This is a continuation of Vlad and Inessa's story. Book one, Viripotent, must be read first.
Inessa learns that Vlad may be just when it comes to his opponents, however, he will never allow the same integrity in their marriage.
She’s fighting for more than herself and refuses to accept less than what they both deserve.
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After a lifetime of being the holder of secrets, Vlad finds himself in the dark surrounded by the monsters of his past. His burdens multiply each day and his spiral into vengeance might cost him more than his sanity.
He’s forced to decide between the promises he once made and the ones being asked of him.
But some skeletons refuse to remain buried.
A marriage built on a mutually beneficial agreement is now surrounded by a series of cataclysmic events with one question ⎯ what will he lose to get her to stay?
I love and hate A.X. Cole in equal measure for the roller-coaster ride of emotions this book has put me on.
At the beginning of the book the author says is not her fault if we cry, yes, yes it is. You wrote it you made us feel things for these character, it is 100% your fault I'm bawling my eyes out, but I loved it so you are totally forgiven.
I hated Vlad's parents in the first book and I hated them even more in this one. I could never figure out why he hadn't killed them earlier once him and the boys were safe but now we know the truth I'm glad he didn't or he would have always been in the dark.
I will say if your kindle tells you it's going to take you x minutes to read chapter 26 double it anything less is a bonus that s**t is sad, don't be fooled into thinking that the sadness ends there. It was sad before that chapter and it's still said until the end. I thought I would be safe I only had the epilogues to go, I could read them at work but no I was wrong it wasn't safe. I'm just glad that my computer screen is high enough that no-one could see my silent sobs. I'm writing this with a tear in the corner of my eye thinking about Verena in that first epilogue. It was so cute and sad all at the same time.
I did hope that when Vlad opened up to Inessa he would then open upto his brother especially after Vitali has the conversation with Inessa about remembering being in the graveyard, because if he's the younger one and he remembers that what does Valentin remember??
I can't wait for EBC III. For someone that was on the fence when reading the first book I can't get enough of this family now, the Vartanov family have made it into my heart and it thinks it gonna take a while for them to leave.
I was lucky enough to read this in advance of the release date, this is 100% my honest thoughts.
Is always going to be a deadly combination and Vlad Vartanov is used to the blood staining his hands. Only now there is more on the line…
Vlad's well crafted plan is starting to fall apart, his feelings are starting to cloud over his judgement and now even with a glimmer of hope, can Vlad throw everything away to be with a ghost from his heartbreaking past?
Can Inessa be the one to finally crack through the hardshell and see the man inside- the boy who has never been shown any kindness?
Their relationship has always been a rollercoaster, both fighting for dominance never showing any weakness and now they could have everything they wanted…but at what cost?
“You don’t want roses and candles. You want blood and ash, the dirt and violence, because you know that’s the only way you’d become a true equal. Not by being the same as me, but because you can match me in the opposite.”
Just a family exchange. Pushed to the side. A pretty ring and nothing else, expect to produce an heir.
Only now the Vartanov family have brought Inessa into their bloody arms and now her voice won’t ever be muted again. Even her husband Vlad is pushing her at every turn. Inessa knew that she would have to keep her head high and now she might even be the queen…but is Vlad still going to be by her side?
Vlad is a king there is no doubt about that, heavy head that wears the crown and Inessa knows he carries a pandora box close to his chest.
Inessa knows that Vlad will never hurt her physically…but emotionally? The time comes for Inessa to think about protecting herself, something is going on and now more than ever Inessa needs to find her safe haven.
But, Vlad will never let her go…will he be able to unleash his past on Inessa? Before the demons take everything from him…once again?
“Not blue, never blue. Pink, you’ll be pink.”
The story continues with this rollercoaster of emotions, bloodied revenge and uncovering secrets.
I was all set for this story…But I don’t think I was even close to being emotionally ready!
Vlad & Inessa have been a whirlwind of a couple from the start, each of them are evenly matched with strength and how far they are willing to go to protect the ones closest to them.
I enjoyed reading the second half of their story even more than the first, you know their characters now and already in the world that has been created. You always knew that more was to come, a mystery of Vlad’s past with only the hints being shown in the first and now we see what really happened in his past.
Underneath all the bloodshed, sniping and crosswords…this family is actually pretty wholesome when they are all together- I know you really wouldn’t believe it. But yes, Inessa who has never experienced any of this growing up has now joined this dysfunctional family of chaos. Which I love, Vlad brothers are very different and each member has their own voice.
Vlad & Inessa relationship develops even more, the passion and tension is high, a love of respect is solidified between them. Both of them have changed as the story has developed and makes you eager to find out what will really happen in the end…
My need is greater, this woman, this queen filled with power and defiance in equal measure, is mine.
Viparious is the Second book in the East Coast Bratva Series. It's the continuation of Vlad and Inessa’s story. It's filled with LOTS of Violence, Sex, and Grief. Please Check Trigger Warnings!! The story of Vlad and Inessa quickly became a favorite and we finally get to see the conclusion of their story. We also get to find out who the character that is mentioned throughout the first book is and all I have to say is my heart breaks for Vlad. AXCole defiantly wrapped this story up beautifully and it was a perfect ending to a troubled couple. We got to see all those questions that we had in the first finally answered and also why Vlad is the way he is. We also get to see Inessa grow into her own person. I loved that these characters evolved but they didn’t change their core values. Vlad was able to accept what happened to him and move forward in his life with Inessa and their family. Inessa was also able to accept him for who he was and what he went through while also not taking shit from Vlad and making sure that she had his respect. This book is defiantly a tear jerker and defiantly is one of my all time favorites. I hope y’all can survive Chapter 26.
“You’ll be like your mama, and you won’t cry. Never Cry, and not blue. Be pink.”
“I think you’re going to be like your mama, stubborn and kind, intelligent and strong. Beautiful and loyal.”
“Never lower you’r head. You’re a Vartanova, and you will make everyone else bow.”
I really liked the follow up to their story. He does make everything harder on hisself because he keeps everything in. He never wanted to tell anyone because he felt ashamed of his past. Inessa got tired of how she was treated ans decided to leave and he let her. When his father shows up you get to see a glimps of what he had to put up with as a kid. The big moment was when he talked about about vanya and she wasn't who I thought she was. Hearing him relieve the past was heartbreaking, I literally cried because it was terrible. He finally had a baby with Inessa and of course he acted a mess to try and keep them both. It was a full circle moment. I did like how it was written and how it ended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Vlad has a dark and twisted past and Inessa has tried everything to get him to open up to her but it’s tricky for him. I love their story and how honest and brutal it is. I may have cried reading this one. This marriage all started out as an arranged marriage but it quickly turns into so much more. Inessa breaks down so many of Vlad's walls but not all of them. The first book is focused more on the present and how they handle their marriage but this one is based more on their past traumas that are consuming their marriage. Can she get him to stay and love her or will Vlad’s grief win? Read Viparious on June 21st.
If I could give more than 5 stars I would in a heartbeat.
I don't even know where to start with this one. I knew this one was darker then Viripotent, I knew the trigger warnings, I read the content warnings and the disclaimer "if you cry, it's not my fault". Well lovey even with those warnings I'm blaming you as I'm picking up peices of my shattered heart, and trying to tape them back together after that emotional damage.
The growth of Vlad and Inessas characters were astonishing. The emotional rollercoaster had me wanting to throw the book one minute then never put it down the next. There were moments I hated Vlad and couldn't wrap my head around his choices, the next I wanted to jump through the book and just hug him. Len and Anicka I can't even get started on my hatred towards them, I knew in Viripotent how cruel they were but I didn't expect it to extend as far as it did.
I loved how we got answers on how Vanya passed and why she means so much to Vlad. Chapter 26 I could not of been prepared enough for holy sh!t my broken heart it was emotional and intense. Although I didn't cry I did feel my heart being ripped apart. The first epilogue once again pulled my heart strings and I was not prepared.
I was hooked after reading Viripotent so of course this series has made it my favorite read so far, AX has outdone herself. I wanted dark, depraved, emotional wreckage and she delivered. I'm not sure if I'll fully recover anytime soon but I'm definitely anxiously awaiting ECB 111.
Oh my goodness, where do I even begin with Vlad and Inessa's story?! This book was an emotional rollercoaster that had me hooked from start to finish. 😢❤️
Let's talk about Vlad. He’s got a dark and twisted past, and opening up to Inessa is not easy for him. I felt for him so much. His struggles are real and raw, and the way he grapples with his demons is just heartbreaking.
Inessa, on the other hand, is a beacon of hope and perseverance. 🌟 She tries everything to get Vlad to open up to her. Their journey from an arranged marriage to something deeply meaningful is so beautifully written. I absolutely love how honest and brutal their story is. It's not all sunshine and rainbows, but that’s what makes it so compelling.
I won't lie—I may have cried reading this one. 😭 The depth of their pain and love is palpable, and it hits you right in the feels. The first book was more about their present and how they navigate their marriage, but this sequel dives deep into their past traumas and how those are affecting their relationship now.
Inessa manages to break down so many of Vlad's walls, but not all of them. This makes their story feel so authentic because healing is a process, and it’s not always complete or perfect. 💔 Their struggle to balance their past with their present is a theme that many will find relatable.
5++++⭐️! Completely wrecked and put back together……
Viparious Is the second installment in the East Coast Bratva Series and the conclusion to Vlad and Inessa' story. It must be read after Viripotent, ECB #1.
I think it's safe to say that everybody that read book #1 was anxiously awaiting for this next one.
Effectively, Viparious was everything we needed but didn't know very well if we wanted.
If things were harsh in all we got to learn about Vlad and Inessa's journey, what comes next is will definitively turn everything on its axis.
Vlad is a lot of things, violent, ruthless even a monster for those who wronged him and his loved ones, a product of his trauma, a socialization in fear, evil, abuse, negligence and the crimes committed against him but, most of all, a protector at heart, enduring chaos and creating chaos because nothing less would do. The author did a great job of showing the devil, the man and the child and there isn't one thing that would make me appreciate him less than he deserves.
Inessa was his refuge, ever since they got close. She was able to see beyond his merciless exterior, touch his humanity, the vulnerability he tried so hard to hide, the innocense lost and the love as weakness, everything beaten out of him in desecretion of the body, the mind, the heart and the soul.
Emotionally wrecking, the narrative sheds the background of the man without the opportunity to be a child, in a continuum of the past weighting in on the present, the hurt, the despair, the memory that sets the plans in action because it all ends in the end. Prepare the tissue box, because they will fall…..
With Vlad determined to follow on his end goal and Inessa in the dark, catching glimpses here and there of something more beyond what she already knew, incapable to reach him and jealous of a woman she didn't even know, it was their marriage suffering the brunt of Vlad's concealed thoughts and plans, the silence and the abandonment, even temporary, leaving her lost but resolute to change things for herself and the baby she was carrying.
It hurt my heart as vicariously as we got to experience the unfairness and brutality of Vlad's childhood, the burden he carried without fault and its impact on the man viewed as monster, housing a teddy bear inside only alowed in stolen moments and decadent trysts. Inessa's desperation trying to understand, support and believe without enough to soothe her husband's immense pain, a secret too shameful for him to share even with the woman behind the chatter box, the one it was sure to be left protected but behind, because for as much as he wanted, it was physically impossible to get everything. So he distanced himself, but always present from afar.
And, when the time came to slay the demons still lurking, viciously, ruthlessly and in completly destruction of its species, came as well the redemption and as much levity as possibly felt in such ignominious circumstances, because Vlad was on time to stop tragedy from happening once more.
I loved the fact that without even noticing, unguarded and tender, Vlad shared for the very first time his most aggravating secret, his fears, his impotence as a child against the treachery of those supposed to defend, protect and fight for their calfs.
It was so sad… and at the same time the most exilirating moment of husband and wife bonding over disgrace and hope. It warmed me up inside their recognition of each other as partners in a future that, even doubtful about choosing, made Vlad's pride for Inessa bloom and show. And, as soon as he knew, he would use of his cunningness to make her return, because there was no way he would be afar from his quen or his little one!
Slowly, with everything coming back to normality, Inessa and Vlad turned to their own selves, provoking each other through defiance, sex, jealousy and games, together with their children to spoil rotten, Vlad's fault, the raucous family, lots of noise, Vlad and Inessa, his safe harbour, his heart and soul wouldn't settle for less.
Ok so let’s talk about Vlad and Inessa and the incredible Author who absolutely had me on the edge of my seat. One minute I wanted to throw my kindle across the room the next I wanted to get inside that story and give the Devil himself a big squishy hug. Vlad the Monster or is he the Monster they created??. First off AX Cole…….yes. Yes it is your fault. Haha. But I’ve loved it This is why I love reading and getting lost in a book, no matter the journey the characters go on I get lost in it all.
These books were a rollercoaster of a journey for both Inessa and Vlad but for me the reader too. There aren’t many books that have brought a tear to my eye or actually made me cry. I think I can count on one hand the books that have done that I’ve had a lot of, noooo…moments and wait whatttt the….moments and even fuckkk no…..moments. But not every single emotion I could possibly have. I had all this reading these two books and wow what a ride it’s been. Everyone deserves a happy ending right??? Do they get it???? Definitely give these a read. Check triggers but definitely go give them a read.
The first Book is Viripotent and these stories are a Mafia Bratva story following along the Mafia storyline of forced marriage, there is an age gap and in this book you get to read about the rollercoaster ride of a relationship between Vlad and Inessa he’s the king but she’s the queen in her own right. There’s names mentioned that you come to learn who in book two. This books ends with a cliffhanger and you definitely need to jump straight into book two. The parents though 🤬🤬🤬 that’s all I’m going to say.
Visparious is Book Two and follows on from the last book and continues Vlad and Inessa story. In this book you get to find out who characters that are mentioned in book one are and about their pasts. To me is Vlad a Devil or is he a fallen Angel. Turn pain into power. Three things made him, Three things kept him, Three things are to be protected.
He’s all about his family he will die for them all and wil do anything for them. He locks everything up and has it all resting on his shoulders. His stubbornness is his downfall he doesn’t let people get close. The devil, the monster the protector. Inessa is fierce, and is so much more than any Mafia Princess she is a Queen who tries all ways to get Vlad to open up to her to share his demons, he’s a monster to everyone else, to her he’s her teddy bear underneath the monster she sees different and falls, falls hard. She has such a mouth on her that had me bad laughing. I laughed so hard at some of the sayings in both stories and I’ve found an Author that likes to drop the c-bomb 🔥 ohh yess… I’m here for it.
This book had me feeling all the things I never thought I would from a book. I felt sad and angry for these characters and wanted to grab Vlad and shake the shit out of him at times and hug him the other times but I laughed so hard at their phrases and sayings, I’ve been left shocked and rethinking what I thought I knew and learned from book one and then I cried at the emotional damage that was their past.
Ok let me address Len & Anika … first time I have ever wanted to crawl inside a book and get rid of them myself. I think I actually hate them. I’ve never hated fictional characters like I did these two.
But Omg what a story Both of these books were equally amazing and I’m now adding another Author to my favourite Author list. AX Cole wowww just woowww. I’ve loved Inessa and Vlad’s story and I’m so honoured to of been apart of your team for these two stories. Thank you for having me and sharing these amazing stories with me. Please, please never ever stop writing and doing what you do, these will be definitely be getting added to my bookshelf. Sorry it’s too a little while for a review of Vaparious but it’s took me a minute. I thought I was ready for book two and thought I knew or guessed what was coming and I had not a clue. Your writing is unreal. Keeps you thinking and wanting to know more. Love it loved every minute of it even my tears. ❤️
I was eagerly waiting for this book because Vlad and Inessa won me over at first sight. I expected the sequel to be the same, but we got something totally different, darker and more emotional. This part showed more about Vlad's past and the circumstances that shaped him to be what he is, the protector of those he loves.
➡️,, Fuck, I miss her. I miss the way she’d talk and never shut up. How she’d wrap her arms around my neck. Or lay her head on my shoulder. I hate that I don’t know if she cries and there’s no one for her to push her nose against if she does.”
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I survived chapter 26, which was tense, too emotional and difficult, and I could hardly hold back my tears. After that, I love Vlad even more and understand his panic and behavior towards Inessa and Verena.
➡️“You won’t know me, but I will always know you.” My voice is barely audible to my own ears, and I look up, making sure she hasn’t woken up. Her snores restart as though she knows not to eavesdrop, and I continue. “If anyone ever tells you about me, you’ll probably hate me, and that’s okay. I’ve fucked up a lot, malen’kaya koroleva. Be good for your mama okay? She talks a lot, but it’s because she cares and she’s strong. Be strong like your mama, not like me.”
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As a father, he is perfect, he melted my heart. Sleeping on the floor, feeding the baby, singing lullabies,… Pure love and perfection.
➡️“I think you’re going to be like your mama, stubborn and kind, intelligent and strong. Beautiful and loyal.” She opens one eye as though she’s warning me not to talk shit. “Yeah, you’re definitely going to be your mama’s double, but you won’t ever lose me. No matter what happens, I’ll be watching you. When you go to school, and some little shithead tries to take your crayons, I’ll fix it.”
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AX Cole is a real surprise for me and this series is definitely in the Top 5 best books I've read this year. I am looking forward to the third sequel and I will also read the other books she wrote because I really like her writing style. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to enjoy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🤩🤩🤩🤩 This book was everything and so much more, i cannot express how emotional i felt throughout the book especially chapter 26, it was heart wretching, i felt every single emotion that Vlad and Inessa expressesd. The writing is perfection, so descriptive, relatable, i love Imessa's sassiness and Vlad's vulnerability. The Bratva boss who is so lethal, yet so gentle with his family. He cares so much for them all, his OCD makes him loose control but keeps everyone safe after the trauma of his past. A.X.Cole is a fantastic writer, bringing so much grit, and angst to her books. You feel the words eat you alive, yet you cannot stop reading. I loved the way the book flowed. I felt i was part of the family, it was so realistic, the charaters have so much depth, the book was so easy to read. Enough detail without being over the top. Vlad is a protective mafia boss, Imessa is a strong , determined equal. Together they are explosive. This is one of the best mafia series i have EVER read. I love it, i really hope this series doesn't end with book three, i could read another ten books about this family and it still wouldn't be enough. The Russain endearment translations were helpful at the bottom of necessary pages, saving time to look them up. The ending was perfect atm, but i'm sure that's not really the ending is it! I am devasted that i can't keep reading more from this series until ECBiii. I am recommending this series with my whole heart, if you love a family that has issues that are relatable to us all with a touch of steam, angst, alpha mafia boss and a bunch of unruly siblings then pick this book up. It will eat you up and spit you out! Take care with the Trigger warnings, keep a box of tissues with you. You will devour this series just like i did, i envy those who are reading for the first time. I was fortunate to read this as an ARC and am leaving this review of my own accord.
I thought book one was a whirlwind of situations and strategies and plottings but no I was wrong, it’s book two that we all have to look out for. Damm even the spiciness was full of emotions and pieces of information, I was not able to miss a single line in the book. Every line and every dialogue contributed something new to the story.
Inessa is an ever-evolving character and she keeps on growing and growing at every step. She is here in the Vartanov family to never be caged again. She comes to her full potential and learns how to keep her fears at bay and use them as her strength instead of weakness. Her passion is reflected in the story perfectly.
I am not happy with Vlad but he did what he thought was right. He is intense and loyal to his family by default but he has a past darker than the darkest night and I got goosebumps when it all unravelled. It was ugly but it is what it is, you can’t change it just have to move forward and try to live with it.
With every chapter I got something new to concentrate on but the overall sadness never left the story, it kept on towards the edge of being sinister and there was no escaping the truth. It’s hard, rash, and darker but the story is worth it. Do read the trigger warning before starting the duet. It’s a happy ending but it costs a lot to get there.
The book is long, the language is hard and it’s not a smooth read but the plot is addicting and captivated me from start to finish. It has some good action and vengeance is at its best. The roller coaster ride is served right with lots of laughter and emotional scenes.
This book was everything I wanted to finish Vlad and Inessa's story. It was everything I hoped for and more. I love how the story started where the last one left off and showed how Vlad's character was such an important part of the story. Vlad's trauma made him who he was but Inessa's strength made him into a better version of himself. She accepted him for who he was and never forced him to change but also helped him evolve and accept his past without shame or fear. Chapter 26 was very emotional but it was so necessary for the readers to understand Vlad and his emotional trauma and his torment with the past. The author did such a fantastic job with the story and wrapping up all the loose ends. I loved how she wrapped up the story without rushing the ending and leaving you wanting. You got to see the characters evolving and their love shining through even in the darkest moments of the story. The author stayed true to the characters but also allowed you to see the evolution without it feeling like the characters did a complete 180. It was realistic and true to human nature. I was also very happy that she put in footnotes in this book. I didn't have to look on the web for potential translations to the Russian phrases. I truly cannot express how much I love this story. I definitely don't want to give any spoilers so I will just say that it was the perfect ending and I could not be more happy with Vlad and Inessa's story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Before I start I just want to say I am so amazed by how much of an amazing writer AX Cole is and its most definitely seen in her ECB series. If you haven’t read her first book Viripotent pick up a copy today you won’t regret it. Her series is one of my favorites of the year.
Oh how ignorant I was, I saw the warning and I didn’t think it would be that much of emotions my poor heart went through while reading this book. I should’ve known better. AX does know how to pull my heartstrings. What I enjoyed most of this book was the answers to the questions of who Vlad is. I was left with so many questions from Viripotent that I’m glad I got to see what we didn’t know at first such as his fear, his past and who he really is internally. My favorite part of this is how each character is more than just a name. AX Cole’s ability to give up deep backgrounds to see her dedication to just give us more than our two MCs. It was one of the factors that added to my page turning in this book. To see Inessa and Vlad’s relationship transform in this series. To see more of the family and how they tied in together in Vlad and Inessas story, how it all evolves. This book offers it all and I really enjoyed reading it (especially the spicy scenes 😉) Truthfully a book hasn’t hit me this hard in a while and man oh man this deserves nothing lower than five stars. I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
I devoured this book in a day and all I'm gonna say is. BRING. TISSUES.
Well, you better be ready for tears with this one. Because, I can promise Vlad and Inessa will make you bawl your eyes even in epilog (but don't worry, there is happy ending accompanied with moisture in your eyes).
Personally for me, first book was darker, however this one is stronger on emotional level, I don't want to repeat myself hundred times, but this one will really play with your heart and emotions.
This book is also not as strong in plot, I mean there is plot, however the whole book is more pointed towards characters and their dealing with traumas (in this case Vlad more then Inessa, but doesn't change the fact that they are both dealing with something) to ultimately at the end give them that happy ending they deserve.
So if you like Dark Mafia Romance, with ♡ Marriage in trouble, ♥︎ Angst (plenty of it), ♡ Banter, ♥︎ Traumatized MMC, ♡ Pregnancy, ♥︎ Unwrapping trauma, ♡ Grief, ♥︎ "My wife" ♡ "Touch her and bye" ♥︎ (kind of) lovers to enemies to lovers ♡ "Did someone hurt you?" ♥︎ Steam, ♡ Spice, ♥︎ Edging, ♡ Emotional roller-coaster ♥︎ Morally grey MMC ♡ Possessive MMC and FMC ... then I highly recommend this book!!
*** JUST PLEASE, CHECK THE TRIGGERS!! WHILE IT WASN'T THAT DARK FOR ME IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT IT WON'T BE DARK FOR YOU.
I loved Inessa & Vlad’s HEA!! Always a good ending when the story goes full circle. Loved Vlad! He was super intense, possessive, & whew, talk about touch her & die: Vlad went craaazyyyy! Also, the banter in this series, especially between Vlad & Inessa was hilarious! I must admit, this is the darkest book I’ve read to date, mainly bc of the taboo storyline. Broke my heart to pieces knowing there’s pure evil like this in the world. Again, check your trigger warnings.
I cried! For Vlad & all his demons for sure, but I resonated with Inessa & felt her pain when Vlad left her during her entire pregnancy, then kept pushing her away.
Read this on my Kindle & literally only put it down when I fell asleep. Minor typo’s. I had a few questions that I felt the author couldve went more into detail about, but it didn’t entirely take away from the story.
Viparious is book 2 in the East Coast Bratva series by Ax Cole and let me tell you I really do like the follow up from the rollercoaster ride I took in book 1. I definitely hated Vlad’s parents in the first book and my opinion on them didn’t change in the second book either. Reading how he kept reflecting on his past was heartbreaking and I cried a few times with it. I 100% commend Inessa for breaking down so many of Vlad’s walls even though they both had to deal with traumas from their past. This one had me crying, angry and hurt. I will add it was a bit worried after reading book 1 even though I hooked up I’m not a huge fan of cliffhangers but I have it a change. Most definitely read in order.
Viparious: A Dark Mafia Marriage in Crisis Romance is the second book of the East Coast Bratva Series by A.X. Cole. This book is the conclusion of Vlad and Inessa story. Like the first book, this book is a rollercoaster of emotions. Vlad (MMC) is the strong, protective, ruthless mafia boss and Inessa (MFC) is strong, sassy and wants equal footing when it comes to their marriage. Her character continues to grow and change from the first book to the second book. I love Vlad’s family comes to accept Inessa and I love how both Vlad and Inessa characters relationship goes deeper. Their emotional rollercoaster gives us more passion and steam. I have really enjoyed this book. Bring your tissues for this book.
After a lifetime of being the holder of secrets, Vlad finds himself in the dark surrounded by the monsters of his past. His burdens multiply each day and his spiral into vengeance might cost him more than his sanity.
But some skeletons refuse to remain buried.
Vlad & Inessa's story continues on from book one: Viripotent. Their passions and tensions continue, and you delve deeper into their character development, families and secrets. This was such an emotional rollercoaster filled with tears, anger at some of the characters and then cheering them on as they grow and heal from their trauma. I'm looking forward to more from the East Coast Bratva Series by A.X Cole.
Tropes: - Morally grey MMC - Mafia Romance - Touch her and d!e - Arranged marriage - Pregnancy
Book 2 in the East Coast Bratva series brings us the EMOTIONAL, intense, intriguing continuation of Vlad and Inessas story. This one, for me, was very emotional and raw. It really is a beautifully written story with fantastic characters and a storyline that's utterly consuming from start to finish!
"One woman and two girls own me. They have the monopoly over my heart and my head."
I couldn't put this book down once I started. These characters completely took over and refused to be put aside until they told the rest of their story and I'm so glad. It's a great journey to be taken along on.
Inessa and Vlad are married. Vlad is abused and kidnapped by an MC but managed to find his way home to Inessa and his family; but another battle is just beginning. A battle with himself. Inessa wants him to open up and be more emotional, but Vlad refuses. He won't allow himself to get attached because he doesn't think he can and she starts to fall in love with him. will their stubborness and past tear them apart? Or will they get their HEA? I really enjoyed this book however dark it may have been it had me going through the emotions right there with the characters I laughed I cried and I got mad at points and screamed at the characters such a great read.
This is the 2nd story in the East Coast Bravta Series where it picks up after the 1st story ended. Inessa knows she’s fighting for more than her life and makes decisions that are blocked each step of the way by one controlling husband. Vlad has secrets from his past that get misunderstood along with his twisted darkness is consuming Vlad and his chance at happiness. When promises of the past slam into the present and future Inessa discovers her strength as a Queen by being the one to face Vlad’s unknown enemy. When those who should protect do the unthinkable to the innocence of children there is pure joy when they meet their enemy. The raw honesty between Inessa and Vlad is something unique that will give them a chance to be more just an arraigned marriage with a time limit and a heir. Their marriage takes vengeance to a whole new level leaving Vlad losing control over the opportunity to have a life and love his brutal way? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
WOW, AX COLE HAS OUT DONE THE FIRST WITH THIS 1000X OVER!!
The second book to the series and this one hit every emotion and chapter 26 changes EVERYTHING I thought i knew!
Taking off from where the first ends Vlad is in a bad position but with his past haunting him more each day and his goals being so close he continues to fight while Inessa Fights him and for him at every turn even when he is pushing her away. Inessa is building a bond with the family while Vlad continues to break his promise to her but the twists, villians and truth change everything!
Thank you for another incredible part of the story, I can not wait for the 3rd!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was my first Mafia ‘romance’ series, and I was hooked!
First of all, READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS! They're there for a reason.
I liked the book pacing: the story is interesting and you get invested in Vlad and Inessa’s reactions to everything going on around them. This book and its predecesor are more about the life that brings these two characters together than the actual dealings of the East Coast Bratva, so keep that in mind.
The writing is unusual, but it fits if you consider these are Russian characters; their thoughts feel like somebody who speaks English as a second language, and I love that about the book.
The $3x is H.O.T.T. Hot! It may not be everyone’s cup of tea though, so again, heed the triggers!
I am really looking forward to the third installment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
OMG!! I absolutely loved reading this book I was very emotional reading this book, the story was full of heartache, pain, healing, angry, vengeance, dark, unforgiven, unstoppable, spiralling, family, secrets, twist, hate/love lust, pleasure, passion, burdens, betrayal, Vlad devoted his life and time to his siblings raising them and protecting them. Vlad is spiralling he keeps thinking about his wife and the secrets that come with it. Inessa hold secrets and constantly thinks she is a burden, Inessa has an agreement with Vlad, but with his past catching up to him will he be able to protect her.
Viripotent & Viparious are emotionally devastating, beautifully written and worth reading. Vlad & Inessa are such strong characters because AX Cole captures the human condition. Trauma is interwoven into so many different facets of life, the emotional and physical manifestations vary from person to person. As an avid reader I can usually figure out the storyline of books, Viparious kept me enthralled & guessing. This conclusion to Vlad & Inessa’s story is so real & raw, and in my opinion perfect.
Please read CW/TW. I received an ARC copy of Viparious (I emailed AX Cole begging to be an ARC reader after reading Viripotent). This review is completely my own.
This is a hard one to write. I don't believe I have ever read a mafia story like this one. And I have read a lot. These two were made to marry and hated each other in the first book, but this one we get to see them both come together. And Vlad finally tells Inessa what had happened and it is a heartache moment. I am so happy this two got there happy after and I truly loved these two books. Can't wait for the next. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a continuation of Vlad and Inessa’s story. Book one, Viripotent, must be read first. This can’t be read as standalone. Like the previous book this one is a roller coaster which kept me captivated. We see both the characters develop in this book. I was totally invested in these two characters and my heart broke for them . After reading the previous books I was anxious to start this one and it was totally worth the read. A binge worthy unputdownable read. Looking forward to reading more books by the author.