Ruthless Lessons

by Aria Zinn

Rina

My arrival in Echo Bay was supposed to be a fresh start. The beginning of a new, peaceful life for me and my sister.
As a teacher, getting to know your students’ parents is part of the job. One I’ve always excelled at and enjoyed.
Then Edmond Vasiliev strolls into my classroom.
He is everything I shouldn’t want: intense, possessive, and savagely handsome.
I knew he was heartbreak wrapped in a dark, intoxicating package.
In spite of myself, I’m drawn to the danger.
Until I realize that monsters don’t come with warning signs.
They slither into your life promising to make your fantasies come true.
He takes everything and leaves ruin behind.
I wish I could hate him, but I’m addicted to his ruthless ways.

Edmond

I live a life divided between the brutal demands of my power and the singular tenderness I hold for my niece, Mila.
On the surface, I appear as nothing more than a devoted uncle turned single father.
The truth is far more insidious: I rule Echo Bay, by violence, bribes, and any means necessary.
Then Rina Christenson enters our lives, shining a ray of light into my world of shadows.
Her innocence stands in stark contrast to the blood that stains my hands.
She is the type of delicate beauty that men like me ache to possess.
I watch her and I obsess.
I need to make her mine.
She might hate me. But now that I have her, I’m never letting her go.
Not even when she begs.


STANDALONE: A full-length Bratava Mafia Romance novel.

For fans of Michelle Heard, S.J. Tilly, and J.T. Geissinger!

TROPES:
MF/Het
J/P (Jealous/Possessive) hero
Virgin heroine
He falls first and harder
Dark themes
Dual POV

Genres: Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance, Dark, Contemporary, M F Romance

422 pages, Paperback

Published January 9, 2024

About the author

Aria Zinn writes intense dark romance books across multiple subgenres. She loves the anti-hero and when the villain gets the girl. Writing from the balmy Gulf Coast, she is a cat-wrangler extraordinaire, devotee of dark chocolate, and an aficionado of suave men in three-piece suits.

Reviews

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruthless Lessons by Aria Zinn is the story of Edmond Vasiliev and Rina Christenson. Rina has moved to Echo Bay for her sister Lucia education. Rina has been caring for her for a long time working as many as 3 jobs to keep them going. Now Rina has taken a job as a teacher and this is how she lands in the site of Edmond. Edmond is a dark man who wasn't supposed to be the Pakhan for his mafia family that was to be his eldest sister but she has died. In addition to that job title he also has become the guardian to his niece Mila. When he goes to the school for a parent teacher meeting he meets Rina who he becomes obsessed with. Really enjoyed this book and I hope to read more from this author soon!

[Immasimp · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 ⭐⭐
Predictable. Snooze fest. And Basic.
I wish the single parent angle was explored further because it was the sole reason I picked up the book for, but I was left disappointed.
It was supposed to be forbidden but they started right off the bat.
There was barely any tension between them. The FMC was still bearable and tolerable but, I didn't like Edmond at all.
I don't know how and when they fell in love with each other because it didn't sit right with me.
Also there were too many grammatical and spelling errors. Omg I was sick of it.
The writing style also felt confusing to me.
2stars for this is me being generous because it was a waste of my time.

[Sara The Bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5
Spiciness rating: 🌶🌶🌶/ 5
Kindle Unlimited [ ✕ ] YES [ ] NO
Stand-alone [ ✕ ]YES [ ] NO
POV: first person - dual POV
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes:
Mafia Romance
Virgine heroine
rich boy/poor girl
sweet+ innocent heroine
OTT/J/P/O hero
Touch her and 🔪 (literally )
dark erotic


My Thoughts: Ruthless Lessons by Aria Zinn was my first novel by this author. Although this novel was a typical mafia romance, I was surprised at how thoughtful and kind the hero was; we don't get this type of mafia boss in regular Mafia romance books. This made the hero different from your OTT hero in a mafia romance novel, but then something changed, and We, as readers, get to see the typical mafia boss attitude, but honestly, still, the hero was far more thoughtful and selfless than any mafia boss I have read. Overall, it is an enjoyable book.

[Claudia |✨Cushin Violeta's Bookish Realm✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑬𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒇𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑶𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆 & 𝑮𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒆-𝒃𝒖𝒎𝒑𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑷𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 😻🔥🔥

𝑩𝑶𝑶𝑲 𝑯𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑳𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑻𝑺 :📑

🌹 Dark Mafia Romance
🌹 He's the Pakhan/ Head of the Bratva
🌹 She's a Teacher
🌹 Virgin H
🌹 Obsessed H/ Stalker vibes
🌹 Touch her and 🏴‍☠️ vibes
🌹 He falls first

💕𝑭𝑨𝑽𝑶𝑼𝑹𝑰𝑻𝑬 𝑸𝑼𝑶𝑻𝑬 💕

𝑹𝒊𝒏𝒂 𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒖𝒏, 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆. 𝑰’𝒎 𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅.

𝑴𝒀 𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾: 📝

Oh my Freaking Goodness, I'm still in a daze and even after reading "The End", I NEED MORE OF EDMOND AND RINA. My Heart just hasn't had enough of them for sure.😍

Right from that first chapter, Edmond gave me the chills as to how Ruthless and Dangerous he was as a leader.
Edmond Vasiliev rules with an Iron fist and his trustworthy, "Iustina", his favourite butterfly knife as anyone who dares cross him will meet her first.

But on the other hand, I felt what a wonderful father figure he was, raising his sister's child, Mila.
Edmond was an enigma to me as he is a man who's deadly when it comes to his enemies but is a Heart-melting sweetheart who's so caring and kind and generous when it comes to his family and his people.

That first time, when he goes to his niece's student-teacher meet, he did not at all anticipate being instantly obsessed with her sweet teacher and try as he might, Rina begins ruling over his every thought.

I really liked Rina from the start. She was such a sweet and beautiful darling who's not only a wonderful teacher but also cares for her sister even going as far as working multiple jobs to make her sister's dream come true.

Ahhh... It was maddening and intoxicating watching the fixation of Edmond upon Rina. Everyone knows he's the ruler and one dangerous man but Rina has no idea how deeply she's going to be entangled with a man who's the most dangerous Hunter out there.

The way Edmond is with Rina, the way he chases her, does things for her, is as much wild with her as she yearns him to be while also cares for her in a way that he anticipates her needs and just the entire experience of watching Edmond stealing moments or spending time with Rina had me utterly intrigued, mesmerized and falling for Mr. Edmond Vasiliev as much as Rina was.

That ending had me on the edge of my seat and I was a nervous wreck, reading fast and wanting to know how all this would unfold.

I have to say that THE WRITING WAS FREAKING SPECTACULAR. Honestly, even reading a simple description of a place felt lyrical. Ms.Zinn has written this superbly and in a way that it feels that each word is romancing you with flow of words so smooth and having a certian poetic way about them.
I'm especially in love with every sentence and chapter.
Trust me you'll get what I'm saying when you'll read the book because Ms Zinn has definitely a certain musical way of writing for sure that connected with me in a deep way.

Ahhhh......I seriously need more of them. Edmond and Rina..... Super 𝖲𝖤𝖷𝖸 and have me utterly beguiled over their Passion filled Obsessive ride. Loved freaking loved this one.💋💋💋💋💋

[Claire Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by Aria - I liked the blurb, a dark mafia with trigger warnings, it sounded just up my street - was very glad I took a chance on this as it turned out to be quite the read!!

It took me a little bit to get used to Aria's writing style, she is very descriptive about the world she is writing about, initially I found it took me away from the story a bit as it was a bit too descriptive, but it didn't take me long to get passed that and sink my teeth into the story, which I really enjoyed when I got going!

Rina and her (half) sister, Lucia, have just moved into Echo Bay for the good schools here. Rina has been 'mum' for a while now and works a couple of jobs at least to try and get the best education for Lucia. She has taken on a substitute teacher position at a local school, which is where she meets Edmond.

Edmond is the pakhan of the mafia family that have taken root in Echo Bay, a family business he was never meant to run, but after his elder sister died he inherited the position as well as her daughter Mila, who he know looks after. Renown for his cold blooded ruthlessness he rulew with an iron fist, his territory is extensive and most of the shops in Echo Bay belong to him for his business affairs. When he goes to school for a parent's evening he finds a different teacher to the one he was expecting, a woman who he is immediately drawn to, who he knows he is going to ruin.....

Rina is very naive in her outlook and misses all the red flags about Edmond, who becomes obsessed with Rina and stalks her everywhere, breaking into her house at night even. Edmond is unable to help himself thought, he is determined to have her, and tries his best to woo her and be nice and soft with her, not like his usual self at all. It's not until Rina sees something she shouldn't have, Edmond torturing someone, that his dark side takes over, and boy does she know about it then!!!

I was thoroughly engrossed in this when it got going, loved the chemistry between Edmond and Rina, they are complete opposites of each other, she is his light in dark soul, and she sees him for who he truly is, and finds she cannot resist him.

Hot, dark, dirty scenes in this with plenty of triggers as Edmond introduces Iustina, his knife, to Rina after she witnesses him use it. Edmond has the most dirty mouth and he is not afraid to use it, in more ways than one! Rina is constantly blushing at what he says and does with it!

The last part of the book is quite action packed with lots going on, but I did feel it ended quite abruptly, it needs a bit more at the end or an epilogue! Still is was a fab read, I really enjoyed it, it brought out a whole host of emotions as I was reading it and would love to read more books set in this world.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edmond Vasiliev was never supposed to be Pakhan, that was his sister’s role and his was to be her right hand and enforcer but after her sudden death he had to step up not only as boss but as guardian to his orphaned niece. Rina Christenson was Mila’s teacher and while one glance told him she was too pure for him, it was enough for him to become obsessed by her. Rina had moved to the picturesque town of Echo Bay for her sister’s education. She’d been looking out for her since she was born, always putting her first and working three jobs to look after her. That was her life. When Edmond showed an interest in her, she instinctively knew he was dangerous but couldn’t help being drawn to him like a moth to a flame.

Told from dual points of view, the hero Edmond almost seemed like two different characters in this book as initially he wooed Rina albeit it in a sweet but stalkerish kind of way. Rina was like a lamb to the slaughter; she was so naïve not spotting any of the warning signs about who he was and living in a small town where he ruled supreme there must’ve been rumours. I did get the impression that Edmond liked being with someone who didn’t fear him, and he could pretend to be someone else for a couple of hours. It’s only when she runs from him that he reveals his true nature dropping his businessman façade and letting loose the Bratva boss to hunt her down at which point this story went from a lighter shade of grey to black at warp speed as Edmond introduced Rina to his knife which he’d affectionately named lustina in scenes that almost had me blushing. While the ending to Ruthless Lessons was definitely action-filled and dramatic, I would’ve liked to have read more about their relationship once she was aware of who he was, and I would’ve adored a scene where Victoria learnt that they were a couple. Since Edmond has two brothers it could be that this is the beginning of a series so we may not have heard the last of this pair.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤 ARC REVIEW 🖤

LOVED it! First book by Aria Zion and I could not put it down!

The story starts with us meeting Edmond, and let me say he is DARK, ruthless and very loyal and hates being betrayed. He gives us a bit of a background of how he becomes guardian of his niece (Mila) and younger brother who an are close in age. He is the head of the Bratva, so he is know what is best and expected, till he meet the lovely and sweet Rina. He is instantly attracted to her! He still doesn't know to what extent he will be into her just yet...

Rina is Mila's school teacher she comes to get the job as a sub for the rest of the school year when the main teacher leaves for her maternity leave early. She is the main guardian to her half sister, who she cares for and is such a great example of a strong woman who will do anything to provide for them. She meets Edmond during a conference meeting where she instantly falls for his very handsome looks and grey almost blue eyes! Even when she doubt in her looks and ability to get a man like Edmonds attention, she could not be more wrong! She has totally got his attention and let's just say he WANTS her!

If you love your man dark, ruthless, obsessive, with a great heart with a bit of a stalker vibe (lol), not to mention he protects what is his... family, who he cares deeply about, Rina... This is story is for YOU!💜

I can't get over this book and will totally check out her other book! Added to my TBR for sure!

(This is an ARC review, the above are my most honest thoughts. Thank you for my copy! 🖤)

[Ada’s Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruthless Lessons by Aria Zinn

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommend:Yes
Spice:🌶🌶🌶


✨ I received this book as an ARC for my honest review✨


2024 is the year we are no longer looking at red flags.

Edmond is a massive red flag in Ruthless Lessons and I'm here for it. Edmond sends shivers down my spine with his ruthless leadership and how he treats Rina. During his niece's student-teacher meeting, Edmond unexpectedly became captivated by Rina, the substitute teacher. Rina, a compassionate and hardworking soul, has taken over the role of a caregiver and mom to her younger sister. The tension escalated as Edmond's fixation on Rina grew. Despite his reputation as a dangerous Bravat Leader, Rina remained unaware of the profound connection she would share with the most dangerous hunter. Edmond's wild pursuit of Rina, coupled with his thoughtful care of her, created an enthralling experience that left me utterly intrigued and mesmerized. Yet, amidst the intensity, I discovered a surprising fatherly side to Edmond as he raises his sister's child, Mila. An enigma, he proves deadly to enemies yet a heart-melting sweetheart, exuding care, kindness, and generosity towards family and his people. As he governs with The Thieve's code, his favored butterfly knife, "Iustina," becomes the ominous precursor for those who dare to challenge him.
The ending had me on the edge of my seat, a nervous wreck,
racing through the pages to uncover the unfolding drama.

[Little monster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruthless Lessons is my first book by Aria Zinn and to say it's only their second novel this is a fantastic story.

The story follows Rina Christenson and Edmond Vasiliev. Rina has moved to Echo Bay for a better life for her and for her sister Lucia's education. Rina has been caring for her since they were little as their mom left them a lot to go on binges with random boyfriends. Rina is working 3 jobs to keep her and Lucia a float and one of those jobs is as a teacher and this job is how she ends up within the sight of Edmond. Edmond is a man with a lot of secrets and those secrets being he's part of the Russian Bravta!! He's the Pakhan and also the main guardian of his niece since his eldest sister and her husband died. When he meets Rina he can't stop thinking about her she gets under his skin and wow all I can say is Edmond is 🥵 sexy, dark, dominant and damn right filthy lol. He becomes so obsessed with Rina to the point of toxic but hey this is a book boyfriend right!!?

Such a good book and I honestly couldn't put it down, there are triggers such as d-con, primal play, knife play ( which is a trigger for me so I had to step away for a bit ) and stalking. The triggers are there for a reason to be read before going in and I knew there would be a trigger for me so I was fore warned and knew when to walk away but it didn't affect my reading of the book. Honestly go download this book you won't be disappointed.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rina is kind and sweet. She is a mama bear to her half sister and will do what she can to make them comfortable. She embodies goodness and light. In contrast, Edmond is the Pakahn of the Bratva and must be ruthless, unflinching and stern. He isn’t afraid to get his hands bloody but shows he cares for his family, especially his young niece. He meets Rina and becomes possessive toward her, wanting to embrace her light to brighten his darkness. We see he can be domineering but also has a vulnerable and tender side to him. He wants to be accepted wholly and in turn, Rina wants to be able to rely on someone and care for her. The two of them have chemistry here but have to face some bumps. Even so, we cheer for them a long the way. The story itself had a good amount of tension not only between the couple but also with the threat of the Irish and encroaching on Edmond’s territory. Some
Moments felt a little drawn out with several monologues but the writing flowed well and kept you engrossed in the story. We also have some side characters that bring out some comedic relief and heart. I wonder if a few of them will get their own story. Overall, this was a good read and I look forward to seeing what may be next.

[Kristina Marquardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruthless Lessons is everything I look for in a Mafia Romance. Dark, conflicts with high levels of tension, and HOT! Aria Zinn pulled me in and surprised me with her writing style. I found myself smiling and enjoying all the details and descriptions she uses to build Edmond and Rina's world. Using vocabulary, few authors dare to try in the way Zinn elevated her mafia novel. 


Edmond is a dark and dangerous man that you are quick to fall for if you enjoy the obsessive and possessive MMC. He is the perfect mix of stalker-lover and millionaire mafia boss. While Rina is a soft and innocent elementary school substitute teacher. Devoting her life to being the provider and protector of her younger teenage sister by working three jobs. They meet at a parent teacher conference for Edmond's niece and sparks fly. The life Rina is introduced through her pull towards Edmond is full of new desires she never even thought possible. 


I found myself going through many emotions, laughing out loud, to get to even shedding tears. The characters are likable, if not lovable, and the writing is a class above most mafia romance. Aria Zinn will easily become one of my go-to authors. I am eagerly waiting to read her next novel. 

[MJ's Book Blog and Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by: Jennifer
(4 Stars)

Rina is a grade school teacher, that is raising her genius teenage sister, all of this while struggling to make it day by day. The two moved to Echo Bay in an attempt to get a better life. Rina never would have guessed that a parent teacher conference would be the catalyst that would change her life forever.

Edmond is the head of the Bratva for Echo Bay, not a roll he was raised for but when he had to step up he did and now has all the responsibility. When he goes to his niece's parent teacher conference, seeing her teacher for the first time, has Edmond feeling something that he hasn't really felt before. For the first time he wants to make a woman his, and there is nothing that even Rina herself can say to stop him.

This was a really great story, draws the reader right on in, and keeps them hanging on. The right amount of everything, danger, violence, naughty bits that were hot. I love a man that likes to stalk his woman as he slowly makes her his! My one thing, (no stars taken away just an observation) you Russian names for the siblings, and then you pick the name Edmond? It just seemed out of place, but like I said just an observation. I give this 4 stars and I do hope we get more from this world.

[VicReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

🔥 𝚁𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝙻𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚘𝚗𝚜 🔥
𝚋𝚢 @aria.zinn

🇦​​🇷​​🇨​ ​🇷​​🇪​​🇻​​🇮​​🇪​​🇼

ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘- 4/5 ⭐️
𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖- 1.5/5 🌶️

↓↓
Edmond was never suppose to be Pakhan, but something happened that landed him taking over, not only being Pakhan but the guardian to his 10 year old niece and his younger siblings.

Rina is just trying to make ends meet to take care of herself and her younger sister. She lands a job subbing for a teacher, while also working several other jobs. One day during parent teacher conferences she meets the ever elusive Edmond.

From there, Edmond is completely OBSESSED with her and being the complete possessive and unhinged man he is begins to stalk her.

At times I felt as if parts of the story was thrown in to make it longer, like the overly explanation of someone’s looks and going into a lot of detail about something not related to the overall plot, felt like fluff. There was also a lot of things that felt unfinished and just ended abruptly with no further explanation.

Overall it was a good book. Edmond and Rina don’t get a HEA but a HFN.

𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🔥 Dub Con
🔥 He falls first
🔥 Jealous/Possessive hero
🔥 Virgin heroine
🔥 Stalking
🔥 Mafia
🔥 Single Parent

[A.H. Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

My dear Edmond, you are morally wrong. Over the top. Possessive. Scary. Intimidating. And I love that. This man wore his heart and his knife on his sleeve. His obsession over Rina and Rina’s pull towards the dark was something that not a lot of people can write about. But Aria Zinn did just THAT. Rina is a teacher and a ray of sunshine that was needed in this dark story. Edmond is the head of the Bratva and is ruling with an iron fist. Everyone is afraid of him, except Rina. She wasn’t hesitant towards his dark side and what he could teach her, on some level she was immediately drawn to it. And that led to HOT scenes. I want to say spicy scenes, but that wouldn’t do it justice. Yes, Rina was scared at some points, but she was the only one that looked behind the mask. But once Rina knew how truly dangerous Edmond was, he dropped his mask. And than it was game over. Could she love him regardless? Read and find out!

📕 * I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All my opinions are my own.

[Natasha Deen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for Edmond and his Solnyshko.

This book was filled with a lot of action and spice. Aria Zinn set up the perfect world of mystery, murder and mayhem with a strong, sexy alpha at the helm.

I loved Edmond's possessiveness and obsession with Rina, he knew what he wanted and went for it. I enjoyed his interactions with Mila, which definitely showed his softer side. Rina was just what Edmond needed to filled a void he never knew existed.

Unfortunately Rina was not my favorite, I adored all she did for her sister but I found she had no backbone and was confused for the majority of the book when it came to Edmond. It was only in the last 10 chapters that she showed any sort of strength and fierceness. I honestly didn't feel any true connection between her and Edmond in spite of the fact that they were very hot and steamy together.

Although it was an enjoyable book,there was just a bit too much inner monologues throughout which I ended up skipping over. However, it was a good read and I will read more from this author.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a fan of Dark mafia romances with swoony possesive alphas and a kick@ss heroine ? Well if so you absolutely need to read Rurhless Lessons by ARIA ZINN ; this was my first book by this author but it most definitely will not be my last . What an emotional rollercoaster that just blew me away and played on all my emotions from the very first page . I can’t really find the words to describe what it was but something pulled me to Rina and Edmond from page one and the chemistry they share man oh man was jt hot ( Sparks’s flew every time they were together. Intriguing, suspenseful, angsty , steamy , filled with witty banter , dark , raw and gritty moments, heartbreak, love , passion, secrets , lies , revelations, violence, revenge, second chances, obstacles, family , friendships , phenomenal world building, characters that are not only so wonderfully written but so unique , so complex and well it’s pretty much impossible not to find yourself becoming more and more invested. So settle in grab on tight and prepare yourself for one wild ride

[Nikkie reads smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by Aria - I liked the blurb, a dark mafia with trigger warnings, it sounded just up my street - was very glad I took a chance on this one!!

I love Aria's descriptive writing style, but it didn't take me long to sink my teeth into the story, which I really enjoyed!

I was thoroughly engrossed in this story, loved the chemistry between Edmond and Rina, they are complete opposites of each other, she is his light in dark soul, and she sees him for who he truly is, and finds she cannot resist him.

Hot, dark, dirty scenes in this with plenty of triggers. Edmond has the most dirty mouth and he is not afraid to use it, in more ways than one! Rina is constantly blushing at what he says and does with it!

The last part of the book is quite action packed, but I feel it ended abruptly, I would have enjoyed an epilogue at the end. This was a great read, I really enjoyed it, it brought out a whole host of emotions as I was reading it and would love to read more books set in this world.

[United Indie Book Blog]

No star review — if there is it would be a 2 or 3 star

This story has so much promise but, it's lacking something. I struggled from the beginning to get into this story. For a book to be labeled Dark Mafia - I was hoping for DARK from the get-go and that never happened.

There was not much character development but, there was lots of development when it came to the filler in the story. Things were over-explained and then under-explained.

Being from Washington State and knowing this area, the book being placed here excited me. I had high hopes for that development but, it was wrong. Which I am sad about — but, I get fictionalizing an area.

All in all, I stopped reading a lot later than I should have but I had skimmed so much prior that I decided to just give up — and that takes me a lot! I hate DNFing a book because I feel that everyone deserves a fair read of their stories.

Last tip: give this story a good deep overall edit and I bet it helps the story pack more of a punch!

Review by Angie

[rikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ Dark Mafia Romance
⭐️ Dub Con
⭐️ He falls first
⭐️ Jealous/Possessive Hero
⭐️ Virgin Heroine
⭐️ Stalking
⭐️ Single Parent

After the death of Edmond’s father and sister, he is forced to become the Pakahn of the Vasiliev Bravata. He also became the guardian of his 10 year old niece. At a parent/teacher conference he meets Rina Christenson. Once Edmond sets eyes on Rina, he finds it hard to stay away from her.

Rina is taking care of her high school aged sister and moved to Echo Bay to give her sister the best education. Rina works multiple jobs to make ends meet She does find Edmond attractive, but also knows the importance of setting boundaries with a student’s parent.

This is the first book I’ve read by Ms Zinn. Once I got used to her writing style, I was fully sucked into this story! I will definitely be adding her work to my TBR.

[Mangai Louis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has all the makings of 50 shades. It is hot steamy, sexy, ruthless, dark, romantic, sweet, angst, fear, possessiveness; a roller coaster of emotions filled with twist and turns.

A Russian mafia boss, ruthless, heartless, feared and ever powerful; Edmond falls deeply and irrevocably in love with an innocent virginal, school teacher named Rina. Who just happens to be his nieces' school teacher. She too falls for him without knowing exactly who he is. He introduces her to his world and instead of running away from him she is drawn to him.

This mismatched partnership, goes through the most unbelieve, situations, there are shots fired, explosions, in/out of the bedroom, murder, heartbreak, growth, courage and above all love.

It got me gripped from the get go and I am going to definitely read it again!

[Eni ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was kinda a disappointment after the other book ive read from this author. Which was really nice. THIS BOOK IS UNNECESSARYLY LONG. Chapters are boring, lot of dialect of absolutely nothing.
Problem 1.
Why is MC calling fmc that little bitch in a baaad way because she said no??
2.
Fucking her until she bleeds Is also a no-no
3.
And The question marks are missing several times.. which was annoying... also a lot of typos...
4.
Also there was a scene where fmc completely said a different name instead of the MC's
( Edwin instead of Edmond) I mean come on learn your own MC's NAME... 🫠
Overall the spicy scenes were really nice, chemistry was okay between MC's. Author has potential.
{ FMC 25, V-card holder
Age Gap
Bratva
Fmc apparently "curvy" but I dont think so 🤦🏽‍♀️
Slight BDSM
no ow om
Mmc not man whore since meeting fmc}

[Kayla Hot.Bookmance · Rating 3 out of 5]

We have a mafia boss who was never meant to lead, but tragedy in his family left him in charge with young siblings and a niece to take care of. When he meets his nieces teacher, he finds an instant attraction but he struggles with dragging the innocent 4th grade teacher into his life. That does not stop him from stalking her and protecting her from the darkness in his world. His dark possessive and dangerous nature calls to something deeper in her begging to be unleashed.

You have the typical mafia issues, someone trying to take over his territory and impending war mixed with a struggling innocent teacher who also has a younger sibling she is responsible for and a curiously for what her stalker might bring to her life.

-Kayla/Hot.Bookmance

[Marina Garnica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Mafia romance books not long ago, and this is what I was seeking for in them. It has the darkness, the twsited characters that are made for each other. All those toxic traits we do love just on paper.

I like how Rina is portraid, even when she is portraid as a normal girl with a tough past, that doesn't think much about herself and thinks the super hotie is out of her league, her feet on the ground and her way of feeling responsible taking care of everyone but herself, makes her be more desirable than she realizes, and I love how normal that is for many people out there. I really want to get my hands into stealing Valentina after this!

[Yvette89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mafia/Bratva
Dark romance
Possessive MMC
Virgin MFC
Single parent
He falls first
Some stalking
Opposites

Rina is his niece’s teacher. He becomes obsessed with her and does a little stalking. He shows her a nice, Edmond. She falls for the soft side. She ignores her internal warnings.
However, she accidentally sees something she shouldn’t and the dark Edmond comes out. He is jealous, protective, and obsessed. Ruthless with heart!
This story is a little big of a slow burn. However, we get some hit scenes too. It takes the reader through a range of emotions.
New to me author worth adding to TBR list.

[book_fairy13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

***RECEIVED FREE ARC FOR AN HONEST REVIEW***

Rina and Edmond are from two different worlds.
Rina is a teacher, who has taken on her sister's responsibility.
Edmond is in charge of the Bratva and is his niece's guardian.

Both of them fell for each other instantly and they fell hard. They had an instant connection and despite their differences, they were attracted to each other. Edmond knew he wanted Rina and pursued her without fear or judgment.

I enjoyed the book, it was filled with action and spice, but the ending felt rushed. I would have loved to see more interaction with other characters.

[BookwormHeather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Aria Zinn book and she did not disappoint. This was about Edmond and Rina and takes place in Echo Bay. Edmond is pakhan of the Seattle and surrounding areas Bratva and Rina is his niece’s teacher. Usually I can guess what it going to happen next in a book but this one kept surprising me. It had me on the edge trying to figure out Edmond’s next move with Rina. It was a bit more of a slow burn than I am used to with Dark Mafia Romances but the spice was still spicing. I will definitely be reading more from this author and hopefully there will be more Echo Bay.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rina is a sweet and hardworking, and moved to Echo Bay for a fresh start for herself and her sister. Edmond is Pakham of the bratva, and he is intense, possessive, and handsome, and when he meets Rina who is his niece’s teacher, the sparks fly.
This is a well written story, which is a dark mafia romance, with danger, suspense, intrigue, revelations, violence, action packed, opposites attract, tension, and love, which leads to an entertaining, unpredictable, and steamy, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!!

If you like mafia books with alot of suspense and Endearing alpha male than this book is for you. Edmond is the feared mafia boss who is ruthless in that roll until he meets Rina, a sweet, innocent teacher that is loved by all. Rina and Edmond have a sweet start but their relationship is put to test when she truly sees who Edmond is. This is a good read one that I enjoyed and recommend.

[MHT Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mafia with lots of action

Edmond is the Pakhan of the Bratva and a man obsessed with his nieces teacher. Rina is a sweet hardworking teacher who works 3 jobs to help take care of her sister.
Edmond if you want to stalk me, break in to my house and take what you want from me, sign me up. He is feared by everyone and as cold as they come, but for her…he is a giant cinnamon roll. Definitely the hurt her and die vibe, and I’m here for it.

[MCrawDRKRead · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started out okay, but just didn’t come together enough to really work for me. There were also SO MANY grammatical errors and mistakes 🤦🏻‍♀️ It became distracting and annoying. I became more interested in the teenagers mystery relationship than the actual MCs and they are hardly mentioned 🤷🏻‍♀️