A Love That Bleeds

by Shana Collins

Book #2 of The Bratva Savin Brothers Romance

Genres: Audiobook, Mafia Romance

Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2025

About the author

Shana Collins is an author of sinfully dangerous romances. She enjoys crafting and reading captivating stories about strong women who embrace the beauty of moral complexity. Each of her books is filled with unexpected twists that will leave readers eager for more.

She is an Army veteran from Hawaii and now calls the Pacific Northwest her home. Her two daughters are her best friends, and you can often find them at a local Starbucks, sipping vanilla lattes and working on their laptops.

Reviews

[Ⓢ Ⓨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Gentle is not for couple like you and me”

The second book of the Savin brothers Bratva series, “A Love That Bleeds”, follows Ivy and Nikolai through the dark underworld of the Cartel and a feisty dark romance.

I really like Ivy and I thought there was a decent amount of storyline to accompany the spicy scenes. The leading couple are quite cute, it’s very much a “touch her a die” trope. I loved the little twists and turns along the way.

A quickly and easy read. 4*

[Stephanie Boling · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

This book, a dark romance, was okay, but didn't fully hit the mark for me.

Two assassins entwined in a dangerous game of attraction and survival - a lethal girl and a brooding Bratva energy man, with off-the-charts chemistry.

Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with some of the characters. The pacing of the entire book wavered, while some scenes were thrilling, others seemed dragged or underdeveloped. While the cliffhanger confirms a third book, it seemed abrupt rather than intriguing. Overall, it was a decent read with potential.

Tropes:
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Morally Gray
🖤 Forbidden Love
🖤 Found Family
🖤 Broken Heroine
🖤 Possessive Love Interest
🖤 Love Triangle

"You're the boy with the different-colored eyes!"

[Lauren Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I read the first one in the series to get some background but overall it did not affect the story. A fast paced mafia romance that had me not wanting it to end. I can't wait to read the first one and any others that follow! An exceptional job and an author I’d so read from again!

[Vanessa Ortiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5

🌟 Thanks to @elisbeth.narrates for the ALC

🔥 "If this is his form of punishment, then I long to be his bad, bad girl"

🔥 "My colonel, my protector, my savior"

🔥 "Gentle is not for a couple like you and me"

As the Colonel for the Bratva army, Nikolai Savin is the man to call when you need a problem taken care of. Ivy Kelley is a small town gal from Idaho turned gorgeous assassin. The pair cross paths in New York when they have their eyes set on the same target - and there is no denying their mutual attraction. Nikolai has never seen a woman as his equal until Ivy and she has no clue that his infatuation began long before that fated meeting.

This is the second book in the "Savin Brothers Bratva" series and picks up right after that cliffhanger from book one. I was surprised to see Nikolai as the MMC since the previous book made it clear he has no interested in a monogamous relationship. However, I'm glad he had a change of heart becasue I absolutely loved Nikolai and Ivy as a couple. The romance aspect was a lot darker than the first book - that basement prison scene 🥵🔥 - but Nikolai still had some sweet moments (the teddy bear 🥹). This book further solidified my dislike of Elise amd still has me a little confused on her motives. Admittedly, I was not prepared for the male narrator's accent at first - I think this is because my brain created its own terrible Russian accent while reading the first book 😅 - yet it made for the perfect balance with the female narrator. I really loved the reveal of their shared history which further solidified their connection.

[Lawlah · Rating 1 out of 5]

⭐ 1 star

This one just didn’t work for me. The plot felt scattered and lacked clear direction, which made it hard to stay engaged. By the time I got to the ending, I was more confused than satisfied — it just didn’t tie together in a way that made sense. The spice was okay, nothing groundbreaking, but decent enough. I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn Shana, another cliffhanger! I’m dedicated and can’t wait for Gameplay on audio. The narrators, Elisabeth Knight and Finnley Cole, did a fantastic job bringing Nikolai and Ivy to life. The ending was a nice little twist. The spicy scenes were chef’s kiss.

[Jennifer*Scorpio*Cats*Coffee*Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars, but this definitely needs some work.

This was an oddly paced story, and I think I would have enjoyed it better if the pacing improved. The characters were easy to anticipate, there was not much character development, and the excessive amount of exclamation marks was disconcerting. The insta-lust and sexual escapades just made the story more contrived. There were several instances in the story that conversations happened, without additional backstory, and it just made the scene unnecessarily confusing.

I would recommend this if you want a very short mafia book without much teeth.

I do appreciate being given an advanced reader's copy via NetGalley

[Peaches O · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a colossal disappointment. We are introduced to both main characters in book 1 and this book did not do them justice. Assassin x Colonel of Bratva Army. Knife play. Gun play.

Starting with the FMC, she spent the entire book floundering around and getting her ass handed to her. In the first book she was introduced as a deadly assassin who is gorgeous and a good friend to Ellis. You expect me to believe a female assassin recruited by the number 3 of the cartel, who happens to also be a woman, can't fight to save her life? Has no hand to hand fighting skills? Hasn't trained and yet survived for years in between the Cartel, the Bratva, and the Irish mob? And the only move consistently is kneeing them in the balls? The author didn't even try. Be serious for one moment in your life.

Ellis is a completely different person from book 1. She was a raging bitch, a backstabber, a liar, and a user to Ivy. Then we are to believe she was using Ivy the entire time and never a friend. The woman she described to us in book 1 as her one and only friend? The woman she went to after she was almost raped? The woman who helped her with her pregnancy? Even if we were to believe Ellis was just using Ivy, there were other ways that could have been portrayed that just completely ignoring her and not making strategic moves that she was supposedly known for.

Nikolai, for the most part fit his character from book. He was a dick there, he was a dick here. I expected more from him in terms of character, but he just spent the entire book wanting to fuck her or following her around.

Dimitri was basically a screaming banshee the entire time. The characters all felt different except Andrei who remained a level headed asshole with mysterious intentions.

Again, like book one, the last chapter was just dropped in. The lack of transition was jarring. You're " best friend" is still taken and you are playing house and giving blowjobs in a barn? The writing throughout the entire book felt choppy. There were many sentences that felt dropped in and also scenes lacked good transitions and endings. This was particularly noticeable in this book because there is a non-linear timeline and recurring dreams.

Finally, the FMC's narrator was terrible. The performance overall and her voice. Despite immersive reading, I struggled through and took many breaks. The character sounded too young and naive, nothing like the dangerous vixen that is in command like book 1. The narrator's voice also sounded way to "airy" and at times it sounded like she was just reading and not acting out her role. To be honest, she portrayal added another layer of disappointment, especially after I loved the first book.

[Christie Wilcox · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Love That Bleeds by Shana Collins (ALC)
MMC: Nikolai (Finnley Cole)
FMC: Ivy Kelley (Elizabeth Knight)

—Enemies to Lovers
—Morally Gray
—Forbidden Love
—Broken Heroine
—Love Triangle
‼️ ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER ‼️

The third book of the Savin brothers Bratva series, “A Love That Bleeds”, follows Ivy and Nikolai through the dark underworld of the Bratva/Cartel. Whenever the Bratva needs their problems to disappear, they call Nikolai Savin. It's something he's particularly good at. He's the Colonel, the head of the Bratva army. He rules it with an iron fist. Ivy Kelley is brought up to be a killer for hire. She was friends with Elsie in book 1. In this book, it seems like Elsie left her high and dry. The cartel is obviously after Elsie. I don't know why another story wasn’t just added with the characters from book 2 (Dmitri Savin & Elsie Walsh). Elsie betrayed the cartel in book 2 and it seems like that storyline is continuing. This plot line is definitely confusing at times. It’s somewhat hard to follow along. For an assassin, she wasn’t all that badass. This has FFM scenes — I felt Niko was portrayed as a super possessive male but yet he stuck his c**k in another woman’s mouth. Needless to say, Ivy was there eating out the same girl but still 🤷🏻‍♀️they slept with the “Sophie” girl again and she was even riding him. Like seriously. If you’re in a relationship- you do NOT sleep with other people. I didn’t care much for this storyline or the characters. I couldn’t connect with them. The narrators were great but I just couldn’t get into it. It’s an interconnected plot line with cliffhangers. You need to read in order to fully understand everything. NOT STANDALONES.

[Arina M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listening to ‘A Love That Bleeds’ by Shana Collins, narrated by Finnley Cole and Elisabeth Knight, was unfortunately a struggle for me.

I love dark spicy mafia romance, so I went in expecting intensity, obsession, and strong emotional depth.

Nikolai, introduced as the iron fisted head of the Bratva army, felt surprisingly underdeveloped. Beyond his attraction to Ivy, there wasn’t enough personality or internal complexity to truly anchor him. For a character positioned as dominant and calculating, he lacked the presence and depth I was hoping for.

Ivy, marketed as the most seductive assassin in New York, also didn’t fully embody the hardened archetype described in the blurb. Instead of feeling sharp and formidable, her character often leaned into a “one of the boys” persona that felt more curated than authentic. Some of her dialogue, particularly references to being self aware about her teasing nature, came across as playing to the male gaze rather than reinforcing her strength.

Ivy’s narration felt softer and sassier than I anticipated for a lethal character, and the Russian accent used for Nikolai lacked authenticity, which made it harder to enjoy. While the childhood connection revealed toward the end added context to Nikolai’s obsession, it arrived too late to strengthen a relationship that had felt surface level for much of the story.

Personally, I prefer stronger commitment in mafia romance, and the boyfriend girlfriend resolution felt underwhelming within this genre.
The book ended on a cliffhanger, which read like a setup for the next installment rather than a satisfying conclusion to this book.

This may resonate with other readers, but it ultimately did not meet my expectations. I won't be continuing the series.

[Ally D · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I thought that this was a good book! It kept my interest to a certain point. I did love the mafia aspect since that is one trope I absolutely love because give me a morally gray man that will burn the world down for his woman and hook, line, and sinker—you got me. And Nikolai? Very much that energy.

What I loved:
• ���� Mafia romance
• 🔥 Morally gray MMC
• 🏠 “You are my home” vibes
• 👶 Childhood friends to lovers
• 💍 Obsessive devotion
• 💋 Bi FMC rep
• 👀 Spicing things up with a third

Ivy and Nikolai knowing each other as kids and him instantly falling in love with her?? Inject it into my veins. The fact that he always wanted her to be home? Yeah… I ate that up. I definitely love that they got to see each other again as adults and there is no love lost between the two. The tension and connection were there from the start.

Now for why it’s a solid 3 stars for me:
It fell kind of flat at times. The premise had SO much potential, and while I enjoyed it, some emotional beats didn’t hit as hard as I wanted them to. That said, it was still good enough for me to completely finish and like it—which says something because I will DNF without remorse.

And can we talk about the twist? Ivy swings both ways and invites another girl into the bedroom to spice things up. You don’t see that very often in smut, so that definitely threw me for a loop—in a good way. It added a layer I wasn’t expecting and kept things interesting.

Overall: good mafia romance, strong morally gray energy, solid spice, but not quite unforgettable for me. Would I read more from this author? Absolutely.

If you love obsessive mafia men and childhood connections that refuse to die… this might be your vibe. 🖤

[Melissa Mejia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving this as an ARC read and I volunteer to leave my honest review. Just WOW!! This is the second book in Savin Brothers Bratva, but can be read as a standalone. This well leave you wanting more!! I absolutely loved this book!! This was my first Mafia Romance book and she nailed it chef’s kiss!! Awesome job to the Author Shana Collins!!! I need the next book NOW!!

BLURB:
Two assassins. One Tristed Fate.
Whenever the Bratva needs their problems to disappear, they call Nikolai Savin. It's something he's particularly good at. He's the Colonel, the head of the Bratva army.
And he rules it with an iron fist.
Ivy Kelley transformed from a sweet girl in small-town Idaho to the most seductive assassin in New York City. She boasts striking red hair and form-fitting black tactical outfits that complement her deadly skills.
When two of the most dangerous assassins cross paths while hunting the same target, sparks fly.
For Nikolai, they're equals - right down to the blood staining their hands. For Ivy, Nikolai's an unexpected protector - the man of her dreams.
What Ivy doesn't realize is that Nikolai's attraction began long before she arrived in the city.
He claimed her the moment they met.

[Haley R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two assassins, One Twisted Fate...
Two of the deadliest assassins in the game. One mark. When their paths collide on the same kill, the tension ignites—and neither is ready to back down.

Her crimson hair and skintight black combat wear aren't just for show—they’re part of the weapon. Lethal, alluring, and cold-blooded, she slips through the city’s shadows leaving nothing but silence behind. Once a small-town girl from Idaho, Ivy Kelley has reinvented herself as one of New York City’s most dangerous temptresses.

Nikolai Savin doesn’t just lead the Bratva’s army—he is the Colonel, commanding with ruthless authority and an iron will. When things get messy, when someone needs to disappear without a trace, he’s the one they call. Making problems vanish is his specialty.

The story races forward without pause, keeping the momentum high throughout. In the closing chapters, scattered clues fall into place, answering lingering questions and laying the groundwork for what's to come. The ending did come a bit abruptly, but a great anticipation now to see what's next.

If you love strong FMC's, heavy on the spice, chaos, danger, thrills and dark romance this series is one for you.

[SinfulReadsByV · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went with a 3.5 for this story.
Ivy is one feisty FMC assassin who kicks ass and may not even take names. Who doesn’t love that kind of main character energy? She has a past she can’t fully piece together, and that mystery adds to her edge.
Nikolia is part of the Coalition, and he is all about protecting the Savin family. The tension between Ivy and Nikolia throughout the story makes it even tastier to enjoy. Ivy loves to mess with him, and Nikolia is clearly smitten from the very beginning.
There are FFM and FMF moments in the book, and of course, they are initiated by Ms Thing herself, Ivy. She knows exactly what she wants and likes.
We get the classic "touch her and die" vibe (and Ivy will definitely help make that happen). Add in Bratva and assassin chaos, a mysterious family member, and equally chaotic friends, and it all comes together in a wild ride. Ivy’s mom is a certain type of person who had me hoping karma would come knocking.
This is a fast-paced story. The last few chapters really pull together a lot of missing pieces and set things up for the next book. It ends in a HEA... kind of.
I was not connected to the first part of the book. Something felt like it was missing for me. But the last half had me hooked to keep going. That said, everyone’s taste in books is different, so you might enjoy it more.

[Isabella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Explicit. I wish I could say I liked this. I listened to this in audio and it might have filtered how I view this book, but the plot felt like it barely existed. The plot felt like it existed only to put the FMC in more and more sexually explicit situations, with a little bit of communication with the MMC in between. I read a lot of mafia romance so it's not like I didn't know what I was getting myself into, but normally there's the semblance of a storyline at least. The side characters were more interesting to me than the two mains, and the backstory was quite good! The narration also left a lot to be asked for - it sounded like the accent for the MMC was faked, and the FMC had a breathy almost whiny way of speaking that didn't fit the circumstances in the story. And there were quality issues in terms of how yelling was handled. I had high hopes for this but came off feeling a bit disappointed, if you're looking for spice with a heavy dose of trauma, this might be the book for you though and in that case you'll really, really enjoy it!

I received an advance copy of this book via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

A Love That Bleeds continues what was established in book 1, Deadly Decisions, just from two new character perspectives. Elise and Dmitri (Book 1) are still heavily woven through, but we’re with Ivy and Nikolai for the fallout.

It's just as fast paced, no fluff, as book one, but the narrative doesn’t seem to flow as smoothly; almost like we just hit all the major points to keep this story shorter. A lot of this could be because there’s a lot of ‘ugh’ emotions coming from both MC’s and not too much character growth (lots of plot and spice though!). Was still an enjoyable listen, and I'm looking forward to the book 3 resolution.

🎧 Duet narration by Elisabeth Knight & Finnley Cole was perfect for this type of book, they complemented each others voice well.


**********************************
Side note: I absolutely hate it when men call women they are attracted to 'little girl' - ugh, major ick ... I immediately don't like the character, even if I'm supposed to

[Cat Lady Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This spicy dark Mafia romance was a good read. It's the second in the Savin Brothers Bratva series. The description says it can be standalone, but after reading a few chapters I felt like the first book is relevant to the plot. I went back and read the first one anyway to avoid getting spoilers in the second book.

I listened to the audiobook which was done in duet narration. I thought it was done pretty well - both narrators did a good job with the acting, though Nikolai's fake Russian accent was a bit annoying. The acting and pacing was well done and it was a quick enjoyable read.

I wish we had gotten more character development between Ivy and Nikolai, but what we did get is a very steamy (4/5 🌶️) enemies to lovers romance with lots of shooting and Mafia politics mixed in. There is plenty of graphic violence and the spicy scenes get pretty dark so definitely check the trigger warnings if in doubt.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the ALC I received in exchange for my honest review.

[Brandys_bookography · Rating 3 out of 5]

Be forewarned there is a cliffhanger, which I will admit is not my favorite thing. Ivy is an assassin for hire and there is some blood shed so check those triggers. She is badass and fierce. Nikolia is part of the mafia and is a strong MMC himself. The beginning of the book was a bit of a struggle and it took me quite some time to get into the story. I did like the murky part of Ivy's past and the touch her and die vibes. I do wish there was more story development.

There is a lot of spice in here with some FFM and FMF scenes. The chemistry between Ivy and Nikolia was great and you do get an HEA even with the cliffhanger but I guess it could also change in the next book which leaves me wanting to know what happens next. Elise was hard to understand and frankly not sure I like her character very much. I am hoping that there is more development of her character in further books.

Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for this ARC. My opinions were freely given.

[Kelly Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“A dark, emotionally charged mafia romance with serious bite.”

I enjoyed A Love That Bleeds. The characters are intense, the stakes are high, and the chemistry is undeniably hot. Shana Collins knows how to write tension—both emotional and physical—and the story pulls you in fast.

That said, this isn’t a soft romance. There are moments of violence and emotional manipulation that may be triggering for some readers. I appreciated how the heroine held her ground, but I wanted more depth from some of the side characters and a few plot threads felt rushed.

Still, the emotional arc between the two leads felt genuine, and the ending of their story was satisfying in that tortured, dramatic way mafia romance fans love. However, the book ended in a cliffhanger that wasn’t my favorite.

Would definitely recommend to fans of dark romance who are okay with morally grey heroes and high-stakes love.

[Asulley4785 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book Stayed With Me
I didn’t expect A Love That Bleeds to hit me the way it did. From the beginning, the story pulled me in emotionally, and I found myself really caring about the characters and what they were going through. Their pain, their love, and their growth felt real, not polished or perfect—and that made the story so much more powerful for me.
There were moments that genuinely made me pause and sit with my feelings, which doesn’t happen often when I read romance. Shana Collins writes in a way that makes you feel everything alongside the characters—the heartbreak, the hope, and the kind of love that isn’t easy but is deeply meaningful.
When I finished the book, I kept thinking about it, which is always the sign of a great read for me. If you’re looking for an emotional, darker romance that feels raw and honest, I really recommend giving this one a chance.

✨️I received a copy of this book via the author/publisher & I'm reviewing it voluntarily.✨️

[ReneeReads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I typically devour all mafia/Bratva books and thought I would absolutely love this one given the title and description but I was very underwhelmed by this book. The FMC is supposed to be this badass assassin and I just found her to be mediocre at best. If I'm being honest I didn't really like Nikolai either. I guess this book was just not for me.

Because I listened to the audio I have to mention that although the female narrator does a pretty good job, I did not like her for this role. Her tone was very upbeat and friendly and I think it would have been better if she had a more serious tone. Because the narrator didn't fit this role in my mind it made it harder for me to really connect with her.

Narrated by Finnley Cole; Elisabeth Knight

Thank you NetGalley and Audio ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | PolyPen Publishing for access to the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

[Many Shades Of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am truly bummed that I started with the second book in this series because I know I would have appreciated this story even more if I had read book one first. That being said, this story still delivered.

The love in this book isn’t soft and simple. It’s intense, complicated, and layered with pain. The kind of love that forces you to confront past wounds while trying to build something real. The emotional tension carried the story for me. You can feel that these characters have history, and that history bleeds into every interaction.

I really enjoyed the chemistry between the main characters. The connection felt authentic, and when the spice hit, it fit the tone of their relationship — passionate but rooted in emotion rather than just heat.

Overall, I’m walking away wishing I had started from the beginning… which says a lot. I’ll definitely be going back to read book one because I need the full experience.

[Michelle Peralta · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ — A spicy, chaotic assassin romance with serious attitude

Ivy is a fierce FMC who owns every scene she’s in—confident, deadly, and not afraid to stir things up (including some bold FFM and FMF moments). Nikolia is the broody, protective mafia MMC who’s clearly hooked on her from the start. Their chemistry? 🔥

The "touch her and die" vibes, assassin drama, and mysterious backstory kept me reading—but I struggled to connect with the first half. It felt like something was missing. The second half picked up and gave me the action, heat, and emotional threads I was hoping for.

There is a cliffhanger (ugh), and Elise’s character didn’t really land for me, but I’m still curious to see where this wild ride goes next.

Fans of dark romance with strong heroines, high spice, and a dash of chaos might enjoy this more than I did.

[itsallaboutbooksandmacarons · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sequel made me feel the same emotional pull I enjoyed in the first story. Characters continued to challenge each other, pushing limits and exploring trust in a world filled with danger. Their connection felt genuine because it survived conflict instead of avoiding it, and moments of vulnerability balanced the darker edges of the narrative.

Power dynamics and tension shaped the relationship, yet affection and understanding remained present. Watching them navigate obstacles created investment in their journey. The romance was not simple, but that complexity added meaning and depth.

The ending left space for what comes next, which suited the overall tone. It suggested growth and future challenges without closing the door on possibilities. That openness kept interest alive and mirrored the feeling that their story is still unfolding.

[Shellee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little behind on leaving this review.

So, I'm rating this book a 3⭐️. I liked the concept. I liked the concept a lot. But it just didn't hit the mark for me. It felt scattered and rushed. There were times where I was reading, and one sentence the character could be walking down a hallway to be going one way, but then by the next sentence the character is going a totally different direction with no warning.

Some parts were predictable, but when you read a certain genre after a while, it gets like that.

The book isn't terrible. It just wasn't for me. Sentence structure didn't itch my brain the way I liked. And I just found it too scattered and rushed in some parts.

However, I won't let this one book deter me from the author. I will be around to read her other titles!

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Girly you can't just end a book like that when the next one isn't even out yet 😭😭😭
But oh God, did I enjoy this book.
Ivy is a badass assassin, and Nikolai is the Colonel for the bratva. You would think that they wouldn't go together as well as they do, but I think that's what made their love story so good. They shouldn't work together, but they do.
I love how these books are plot-heavy, and not just pure smut. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of spice in here, but the plot makes the whole story. The twists and surprises in this book kept me fully invested, wanting more.
Yall know how I hate a third act breakup..? Well, for once I actually didn't hate it! I ate it uppp.
I love how Ivy is so strong and independent, but she softens when it comes to Nikolai, and vice versa.

[Becky Juarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Ivy wanted to do was help Elimila, the only person she considers a friend, after running from the Cartel. She thought she lost her after she married Dmitri Savin and became a member of the Savin family. After her grandmother passed away Ivy's nightmares came back. The only way to find out the truth to those nightmares is to get closer to her Grandmothers farm. The only thing that she wasn't expecting was the Savin family being a part of it.

After Nikolai had to walk away from the one woman that took his heart when he was a teenager, he never wanted love, marriage, or kids. That was until he saw her again and swore he would never loose her again.

This is another book that is smaller then I usually read but still good. There is a lot of spice in it. Even a bit of MFF spice.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad boys? Check.
Mafia? Check.
Steamy, hot, spicy scenes? Check.
Touch her and die? Check.

A Love That Bleeds was an easy, quick, don't listen in public kind of mafia romance. Want MFF action? Pick this one up. The touch her and die vibes from the get go are hottttttt. The storyline is easy to follow and well nurtured. The characters, while not exactly loveable, it's because they aren't supposed to be.
I sat down to listen to this while working and two things happened. One, I didn't actually get any work done and two, I listened to the whole thing before I did anything else.
It's the second book in the series, but don't let that hinder you. Either just pick up both, or start from here!

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story itself was really strong. I loved the dynamic between Nicolai and Ivy, the tension carried all the way through, and it actually felt earned. Ivy didn’t just fall in love in five seconds, which made their connection way more believable and satisfying to watch unfold.

I’ll admit, this book made me question Elise, who I really loved in book one. That was hard for me. But by the end, she redeemed herself, and I appreciated how that arc played out.

And once again…we’re left on a cliffhanger. I understand the strategy, but it’s painful having to wait instead of diving straight into the next book. That said, the story was genuinely good, and I’m definitely invested enough to keep going.

#alovethatbleeds #netgalley

[Regan · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 Stars audiobook. ALC review.

This just wasn’t for me. I’m not a big fan of sharing unless it’s within a why-choose dynamic or handled really well. I might have been able to overlook it the first time, but the second time completely pulled me out of the story. It took away from the relationship and made it harder for me to feel any real depth between the characters.

The storyline also felt a bit directionless at times, and I’m left with many of the same questions I had after the first book. Based on the ending, it seems like there may be more focus on Elise’s storyline again? I am not sure. I do want to know what happens, so we will see. I hope the next book narrows in on the relationships and plotline.