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Her Russian Protector #7
Kostya
After a nightmare blind date, hair stylist Holly Phillips swears off men. The only problem with that plan? Her mysterious and sinfully sexy neighbor Kostya who appeared from the shadows and saved her on that cold, scary night.
Russian covert operative turned infamous mob cleaner Kostya Antonovich lives his life by one major rule: Don’t Get Involved. But when the lies surrounding Holly’s birth begin to unravel, Kostya’s only choice is to break that rule and break it hard.
He’ll use every last tool in that sinister black bag of his to protect Holly from a cartel hit squad and the notorious KGB operative who has escaped a grim Russian prison to seek his revenge.
For her, he’ll risk it all.
Russian covert operative turned infamous mob cleaner Kostya Antonovich lives his life by one major rule: Don’t Get Involved. But when the lies surrounding Holly’s birth begin to unravel, Kostya’s only choice is to break that rule and break it hard.
He’ll use every last tool in that sinister black bag of his to protect Holly from a cartel hit squad and the notorious KGB operative who has escaped a grim Russian prison to seek his revenge.
For her, he’ll risk it all.
329 pages, Unknown Binding
First published August 12, 2019
446 people are currently reading
3870 people want to read
About the author
Roxie Rivera
71 books2,803 followersWhen I’m not chasing after my wild preschooler, I like to write super sexy romances and scorching hot erotica. I live in Texas with a husband who could easily snag a job as an extra on History Channel’s new Viking series, a sweet but rowdy three-year-old with Tetralogy of Fallot, and Bosley, our Great Dane with major mommy issues.
I also have another dirty-book writing alter ego, Lolita Lopez, who writes deliciously steamy tales for Ellora’s Cave, Forever Yours/Grand Central, Mischief/Harper Collins UK, Siren Publishing and Cleis Press.
I also have another dirty-book writing alter ego, Lolita Lopez, who writes deliciously steamy tales for Ellora’s Cave, Forever Yours/Grand Central, Mischief/Harper Collins UK, Siren Publishing and Cleis Press.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
August 20, 2019
IT'S LIVE! I'M CRYING RIGHT NOW! IT'S REALLY HERE!
RIP, ME CARING ABOUT KOSTYA. August 2014-April 2018
Kimberly, Victoria, Heather, and all the other ladies who kept the dream alive, I salute you. It's been a ride.
3/4/18 Check out this update! https://www.roxieriverawriter.com/new...
UPDATE 9/9/15: Publishing of Kostya put on hold indefinitely. http://www.roxieriverawriter.com/news...
Eh, What're you gonna do?
OH. MY. GOD! THIS NEEDS TO BE RELEASED SOON OR I'M GOING TO DIE! ROXIE: I MADE TEASERS AND EVERYTHING. I'VE TEASED MYSELF RIGHT INTO A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN. PLEASE GIVE US KOSTYA!
I'm so excited for this one! I'm betting this will be the BEST of the Russian Protectors!
RIP, ME CARING ABOUT KOSTYA. August 2014-April 2018
Kimberly, Victoria, Heather, and all the other ladies who kept the dream alive, I salute you. It's been a ride.
3/4/18 Check out this update! https://www.roxieriverawriter.com/new...
UPDATE 9/9/15: Publishing of Kostya put on hold indefinitely. http://www.roxieriverawriter.com/news...
Eh, What're you gonna do?
OH. MY. GOD! THIS NEEDS TO BE RELEASED SOON OR I'M GOING TO DIE! ROXIE: I MADE TEASERS AND EVERYTHING. I'VE TEASED MYSELF RIGHT INTO A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN. PLEASE GIVE US KOSTYA!
I'm so excited for this one! I'm betting this will be the BEST of the Russian Protectors!
September 6, 2015
I have never, never used the GR star system to indicate my lack of interest in reading a future book before. I have also never rated a book that is yet unreleased. But I'm making an exception for Kostya, because I am so utterly annoyed and offended by how Rivera has handled this release.
Today is September 6th, 2015. This book is now almost a year late. This is a book that was "totally done, guys!" and which was "ready to pre-order, guys!", and which I pre-ordered (twice). I have yet to get it and if I may make a confession, I think now that the book was never done or ready. In fact, I suspect that the whole "Amazon lost ALL your pre-orders, guys! They're just gone!" was a big old lie. This book still isn't ready, is my guess, and I'm done giving Rivera the benefit of the doubt.
Yes, she's had health problems. Yes, she's had personal problems. Yes, she's had professional problems. If she were a responsible, mature person, she'd have been smart and brave enough to say that she was sorry to break (yet another) promise to the people who pay her bills by buying her books, but she had to break another promise. If she were really taking care of herself, she'd have taken time off, as much as she needed, and been open about that. I for one would have respected that honesty, and I'd have waited for as long as it took. I'd have had her back, no question about that.
Instead, she kept setting release dates and then failing to honour them. Worse, every single time that she's done this, she's DISAPPEARED on the day in question. Look at Kostya: it was to be released on Friday (2 days ago) and in that time, she's said nothing. No reassurance that yes, the book has been published and it's in the Amazon publishing cycle, and she'll let us know when it goes live. No apologies, no explanations, no word from her assistant, no clue what the hell is happening. It's worth noting, though, that SOMEONE is deleting posts on her FB author's page - so someone with information and authority is around, and simply choosing to not engage.
For all these reasons, Rivera has lost a fan. If I could indicate my interest in reading this book, it would actually be zero. Sadly, GR doesn't have this option, so 1 star it is.
Take care, Ms. Rivera. I wish you luck in regaining your damaged reputation. You have a serious uphill battle, I can assure you. BTW, my views here extend to Alexei, as well. Another book that I rate a one-star read in terms of interest.
Today is September 6th, 2015. This book is now almost a year late. This is a book that was "totally done, guys!" and which was "ready to pre-order, guys!", and which I pre-ordered (twice). I have yet to get it and if I may make a confession, I think now that the book was never done or ready. In fact, I suspect that the whole "Amazon lost ALL your pre-orders, guys! They're just gone!" was a big old lie. This book still isn't ready, is my guess, and I'm done giving Rivera the benefit of the doubt.
Yes, she's had health problems. Yes, she's had personal problems. Yes, she's had professional problems. If she were a responsible, mature person, she'd have been smart and brave enough to say that she was sorry to break (yet another) promise to the people who pay her bills by buying her books, but she had to break another promise. If she were really taking care of herself, she'd have taken time off, as much as she needed, and been open about that. I for one would have respected that honesty, and I'd have waited for as long as it took. I'd have had her back, no question about that.
Instead, she kept setting release dates and then failing to honour them. Worse, every single time that she's done this, she's DISAPPEARED on the day in question. Look at Kostya: it was to be released on Friday (2 days ago) and in that time, she's said nothing. No reassurance that yes, the book has been published and it's in the Amazon publishing cycle, and she'll let us know when it goes live. No apologies, no explanations, no word from her assistant, no clue what the hell is happening. It's worth noting, though, that SOMEONE is deleting posts on her FB author's page - so someone with information and authority is around, and simply choosing to not engage.
For all these reasons, Rivera has lost a fan. If I could indicate my interest in reading this book, it would actually be zero. Sadly, GR doesn't have this option, so 1 star it is.
Take care, Ms. Rivera. I wish you luck in regaining your damaged reputation. You have a serious uphill battle, I can assure you. BTW, my views here extend to Alexei, as well. Another book that I rate a one-star read in terms of interest.
October 24, 2020
ROXIE RIVERA weaved this long awaited tale extremely well!!!!!!!!
Kostya (Her Russian Protector, #7) was so worth the wait! This was Kostya and Holly's story and I loved the way the author wrote this story where almost every previous character is tied to their story by name drop or association!
What starts as a setup for Kostya to protect his neighbor, Holly from a hit by Finn Connolly (The Fighting Finn series) on her life, ends up being a lengthy kill list of major characters in this series including Kostya, his boss and his wife (Nikolai and Vivian) amongst others. Talk about twists and turns, lies, deceit, betrayal and suspenseful moments throughout that you didn't see coming, this book was written with true grit! And Kostya, oh Kostya was EVERYTHING you imagined he would be but oh so much more! So nothing is what it seems in this engaging tale with the cleaner, Kostantin aka Kostya Antonovich working overtime with his 'spiders' etc. to save them all from a vengeful man who was thought long dead!
"I want out Holly. I want a real chance with you. I have to do this." - Kostya
"You better come back for me." -Holly
Savvy's funny question to her bff, Holly: "He banged you like a screen door in a hurricane, huh?"
This is a must read for fans of the series and mafia lovers... but as I said before, nothing is what it seems!!!!!!!!! NOTHING!!!!!
Thank you, Roxie Rivera for even including timely subject matter as immigration and ICE... YOU PUT YOUR ALL IN THIS STORY! A WELL-WEAVED TALE!!!!
5 so worth the wait stars!!!!!!!
Kostya (Her Russian Protector, #7) was so worth the wait! This was Kostya and Holly's story and I loved the way the author wrote this story where almost every previous character is tied to their story by name drop or association!
What starts as a setup for Kostya to protect his neighbor, Holly from a hit by Finn Connolly (The Fighting Finn series) on her life, ends up being a lengthy kill list of major characters in this series including Kostya, his boss and his wife (Nikolai and Vivian) amongst others. Talk about twists and turns, lies, deceit, betrayal and suspenseful moments throughout that you didn't see coming, this book was written with true grit! And Kostya, oh Kostya was EVERYTHING you imagined he would be but oh so much more! So nothing is what it seems in this engaging tale with the cleaner, Kostantin aka Kostya Antonovich working overtime with his 'spiders' etc. to save them all from a vengeful man who was thought long dead!
"I want out Holly. I want a real chance with you. I have to do this." - Kostya
"You better come back for me." -Holly
Savvy's funny question to her bff, Holly: "He banged you like a screen door in a hurricane, huh?"
This is a must read for fans of the series and mafia lovers... but as I said before, nothing is what it seems!!!!!!!!! NOTHING!!!!!
Thank you, Roxie Rivera for even including timely subject matter as immigration and ICE... YOU PUT YOUR ALL IN THIS STORY! A WELL-WEAVED TALE!!!!
5 so worth the wait stars!!!!!!!
September 9, 2015
Alright what the fuck. Just what the fuck.
This was the one book I was looking forward to in this series. Well, I was interested in Nikolai too, but then Vivian got pregnant and I Noped out of that super fast. Kostya is hella fascinating: he's a cleaner, he owns strip clubs and is an International Man of Mystery. I want to know everything about him.
First, this book was supposed to come out the last week of August, and it didn't. Then it was supposed to have been out by last friday, which did not happen. There's been radio-silence from the author until today. And now, according to a post on the author's website, she's decided to "pull Kostya from the release schedule completely."
The author claims that the book has been completed and ready to go "for weeks," yet it doesn't feel right.
Which, okay, bullshit. You've had ample time to inform your readers of this. Say, after the first missed deadline, for example. Or even after the second. Hell, you could have told us during the last weekend of DEAD SILENCE that you gave us instead.
This is just such a shitty way to treat your readers and fans. Although after these shenanigans, I have removed myself from both of those titles. Sure, she doesn't want to put out a sub-par book. But, hey, you could have not gotten my goddamn hopes up in the first place. Boom, problem solved.
If this is supposed to be her 'job,' she should start treating it like one, mY GOD.
So NOW, she's going to re-write the goddamn book AGAIN and basically shove this book down to the very bottom of her To Do list. But, of course, all THOSE books are completed and just waiting to be released. Which raises the question, why aren't there release dates for those books?
This was the one book I was looking forward to in this series. Well, I was interested in Nikolai too, but then Vivian got pregnant and I Noped out of that super fast. Kostya is hella fascinating: he's a cleaner, he owns strip clubs and is an International Man of Mystery. I want to know everything about him.
First, this book was supposed to come out the last week of August, and it didn't. Then it was supposed to have been out by last friday, which did not happen. There's been radio-silence from the author until today. And now, according to a post on the author's website, she's decided to "pull Kostya from the release schedule completely."
The author claims that the book has been completed and ready to go "for weeks," yet it doesn't feel right.
Which, okay, bullshit. You've had ample time to inform your readers of this. Say, after the first missed deadline, for example. Or even after the second. Hell, you could have told us during the last weekend of DEAD SILENCE that you gave us instead.
This is just such a shitty way to treat your readers and fans. Although after these shenanigans, I have removed myself from both of those titles. Sure, she doesn't want to put out a sub-par book. But, hey, you could have not gotten my goddamn hopes up in the first place. Boom, problem solved.
If this is supposed to be her 'job,' she should start treating it like one, mY GOD.
So NOW, she's going to re-write the goddamn book AGAIN and basically shove this book down to the very bottom of her To Do list. But, of course, all THOSE books are completed and just waiting to be released. Which raises the question, why aren't there release dates for those books?
August 18, 2019
**** I think we have waited 2 years for this new book,
SO WORTH IT, in this magnificent Russian Mafia series.
Roxy Rivera did an outstanding job of bringing us our favorite, Kostya, former KGB, super hunky, tough guy,
now a "cleaner/assassin" working for Nikolai.
Beautiful Holly,
has wanted her neighbor Kostya for years. We get to see her in her salon, working, managing, and being a super friend, boss and Philanthropist.
We see the complicated family tree issues Kostya is navigating as he seeks information. Holly doesn't know who her father is, and doesn't realize the danger she's in. Kostya fends off the assassin, but Holly wouldn't like it if she knew what he did. We see old cast members, Vivian, Bianca, Nikolai, Sergei, and more.
Kostya and Holly finally get the kiss they have desired, plus he tells her his job, and after a night of quick, sizzling sex, she has a month to decide if she can live within his violent world. He is busy with his staff of "little spiders," as they research, and cleanup some gruesome scenes. We have action, fierce women, strong men, good guys and bad ones, plus the big finale. Her Mom is a total surprise, wow!
These two really send off sparks, and I want to see more of them settled and defining their relationship.
Highly recommended for Russian Mafia lovers, action packed, thrilling plot, and super sexiness.
ENJOY!
=====
SO WORTH IT, in this magnificent Russian Mafia series.
Roxy Rivera did an outstanding job of bringing us our favorite, Kostya, former KGB, super hunky, tough guy,
now a "cleaner/assassin" working for Nikolai.
Beautiful Holly,
has wanted her neighbor Kostya for years. We get to see her in her salon, working, managing, and being a super friend, boss and Philanthropist.
We see the complicated family tree issues Kostya is navigating as he seeks information. Holly doesn't know who her father is, and doesn't realize the danger she's in. Kostya fends off the assassin, but Holly wouldn't like it if she knew what he did. We see old cast members, Vivian, Bianca, Nikolai, Sergei, and more.
Kostya and Holly finally get the kiss they have desired, plus he tells her his job, and after a night of quick, sizzling sex, she has a month to decide if she can live within his violent world. He is busy with his staff of "little spiders," as they research, and cleanup some gruesome scenes. We have action, fierce women, strong men, good guys and bad ones, plus the big finale. Her Mom is a total surprise, wow!
These two really send off sparks, and I want to see more of them settled and defining their relationship.
Highly recommended for Russian Mafia lovers, action packed, thrilling plot, and super sexiness.
ENJOY!
=====
August 15, 2019
I took the plunge.....
3.5 stars
The good - well I have always loved this series so it was great to be back and visit with everyone. And the action/suspense was strong. Too strong. But very fast paced.
The "not as good" - Steam - meh - not much sexy action. Very disappointing! The ending - also disappointing.
The book was total "inside baseball". I jumped in without rereading and was a bit lost! It has been YEARS after all! I advise all fans to go back and re read at least the last couple books. If you have not read the previous books, you should. Most are better anyway!
I was not really feeling the heat between them. Kostya was very good at staying away from her and pushed her away - a lot. Holly was pretty awesome. But there was so much going on in the book, there was almost zero room for romance. So many characters and plots. It lacked focus and resolution. So many things left unresolved. And considering this author is totally unreliable about producing sequels - they may stay that way forever!
This book could never have been "worth the wait" - considering the wait was so many years. But it was better than Alexei and didn't suck - so that is something!
3.5 stars
The good - well I have always loved this series so it was great to be back and visit with everyone. And the action/suspense was strong. Too strong. But very fast paced.
The "not as good" - Steam - meh - not much sexy action. Very disappointing! The ending - also disappointing.
The book was total "inside baseball". I jumped in without rereading and was a bit lost! It has been YEARS after all! I advise all fans to go back and re read at least the last couple books. If you have not read the previous books, you should. Most are better anyway!
I was not really feeling the heat between them. Kostya was very good at staying away from her and pushed her away - a lot. Holly was pretty awesome. But there was so much going on in the book, there was almost zero room for romance. So many characters and plots. It lacked focus and resolution. So many things left unresolved. And considering this author is totally unreliable about producing sequels - they may stay that way forever!
This book could never have been "worth the wait" - considering the wait was so many years. But it was better than Alexei and didn't suck - so that is something!
Want to read
August 24, 2014Excited to read this.
http://youtu.be/l2q_-xN2N54
Kostya=Konstantin
http://youtu.be/l2q_-xN2N54
Kostya=Konstantin
September 3, 2016
On Feb 2 2016 there were 58 5* reviews for a book that HAS NOT BEEN PUBLISHED. These reviews were put up months ago, so don't tell me they had an arc. The author was obviously not in a place to publish, at that time.
This is the PROBLEM WITH GOODREADS RATINGS. I call bu%#€it on those ratings and the fangirls that posted them!
This is the PROBLEM WITH GOODREADS RATINGS. I call bu%#€it on those ratings and the fangirls that posted them!
August 18, 2019
What a tangled web of secrets we weave!
Everyone has secrets to hide. This story was so good. I could not put it down, and I did not want it to end. It's obvious that Roxie Rivera has not lost her creative writing touch after being gone for sooooo long. I just love how she weaves a story and Kostya did not disappoint. She shows how the love of family, even among made men, and woman in this story, will do anything to protect the ones they love. I find it how ironic that Kostya and Holly fell in love despite the information they just found out about their parents' involvement in the Russian underworld. Even Lana's father had a tie into their past.
This story was so heartbreaking about how even made men in the Russian Mafia need love too. It's just a human longing to love and be loved by someone. Kostya's mind was all in a jumble because he hated bringing his life into Holly's but in the end, love won out for the both of them. Even Savannah could not sway Holly out of love for Kostya. But he knew he wanted a chance with Holly and needed to get out of the wet work he was so good at. I wonder who will take his place? Will it be one of his little spiders, will it be Boychenko? I also see a brewing romance between Savvy and Gabe, and possibly another romance brewing between Atenon and Nisha. I can't wait to find out. Come on Roxie, your dedicated and d patient readers have missed you so much, and we can't wait for your future books. Welcome back and congratulations on a publication well done.
Everyone has secrets to hide. This story was so good. I could not put it down, and I did not want it to end. It's obvious that Roxie Rivera has not lost her creative writing touch after being gone for sooooo long. I just love how she weaves a story and Kostya did not disappoint. She shows how the love of family, even among made men, and woman in this story, will do anything to protect the ones they love. I find it how ironic that Kostya and Holly fell in love despite the information they just found out about their parents' involvement in the Russian underworld. Even Lana's father had a tie into their past.
This story was so heartbreaking about how even made men in the Russian Mafia need love too. It's just a human longing to love and be loved by someone. Kostya's mind was all in a jumble because he hated bringing his life into Holly's but in the end, love won out for the both of them. Even Savannah could not sway Holly out of love for Kostya. But he knew he wanted a chance with Holly and needed to get out of the wet work he was so good at. I wonder who will take his place? Will it be one of his little spiders, will it be Boychenko? I also see a brewing romance between Savvy and Gabe, and possibly another romance brewing between Atenon and Nisha. I can't wait to find out. Come on Roxie, your dedicated and d patient readers have missed you so much, and we can't wait for your future books. Welcome back and congratulations on a publication well done.
July 15, 2020
Let me start by saying I too was irritated in the beginning when Ms.Rivera pulled "Kostya" because she wasn't pleased with her product. However, she is the writer and I understand she wanted to "keep true" to the character. Especially "Kostya". Not soon after Ms. Rivera put out "Alexi" book 8 in the series, which of course I read because I love the series, reading the book was a confusing mess though because so much of it had references to past events that obviously were in "Kostya". So book 8 wasn't all that good either, yet she still released it. Than Ms. Rivera goes on to release "Zel", while we her paying fans wait patiently for a book I'm not sure is ever going to be released. Well Ms. Rivera I'm done.
UPDATE::
KOSTYA finally did come out and I couldn’t help myself.. I read it because the first books were so good.
Notice I still didn’t change my rating, if I could I would have even less than no stars!! The story was a mess , jumped all over the place AND the editing errors and continuity were bad. This has been the only time I’ve ever written a bad review , I’m really disappointed as a reader .
UPDATE::
KOSTYA finally did come out and I couldn’t help myself.. I read it because the first books were so good.
Notice I still didn’t change my rating, if I could I would have even less than no stars!! The story was a mess , jumped all over the place AND the editing errors and continuity were bad. This has been the only time I’ve ever written a bad review , I’m really disappointed as a reader .
August 15, 2019
I'd have waited forever
For the record when you love an authors ability to weave a tale you'll wait, no matter how long or how hard it is for that next story because they're worth it.
Roxie has had a hell of a time. I don't know it all because authors person lives aren't my business. I'm sorry that she felt she HAD to put out Kostya to appease her negavite navy readers.
Kostya was fabulous. Exactly what I knew he would be. He and Holly - talk about 6 degrees of separation! Roxie always gives us a edge of our seat she likes to toss in little treats here and there and get us hooked even more. I love Holly's strength and her honesty. She isn't some naive flower. She aware that with the knowledge she has about Kostya and his life that there is going to be danger and heartache.
Kostya is a butt head. I mean we knew that but he's a sweet butt head. He trys with Holly to be honest (with exceptions). He trys to jungle the city going to H*ll around them. But one man can only do so much!
A lovely continuation to the Russian Protector series.
For the record when you love an authors ability to weave a tale you'll wait, no matter how long or how hard it is for that next story because they're worth it.
Roxie has had a hell of a time. I don't know it all because authors person lives aren't my business. I'm sorry that she felt she HAD to put out Kostya to appease her negavite navy readers.
Kostya was fabulous. Exactly what I knew he would be. He and Holly - talk about 6 degrees of separation! Roxie always gives us a edge of our seat she likes to toss in little treats here and there and get us hooked even more. I love Holly's strength and her honesty. She isn't some naive flower. She aware that with the knowledge she has about Kostya and his life that there is going to be danger and heartache.
Kostya is a butt head. I mean we knew that but he's a sweet butt head. He trys with Holly to be honest (with exceptions). He trys to jungle the city going to H*ll around them. But one man can only do so much!
A lovely continuation to the Russian Protector series.
Read
January 25, 2017so this book was supposed to hit the shelves over 2 years ago!!! WTF HAPPENED?!?!?!? I really want to read Kostya! I'm completely pissed I've been waiting so long and still can't read this book!
August 4, 2023
Four years ago, I discovered this series and Roxie Rivera and have been hooked ever since. Kostya's book was one that I was so looking forward to. Yes there was a lot of disappointment with how long it took for this book to be released. Despite waiting 3.5 years for its release, I was beyond excited to finally see this book up for sale and to get the chance to finally read it. Roxie Rivera has done it again and written another fantastic story. Kostya and Holly are perfect together. She was raised to be strong and independent and that is just the type of woman he needs to help change his world. I can't wait for more books in this series (and the other connecting series)...just hope that those books happen quickly.
06-reasons
September 16, 2016So I reckon that this book will be out 2016 although said otherwise. Go on I dare you to prove me wrong.
August 29, 2019
Wow! Po Nikolaiu, myslalam ze Roxie opadnie na laurach, i kolejne czesci beda odgrzewanym kotletem każdej poprzedniej czesci. Ale jak ze sie zdziwiłam!
I chociaz trzeba było na ta czesc czekac cholernie długo, to była dobra decyzja Roxie.
Kostya i jego pajączki zdobyły moje serducho w oka mgnieniu! Chociaz na początku akcja troche sie wlekła, to pozniej autorka wynagradza nam to 1000krotnie! To jak Roxie rozbudowała jego historię, jak wtajemniczyła czytelnika w rzeczywistość roboty czyściciela mafii, a przy tym wszystkim Holly i JEJ historia....
Wow! Spisałaś sie Roxie 👏🏻👌🏻
I chociaz trzeba było na ta czesc czekac cholernie długo, to była dobra decyzja Roxie.
Kostya i jego pajączki zdobyły moje serducho w oka mgnieniu! Chociaz na początku akcja troche sie wlekła, to pozniej autorka wynagradza nam to 1000krotnie! To jak Roxie rozbudowała jego historię, jak wtajemniczyła czytelnika w rzeczywistość roboty czyściciela mafii, a przy tym wszystkim Holly i JEJ historia....
Wow! Spisałaś sie Roxie 👏🏻👌🏻
August 16, 2019
Worth the wait!
Mostly is mob cleaner..Holly is a salon owner and next door neighbor whom he’s been secretly longing for for a year now..when a hit list is created and the sins of the past (Kostya and Holly) come to light..will they find themselves in love or just in trouble. Will they be able to build a life together or will everything and everyone they know vanish forever.
We’ve waited years for this book and I was not disappointed..maybe just a little. Kostya was so serious and mysterious, it was exciting to see how his story was framed..there was so much history that made him who he is..Holly was just the right amount of vulnerability and sass that Kostya needed..he always had a nurturing side (with his spiders) only he never knew it..the conspiring and conspiracy story that surrounded them was superb...I loved Holly’s mom..she was so sassy and deadly...I only have a few issues: what happened with his spiders? What happened when Ivan and Sergei found out what happened? Why didn’t Nikolai visit Kostya in Mexico? Did Lana know who her parents were? What does Kostya do for the family now? These were just a few of the things left “unfinished” for me. Maybe they’ll be answered as the books move forward..I hope there will be more to come.
We waited years for this book and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Mostly is mob cleaner..Holly is a salon owner and next door neighbor whom he’s been secretly longing for for a year now..when a hit list is created and the sins of the past (Kostya and Holly) come to light..will they find themselves in love or just in trouble. Will they be able to build a life together or will everything and everyone they know vanish forever.
We’ve waited years for this book and I was not disappointed..maybe just a little. Kostya was so serious and mysterious, it was exciting to see how his story was framed..there was so much history that made him who he is..Holly was just the right amount of vulnerability and sass that Kostya needed..he always had a nurturing side (with his spiders) only he never knew it..the conspiring and conspiracy story that surrounded them was superb...I loved Holly’s mom..she was so sassy and deadly...I only have a few issues: what happened with his spiders? What happened when Ivan and Sergei found out what happened? Why didn’t Nikolai visit Kostya in Mexico? Did Lana know who her parents were? What does Kostya do for the family now? These were just a few of the things left “unfinished” for me. Maybe they’ll be answered as the books move forward..I hope there will be more to come.
We waited years for this book and I enjoyed every minute of it.
September 9, 2019
It's been a long wait for this book, so long in fact I took it off my tbr as I didn't think it was going to happen. Then when I saw that the book was a reality I kept flip flopping if I was even going to read it, but read a couple of free shorts that were good and made me want to read this one.
As much as I liked the romance between Kostya and Holly, with all of their family drama (and there was a lot), I found myself more interested in Kostya and his spiders. I liked that he was their father figure, he did what he could to keep them safe, even as he drew them into his world. Sure it was a bit messed up, but it seemed to work for all of them.
I did like how this one ended, but I can't wait to see how things are going forward, to see how Holly is welcomed into the mob world and to see if she plays a role in the spiders lives.
As much as I liked the romance between Kostya and Holly, with all of their family drama (and there was a lot), I found myself more interested in Kostya and his spiders. I liked that he was their father figure, he did what he could to keep them safe, even as he drew them into his world. Sure it was a bit messed up, but it seemed to work for all of them.
I did like how this one ended, but I can't wait to see how things are going forward, to see how Holly is welcomed into the mob world and to see if she plays a role in the spiders lives.
October 17, 2020
It’s been a long time since I’ve read this series. This book didn’t really hit the spot the way the other ones did.
Kostya lives next door to Holly and he has been a godsend to her. He helps her with security, plumbing issues, language translation etc. Of course we later find out Kostya is the cause of all of Holly’s issues. He’s gaslighting her in order to have her be fearful enough to be dependent on him.
Kostya does care for Holly and wants to be with her but he’s worried about his connection to the Russian bratva would make her a target. So Kostya concocts a convoluted plan to get Holly to fall for him and to throw the mob men looking for Holly off. I liked it but I am bothered by the gaslighting. The author should have taken more time to build them up as their chemistry felt weak to me.
I wish I had this one on audiobook.
Kostya lives next door to Holly and he has been a godsend to her. He helps her with security, plumbing issues, language translation etc. Of course we later find out Kostya is the cause of all of Holly’s issues. He’s gaslighting her in order to have her be fearful enough to be dependent on him.
Kostya does care for Holly and wants to be with her but he’s worried about his connection to the Russian bratva would make her a target. So Kostya concocts a convoluted plan to get Holly to fall for him and to throw the mob men looking for Holly off. I liked it but I am bothered by the gaslighting. The author should have taken more time to build them up as their chemistry felt weak to me.
I wish I had this one on audiobook.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2020
I have had enough of this 'about to release ' game. I have always loved Roxie Rivera's writing. Till date I have waited patiently for this book and never commented on her delays in release or that she completely disappears during the release day. Lots of people have lots of personal problems and I accepted hers whatever it was. But this time she went too far. She didn't need to get her reader's hopes up only to dash them. It doesn't matter whatever the reason is, genuine or otherwise. Roxie could have declared the news that the book is released when it is finally live especially when there has already been too many non release dates gone by. She has lost my respect. Still I wish her all the best in life and hope that she realises the meaning of promises and commitments.
August 15, 2019
KOSTYA (Her Russian Protector #7) by Roxie Rivera
4 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 12, 2019
After a nightmare blind date, hair stylist Holly Phillips swears off men. The only problem with that plan? Her mysterious and sinfully sexy neighbor Kostya who appeared from the shadows and saved her on that cold, scary night.
Russian covert operative turned infamous mob cleaner Kostya Antonovich lives his life by one major rule: Don’t Get Involved. But when the lies surrounding Holly’s birth begin to unravel, Kostya’s only choice is to break that rule and break it hard.
He’ll use every last tool in that sinister black bag of his to protect Holly from a cartel hit squad and the notorious KGB operative who has escaped a grim Russian prison to seek his revenge.
For her, he’ll risk it all.
•••••••••
REVIEW: KOSTYA is the seventh instalment in Roxie Rivera’s contemporary, adult HER RUSSIAN PROTECTOR Russian romance series. This is Russian mob cleaner Konstantin ‘Kostya’ Antonovich, and hair stylist Holly Phillips’ story line. KOSTYA can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous storylines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.
Told from first person point of view (Holly), and third person (Kostya) KOSTYA follows the building relationship and romance between neighbors Russian mob cleaner Konstantin ‘Kostya’ Antonovich, and hair stylist Holly Phillips. Kostya Antonovich knows war approaches, and Holly has been targeted for sins of the past. Hoping to protect the woman that calls to his heart, Kostya calls in a favor using his team of ‘spiders’ to safeguard our heroine from the Cartel and the former KGB. What ensues is the building romance between Kostya and Holly, and the potential fall-out as more than one player is aiming their sights on Holly Phillips.
Holly Phillips struggles with her true identity. Having never met her father, our heroine is unaware of her family history, history that is about to crash into the present. As a salon owner and hair stylist Holly caters to the wives of the local Russian mob but Holly’s connections go much deeper than friendship, a familial relationship is about to be exposed. Kostya Antonovich is a cleaner; he does the dirty work necessary to protect the people with whom he works and works for. Meeting Holly Phillips stirs something deep within our story line hero, something he prefers to remain dormant and cold.
The relationship between Holly and Kostya is a friends to lovers but a relationship wherein Kostya is both protector and guardian of the woman with whom he is falling in love. Desperate to keep Holly out of the life he was born to do, Kostya continues to push Holly at every opportunity but our heroine is intent on placing herself in danger for the people she loves. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and seductive.
There is a large ensemble cast of familiar secondary and supporting characters including Nikolai and Vivian, Ten, Boychenko, Artyom, and several wives (Bianca, Erin, Benny and Lena) and significant others, and members of the Russian mob. We are introduced to Holly’s mother Frances Phillips; Holly’s employees Nisha, Billie, Savannah, Peyton as well as Kostya’s team of ‘spiders’: Fox, Sunny, Maxine, Lana and Lobo; Gabe Reyes; and numerous members of the Mexican Cartel, and local interconnected gangs. There is a slight cross-over with the author’s Fighting Connollys series, and the cameo appearance of Finn Connolly. For first time readers they numerous characters and ‘nicknames’ may be overwhelming, which is the reason I recommend reading the series in order.
The world building continues to focus on the Russian mob; their family, friendship, connections, love and protection .
KOSTYA is a story of secrets and lies; betrayal and vengeance; retribution and acceptance. The premise is engaging and energetic; the romance is steamy and hot; the characters are dynamic and captivating. On that note, it is close to two and half years since the last instalment, and the story lines have been released out of order so a re-read may be necessary to reconcile a number of plot points.
Own a copy
www.thereadingcafe.com
4 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 12, 2019
After a nightmare blind date, hair stylist Holly Phillips swears off men. The only problem with that plan? Her mysterious and sinfully sexy neighbor Kostya who appeared from the shadows and saved her on that cold, scary night.
Russian covert operative turned infamous mob cleaner Kostya Antonovich lives his life by one major rule: Don’t Get Involved. But when the lies surrounding Holly’s birth begin to unravel, Kostya’s only choice is to break that rule and break it hard.
He’ll use every last tool in that sinister black bag of his to protect Holly from a cartel hit squad and the notorious KGB operative who has escaped a grim Russian prison to seek his revenge.
For her, he’ll risk it all.
•••••••••
REVIEW: KOSTYA is the seventh instalment in Roxie Rivera’s contemporary, adult HER RUSSIAN PROTECTOR Russian romance series. This is Russian mob cleaner Konstantin ‘Kostya’ Antonovich, and hair stylist Holly Phillips’ story line. KOSTYA can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous storylines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.
Told from first person point of view (Holly), and third person (Kostya) KOSTYA follows the building relationship and romance between neighbors Russian mob cleaner Konstantin ‘Kostya’ Antonovich, and hair stylist Holly Phillips. Kostya Antonovich knows war approaches, and Holly has been targeted for sins of the past. Hoping to protect the woman that calls to his heart, Kostya calls in a favor using his team of ‘spiders’ to safeguard our heroine from the Cartel and the former KGB. What ensues is the building romance between Kostya and Holly, and the potential fall-out as more than one player is aiming their sights on Holly Phillips.
Holly Phillips struggles with her true identity. Having never met her father, our heroine is unaware of her family history, history that is about to crash into the present. As a salon owner and hair stylist Holly caters to the wives of the local Russian mob but Holly’s connections go much deeper than friendship, a familial relationship is about to be exposed. Kostya Antonovich is a cleaner; he does the dirty work necessary to protect the people with whom he works and works for. Meeting Holly Phillips stirs something deep within our story line hero, something he prefers to remain dormant and cold.
The relationship between Holly and Kostya is a friends to lovers but a relationship wherein Kostya is both protector and guardian of the woman with whom he is falling in love. Desperate to keep Holly out of the life he was born to do, Kostya continues to push Holly at every opportunity but our heroine is intent on placing herself in danger for the people she loves. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and seductive.
There is a large ensemble cast of familiar secondary and supporting characters including Nikolai and Vivian, Ten, Boychenko, Artyom, and several wives (Bianca, Erin, Benny and Lena) and significant others, and members of the Russian mob. We are introduced to Holly’s mother Frances Phillips; Holly’s employees Nisha, Billie, Savannah, Peyton as well as Kostya’s team of ‘spiders’: Fox, Sunny, Maxine, Lana and Lobo; Gabe Reyes; and numerous members of the Mexican Cartel, and local interconnected gangs. There is a slight cross-over with the author’s Fighting Connollys series, and the cameo appearance of Finn Connolly. For first time readers they numerous characters and ‘nicknames’ may be overwhelming, which is the reason I recommend reading the series in order.
The world building continues to focus on the Russian mob; their family, friendship, connections, love and protection .
KOSTYA is a story of secrets and lies; betrayal and vengeance; retribution and acceptance. The premise is engaging and energetic; the romance is steamy and hot; the characters are dynamic and captivating. On that note, it is close to two and half years since the last instalment, and the story lines have been released out of order so a re-read may be necessary to reconcile a number of plot points.
Own a copy
www.thereadingcafe.com
August 30, 2019
First, let me start off by saying this...I pray that author Roxie Rivera is on the full restoration of her health because that is what's most important here. Second, this book is Fiyah!!!
Kostya, our residential cleaner, chemist, mixologist, killing machine. His pledge has always been to his family of brothers, none blood related but all share of a common past of painful loss, death, having nothing to having everything. In his line of work he has seen pretty much everything but what he thought he would never see, is his fellow brethren, meeting, falling in love and marrying the loves of their lives. But for Kostya that was only a pipe dream, sure he thinks his next door neighbor is the most beautiful woman in the world, and sure he secretly checks up on her to make sure, she gets home safely, inwardly seethes when he sees her with a man but in his mind and heart, his life will not allow for such a dream to come true for him, until he finds out Holly is in danger, then nobody is safe from him.
Holly is an only child, is partners in a successful hair salon, does charity work, loves everybody, wants to help everyone, doesn't want to see anybody hurting and wants a love of her own. Holly will never forget how her sexy and quiet neighbor saved her one evening from a dangerous date and she has dreamed about him ever since. Of course Holly knows he's Russian and possibly in the mob but not sure but that doesn't matter to her, the heart wants what the heart wants, and her heart wants Kostya. Now its all about developing a plan to get this sexy and quiet man to notice her. But what she doesn't realize is that her wish is about to come true but not in the way that she thinks. Holly's life is about to be totally upended and Kostya will be right smack in the middle of it.
What an amazing continuation to this incredible series. Author Roxie Rivera picks right back up where she left off, including her characters that everybody knows and loves, secrets will be revealed, betrayals will be exposed, love will come to fruition and most importantly Roxie Rivera is back!!!!
Well Until My Next Review...Ciao!
Kostya, our residential cleaner, chemist, mixologist, killing machine. His pledge has always been to his family of brothers, none blood related but all share of a common past of painful loss, death, having nothing to having everything. In his line of work he has seen pretty much everything but what he thought he would never see, is his fellow brethren, meeting, falling in love and marrying the loves of their lives. But for Kostya that was only a pipe dream, sure he thinks his next door neighbor is the most beautiful woman in the world, and sure he secretly checks up on her to make sure, she gets home safely, inwardly seethes when he sees her with a man but in his mind and heart, his life will not allow for such a dream to come true for him, until he finds out Holly is in danger, then nobody is safe from him.
Holly is an only child, is partners in a successful hair salon, does charity work, loves everybody, wants to help everyone, doesn't want to see anybody hurting and wants a love of her own. Holly will never forget how her sexy and quiet neighbor saved her one evening from a dangerous date and she has dreamed about him ever since. Of course Holly knows he's Russian and possibly in the mob but not sure but that doesn't matter to her, the heart wants what the heart wants, and her heart wants Kostya. Now its all about developing a plan to get this sexy and quiet man to notice her. But what she doesn't realize is that her wish is about to come true but not in the way that she thinks. Holly's life is about to be totally upended and Kostya will be right smack in the middle of it.
What an amazing continuation to this incredible series. Author Roxie Rivera picks right back up where she left off, including her characters that everybody knows and loves, secrets will be revealed, betrayals will be exposed, love will come to fruition and most importantly Roxie Rivera is back!!!!
Well Until My Next Review...Ciao!
August 27, 2019
Holly Phillips has been attracted to her neighbor Kostya since they met but Kostya has never given her any notion the feeling is the same. Kostya has lived a life that would scare the boogie man and yet he has kept a watchful eye on Holly, now Holly is in danger and Kostya has a plan to protect her. Holly sees this for what it is, Kostya cares about her and she wants more. Kostya though doesn't want to drag Holly into his dangerous life giving her an out if she wants it. What will Holly do and when there are secrets from her own life that are out there will Holly understand or walk away?
This was not quite how I thought Kostya's story would unfold. I have long awaited this story and this was fantastic but he is a bit different then I expected. Kostya is dark, he is menacing and it radiates through the pages but in some ways he is also vulnerable. I liked Holly, her background story talk about surprise, surprise, surprise. Excellent addition to the series.
This was not quite how I thought Kostya's story would unfold. I have long awaited this story and this was fantastic but he is a bit different then I expected. Kostya is dark, he is menacing and it radiates through the pages but in some ways he is also vulnerable. I liked Holly, her background story talk about surprise, surprise, surprise. Excellent addition to the series.
December 25, 2019
We've already got a glimpse of who Holly was and how Kostrya came to protect her. Almost Holly' s whole life was a lie, but it kept her safe. Although Kostrya was the cleaner and so calm in previous stories, in this book, he was simply a normal man who sometimes got regret and made wrong decisions. Moreover, he fell in love.
It'll be better if there's an epilogue.
It'll be better if there's an epilogue.
October 22, 2019
3.75 Stars!
This one was a good read, could have been more but worth your time. I've read almost all books in this series and would recommend to all who like Mafia romance.
This one was a good read, could have been more but worth your time. I've read almost all books in this series and would recommend to all who like Mafia romance.
August 15, 2019
Kostya
Roxie Rivera is back and it's the Cleaner book Kostya. He's the problem solver for the club but this one night be one he can't solve with Holly his next door neighbor. It's another exciting book with lots of characters we loved from previous books and I hope this means we will be seeing more books.
Roxie Rivera is back and it's the Cleaner book Kostya. He's the problem solver for the club but this one night be one he can't solve with Holly his next door neighbor. It's another exciting book with lots of characters we loved from previous books and I hope this means we will be seeing more books.
August 14, 2019
This book was worth the wait❤️
Roxie Rivera is one of my favorite authors that I will automatically one click without a thought ! This book was amazing! I loved Kostya and Holly’s story❤️
Roxie Rivera is one of my favorite authors that I will automatically one click without a thought ! This book was amazing! I loved Kostya and Holly’s story❤️
August 16, 2019
about time!
I have been waiting for this book forever! so many surprises in this one, very exciting. I think this was my fave in the series, I absolutely adore Kostya and Holly. they are perfect for each other. I can't wait for more!!!
I have been waiting for this book forever! so many surprises in this one, very exciting. I think this was my fave in the series, I absolutely adore Kostya and Holly. they are perfect for each other. I can't wait for more!!!
August 15, 2019
Wow
So well worth the long wait! Rosie can tell a story like no other ! She weaves her web of stores and. Connects them leaving us the readers wAnting more ! WELCOME BACK ROXIE WELCOME BACK
So well worth the long wait! Rosie can tell a story like no other ! She weaves her web of stores and. Connects them leaving us the readers wAnting more ! WELCOME BACK ROXIE WELCOME BACK
Read
August 14, 2019...any day now...
(Dreams big)
Pre order still says it should be out tomorrow 12/31/16.... we shall see.
(Dreams big)
Pre order still says it should be out tomorrow 12/31/16.... we shall see.
August 14, 2019
👍🏽
Finally the wait is over and it wasn’t a disappointment... I didn’t want it to end .... I wonder when the next will be out
Finally the wait is over and it wasn’t a disappointment... I didn’t want it to end .... I wonder when the next will be out
Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews