Fangs and Family

Amber Legends #2

by Olena Nikitin

The only person who can save my brother is the vampire who hates me.
The only person who can save my brother is the vampire who hates me.
My brother disappeared, his friends were slaughtered, and the man searching for him used mind control to force me to help find him.
Desperate to save Pawel and retrieve the ancient artifact he stole before his enemy destroyed my life, I turned to my nemesis - Adam, hoping the price for his help wouldn’t leave me broken beyond repair.
Because we had a past, and it wasn’t a good one.
I hurt and humiliated him; this would be his chance for revenge.
But what else was I supposed to do? Let him call me his Obsidian when he gently stroked my hair? I’m just Nina, a human with no power, and I had to protect myself.
The irony is I would give anything to hear those words again, but now that my life depends on him, I don’t know if Adam would fight for me again.
_________________________________________________________
Fangs and Family is a fast-paced, action-packed, modern urban fantasy with a spicy, dark romance between a morally grey vampire and a human nurse. It can be read as a standalone or as a part of an Amber Legend series that explores the rich world of Slavic mythology and the legends of Pomerania.
It features mature themes, including graphic on-page violence and mind control, explicit language, and on-page intimacy, making it suitable for a mature 18+ audience.

Genres: Fantasy, Vampires, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Romance

375 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2024

About the author

Olena Nikitin is the pen name of a writing power couple who share a love of fantasy, paranormal romance, rich, vivid worlds and exciting storylines. In their books and out, they love down-to-earth humour, a visceral approach to life, striving to write realistic romances filled with the passion and steam people always dream of experiencing.
Meet the two halves of this Truro UK-based dynamic duo!

Olga, a Polish woman, has a wicked sense of humour with a dash of Slavic pessimism. She’s been writing since she was a small child, but life led her to work as an emergency physician. While this work means she always has stories to share, it often means she’s too busy to actually write. She’s proud to be a crazy cat lady, and together with Mark, they have five cats.

Mark, a typical English gentleman, radiates charm, sophistication, and an undeniable sex appeal. At least, he’s reasonably certain that’s what convinced Olga to fly across the sea into his arms. He’s an incredibly intelligent man with a knack for fixing things, including Polish syntax in English writing. If you give him good whiskey, he might even regale you with his Gulf War story of how he got shot.

Olena Nikitin loves hearing from their fans and critics alike and welcomes communication via any platform! https://linktr.ee/olenanikitinauthor

Reviews

[Anastasia ｼ · Rating 5 out of 5]

╭ ✦ •
│ ⊹ 𝟻 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜, 𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚘𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚋𝚕𝚘𝚐! ⊹
╰ ✦ •

Olena Nikitin has done it again! 

❝The simple truth is that I would sacrifice anything and anyone for you. I would die for you, and even if you hate me for saying this, know that I am, and always will be, in love with you.❞

Fangs and Family by Olena Nikitin unfolds as a compelling Slavic mythology-infused spicy second chance urban romantasy with everything you want and more. It was a delight to read!

Two years ago, Nina and Adam were an item until a misunderstanding led Nina to end things abruptly. However, when Nina's estranged brother decides to come back into her life asking for something, he stole a necklace and he's being hunted by none other than the Prince of the Vampires, Leon Sapieha. Nina has no choice but to turn to Adam for aid. Of course, he says yes! To Adam, ever since tasting her blood, Nina has been his soulmate. Determined to win her back, he agrees to assist Nina, but not without a cost. Can they cooperate long enough to rescue Nina's brother before it's too late?

The narrative unfolds with an exceptional and distinctive storyline, boasting a rich tapestry of well-crafted characters. Everything about this book is simply extraordinary.

Nina is a resilient and relatable protagonist, she refuses to let her humanity hinder her resolve. Despite her tendency to prioritize others over herself, she strives to set boundaries and uphold her independence. Adam is so protective and caring. He's everything you'd want in a vampire boyfriend! The way he calls her, "my obsidian", ahhh swooning! 

I loved Nina & Adam's story, it's one you won't want to miss. From their electrifying chemistry to delightful banter, witnessing their gradual reconciliation and progression was written beautifully.

❝'You are perfect. If there is an afterlife for vampires, my paradise is in your arms,' he said❞

Also, can we talk about that ending?! No spoilers but oh my god Nina is such a badass!!

I almost forgot to mention the beautiful artwork in the book! It really brought the characters to life!

Overall, it was a fun action packed spicy read. It has a nice mixture of fantasy, romance, and action and doesn’t only focus on the relationship between the main characters. I am so in love with this series and can't wait for the next book in this standalone series!

if you love,

❥ Vampire romance
❥ Slavic mythology
❥ Possessive MMC
❥ Badass FMC
❥ Angst
❥ Medium burn romance
❥ Second Chance
❥ SPICY
❥ Forced Proximity
❥ Friends to enemies to lovers
❥ Touch her and ☠️
❥ He Falls First
❥ Urban Fantasy

.. then this is for you!


Thank you for the ARC Olena♡

_________________________________
Blog ಇ StoryGraph ಇ Instagram ಇ Twitter ಇ Facebook

[Bianca ღ · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Nina's brother makes an appearance in her life after years of not talking, he informs her about his newfound struggles and a certain necklace he stole. Nina's only form of protection and help with finding her brother is asking Adam.
Adam sees this as a chance to reconcile, he is determined to win her back. Agreeing to assist Nina but only if she lives with him and lets herself lean on him.

Adam x Nina, a vampire and a human having a second chance at a life together. Their dynamic was off the charts!!

I can't wait to read more in this series!

[Kez Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect combination of sweetness, sassyness and kicking ass.
This is a stunning urban fantasy romance featuring the resilient and feisty human nurse Nina, and the protective and possessive Vampire Adam.
Their chemistry is intoxicating, includes lots of witty banter and sarcasm, and this is a sweet and steamy second chance romance.
The plot is well crafted, full of action, twists, drama and suspense, and features Slavic mythology and paranormal creatures.
Lorelai is such a fun side character and sassy house assistant to Adam too, I love her attitude!!

If you love paranormal romances, mystery, high stakes, urban settings, vampires, strong characters, sarcasm, action, drama, forced proximity, possessive MMC, independent and kick ass FMC, and lots of angst, this is the book for you!
This can be read as a standalone, but I'd recommend reading Magic and Medicine (Amber Legends book 1) first to get a full grip on all the characters and histories, plus it's a fab story too!

This book also includes stunning character artwork! ❤️

"My beautiful, cruel Nina, you broke me"
"You are my weakness, my obsession"
"Take what you want, my Obsidian, I'm all yours

[Ashley Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nina x Adam

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️.5

Nina has a junkie brother named pawel. She is a nurse that works at a hospital her best friend owns. She had an ex husband that cheated on her and gambled away all her money and assets.

Adam is a vampire and the best tracker there is.

Nina and Adam were a thing 2 years ago. When a misunderstanding happened, Nina kicked him to the curb. Now 2 years later and Adam still wants her. When Nina’s brother goes missing, she has to ask Adam for help in tracking him down before an Elder Vampire finds him & 💀 him. Adam agrees only if Nina will move In with him & let him drink her 🩸.

⭐️ Possessive MMC
⭐️ Vampire x Human
⭐️ friends to enemies to lovers
⭐️ He fell first


I’m a sucker for a possessive MMC & anything fantasy so this book was right up my alley! I love it! I thought the plot was great with some tension & issues along the way. The only thing I disliked was how fast Nina forgave Adam so it was a quick enemies to lovers story!

[Marianne Antonichuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man this author is truly amazing I have read every book is has written I have all the books on my shelf and this one is another that’s needs to be there now the mythology was good I still love the characters I was pulled into this story right from the start and was hard to put down I love the Amber series so much Adam is kinda my guy I think I fell in love with him in book one and still love him this is an author that is worth reading all of her books

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the female MC, Nina has spunk and such a go-getter attitude. However, I think many events were rushed, the world building was badly explained (could be because of it being book 2 in a series), and the romance between Nina and Adam also felt rushed. The romance was definitely the biggest part of the book but personally for me it just fell a bit through. I would have loved to see more interactions with the side characters in the story, and some scenes left me thinking “how did it come to this”. Overall, I’m sure many people will enjoy the book and potentially give it up to 4 stars but it didn’t hit the spot for me.

[bookishescape · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aahh, told you M&M won't be my last from this author, and just like last time this ma'am delivered full force. I don't know what she put in it but I couldn't put this book down.

This book is filled with angst, feels and delicious tensions that will hold you in chokehold.

And, Adam and Nina.... while I loved Leshy and Sara's story, these two are my new favorites. Adam a vampire and Nina a human, or how he loves to call her his Obsidian❤️❤️

If you like:
♡ Vampire romance
♥︎ Slavic mythology
♡ Cocky MMC
♥︎ Badass FMC
♡ Angst
♥︎ Second Chance
♡ "touch her and dıe" trope
♥︎ "my woman" trope
♡ cute nicknames
♥︎ Tensions
♡ Steam
♥︎ Trust issues
♡ Emotional roller-coaster
♥︎ Family troubles
♡ Banter
♥︎ Protective MMC
♡ Sassy FMC
... this one's from you.

⭐️5/5
🌶2,5/5

All in all, I LOVED IT and I can't wait to read more in Amber Legends series!!

[Ravyen♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the first book in the Amber Legends series, but after absolutely LOVING Nina & Adam, I'm going to be diving straight into it! I loved the second chance romance, the bonds between everyone, Nina & Adams relationship, and how the action was written. The sweet moments vs. the serious moments were perfectly laid out to me and kept me interested 100% of the way through the book. I can't wait to see where the rest of this series goes!

Thank you so much to BookSirens and the authors for the ARC copy ♡

[zthebookwormz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olena Nikitin, yet again has wrote another incredible book that I did not want to put down!!🥰
I absolutely adore and love this book!!

Nina, although she is a strong, feisty and sassy woman! She has only ever had Sara to lean on when things get rough so she struggles with letting people in and expressing her emotions. I loved seeing her try to deal with all the emotions Adam evokes in her!🥰

Adam goes through a lot in the book and has some hard choices he has to make! I loved seeing how he is with Nina! And their dynamic was absolutely adorable and I loved it all and the spicy 🥵!!!!!

You get to see them both want each other but are not sure how to get there!

I also loved seeing more of Sara and Leszek throughout the book! It just made me want to re-read their book ( highly recommend it if you haven’t read it already!!! You won’t regret it!🥰)

I also absolutely loved Lorelai!! She made me laugh so many times throughout the book!😂

Highly, highly recommend this book and any other book wrote by Olena Nikitin they are all amazing!!🖤🖤

[Rachel Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is the second book in the series, I felt like I was very easily able to jump in and for the most part understand what's going on. I really loved this blend of urban paranormal and Slavic folklore/fantasy! (And I'm a geek and loved the footnotes lol).

Our FMC, Nina, is human and works in a hospital. She's recovering from her past relationship and working to become independent again. Our MMC, Adam, is a badass vampire (who I loved). The two of them had the start of something two years prior, but now Nina distances herself from Adam, despite the two wanting each other.

I really loved the characters in this book. Nina is strong, determined, and won't let anyone walk on her again. I also really loved her banter with Adam. These two were clearly meant for each other, just had to talk some things out and get on the same page. I don't always love second chance romances, but I did enjoy this one.

There is danger, vampire lore, humor, and a delicious bit of a slow burn as Nina and Adam reconnect and make things work this time.

The only thing that kinda pulled me from the story was the writing style and how sometimes the dialogue felt a bit too formal and long? But I would definitely read more from this series - and want to go back and read the first book for sure!

I received a copy to read for a book tour. My thoughts are my own.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series. We are back in Tricity. Nina Zalewska is just trying to live her life as a human in a world full of magic. She got nothing. Not a drop of magic to her body. Nina was even more immersed in the world of magic now that her best friend, Sara, was dubbed the Oracle of Gdansk. She continued to work at the hospital and dealing with Adam Lisowczyk, Leszek's number two. Nina and the vampire had a moment, but Nina refused to let it go any further.

You know what they say about good intentions. Nina's brother, Pawal, pops up needing help. This is a frequent occurrence for them. Nina decides he needs some tough love this time, but cannot stop the nagging feeling that something is really wrong. She turns to the one person she doesn't want to ever need, Adam. They find that this thing is bigger and more dangerous then they imagined. Adam uses this favor as leverage to force Nina to spend time with him. Somehow she has become his world with one encounter. He needs more to see if it is real, to see if it can be something.

This book is full of action and adventure. You get all of your favorite characters. Sara and Leszek are still a power couple. Will Adam and Nina finally give into what's happening between them? This adventure has twists and turns and ancient vampires. Things go from bad to worse. Will our couple come out on top?

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The storyline was fantastic and kept me interested the entire time. The inclusion of Slavic mythology was so interesting and refreshing. I absolutely loved NIna and Adam and their second chance story. There were so many laugh out loud moments, especially with Lorelai! I can't wait to go back and read Sara and Leszek's story in Magic and Medicine (Book 1).

[Liz | lizzuplans · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not connect with this book at all. DNF.

[Karina Serrano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from booksirens, thank you so much and the author !

First off I’m a total sucker for vampire books.
I loved Nina & Adam’s story🖤🖤
Now I haven’t read the first book, but I’m about to read it because wow.
I was constantly entertained while reading this book, I enjoyed the second chance romance & how everyone was with each other.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series 🖤

[Malischa Nijenhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it review will come later 😉

[Moonburst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two years ago, Nina abruptly threw the vampire Adam out of her home due to a misunderstanding. Ever since then, she has kept the vampire at a distance. But when Nina's estranged brother disappears with a mysterious necklace and his friends brutally murdered, Nina has no choice but to turn to Adam for help. Ever since Adam tasted Nina's blood, he's known she was the woman for him. Determined to win her back, Adam agrees to help Nina, but at a price. Can they work together long enough to save Nina's brother before he's killed?

Fangs and Family is an excellent second chance romance within a gritty urban fantasy setting. Nina is an extremely likable protagonist who refuses to let her human limitations prevent her from doing what she needs to do. While she is prone to overextend herself for others, she was still willing to work on her boundaries and maintain her independence. Adam is also a fun dark character, who has finally embraced his monstrous side. He knows what he wants, and he knows exactly how far he's willing to go to get it. Watching the two characters interact and slowly learn to forgive and move forward was extremely rewarding.

Excellent read for fans of Patricia Briggs and Ilona Andrews.

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

[Kelsey Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nina is this strong, ‘I can take care of myself’ fmc that I absolutely LOVE to see in books. The second chance trope rings true and is perfect here between Nina and Adam.

Now — Nina works at a hospital, a nurse with a junkie brother who inevitably up and disappears. Adam, a vampire and tracker, agrees to help find him under one condition of feeding off Nina, and that she moves in with him.

The banter is great and I really loved the chemistry between the two. Adam is incredibly possessive, protective and falls first. While Nina was quick to forgive Adam, I think the well written spicy scenes make up for that.

Full of paranormal fun and a rollercoaster of a ride, Nikitin writes a beautiful story here. Even with not reading the prior novel, I was easily able to pick up on and understand the goings on.


Thank you to Netgalley, Olena Nikitin, and Viper Dawn Press for the Earc.

[Charley Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Pace: ⏳️⏳️⏳️

This is the first of Olena Nikitin's books I've ventured into, despite the fact it's actually the second in the series technically. You don't have to have read the first to enjoy this one, though I can see it has plenty of backstory to set the scene for these two star crossed lovers, even though it's centered around a different couple.

With a slow start, it took me a while to get into the story, but when I did, I couldn't put it down. Between world building, scene setting, and the tension that burns through every page with these two it stoked a need to know what happened next.

Now, sadly, I'm one of those people who likes to guess the ending before I get there... And I guessed write. I'm not sure that typically makes it a predictable outcome, but daaaaaamn I didn't expect the twist that went along with it, and I'm so glad it was thrown in there! I can't wait to see whare these two go next!

Sufficed to say, I will be going back and reading Sara's story while I wait on tenterhooks for part 3!

[Vega Starlight · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story about a second chance relationship. There is also some external forces and drama involved, but the story focuses mainly on the romance. There is some steamy stuff in here also. Our FMC is mortal with no special gifts except a determined mind and will of steel. I LOVE that the setting is not UK or USA🤩

I’m struggling a bit rating this because it’s a bit heavy on the relationship part and I’m missing a bit of action and I’m not too big a fan of the human part. Is also a bit of telling not showing. So 3,5 stars from me ☺️

[Erin M. Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly enjoyed Fangs & Family, it was a different take on the vampire lore that I found extremely refreshing. I also loved Lorelei, she was such a refreshing breath of air, the kikimora was more or less a mystical AI. Her sense of humor was enjoyable, especially when she kept on explaining to Nina that Adam dreamt about her, and she (Lorelei) had such a fascination with the song Smooth Operator. 
I received a complimentary ARC from the author for a fair and honest review.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG 😱 must read. It was a page turner and the suspense was absolutely intense with an action packed of drama.This love affair was forbidden but with a bit of excitement and mystery. It was addicted and I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t put it down. I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Trina Jones

[Katrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good i couldn't stop reading it!! Love the characters in the book. Amazing story!! I am sad I read it fast but at the same time I wanted to read it fast because I loved it so much!! Need more books by this author.

[❤️Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read of Olena's, and I loved this! The storyline was great and had me hooked from the beginning. The forbidden romance, the chemistry, and banter between Nina and Adam was so good. Adam has my heart!

[Heather Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! An absolute masterpiece! If you like to read about vampires and Gods, then this is the best book! You will get adventure, and feel the love between the characters! Amazing!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam has my heart. Nina had my respect. This book had me enthralled.

[Kiera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic

This book was so so epic with the domme vibe I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I think I cried in a part or 2 but still amazing none the less

[Sarah Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touch her and die trope.

Really good spicy scenes.

I love that the MC and FC have history and that while it didn’t work out for them the first time around they get this second shot at things.

The banter is also really good!

And we have a bad*ss female who likes to remind the MC she can take care of herself, even if she is only human.

[Thalia Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok

The story line was ok and getting to see Nina get her supernatural happy ending was good. The writing felt a bit disjointed in places and the spelling and grammer errors really ruined the reading experience. Probably the last book i will bother with in the series.

[Sheila Goddard · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Oh I loved reading Nina and Adam’s story! Loved even more that Sara and Lezak were peppered in the story. What a ride! With a happily ever after ♥️

[Rae, shutupandbookup · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost! This book can be read as a standalone, but I think it's better to read in order. Sara still being a very beloved character for me! So, for a better reading experience, go in order but if you want to skip to the vampire romance you do you and have fun!


*




*




*


"I loved my brother, but sometimes love isn't enough to save a lost soul." - Nina


Family is a very challenging thing. Whether you remain in touch with said family or you find your own people to call family. No matter which direction you go there are times and moments when you just want to end them! Nina feels she made the wrong choice when she turned her brother away. Especially when he seems to have just vanished into thin air, his friends brutally killed, and a man with intense mind control abilities showing up.


To place that beautiful cherry on top the one person who could possibly find her brother and help her is an ex. Adam's a cocky, arrogant, sarcastic vampire who Nina would sooner get in a verbal fight with then ask for help! She can't stomach the idea of what his reaction would be to her request. But things are closing in on her and her brother has a very limited amount of time left. Can she face Adam, and will he actually help her?


"That was my Nina, the woman who pushed her fingers into my mouth to examine my fangs." - Adam


As I was reading through this book, I kept getting Unascended Astarion vibes from Baulder's Gate 3. Adam having the snark, sarcasm, sass, and cocky attitude that made me think about Astarion and some of his lines. Adam and Nina have been keeping a very firm distance from one another. Nina giving Adam the cold shoulder and our vamp being unsure as to what went wrong two years ago. Trying to give Nina space but wanting to be closer.


I love Nina as a character and how she doesn't back down to the verbal jousting Adam dishes out. She's strong and a very competent nurse whilst in the midst of chaos. But sometimes when that chaos is your personal life it can get difficult and draining. Nina is battling with past ghosts and PTSD from a mentally abusive past relationship. Things between Nina and her brother have been rocky at best, but it reached an all-time low when Pawel's newest escapade is proving fatal.


We get sibling drama in this read as well as trying to have second chances. Adam believing that they need to play by his rules this time and Nina knowing exactly where he can shove said rules. Something that draws me to Olena's books is just the way they write their MCs. FMCs being very strong, independent, wild women who don't back down when confronting the handsome, alpha like, possessive MMCs. The men loving every minute of it and not trying to control or "tame" these FMCs. I feel a real balance between the two genders, and I like that the MCs are older.


"With a woman like this, I would never be bored." - Adam


Having read the series in order I caught the similarities with some of the characters and can definitely see why these individuals are friends! I laughed so many times and had dejavu moments! I also really loved the complexity of Nina's character. When you're in a toxic relationship and you get out it's hard to focus on the now. Especially when patterns pop up that you wish you'd seen before, even if current events are nothing like the past. And you're with someone who is healthy and makes you happy. Ah, trauma.


This read does contain language, blood, and gore. Our FMC is a nurse so there's some medical talk and explanation of things. Pasts are gone into depth, and you get to understand why these characters are the way they are. Some of these pasts may be triggering for some, especially the one with a mentally abusive ex. A vampire attack and usage of manipulating powers. Slavic mythology, think The Witcher vibes! Dual POVs, ride or die friendships, and so much more! Author spoils us with footnotes and character art within the book!


The buildup between Nina and Adam is great, very heated but not yet moments. I think this book has more spicy scenes then previous works from this author. I also really loved and respected the moments of vulnerability and being emotionally raw with someone. Adam not pushing for more. But the times we do get consent from both sides. . .amazing MF action scenes. Just be cautious of Lorelai, you'll have to read the book to understand! I was laughing a lot around things that involved Lorelai! HEA for main couple with a twist I really admired!


Enjoy the urban, fantasy, forced proximity romance between a human and a vampire! Don't forget to give the author some stars!


shutupandbookup.com