, arranged marriage, childhood friends to enemies to lovers, he fell first (and harder), college flashbacks

𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲
ages: 22 (Galina) and 23 (Mikhail)
cheating: no
sharing: no
kinks: no

[Aou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet!

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: bully, arranged marriage
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥

This was actually a really cute read and was really good considering it’s just a novella. Galena Nikitin feels like she spends altogether too much time trying to avoid her brother’s best friend, Mikhail Belsky who is always bullying her. Imagine her surprise when she arranged to marry him, but he’s acting all sweet. A super fast paced story with a hero who will do anything to get his girl.

[Sydney M Neblett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giving him a chance

Behind every bully there’s a story, and this one is amazing! This bully may have a reason for being so mean, but when push comes to shove he won’t allow anyone else to be mean to his victim. And from that one act there springs a love story a lifetime in the making. The author kept me enthralled through parental disappointment, brotherly love, danger untold, and a hidden enemy that finally makes his move. The characters are well developed and each one has a distinct personality which adds another dimension to the complexity of the story. This book is one of my favorites, and I know it will be a constant companion.

[Dawn Thrasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Galina and Michael

I love when I see a new book come across my feed by Sam! This one was no different! Sam is definitely a one click author for me. There’s only been a couple of her early books that I wasn’t exactly fond of, but in my opinion her books are a “can’t wait to read “ for me!

I loved that it was the H that was adamant and head over heels for the h first and did everything in his power to make sure that she would be his. The h was completely oblivious of his true feelings for her due to his treatment of her all through school. I was a little bit disappointed about that as well, but then realized that he was just so in love with her that he didn’t know how to deal with it. He totally redeemed himself in my opinion and I’m so glad that Galina was able to forgive him. This is definitely worth reading!

Tropes—Mafia lite, Young love
Characters—H- Mikhale(not a virgin, but didn’t want anyone but h)
h- Galina (virgin)
Rating— 5 🌟 Great read
Heat—4 🌶️-pretty descriptive, but short sex scenes.
HEA—Definitely with an epilogue 10 years later
Read again—Probably

[Catarina Águas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. I only wish it was longer. I loved Galina, she didn't let Mikhail walk all over her, she stood up to him. She loved her brother too and wanted their life to be better. Mikhail was all alpha male, he has always loved her and thought the only way to save them both was to pretend he didn't like her so he bullied her. And in a way, it worked because she was his weakness and the fact that was only known after they were married probably did save her. The way she tried to resist him and he was trying to make her forget the past, loved it

[Viv “BookVixen” Gutierrez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner! I will buy any book this author writes if it has a virgin heroine and I’ve hit jackpot the last few books she’s written! This one was great—a girl forced into an arranged marriage with her bully! Only to find that he’s been obsessed and stalking her for years. And I melt!

It’s not safe, but I give it a pass because hero was forced by his father to fuck prostitutes. Hero doesn’t want to and he refuses a mistress his father is going to set him up with. Normally I would hate a plot line like this, but considering the hero’s character of obedience to the bratva, it made sense and it would’ve made no sense for the hero to refuse or disobey his father.

Despite that one part, it’s safe from the moment the hero has the heroine. No others, no cheating or sharing. heroine is threatened and hero kicks ass. HEA with epilogue

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this twist in the story, the fact that H always loved Galina, bullied her instead, because he couldn’t have her at the time, and then has to prove his love to her. I loved how he redeemed and proved himself . Another great read from Sam.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

[A79senlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Belsky bravta heir Mikail made Galina’s school years miserable, bullying her relentlessly and making sure she had no friends. Now she’s being forced to marry him. While marrying Mikail is better than the alternative — Vik, a high-ranking member who’s killed his previous 4 wives — she still loathes him.

Mikail, on the other hand, has been in love with Galina for years and bullied her because he knew he could never have her. That changes, though, when he learns that Galina is to marry Vik, and Mikail demands her hand instead. His father agrees and they’re married. Now his mission is to make his wife fall in love with him and protect her from a furious Vik.

The book started off strong, but fell off for me because there was very little relationship-building. That’s the bread and butter of the enemies to lovers trope. We got one night of them spending time together, then a mention that they’d spent more time together (no details, no conversations) and suddenly there’s a 2-month time jump and the wedding has already happened! We don’t know whether Galina’s feelings have started to change and what their vows were. There just didn’t seem to be much emotional depth. We hear multiple times from Mikail about how long he’s loved her, but he doesn’t tell her. On their honeymoon, it was mostly just sex. And from what I gathered during some of those scenes in the book, it’s entirely possible that once he was pumping away, he just took care of himself. In at least two instances, there was no mention of Galina finishing.

I suppose it’s fitting because it felt to me like the book itself wasn’t finished. The beginning was good, the end/epilogue was good but the middle needed some work.

I received a free copy of this book and have chosen to leave a review.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

BRATVA BULLY by Sam Crescent is a contemporary, adult, dark, erotic, Bratva romance focusing on twenty-two year old heir to the Belsky Bratva Mikhail Belsky, and twenty-one year old Galina Nikitin.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Mikhail and Galina) BRATVA BULLY follows the arranged marriage between our story line couple. For most of her life Galina Nikitin has been the target of Bratva heir Mikhail Belsky. Teased and tormented at every opportunity, Galina withdrew into herself, never once expecting to find herself married to the man in question. Forced to marry Mikhail, Galina had no expectations but quickly discovered there was more to the man than she previously had known. What ensues is the quickly building relationship and love between our story line couple, and the potential fall-out as Galina has been targeted by someone else.

The world building is detailed and colorful in opposition to the novella length story. We learn details about the past including Mikhail’s obsession and love for a woman whose life he has made miserable for over fifteen years. MIkhail’s has hidden his attraction to Galina behind taunts and bullying, an attraction that will culminate with his demands to marry our story line heroine.

The relationship between Mikhail and Galina is one of enemies to lovers; a bully romance in which Galina is forced to marry a man she doesn’t want but a marriage that is the lesser of two evils. From the outset, Galina refuses to accept her fate but will quickly realize Mikhail is the man who has stolen her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate, seductive and passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters include Mikhail’s father Boris Belsky, Galina’s brother Peter Nikitin, as well as Vik Kuzlov, the man to which Galina was originally promised in marriage.

BRATVA BULLY is a quick read; a story of family and relationships, power and control, promises and acceptance, forgiveness and love. The fast paced premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is provocative and seductive; the characters are determined, dynamic and charismatic.


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Copy supplied for review

[Danielle Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a young girl, I was often told, ''If a boy is mean to you, it's because he likes you.'' It's utter tosh in reality, but this is the main narrative of The Bratva Bully.
In school, Mikhail bullied Galina because he liked her, and he thought that by being mean and stopping people from being her friends, it would push her towards him. It didn't work, and now several years later, he's having to deal with the consequences of his actions because Galina is now 21 years old, and as the daughter of a mafioso, she needs to be married off. Mikhail has pulled some strings to make it so that he's the one who marries her, and while he's ecstatic, she's less than. To the outside world, it's just all business; only Mikhail and his best friend Peter, who is Galina's brother and knows his true feelings about Galina, are aware that's not the case, but because of his actions towards her years ago, she's reluctant to be his bride, expecting him to continue with his mean ways, and at times he is still mean to her. Although it's done to try and coax a positive reaction, it's going to take some real effort to win her around, and the added danger of a rival mafioso doesn't help the situation.
 
While not overly detailed about the bullying, there were some mentions of things that had happened in the past, as well as alluding to Mikhail's reasoning, but he never really discussed it with Galina to help her understand, so when she realises he does actually love her, it's a real shock. There isn't much of a grovel if I'm perfectly honest, but he does show some remorse, as well as showing how much he knows about her. There's also a scene between Mikhail and his father that helps cement for the reader how much Galina means.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an unusual Bratva story in that it has a sweetness running alongside the brutality.

Galina Nikiton had always known that marrying for love was not for people like her, she was the daughter of a powerful bratva boss, he would choose her husband, it would be an alliance that would make the family even stronger, the man that her father had chosen was Vik Kuzlov, a much older, brutal man, this was to be Galina's fate……..until it wasn't, all of a sudden she was now promised to Mikhail Belsky, the same Mikhail Belsky who had made her life a misery through high school, the same Mikhail Belsky who had taunted and bullied her, the same Mikhail Belsky who was also her brother Peter's best friend, how could this be happening, Galina was going from the frying pan straight into the fire.

For the first time in his life Mikhail had stood up to his very powerful Bratva father, he wanted Galina as his wife, no one else would have her, not Vik Kuzlov, not anyone, Galina was his, she had been his since she was just six years old, she just didn't know it yet.

This story follows Galina and Mikhail as they start their bumpy road to married life, as Mikhail tries to atone and justify their past, as he tries to gain Galina's trust and love. When secrets are uncovered it becomes clear that Galina's life is in danger, Mikhail will move heaven and earth to keep her safe.

This is a lovely short story of an all consuming passion, the life in the bratva families, their rules, their loyalty, their brutality and the HEA of Galina and Mikhail.

I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not normally a fan of Bully Romance, but I am a fan of Sam Crescent, so I figured I’d give this book a try. When I read a Sam Crescent, I know to expect certain things. The story will be Over the Top. The heroine will be curvy, and usually a virgin. The Hero will be an Alpha Male and will have a bit of a breeding fetish. The zexytime will be off-the-charts hot and the love will be epic. I wasn’t disappointed. I enjoyed the book.

The Hero in this book bullied the heroine in high school. He later regretted it. One of the things I liked was that when he was asked why he bullied her, he didn’t have a pat answer; his reasons were as complex, and even he didn’t know exactly why. This is realistic, and adds to the complexity of his character. I thought that the heroine and even the villain were realistic, layered characters. Well, as realistic as you can have in an OTT romance novel.

Here’s the breakdown:

MMC/FMC- Mikhail and Galina

POV- 3rd person

Genre- Mafia Romance (Bratva)

Genre- Bully Romance

Heat- 🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋. Let’s hear it for the C words!

Series? ?

Safety? Y

Triggers- Language, Violence, Explicit Erotic Content.

Tropes- Arranged Marriage, He Falls First, Alpha Male, Virgin Heroine, BBW, Breeding Fetish, He Ain’t Heavy-He’s My Bratva.

I was fortunate enough to receive an advance review copy for free, and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bratva Bully by Sam Crescent. This is Mikhail and Galina's story. Mikhail Belsky age 22 and Galina Nikitin age 21 went to Belsky High which Mikhail owned. The school was for bratva members and rarely allowed outsiders to attend. Mikhail was the heir to the Belsky throne and his father Boris and Galina's father were best friends. Galina was to marry an older man named Vic Kuzlov, but now she was engaged to Mikhail Belsky the bosses son. Galina didn't want to marry Mikhail, he had bullied her for years. Even though Mikhail had bullied Galina, he wanted her to be his and only his. While they were engaged, Mikhail wanted to spend time with Galina. He was teaching her self-defense and learning to shoot. He wanted to show her that he had feelings for her and was no longer a bully. Mikhail and Peter are best friends and they know how Mikhail really feels about Galina. Galina discovers later on that Mikhail really loves her and wants to keep her safe.
This is a fast-paced short love story.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bratva Bully - Sam Crescent

Galina Nikitin is 21 years old, an innocent and was supposed to be married off to another member of the Bratva as part of a business deal. However when the son of the boss of the Belsky Bratva Mikhail Belsky , heir to the Belsky throne, learns Galina is to be married to someone else he makes a demand of his father unlike anything he ever had before. At 22 years old Mikhail didn't care Galina saw him as her bully at Belsky high, a school specifically for Bratva kids where he had terrorised her all her school life, he knew he bullied her but he couldn't deal with the thought of her never being his. Galina was a beautiful heroine and was a victim of bullying but did seem to forgive Mikhail quite quickly really as the story went on and you can see why as you learn that to Mikhail, Galina is his whole world. I loved as their story unfolded and although I think Galina forgave him quite quickly it was a really enjoyable read with twists and turns along the way and other characters being introduced, I do hope Peter gets to find his own happily ever after also. I really hope that you give Mikhail a chance because he is definitely worth the risk. Happy Reading!

5 out of 5 stars

Please note that I was given an arc of this book for my honest review which is exactly what I have given.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things can go either way in a bully romance. For me, I usually prefer for 1) them to not cross the line into irredeemable territory. Especially if the female is just being a doormat and letting them get away with the behavior. And 2) for the bullying to have a good underlying reason. Like, there was a threat or they had to push them away for the mfc safety. We atleast got 1 out of 2 here. We know there was bullying but it wasn't really experienced or detailed. We know it happened and for some reason kept mostly secret. But his reasoning is juvenile. The kid on the playground pulling pigtails style. There was remorse and it was expressed slightly, but I feel like I would have liked to see a actual apology and maybe a bit of groveling to match the energy. Overall seeing their relationship grow into something else even when they didn't understand it and was at odds of what she thought she should feel was nice. It did seem a bit steeped in sex, which isn't a problem but I'd have liked to see a bit more emotional connection and relationship building. Overall I liked the characters and the storyline. I felt a bit bad for Peter and hope we see a book for him to grow, meet someone and get his HEA. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Jeanne Jabour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam Crescent’s latest novel Bratva Bully tells the story of Galina Nikitin being married against her will to her high school nemesis, Mikhail Belsky, the boy, now man, who had done everything in his power to make her life miserable, all because he wanted her for himself. Although Galina does not know his reasons for torturing her mentally for all those years, he left deep wounds that she has not healed from when her father declares them engaged. Mikhail refused to consider Galina marrying anyone but himself, and Galina believing Mikhail hated her (thus all his years of bullying her), could not understand why he was so adamant that they marry. I loved/hated Mikhail until I felt he truly did love Galina and was just too awkward to show her. He shows a tenderness to her that touched me deeply, even when he was trying to teach her self-defense. And Galina, has to adjust to the shock of being engaged to marry this monster. Ms. Crescent knows how to deliver a romance novel that is filled to the brim with heat, electricity, and passion. I have never read one of her stories before, but now that I am hooked, I have to get my hands on everything else she has written! Bratva Bully belongs on your bookshelf NOW!!

[Mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this one Mikhail and Galina were so cute together.

Mikhail is the future head of the Bratva. Galina is the girl that he bullied throughout high school.

Galina is Mikhail best friend Peter’s little sister. The book start with Galina supposed to be marrying Vik an old man with 4 suspiciously gone previous wife’s. Mikhail manages to take his dad into stopping that marriage and arranging for him to marry Galina.
Of course she didn’t want to marry Vik and she really doesn’t want to marry Mikhail . Not after everything he has done to her over the years. But then we get to learn about all the little cute things he has been doing over the years. That could be classed as weird and creepy. Like sneaking into her room to watch her sleep. Getting sometime to lock her in a closet that she doesn’t now he was also in.

The sweetest bit was when he tells his dad he doesn’t want a mistress because he loves his wife and he has done since he was five and she had gotten hurt. My heart melted as he tells his dad about the exact moment he knew he loved her.

Then when she realises she comes to the realisation that she would rather sacrifice herself than let something happen to him💖.

I needed a light sweet book to get me past my previous read hangover and this worked perfectly.

[Brooke Torrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with Sam Crescent's Bratva romances. Bratva Bully was exciting and page-turning. I loved Galina and Mikhail's book from beginning to end. This is a dark Bratva romance with dark themes and topics. I thought this book had the right amount of action, drama, suspense, and spice. The characters were complex and had a comical and explosive chemistry. The world Sam Crescent created is dark with an original storyline that is written beautifully. I love this author's writing style. She is gritty and doesn't hold back in her vivid storytelling abilities.

Galina was a stong,witty, and loyal to her famiy. I loved the compassion she had for her brother and how she stood up for him. Mikhail was dark, broody, an Alpha, and always got what he wanted. I loved the back and forth they had throughout this book. I thought is was comical when Galina would snap back at Mikhail and then intense when he would get all possessive over her. Their chemistry was a slow build until it lit and exploded.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lyndi (mibookobsession) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mikhail Belsky, son of the Belsky Bratva ruler, fell for Galina when they were children, though she never knew it. He knew he could never have her though so he bullied her and kept everyone away. But when he learns she's to marry the most vicious man in the Bratva, he makes a deal with his father... he'll help the bratva thrive if he's allowed to marry her instead. If not he'll destroy everything. Convincing his new bride that he's not her enemy will be a challenge, keeping her safe will be any even bigger one.
This story was short and spicy. I liked the dual pov that showed the soft heart inside the tough and dangerous man. Galina was a strong and independent character not wanting to rely only on Mikhail for protection, especially after how he treated her in high school. But eventually he won her over as he showed her that she was his whole world and he'd give up everything to keep her safe.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bratva Bully is a steamy, enemies-to-lovers, curvy girl who gets her mafia man and brother's friend romance. Galina is a 21 year old curvy virgin whose father is a leader in the Bratva. Mikhail is a hunky 22-year future Bratva leader l. When Galina is told she will marry Mikhail, she is upset as he bullied her all through school. He is a good friend of her older brother and doesn't understand why he hated her. What she doesn't know is that he was always in love with her and pushed her away, thinking his father would not allow their marriage. But when he finds Galina is about to be promised to another, much older and dangerous man, he informs his dad that he will be the only one to marry her. Can he convince Galina that he loves her? Can he protect her if danger comes knocking? The chemistry was hot 🔥 hot 🔥 hot 🔥 as expected in Sam's steamy reads. And after some danger and drama, we get a very happy HEA. I loved it! Sam is quickly becoming one of my must-read authors.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Xratedreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a follower of Sam's work for years, and this short and sweet, engaging read didn't disappoint. It's perfect for those in search of a brief yet captivating read. Throughout their high school years, Mikhail consistently tormented Galina, who did her best to avoid him. At the age of twenty-one, Galina is shocked to learn she's to marry Mikhail, leaving her feelings mixed. Despite his past behaviour, Mikhail has harboured feelings for Galina, resorting to bullying as a misguided expression of his desires, ensuring she remained isolated. With their impending marriage, Mikhail sees an opportunity to demonstrate his capacity to be a loving and dedicated husband. Although I found myself wishing for a more in-depth exploration of their story, the story is well-written. highly recommend this book for its compelling portrayal of transformation and redemption.

Tropes
*bully
*arrange marriage
*brothers best friend
*bratva

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Hannah Reads a lot of Smut · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars for Galina and Mikhail’s story because just no 😬. I usually try not to be critical of novellas because they’re so short. It’s hard to make pacing great. It’s hard to tell a story in less than 200 pages. Buuuuut this was not it.

I didn’t love the “she’s not like other girls” vibe and I should’ve been out after that. But it was bratva. Light stalker. HS bully. And with a plus size heroine? All the elements I wanted were there! However the execution was not it. The dialogue often came across awkward and weirdly written. The hero literally has loved the heroine since he was 5 but slept with “hundreds” of women to make his dad happy? 😅😅😅His dad also wants to help him find a mistress? Like help.

However I did like the plus size representation and the recovering alcoholism. I think the bones were there for a great novella, but the execution was difficult to get behind.

TLDR;
There are worse bratva novellas out there, but there are also better ones too. Mid when it could’ve been great.

[Vfc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mikhail Belsky was Galina’s bully. He’s also her only brother Peter’s best friend. He’s been in love with her since she was five when she hurt herself and had him sit down and have a tea party, talking about the big fight she’d been in with the garden and he knew in that moment he was going to marry her. They’re a year apart.

Then he pushed her away because he realised his father Boris, would find a reason to keep them apart. So he distanced himself by bullying her for appearances sake. He did everything asked by his father, the training and sleeping with the women instructing him on being a man.

Yet, his father sanctioned a marriage arrangement of giving her to Vik Kuzlov, a man whose four wives have disappeared without an explanation.

Ten years later, he’s on the verge of being handed the throne by his father, a deadly man, and yet, at the sight of his wife giving birth, he passed out. He had a feeling Galina had fallen even more in love with him that day, so he didn’t care.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bullying, bratva and romance…

I’m not a fan of bullying (who is?) yet there is always that chance - that hope - of redemption. Reading the blurb I really wanted it for both of them…

Galina was stuck and trying to make the most of an impossible situation/marriage when Mikhail decided he was going to be her hero. She had no illusions about him – or thought she didn’t. Despite her situation, I loved how she was not a doormat. Instead of being submissive, she questioned what was happening. Questioned him…

This was a short and steamy read as Mikhail and Galina bonded and soon fought together, rather than with each other. Enough time for character development, I enjoyed how they went from wary strangers/long ago adversaries to lovers who cared about one another. I’m addicted to this author’s stories and this was a great addition.

*I happily reviewed this story
**Thank you to BookSirens

[Ashlee Shades · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam Crescent has quickly become one of my favorite Mafia romance authors. Every time I see a book released by Sam, I HAVE to grab it because I know I will NOT be disappointed in the story.

Mikhail has been in love with Galina since he was a young child. To hide his love for her, he bullies her to push her away. But, when he finds out her parents plan to marry her off to a much older, cruel man, he HAS to save her! He can live with her fighting him but he will not live with her in harm's way and trapped in a marriage he knows will slowly kill her.

Galina does not want to marry him (due to his bullying ways) but knows she must do as any good Mafia daughter does and obeys her parents. As time moves on, she begins to see a side to this husband she never knew... and dare we say, love grows?

You have to read this one to see all the tug and pull, angst-filled love these two go on to find their way to one another. You will never be disappointed reading a Sam Crescent book.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Galina Nikitin isn’t about to marry Mikhail Belsky. He bullied her all through school. Sure he is from a powerful family. But he hates her and she isn’t marrying a man that hates her and cares nothing about her. Mikhail made sure that everyone stayed away from Galina in school. Yes, he bullied her but there was something about her that made him want her. He wasn’t about to let her marry Vik Kuzlov. Vik was old and didn’t deserve Galina. I have to say, I wasn’t thrilled about him bullying her in school. Seriously, he could find other ways to get her attention. But we do learn about why did was like that. You have to love the intent that Mikhail has. He wanted Galina to fall in love with him. He knew he screwed up but he was a better man that his father. These two find strength in each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deborah Durand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Galina and Mikhail’s story is the best romance that I have read by Crescent so far. ( I’m leaving a little room for improvement. Lol 😂). I loved how the author presented their high school years - that’s the basis of the book’s title. This little novella packs a wallop. It’s exciting, smart, has a good plot, has extremely appealing MC’s and interesting supportive characters with their own side stories. Oh yes, an lots of steamy sex is much appreciated. ❤️‍🔥

Was there any logic behind Mikhail’s bullying Galina in high school? Who was responsible for this arranged marriage? Will there be any violent fallout as a result of this union? Enjoy this magnetic romance and its adorable epilogue? Despite having read this in 2 hours, it is worth of 5 stars ⭐️ + .
I have received an ARC from the author through BookSirens and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.