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Novikov Bratva #1
Ivory Ashes
My new boss is gorgeous, arrogant, and filthy rich.
The only problem?
He doesn't know he's also the father of my baby.
Six years ago, I was supposed to get married.
But the night before the wedding, my groom-to-be showed me sides of himself I'd never seen before.
I might've died in that hotel room...
If Mikhail Novikov hadn't burst in to save me.
Handsome, strong, capable knight in shining armor—sign me up, right?
WRONG.
Because Mikhail wasn't just the hero I never knew I needed...
He was also way more dangerous than I ever could've known.
But for one night, I let myself do something I never should've done.
It was worth it—several times over, if you catch my drift.
In the morning, though, I did the reasonable
I RAN.
For six years, I keep running.
Until I walk into work one day, and find my new boss waiting in my office.
Guess who?
And guess what he does when finds out about our baby?
IVORY ASHES is Book 1 of the Novikov Bratva duet. The story concludes in Book 2, IVORY OATH.
The only problem?
He doesn't know he's also the father of my baby.
Six years ago, I was supposed to get married.
But the night before the wedding, my groom-to-be showed me sides of himself I'd never seen before.
I might've died in that hotel room...
If Mikhail Novikov hadn't burst in to save me.
Handsome, strong, capable knight in shining armor—sign me up, right?
WRONG.
Because Mikhail wasn't just the hero I never knew I needed...
He was also way more dangerous than I ever could've known.
But for one night, I let myself do something I never should've done.
It was worth it—several times over, if you catch my drift.
In the morning, though, I did the reasonable
I RAN.
For six years, I keep running.
Until I walk into work one day, and find my new boss waiting in my office.
Guess who?
And guess what he does when finds out about our baby?
IVORY ASHES is Book 1 of the Novikov Bratva duet. The story concludes in Book 2, IVORY OATH.
528 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2024
5622 people are currently reading
2085 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Fox
195 books4,799 followersNicole Fox writes smart, sexy mafia romance novels. She is a crazy cat lady in her late 30s with a coffee addiction, an overactive imagination, and a husband who somehow puts up with her impulsive need to keep buying new plants for their house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 361 reviews
December 16, 2024
I confirmed again why I hate this writer’s book. Why in the hell Mikhail could think that Viviana needs to convince him to keep her? Why he thinks that Viviana could be better alone when his father wants to kill her? Does he know something about sexuality? Because all he does is to be a horny man but fool because he never thought that maybe Viviana is pregnant? So annoying!!!! How dare him to separate Dante from his mother??? I understand that he could think that love makes you weak, but the writer should actually show to the readers that he loves her, but no!! He doesn’t love her, with all this awful actions, aaaaa I lost a lot time reading this. The book should be Mikhail and his stupidity story instead of Mikhail and Viviana story 🙄
June 1, 2024
This authors books always start out so good, but then the MMC does something so unforgivable and/or stupid that I can barely keep reading. Why does it have to go so far? Ugh.
No thanks. The ending ruined everything. 2.5 🌟 stars rounded up. Only because the first 65% of the book was somewhat tolerable.
No thanks. The ending ruined everything. 2.5 🌟 stars rounded up. Only because the first 65% of the book was somewhat tolerable.
August 3, 2024
I'll never understand people who like (and write) books where the guy is a LOSER from start to finish.
Mikhail is a 35yo adult who can't process, let alone, commit to his emotions, so he spends the whole story being wishy-washy, emotionally manipulative and abusive. Meaning, A FUCKING LOSER.
Whyyyyy would Viviana go to him when she first got pregnant? Why would she trust him with the truth about his brother? Nothing, not ever, this chernobyl garbage bag of a man ever did or said gave her any indication that she could trust or rely on him.
How dare he take away her choices, especially when it came to Dante when he spent the whole book telling everyone and Satan he didn't want to feel anything for them. They weren't supposed to be a family, so what gives him the right?
He deemed his brother unfit to marry her for being physically abusive, then married her himself and proceeded to abuse her in his own special way.
Fuck right off with this foolishness. I curse the day Nicole Fox had access to electricity and decided to waste it on this trash.
Mikhail is a 35yo adult who can't process, let alone, commit to his emotions, so he spends the whole story being wishy-washy, emotionally manipulative and abusive. Meaning, A FUCKING LOSER.
Whyyyyy would Viviana go to him when she first got pregnant? Why would she trust him with the truth about his brother? Nothing, not ever, this chernobyl garbage bag of a man ever did or said gave her any indication that she could trust or rely on him.
How dare he take away her choices, especially when it came to Dante when he spent the whole book telling everyone and Satan he didn't want to feel anything for them. They weren't supposed to be a family, so what gives him the right?
He deemed his brother unfit to marry her for being physically abusive, then married her himself and proceeded to abuse her in his own special way.
Fuck right off with this foolishness. I curse the day Nicole Fox had access to electricity and decided to waste it on this trash.
October 2, 2024
Dum dum duuuuuuuum!
Cliff hanger ending as usual with these fab duets! There is pattern in Nicole's writing that I am staring to predict but still love cos the stressed still so different. I have the second book ready to go so... Byeeeee!
Cliff hanger ending as usual with these fab duets! There is pattern in Nicole's writing that I am staring to predict but still love cos the stressed still so different. I have the second book ready to go so... Byeeeee!
May 27, 2024
Why do I keep doing this to myself??
May 17, 2024
If you're into a blend of mystery, romance, and just the right amount of spice, This book is your jam. It dive into the world of Mikhail, the over-the-top alpha pakhan, and Viv, the tough mafia princess. And let's not forget Dante - that kid is just adorable, rooting for his mom and dad like a champ.
Nicole really nailed it with the characters here. Each one feels fleshed out and real, from the mains to the side players. You can tell she put thought and care into crafting their stories.
Novikov Bratva is a standout in Nicole's repertoire. If you're craving a romance with a little extra oomph, give this one a go.
Nicole really nailed it with the characters here. Each one feels fleshed out and real, from the mains to the side players. You can tell she put thought and care into crafting their stories.
Novikov Bratva is a standout in Nicole's repertoire. If you're craving a romance with a little extra oomph, give this one a go.
May 20, 2024
This book pushed my patience and got on my very last nerve. The H is a pig, the h is a doormat and not very bright to boot, there is no romantic relationship between them and the to-ing and fro-ing would push the patience of a saint! To top it off after 533 long long long pages it ends on a cliffie with the h right back to where she started sans her son, needless to say I won’t be reading the second book…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2024
DNF @ 23%
Honestly, I'm bored. Over 100 pages in, and I'm just not feeling it.
Honestly, I'm bored. Over 100 pages in, and I'm just not feeling it.
June 12, 2024
DNF at 40% - I just couldn’t get into this. I found Viviana rude and the constant griping at Mikhail too annoying
May 18, 2024
Ivory Ashes (Novikov Bratva book 1) By Nicole Fox is a mafia romance. I always enjoy a good mafia story and this one did not disappoint. The plot was full of action, bitter rivalry, intense emotions, and steamy romance. I always wonder how much like these books the real mafia is.
Viviana is set to marry Trofim but the night before the wedding he gets abusive and she is saved by his brother Mikhail. After all of this transpires and more she runs. Several years later they meet up again. Now some decisions need to be made.
It is such a crazy good ride and worth the read! I am excited that book 2 is already out and that you can read it right away!
Viviana is set to marry Trofim but the night before the wedding he gets abusive and she is saved by his brother Mikhail. After all of this transpires and more she runs. Several years later they meet up again. Now some decisions need to be made.
It is such a crazy good ride and worth the read! I am excited that book 2 is already out and that you can read it right away!
October 6, 2025
Probably 2.5 stars
Why would she leave her son at the end without a fight?
Like there were moments where I actually wanted to smash my head
Why would she leave her son at the end without a fight?
Like there were moments where I actually wanted to smash my head
May 22, 2024
So cringy. Definitely a DNF in the first 50 pages.
May 21, 2024
2.5 ★
The book is just a bigger version of the blurb
The book is just a bigger version of the blurb
May 26, 2024
Viviana was sold by her father to the man who would inherit the leadership of Novikov Bratva, but his brother Mikhail beat him in the honeymoon suite before they were married and left her pregnant. Mikhail told Viviana to leave without knowing that she was carrying his child, he exiled his bother and took over the Bratva.
Six years later Mikhail discovers she has his heir on the eve of an important marriage he is about to make to solidify a political power play. He marries Viviana instead.
did not see that coming! Ivory Ashes is one huge surprise after another. I loved both Viviana and Mikhail and I don't think their story could get more intense if they tried. They have insane chemistry but just can't get things figured out, well Mikhail can't anyway.
I get Mikhail is living in a dog eat dog world and needs to be the toughest around but it wouldn't hurt him to be a little more open to love. He was so reluctant about anything that had to do with Viviana that he missed that he was holding his son at arm's length too. I'm not giving up hope on him yet. Hopefully he redeems himself in the next book.
I really enjoyed Viviana. She was spunky, funny, and had great inner monologs. She was brought up in the life so she knew how to be tough to survive but she also allowed herself to be vulnerable. She was willing to put herself out there and I admired that.
I loved the whole dynamic with Anatoly and Raoul. I actually loved Anatoly's whole personality and his devotion to family even after all he's been through. Not to mention he was a hoot. I was on the edge of my seat excited throughout the whole book. It had tons of action but plenty of steam as well
A MUST READ!!!!
September 3, 2024
Ivory Ashes by Nicole Fox
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Viviana Giordano has had her fate destined by an abusive father and the rules of the Bratva world. The physical bruises from her ex-fiancée, Trofim, may have disappeared from her skin but she still holds the PTSD, and scarcity of losing autonomy in the mafia world. Now with freedom, Viviana holds her bags a little tighter, triple checks her doors at night and always has her eye on her son, Dante. That all gets shaken up after six years, when she comes eye to eye to the man who set her freedom; pakhan Mikhail Novikov.
Despite Mikhail’s disgust, Viviana Giordano has been the subject on his mind since their blissful one night stand the day before her wedding to his brother, Trofim. Thus, when he becomes the new CEO of Cerberus Industries to cover his under-the-table transactions and finds out that Viviana—now Margaret—is his assistant, a small voice in his mind is telling him fate may be his biggest bitch. Especially, when he finds out he has a son.
Viviana and Mikhail attempt to push aside their notable attraction and raise their four-year-old son in the polarising world of mafia. The battle between allowing Dante be a typical child and protecting him from the brutality of the Bratva—become key issues between the parents. Nicole Fox articulates the emotions of raising a child in this world brilliantly, she does not sugarcoat the looming threat of violence for the Novikov family and instead introduces us to characters such as Anatoly and Raoul who provide a comedic intervention in the midst of all the murder and mystery.
While the assistant and boss dynamic becomes a significant part of the novel at the start, it takes a back step when there is unexpected death in the family and the secrets individually held by Viviana and Mikhail make themselves known. The writing in these moments is one that I loved, it was mature, clear and certain diction was utilised to emphasise the gravity of Viviana’s new world. Nicole Fox provides immense depth to Viviana as a single mother who is explicitly against the mafia world but is now thrown back into it, her reluctancy to interact with anyone but her love for Dante are constant challenges she faces throughout the plot. Whilst, Mikhail does exhibit controllable tendencies over Viviana and to my disgust, she does submit to them—Viviana is also a very strong woman reflected by past trauma and her ability to flee the mafia world with a son.
Mikhail is a typical mafia man—possessive, demanding and hot. It is quite difficult to love Mikhail’s personality at the start or even digestible, due to his language and crassness with Viviana. Nonetheless, upon reflection, readers begin to realise that there is a method to Mikhail’s madness and the reality of his position is anything but typical.
Mikhail and Viviana as a unit have crazy chemistry, Nicole Fox articles their passion and intimacy through amazing spicy scenes and inner dialogue that betrays the brutality in the mafia world. Whilst, it was nice to see the couple eventually find solace in each other at the end for a second, it would have been quite a departure from the dangerous storyline to see the two be comfortable and in love for a couple more chapters within the book.
As a reader, it was genuinely impressive how intentional Nicole Fox implemented scenes and character building to keep the novel entertaining. At no point, was boredom or dread an experience—instead, I was filled with anticipation, laughs and authentic interest in dissecting the Bratva world of the Novikov family. Ivory Ashes is the first book in the series and does not disappoint, it provides thrilling scenes of violence and that chosen love does not always prevail.
Ps. I’m so upset with the ending, now I need to read the second book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Viviana Giordano has had her fate destined by an abusive father and the rules of the Bratva world. The physical bruises from her ex-fiancée, Trofim, may have disappeared from her skin but she still holds the PTSD, and scarcity of losing autonomy in the mafia world. Now with freedom, Viviana holds her bags a little tighter, triple checks her doors at night and always has her eye on her son, Dante. That all gets shaken up after six years, when she comes eye to eye to the man who set her freedom; pakhan Mikhail Novikov.
Despite Mikhail’s disgust, Viviana Giordano has been the subject on his mind since their blissful one night stand the day before her wedding to his brother, Trofim. Thus, when he becomes the new CEO of Cerberus Industries to cover his under-the-table transactions and finds out that Viviana—now Margaret—is his assistant, a small voice in his mind is telling him fate may be his biggest bitch. Especially, when he finds out he has a son.
Viviana and Mikhail attempt to push aside their notable attraction and raise their four-year-old son in the polarising world of mafia. The battle between allowing Dante be a typical child and protecting him from the brutality of the Bratva—become key issues between the parents. Nicole Fox articulates the emotions of raising a child in this world brilliantly, she does not sugarcoat the looming threat of violence for the Novikov family and instead introduces us to characters such as Anatoly and Raoul who provide a comedic intervention in the midst of all the murder and mystery.
While the assistant and boss dynamic becomes a significant part of the novel at the start, it takes a back step when there is unexpected death in the family and the secrets individually held by Viviana and Mikhail make themselves known. The writing in these moments is one that I loved, it was mature, clear and certain diction was utilised to emphasise the gravity of Viviana’s new world. Nicole Fox provides immense depth to Viviana as a single mother who is explicitly against the mafia world but is now thrown back into it, her reluctancy to interact with anyone but her love for Dante are constant challenges she faces throughout the plot. Whilst, Mikhail does exhibit controllable tendencies over Viviana and to my disgust, she does submit to them—Viviana is also a very strong woman reflected by past trauma and her ability to flee the mafia world with a son.
Mikhail is a typical mafia man—possessive, demanding and hot. It is quite difficult to love Mikhail’s personality at the start or even digestible, due to his language and crassness with Viviana. Nonetheless, upon reflection, readers begin to realise that there is a method to Mikhail’s madness and the reality of his position is anything but typical.
Mikhail and Viviana as a unit have crazy chemistry, Nicole Fox articles their passion and intimacy through amazing spicy scenes and inner dialogue that betrays the brutality in the mafia world. Whilst, it was nice to see the couple eventually find solace in each other at the end for a second, it would have been quite a departure from the dangerous storyline to see the two be comfortable and in love for a couple more chapters within the book.
As a reader, it was genuinely impressive how intentional Nicole Fox implemented scenes and character building to keep the novel entertaining. At no point, was boredom or dread an experience—instead, I was filled with anticipation, laughs and authentic interest in dissecting the Bratva world of the Novikov family. Ivory Ashes is the first book in the series and does not disappoint, it provides thrilling scenes of violence and that chosen love does not always prevail.
Ps. I’m so upset with the ending, now I need to read the second book.
August 9, 2024
Omg so much happened! I usually never read the sequel when it comes to mafia books because the story isn’t interesting enough. I’m going to read the 2nd book because this ended on a cliffhanger and I need to know what happens. My heart goes out to Viviana she’s been the through the gutter. I love her and Dante. Mikhail is so hot and cold. I can’t say I love or hate him it’s complicated at the moment. I do love Anatoly he’s the best. I hope he gets a book because I just know I’ll love it.
May 17, 2024
This is a well written mafia romance with a cast of strong characters centered on Viviana, Mikhail and their son Dante. The author takes you into their lives with action, violence, anxiety, fear, a smokin hot chemistry and some steamy scenes. She kept me turning the pages with surprises, twists and turns and brings the story to life with her vividly painted scenes, delivering a fantastic story that left me with wanting more with the surprised and shocking cliffhanger ending. Loved this story!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
July 14, 2024
just ok
I feel like I already read this book before or plots from Nicole books are so similar. Still, it was a good story tho.
I feel like I already read this book before or plots from Nicole books are so similar. Still, it was a good story tho.
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June 5, 2024this book is totally insane.
i was literally GASSSSSSPING at the twists and turns in this shit. HOLYYYYYYYY ??????? like you are not prepared for what goes down in this book bro. goddamn!!!!! i am reading the second book IMMEDIATELY.
genuinely the guy in this book is crazy and evil but i am so hooked LMAO.
i was literally GASSSSSSPING at the twists and turns in this shit. HOLYYYYYYYY ??????? like you are not prepared for what goes down in this book bro. goddamn!!!!! i am reading the second book IMMEDIATELY.
genuinely the guy in this book is crazy and evil but i am so hooked LMAO.
May 18, 2024
This book was very intense, and it had you from the beginning. Mikhail loves Viviana but he is just scared and thinks he is protecting her. There were so many twists and turns that it held you at the edge of your seat. And the cliffhanger, oh my word!!!!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 30, 2024
Ivory Ashes is book one in the Novikov Bratva duet. A full-length standalone novel with no cheating and ends on a mind-blowing cliffhanger. The story concludes in book two, Ivory Oath. A brilliantly written story with complex individuals and twisty storyline that grabs your attention from the beginning and keeps you riveted and on the edge of your seat and turning the pages until that mind-boggling cliffhanger that leaves the readers hanging on the edge and thirsty for the final installment. A dark, gripping, and twisted story. An absorbing addicting and impossible to put down read. It's compelling and captivating. Hang on to your kindle and make sure that you can clear a day for this tantalizing story. This Mikhail and Viviana story which is told from dual point of view.
A polar opposite attracts romance, mafia romance, forbidden romance, contemporary romance, organize crime story, second chance romance, billionaire romance, mob romance, romantic suspense story, arranged marriage romance, forced marriage romance, forced proximity romance, Bratva romance, action and adventure romance, fake marriage romance, general romance, women's crime fiction story, secret baby story, touch-her-and-die romance with violence, pain, threats, fear, attacks, twists and turns, hurt, drama, power play, darkness, danger, mystery, surprises, madness, past secrets, revelations, tension, angst, anger, emotions, passion, enemies, action packed, power and control, resilience, friendship, steam, physical abuse, revenge, betrayal, retaliation, possessiveness, rivalry, suspense, obsession, kidnapping, deception, lies, family issues, power struggle, alliance, pawn, guilt, kidnapping, jealousy, love, friendship, forgiveness, acceptance and manipulation.
Don Iakov Novikov of the Novikov Bratva and Don Agostino Giordano of the Giordano Bratva sign an agreement for an arranged marriage between Trofim, is the eldest son of the Novikov Bratva's Pakhan and Viviana Agostino only daughter. Agostino agreed to this arranged marriage because he wanted an alliance with a more powerful mafia family. But Don Iakov He told his son that he couldn't have sex with Viviana. But Trofim wasn't upset about not having sex though because the only thing that he desired was to knock her around for the six months that they were together. Iakov Novikov had three son Trofim was his first born who he had been grooming all his life for the position of the pakhan, Mikhail is the spare who believes is not strong enough to lead the Bratva and Anatoly his son from one of his many mistresses who he treats very horribly. Trofim is sadistic, monstrous, vile and villainous. Mikhail is broken, stoic, detached and cold-blooded. He wanted her from the day they met, but pretended that she was invisible when she tried to introduce herself to him at her engagement party. Mikhail had learned a lot about her just by watching and pretending to be invisible to everyone.
He pretends like he doesn't see anything but he does and notice everything. He notice how his brother's fiancee has a fuck me lips and as ass that he wanted to bite. Viviana Giordano is first woman that he wanted, the first woman he craved and wanted to fuck since he lost his wife three years ago. The moment that he lost his daughter and wife, he knew that he was done being the spare to his brother who's the heir. He wanted her for six months and jack off every night to her face in the forefront of his mind. She was on his mind every waking moment. Mikhail thought that his brother Trofim wasn't fit to run the Novikov Bratva and had been planning a hostile takeover of the Bratva for months. His dad overlooked for the job and pour everything into Trofim taking over because he was just like him savage, cruel, monstrous and villainous. On the night before the wedding he decided to make his move. He could've put a stop to Trofim taking the throne anytime but he chose that night before the wedding because he didn't want Trofim to touch Viviana because he thought Trofim wasn't deserving of her.
He went to the bridal suite and came upon his brother intoxicated and was beating Viviana. He gave Trofim a warning and to touch her again which he laughed at. He saw a way where he could use one stone and kill two problems the night when he beat Trofim to an inch of his life and getting him out of the line of succession of throne and fucking Viviana out of his system. Mikhail took off the family signet ring off finger after he won the one sided fight then tells him to leave and never come back and if he do that he would kill him. He exiled Trofim and exiled him then told his dad that he was taking over the Bratva and he couldn't stop it. He saved Viviana from years of abuse and cheating. Mikhail father and his father's before just get married impregnate their wives then fuck everything that walk. And that's what Trofim was going to do to Viviana. He would spend the next lifetime cheating on her with a revolving door of mistresses. It's a real noble lineage of the Novikov pakhans fucking anything with a heartbeat wedding vows be damned.
He was the only freak who broke the mold. He and Alyona got married when they were only twenty-three and he had never strayed from her. After he beat up Trofim he told Viviana to run, but she was so shell-shocked that she just stood there. After they finished having sex and Mikhail fell asleep she ran. However, she later found out that she was pregnant with his child. She then went into hiding and changed her name to Margaret and gave birth to her son Dante. Viviana is now working as an Administrative Assistant to the CEO of Cerberus Industries. She never thought that she would see Mikhail again after that night and has been running and hiding since in fear of what he would do because she has his heir and she knows that that means in their world. However, as fate would have it fast forward six years later she ran into Mikhail after he as as just did a hostile takeover of the company that she worked at Cerberus Industries buying the whole building for his money laundering from his gun running business. Margaret is the head honcho around Cerberus nothing happens without her knowledge and everything goes through her.
One morning she was running late because of Dante and was praying that her boss and CEO Mr. Frederickson wouldn't be too hard on her or fire her. But when she hot there the receptionist stopped her in the lobby and tells her that her boss along with the entire board of directors has been replaced. Mikhail was now her new boss the worst thing that could have ever happen to her. Mikhail had been looking for Viviana ever since their encounter and had hired a P.I. to find her for the last six years but his P.I.has been unsuccessful. He thought that she was out of his system but she's not. When the two came face-to-face Viviana was shook because she has his son plus she didn't know what he would do. Mikhail still has a thing for her but he can not understand why she's acting so afraid of him after he helped her and told her to run. He knows that she was hiding something so he tells Raoul to follow her and he got the shock of his life when he found out that he has a son who she robbed him of being a father to.
She was trying to run again but he tells her that he's taking them to his house for their safety because if anyone learns their identity and who they are to him they would both be dead.
Mikhail is engaged to Helen Drakos, the Greek mafia princess who got with in order to form an alliance. His alliance with the Greeks will solidified soon, thus giving him access to their ports all along the Eastern seaboard. He will control imports of millions of dollars worth of illegal weapons, utilize the Bratva's already robust cross-country shipping infrastructure and then launder the profits through Cerberus. Although he's engaged he forced Viviana into a marriage he didn't give her much of a choice, marriage or lose your son. Mikhail had made a promise to his wife as he stand over her and his daughter that he would never have another family nor love again because he couldn't protect her. He runs hot and cold towards her because he doesn't know what to do with the feelings swirling inside his head and he refuse to let her in. But yet still he tells her that she's his and no man gets the chance to touch her again unless he's going to kill him. She finds a good friend in Stella and Anatoly Mikhail fun-loving nosey brother. Mikhail wowed to take care of his son and her but both parties wanted two different things and was going in opposite direction this subsequently put Viviana in danger when she didn't followed Mikhail's rules leaving the readers hanging on the ledge with a nail-biting cliffhanger.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
A polar opposite attracts romance, mafia romance, forbidden romance, contemporary romance, organize crime story, second chance romance, billionaire romance, mob romance, romantic suspense story, arranged marriage romance, forced marriage romance, forced proximity romance, Bratva romance, action and adventure romance, fake marriage romance, general romance, women's crime fiction story, secret baby story, touch-her-and-die romance with violence, pain, threats, fear, attacks, twists and turns, hurt, drama, power play, darkness, danger, mystery, surprises, madness, past secrets, revelations, tension, angst, anger, emotions, passion, enemies, action packed, power and control, resilience, friendship, steam, physical abuse, revenge, betrayal, retaliation, possessiveness, rivalry, suspense, obsession, kidnapping, deception, lies, family issues, power struggle, alliance, pawn, guilt, kidnapping, jealousy, love, friendship, forgiveness, acceptance and manipulation.
Don Iakov Novikov of the Novikov Bratva and Don Agostino Giordano of the Giordano Bratva sign an agreement for an arranged marriage between Trofim, is the eldest son of the Novikov Bratva's Pakhan and Viviana Agostino only daughter. Agostino agreed to this arranged marriage because he wanted an alliance with a more powerful mafia family. But Don Iakov He told his son that he couldn't have sex with Viviana. But Trofim wasn't upset about not having sex though because the only thing that he desired was to knock her around for the six months that they were together. Iakov Novikov had three son Trofim was his first born who he had been grooming all his life for the position of the pakhan, Mikhail is the spare who believes is not strong enough to lead the Bratva and Anatoly his son from one of his many mistresses who he treats very horribly. Trofim is sadistic, monstrous, vile and villainous. Mikhail is broken, stoic, detached and cold-blooded. He wanted her from the day they met, but pretended that she was invisible when she tried to introduce herself to him at her engagement party. Mikhail had learned a lot about her just by watching and pretending to be invisible to everyone.
He pretends like he doesn't see anything but he does and notice everything. He notice how his brother's fiancee has a fuck me lips and as ass that he wanted to bite. Viviana Giordano is first woman that he wanted, the first woman he craved and wanted to fuck since he lost his wife three years ago. The moment that he lost his daughter and wife, he knew that he was done being the spare to his brother who's the heir. He wanted her for six months and jack off every night to her face in the forefront of his mind. She was on his mind every waking moment. Mikhail thought that his brother Trofim wasn't fit to run the Novikov Bratva and had been planning a hostile takeover of the Bratva for months. His dad overlooked for the job and pour everything into Trofim taking over because he was just like him savage, cruel, monstrous and villainous. On the night before the wedding he decided to make his move. He could've put a stop to Trofim taking the throne anytime but he chose that night before the wedding because he didn't want Trofim to touch Viviana because he thought Trofim wasn't deserving of her.
He went to the bridal suite and came upon his brother intoxicated and was beating Viviana. He gave Trofim a warning and to touch her again which he laughed at. He saw a way where he could use one stone and kill two problems the night when he beat Trofim to an inch of his life and getting him out of the line of succession of throne and fucking Viviana out of his system. Mikhail took off the family signet ring off finger after he won the one sided fight then tells him to leave and never come back and if he do that he would kill him. He exiled Trofim and exiled him then told his dad that he was taking over the Bratva and he couldn't stop it. He saved Viviana from years of abuse and cheating. Mikhail father and his father's before just get married impregnate their wives then fuck everything that walk. And that's what Trofim was going to do to Viviana. He would spend the next lifetime cheating on her with a revolving door of mistresses. It's a real noble lineage of the Novikov pakhans fucking anything with a heartbeat wedding vows be damned.
He was the only freak who broke the mold. He and Alyona got married when they were only twenty-three and he had never strayed from her. After he beat up Trofim he told Viviana to run, but she was so shell-shocked that she just stood there. After they finished having sex and Mikhail fell asleep she ran. However, she later found out that she was pregnant with his child. She then went into hiding and changed her name to Margaret and gave birth to her son Dante. Viviana is now working as an Administrative Assistant to the CEO of Cerberus Industries. She never thought that she would see Mikhail again after that night and has been running and hiding since in fear of what he would do because she has his heir and she knows that that means in their world. However, as fate would have it fast forward six years later she ran into Mikhail after he as as just did a hostile takeover of the company that she worked at Cerberus Industries buying the whole building for his money laundering from his gun running business. Margaret is the head honcho around Cerberus nothing happens without her knowledge and everything goes through her.
One morning she was running late because of Dante and was praying that her boss and CEO Mr. Frederickson wouldn't be too hard on her or fire her. But when she hot there the receptionist stopped her in the lobby and tells her that her boss along with the entire board of directors has been replaced. Mikhail was now her new boss the worst thing that could have ever happen to her. Mikhail had been looking for Viviana ever since their encounter and had hired a P.I. to find her for the last six years but his P.I.has been unsuccessful. He thought that she was out of his system but she's not. When the two came face-to-face Viviana was shook because she has his son plus she didn't know what he would do. Mikhail still has a thing for her but he can not understand why she's acting so afraid of him after he helped her and told her to run. He knows that she was hiding something so he tells Raoul to follow her and he got the shock of his life when he found out that he has a son who she robbed him of being a father to.
She was trying to run again but he tells her that he's taking them to his house for their safety because if anyone learns their identity and who they are to him they would both be dead.
Mikhail is engaged to Helen Drakos, the Greek mafia princess who got with in order to form an alliance. His alliance with the Greeks will solidified soon, thus giving him access to their ports all along the Eastern seaboard. He will control imports of millions of dollars worth of illegal weapons, utilize the Bratva's already robust cross-country shipping infrastructure and then launder the profits through Cerberus. Although he's engaged he forced Viviana into a marriage he didn't give her much of a choice, marriage or lose your son. Mikhail had made a promise to his wife as he stand over her and his daughter that he would never have another family nor love again because he couldn't protect her. He runs hot and cold towards her because he doesn't know what to do with the feelings swirling inside his head and he refuse to let her in. But yet still he tells her that she's his and no man gets the chance to touch her again unless he's going to kill him. She finds a good friend in Stella and Anatoly Mikhail fun-loving nosey brother. Mikhail wowed to take care of his son and her but both parties wanted two different things and was going in opposite direction this subsequently put Viviana in danger when she didn't followed Mikhail's rules leaving the readers hanging on the ledge with a nail-biting cliffhanger.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2024
Okay let's talk about how much of piece a poop is Mikhail. Omg he frustrated me so much. They way he is in denial about how he feels about Viviana and continues to hurt her emotionally. If he was real I would of kicked him in the knee caps then use his toothbrush to scrub the toilet.
I'm going to be with "Nat" wearing "team Viv" t-shirts.
I'm going to be with "Nat" wearing "team Viv" t-shirts.
no
May 20, 2024Annoying h 🤯
May 20, 2024
Great cover
I seriously wanted to like this book but only made it to page 118. I found it to boring for me to continue. Run from this book. Shirley
I seriously wanted to like this book but only made it to page 118. I found it to boring for me to continue. Run from this book. Shirley
May 25, 2024
A Bratva Tale
Viviana was sold by her father to the man who would inherit the leadership of Novikov Bratva, but his brother Mikhail beat him in the honeymoon suite before they were married and left her pregnant. Mikhail told Viviana to leave without knowing that she was carrying his child, he exiled his brother and took over the Bratva.
Six years later Mikhail discovers she has his heir on the eve of an important marriage he is about to make to solidify a political power play. He marries Viviana instead.
This was somewhat exciting, but in my mind it was not at all romantic since both sides ran hot and cold having little trust for anyone having lived the Bratva life. They both want something different, but in the end we are left with a terrible cliff hanger and Mikhail and Viviana going different ways with Viviana in danger. Three and a half stars and I hate that I will need to read the next book.
Viviana was sold by her father to the man who would inherit the leadership of Novikov Bratva, but his brother Mikhail beat him in the honeymoon suite before they were married and left her pregnant. Mikhail told Viviana to leave without knowing that she was carrying his child, he exiled his brother and took over the Bratva.
Six years later Mikhail discovers she has his heir on the eve of an important marriage he is about to make to solidify a political power play. He marries Viviana instead.
This was somewhat exciting, but in my mind it was not at all romantic since both sides ran hot and cold having little trust for anyone having lived the Bratva life. They both want something different, but in the end we are left with a terrible cliff hanger and Mikhail and Viviana going different ways with Viviana in danger. Three and a half stars and I hate that I will need to read the next book.
June 1, 2025
There is A LOT going on with this book. It's messy and chaotic. Both the hero and heroine make mistakes and grab the idiot ball at times. There are deaths, kidnappings, double-crosses. It's just a whole lot of everything. And it ends on a cliffhanger too.
I wouldn't say I actually liked this book because it was just too much of the "everything" to be an enjoyable reading experience, but it did still keep my interest enough that, when I found out it ended on a cliffhanger, I went and grabbed the next book right away.
The characters were frustrating and the world infuriating, but it all came together to make this beautiful disaster that, while not exactly fun, was at least interesting.
Like I said. This wasn't a fun book to read, exactly. It was dark and messy. The relationship was built on as much hate as it was love. The world they inhabit is ugly and unforgiving. But it was a compelling-enough read that I went and downloaded book 2 to find out what happened next, so there's that!
I wouldn't say I actually liked this book because it was just too much of the "everything" to be an enjoyable reading experience, but it did still keep my interest enough that, when I found out it ended on a cliffhanger, I went and grabbed the next book right away.
The characters were frustrating and the world infuriating, but it all came together to make this beautiful disaster that, while not exactly fun, was at least interesting.
Like I said. This wasn't a fun book to read, exactly. It was dark and messy. The relationship was built on as much hate as it was love. The world they inhabit is ugly and unforgiving. But it was a compelling-enough read that I went and downloaded book 2 to find out what happened next, so there's that!
May 17, 2024
Viviana is the daughter of Agostino Giordano a mafia don. Viviana is engaged to Trofim Novikov. It’s an arranged marriage. He is an abusive man. At their engagement party Viviana introduced herself to Trofim’s brother but he wouldn’t even talk to her. The night before Viviana is suppose to get married Trofim is beating on her when the door burst open and his brother threatens to kill him if he laid another hand on Viviana. Mikhail came to take the signet ring of the Novikov Bratva. Mikhail can’t stand Trofim. After Mikhail sent Trofim packing to Siberia Viviana and Mikhail ended up having sex. Six years have passed and Viviana is living under an assumed name of Margaret and she has a five year old son named Dante who looks just like his dad. Viviana works as the administrative assistant to the CEO of Cerberus Industries. When she gets in to work late one morning it’s to find out that Cerberus has been taken over a hostile takeover. As she is walking to her office she hears someone call Viviana and when she turns around she sees Mikhail. Viviana immediately starts thinking about going on the run because she doesn’t want Mikhail to see his son. Mikhail has men trying to find out where Viviana is when she leaves early. Mikhail shows up at her apartment and demands that his son live with him and Viviana can come too. The day after Viviana and Dante move in with Mikhail he demands that Viviana marry. Mikhail can’t stop thinking about Viviana and he has been thinking about her for six years, he hasn’t been with another woman since he was with her six years ago. Mikhail got engaged to a woman from Greece, Helen as a business deal. Viviana has fantasized about Mikhail for six years. Mikhail lost his first wife and daughter to a war and he can’t do that again. So Mikhail runs very hot and very cold which makes Viviana crazy. Mikhail gets close to Dante. Mikhail and Viviana have sex occasionally. Mikhail gets notified that Trofim was murdered. He becomes more protective over Viviana and Dante. Mikhail’s father Iakov finds out about his marriage to Viviana and the fact that he has a son. Mikhail finds out that Viviana killed Trofim. He sends her away instead of letting his father kill her especially after the Greeks find out about the marriage. The Greeks start a war. Viviana and Dante get kidnapped. Will Mikhail be able to save them? Will Mikhail send Viviana away to save Dante? Will Viviana get a surprise right after she finds out she is pregnant with Mikhail’s second child? Will Viviana be able to survive to give birth without someone trying to kill her?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via BookFunnel.
Magnificent Novikov Bratva Book One!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via BookFunnel.
Magnificent Novikov Bratva Book One!
May 26, 2024
A love-hate relationship between a Mafia princess and a bratva Don
Viviana was given away by her father, the leader of a small mafia, to the bratva's oldest son and heir. On the night before the wedding, just in time to stop a beating, the second eldest son, Mikhail, came in and put a stop to it, beat him up, took the family ring off the oldest's finger, and exiled him. He told Viviana to leave, but she didn't before they had a one night stand. After Mikhail fell asleep, she did exactly what he told her to do... she fleed.
Six years later and a single mom, she's been on the run. She forged documents for herself under a new name, was renting an apartment for her and her son, and was the PA of a fairly successful company. She was being cautious, but she'd managed to stay under the radar until someone bought out the company. Suddenly, she was discovered and had to run again.
It doesn't take long for Mikhail to realize she had a child... HIS child. When he finds out, he takes them both to his home. He's mad she kept it from him, but for multiple reasons, I totally see why she did. Firstly, she only did what he told her to do - run. He told her he had no intention of becoming her groom in lieu of his brother. She also grew up in a crime family and didn't want her son to grow up in that world. After six years on the run, it looks like it was all for nothing.
Mikhail wants Dante as his heir. It's rightfully his place, after all. It DOES throw a wrench in his plans, though. Things all go to heck, a war is started, and danger is coming for Viviana and Dante on more than one front.
Tough decisions are made at the end, secrets are still being kept (including true feelings, which Mikhail believes have no place in the matter), and this leads us to a cliffhanger.
It's a good thing the second book is out at the moment!
I love the secondary characters in this story, especially Anatoly, Mikhail's half-brother. He's definitely the one to add some comedic relief in the story when there needs to be some, and he helps to balance out Mikhail's stoic and moody persona. I hate that something was taken from him in this book, but I hope good comes for him!
Viviana was given away by her father, the leader of a small mafia, to the bratva's oldest son and heir. On the night before the wedding, just in time to stop a beating, the second eldest son, Mikhail, came in and put a stop to it, beat him up, took the family ring off the oldest's finger, and exiled him. He told Viviana to leave, but she didn't before they had a one night stand. After Mikhail fell asleep, she did exactly what he told her to do... she fleed.
Six years later and a single mom, she's been on the run. She forged documents for herself under a new name, was renting an apartment for her and her son, and was the PA of a fairly successful company. She was being cautious, but she'd managed to stay under the radar until someone bought out the company. Suddenly, she was discovered and had to run again.
It doesn't take long for Mikhail to realize she had a child... HIS child. When he finds out, he takes them both to his home. He's mad she kept it from him, but for multiple reasons, I totally see why she did. Firstly, she only did what he told her to do - run. He told her he had no intention of becoming her groom in lieu of his brother. She also grew up in a crime family and didn't want her son to grow up in that world. After six years on the run, it looks like it was all for nothing.
Mikhail wants Dante as his heir. It's rightfully his place, after all. It DOES throw a wrench in his plans, though. Things all go to heck, a war is started, and danger is coming for Viviana and Dante on more than one front.
Tough decisions are made at the end, secrets are still being kept (including true feelings, which Mikhail believes have no place in the matter), and this leads us to a cliffhanger.
It's a good thing the second book is out at the moment!
I love the secondary characters in this story, especially Anatoly, Mikhail's half-brother. He's definitely the one to add some comedic relief in the story when there needs to be some, and he helps to balance out Mikhail's stoic and moody persona. I hate that something was taken from him in this book, but I hope good comes for him!
May 17, 2024
My new boss is gorgeous, arrogant, and filthy rich. The only problem? He doesn't know he's also the father of my baby.
Six years ago, I was supposed to get married. But the night before the wedding, my groom-to-be showed me sides of himself I'd never seen before. I might've died in that hotel room... If Mikhail Novikov hadn't burst in to save me. Handsome, strong, capable knight in shining armor—sign me up, right?
WRONG.
Because Mikhail wasn't just the hero I never knew I needed... He was also way more dangerous than I ever could've known.
But for one night, I let myself do something I never should've done. It was worth it—several times over, if you catch my drift. In the morning, though, I did the reasonable thing:
I RAN.
For six years, I keep running. Until I walk into work one day, and find my new boss waiting in my office. Guess who? And guess what he does when finds out about our baby?
Another Nicole Fox classic - no one writes dark mafia romance like she does! Once again, she has excelled. Mikhail and Viviana’s relationship is tumultuous - with many twists and turns around each corner. To complicate everything, they have three mafia families trying to kill Viviana - her family, Mikhail’s family and his ex-fiancée’s! On top of that, you cannot forget the adorable and precocious five year old son, Dante, that Mikhail did not know about! Never a dull moment 😊
As per standard for Nicole’s Bratva Mafia Romance stories, it is dark in places, violent and dark at times, passion, secrets, loyalty and let’s not forget the heat 🔥🔥between Mikhail and Viviana. The chemistry between these two are off the page!
A thoroughly enjoyable read from page to page, one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
Six years ago, I was supposed to get married. But the night before the wedding, my groom-to-be showed me sides of himself I'd never seen before. I might've died in that hotel room... If Mikhail Novikov hadn't burst in to save me. Handsome, strong, capable knight in shining armor—sign me up, right?
WRONG.
Because Mikhail wasn't just the hero I never knew I needed... He was also way more dangerous than I ever could've known.
But for one night, I let myself do something I never should've done. It was worth it—several times over, if you catch my drift. In the morning, though, I did the reasonable thing:
I RAN.
For six years, I keep running. Until I walk into work one day, and find my new boss waiting in my office. Guess who? And guess what he does when finds out about our baby?
Another Nicole Fox classic - no one writes dark mafia romance like she does! Once again, she has excelled. Mikhail and Viviana’s relationship is tumultuous - with many twists and turns around each corner. To complicate everything, they have three mafia families trying to kill Viviana - her family, Mikhail’s family and his ex-fiancée’s! On top of that, you cannot forget the adorable and precocious five year old son, Dante, that Mikhail did not know about! Never a dull moment 😊
As per standard for Nicole’s Bratva Mafia Romance stories, it is dark in places, violent and dark at times, passion, secrets, loyalty and let’s not forget the heat 🔥🔥between Mikhail and Viviana. The chemistry between these two are off the page!
A thoroughly enjoyable read from page to page, one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
July 11, 2024
Ivory Ashes
(Novikov Bratva Book #1)
By Nicole Fox
Viviana was meant to marry Trofim Novikov, her father Don Agostino Giordano had promised Viviana to him. Trofim’s idea of fun was physically punishing her so when Mikhail Novikov showed up the day of their wedding to take over the Novikov Bratva and become the new Pakhan, she may finally have a chance to run. Mikhail got rid of Trofim, that was a relief. Mikhail (who’d had a bit of an obssession with her) and Viviana have a one night only moment and at the end Mikhail tells her to run and she took advantage of that.
Six years later, Mikhail has made a pact the Greek mafia, they give him places to store his wares, he will marry Helen Drako a Greek daughter and be done with it. Forget that he hated her, forget he had no intentions of having a family with her. The day he took over Ceerberus Industries was the day he found Viviana again, what he didn’t know that she didn’t come alone, she had a five year old littlle boy Dante…who was Mikhail’s son.
I’ve been reading Nicole Fox for years…she likes to give readers the back story, the story of her MC’s in book one then set readers up for what is always a good ending. So if you don’t like Cliff Hangers…this might not be the story for you.
But if you like lots of action, mafia and bratva fathers who have raised damaged sons and daughters, charaters that have alreay lost at love and mafia wars, then this book is for you.
While Mikhail, Viviana and Dante try to work through all sorts of emotions to become a family, there is always a dark memory that steps in, or truths that aren’t told put them in positions that are uncomfortable for all. Well maybe not little Dante, he loves his mother and he takes a shining to his father Mikhail.
With side characters like: Anatoly (Mikhail’s brother), Raoul (his right hand man), Stella (works for Mikhail at his house/also Anatoly’s love interest) they are the ones who often ground Viviana or Mikhail when tempers flair, they are also major players in Dante’s new life.
The attraction between Mikhail and Viviana keeps this story hot, spicy and steamy.
The twists and turns take readers places they never expected to go and the action continues right up until the last page…and what happens on the last page is probably not anything you would have expected. Yet another great mafia/bratva story.
(Novikov Bratva Book #1)
By Nicole Fox
Viviana was meant to marry Trofim Novikov, her father Don Agostino Giordano had promised Viviana to him. Trofim’s idea of fun was physically punishing her so when Mikhail Novikov showed up the day of their wedding to take over the Novikov Bratva and become the new Pakhan, she may finally have a chance to run. Mikhail got rid of Trofim, that was a relief. Mikhail (who’d had a bit of an obssession with her) and Viviana have a one night only moment and at the end Mikhail tells her to run and she took advantage of that.
Six years later, Mikhail has made a pact the Greek mafia, they give him places to store his wares, he will marry Helen Drako a Greek daughter and be done with it. Forget that he hated her, forget he had no intentions of having a family with her. The day he took over Ceerberus Industries was the day he found Viviana again, what he didn’t know that she didn’t come alone, she had a five year old littlle boy Dante…who was Mikhail’s son.
I’ve been reading Nicole Fox for years…she likes to give readers the back story, the story of her MC’s in book one then set readers up for what is always a good ending. So if you don’t like Cliff Hangers…this might not be the story for you.
But if you like lots of action, mafia and bratva fathers who have raised damaged sons and daughters, charaters that have alreay lost at love and mafia wars, then this book is for you.
While Mikhail, Viviana and Dante try to work through all sorts of emotions to become a family, there is always a dark memory that steps in, or truths that aren’t told put them in positions that are uncomfortable for all. Well maybe not little Dante, he loves his mother and he takes a shining to his father Mikhail.
With side characters like: Anatoly (Mikhail’s brother), Raoul (his right hand man), Stella (works for Mikhail at his house/also Anatoly’s love interest) they are the ones who often ground Viviana or Mikhail when tempers flair, they are also major players in Dante’s new life.
The attraction between Mikhail and Viviana keeps this story hot, spicy and steamy.
The twists and turns take readers places they never expected to go and the action continues right up until the last page…and what happens on the last page is probably not anything you would have expected. Yet another great mafia/bratva story.
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