Ivory Oath

Novikov Bratva #2

by Nicole Fox

My ex came back from the dead,
and stole me away from my happily ever after.
And somehow, that's not even the worst of my problems.

Because I've also been separated from my son.
My father is trying to kill me.
And my husband thinks I'm pregnant—but the truth is that I lost the baby...
and I don't know how to tell him.

Basically, my whole world's on fire.

So I have a choice to
I can take my son and run from this life...
Or I can beg Mikhail to leave it behind with us.

Will we make it if I run?
Will he come with us if I plead?
Or will all our mistakes drag us down the path we swore we'd never take?

IVORY OATH is Book 2 of the Novikov Bratva duet. Mikhail and Viviana’s story starts in Book 1, IVORY ASHES.

Genres: Romance, Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Second Chance, Surprise Pregnancy, Dark

530 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2024

About the author

Nicole 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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Reviews

[eliza]

someone fr pls save this woman bc i am concerned for her well being LMAOOOO ?!?!?!?! the level to which the guy mistreats her is so unsexy so unromantic and so bizarre that i was like?!?!?!! bro. i’m ok with the guy being a little mean and evil bc it can be sexy but he repeatedly gets in fights with her, calls her crazy, talks about her “hormones”, and locks her up in rooms/buildings against her will.

the guy in this book is actually insane 😭 the first book he was giving off “sexy evil mafia guy” vibes and in the second book he fully switched to “insane abusive violent gaslighting crazy guy”.

man literally got mad and yelled at her about every little thing, locked her in rooms ?????, sent their son away to a boarding school while she was sleeping?????? bro 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 i was AGHAST !!!!!!!

she had so much chemistry with anatoly (who was mostly well adjusted and seemed to genuinely care about her) and he was always there for her after mikhail flipped out at her for no reason lmao.

bro’s trauma is zero excuse for half of the shit he pulled in this book 😭😭😭😭 he threatened to literally kill her because she found out she wasn’t pregnant after having a false positive and told her that he thought she lied to him about it on purpose?!?!?) bro…:…….

i was literally 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

anyway i had a grand old time reading this duology but wtaf is wrong with this freak man 😭😭😭😭😭

[diyareads · Rating 1 out of 5]

Its so bad that it put me in a bookslump

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Violence and Drama

I read this second book in a series Bratva Romance because I was offered a new Nicole Fox book and I said, “Sure, why not?” Then I was stuck with this violent drama where the main characters kept the back and forth of being terribly in love and not trusting the other because they were raised Bratva and life taught them that no one was to be trusted.

This wasn’t my thing, but I needed to kill time while. Three star smut.

[Khai’lya · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have never written a review on Goodreads before but this book really did a good job at really fucking up my day. Now in book one, I felt that the FMC was doing a bit too much when it came to MMC being in the child’s life but as time progressed, she started to get better. Because of the last 30% of the book 1 and the entirety of book 2, The MMC deserves an out of this world ass whooping. Fucking with me, he would have been pushed in traffic but the FMC ain’t innocent either. To the FMC, You need to stand up and quit drinking dumb bitch juice because you folded like a pretzel after being back a day or two. As a reminder, below is a list of some of the things this man did to you

• locked you in your room while knowing that you’re claustrophobic from past trauma
• accused you of manipulating him using your vagina
• Took your son from you and threatened to send him to Russia
• Became upset with you because you killed his abusive brother who he exiled so that you could better protect his child
• told you that he didn’t want you after you hinted at having feelings for him
• took your child from you AGAIN and kicked you out of his house with only a car and a couple of thousand dollars

And that’s not even everything but what did you do after all of that? Forgive him because he told you that he loved you. My personal mission in life after that would be to emotionally break him down until he can’t think of me without wanting to cry. I am not one for violence but for him? I’ll make an exception. I read this second book of this series in hopes that I would get to see vengeance being served but was instead left feeling angry and violent. Both of you deserve an ass whooping and I wish I could rate the book a zero because what the fuck was that.

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some people should not be called a writer, this “duet” was absolute shit

[Kathleen Lanman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t know why I keep reading Nicole Fox. There are some good elements, but the stupidity of both MCs continuing to make bad choices just to have some sort of plot is so annoying. For example, the FMC deliberately chooses to withhold something from the MMC, despite the fact that this exact behavior has caused multiple massive fights and she KNOWS this will hurt him. The FMC at one point suffers from such debilitating claustrophobia that she completely flips out. But then the MMC repeatedly locks her in, and when she’s abducted and chained up multiple times she seems less traumatized? Speaking of trauma, how is Dante not catatonic by the end? Between this duo and other books I’ve read, the author seems to have a very shaky understanding of pregnancy and child rearing.

Also annoying is the way both their fathers and his brother just pop up out of nowhere at a plot convenient time in both books. Their fathers’ BS about how important bloodlines are makes zero sense when they dismiss and ignore the existence of Dante. Mikhail must be the worst Pakhan ever if his security is constantly circumvented by multiple bad guys but he can’t find his enemies for months.

[Rhylee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bratva Light. Tedious & Annoying

⚠️Spoilers⚠️

The second book was a huge disappointment compared to the first one. This duet and especially the second book was so light on the mafia trope that I wanted to scream. Viviana also drove me nuts in this book. She over exaggerated everything, her non stop inner dialogue was annoying af and although at times her actions were strong, her overall behaviors & dialogue were not.

This book could have been half its size or preferably rewritten so there was a true bratva storyline instead on 90% of the book sex which got boring & irritating to the point I skimmed and skipped over it by the time I got to the end of the book. If not every chapter, then every other chapter had the same boring sex dialogue and sex scenes. Due to that, the MMC was an awful Bratva leader over both books. He never did anything right. Didn't plan or secure anything. Never hit first and was always on defense in every battle. It was obvious throughout both books that they had several snitches in their organization and never did shit to find them. The FBI angle was thrown in for no reason, they came arrested the MMC returned him in 2 days and dropped the storyline. We never find out why they came when they did, who the one sentence that mentioned an informat was and never wrapped that storyline up. It just came in out of nowhere and disappeared just as quickly.

The Greeks got away with everything, the Italian Mafia should have reverted to the MMC since Viviana was the only heir and married to the head of the Bratva which all he had to do was take out her evil dad and he would have controlled both , overcome the Greek problem & no one would have gone after him BUT instead, the author decided to have him give up and hand the Bratva over to the Colombian leader who murdered his first family 10 yrs before to get out because Viviana wanted that even though she was a mafia princess and knew the life and what she was getting into both times she married the MMC. I got to the point where I just couldn't stand her. Then there was a second engagement and attempted marriage to the Greek princess & psycho older brother the MMC took the Bratva from. Only problem is, both Viviana & the MMC were still married to each other so neither of them could have married the other people. It was so stupid I was rolling my eyes. Fyi- their kind Dante was a brat most of the time who got everything he wanted. Yeah, annoying.

This entire book made no sense in the mafia trope aspect and although the physical writing is good, the story and plot were awful. I also hate this trope when the author ends it with the cop out of giving up their mafia/Bratva family. He doesn't even hand it over to a family member. And you can't just get out. Someone is always going to be hunting for you. Fyi- this bratva leader hands over the reigns before the 3 threats to his family are taken care of which is just more terrible story writing. Then for no reason the author kills off Raoule at the end after the Bratva has been handed off to his father. From a plot & storyline aspect for this genre, it was the most disappointing mess I've read in a while.

Not Recommended!

[Lollie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 48% id of had more fun with a yoyo

[Read_withchan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Novikov Bratva duet is one heck of a rollercoaster ride through mafia territory, love on the edge, and the chaos that ensues when two worlds collide. Viviana Giordano's got a problem, her dad's got this brilliant plan to merge their family with the Novikovs but Vivi’s not exactly thrilled about marrying the brute Trofim, an abusive brute. Who comes to her rescue on her wedding day? Trofim’s brother Mikhail Novikov. However in an unexpected twist, not only does he save her from a horrible marriage, they also share a night of spice.

Mikhail I wanted to smack a few times to knock some sense into him. He was all powerful yet awfully short sighted when it came to Viviana. He did prove himself though, especially with Dante. He was protective and adoring with him. His groveling game needs work though because he sure put Viviana through the wringer.

Viviana was strong. She made some questionable decisions but her heart was in the right place. She stayed loyal, even after all she was put through. I loved her connection with Anatoly. She was a friend to those who deserved it and she was fiercely protective of Dante.

Anatoly and his wry humor were a highlight for me. You could count on him to say something inappropriate and leave you with a smile… I want his book! I like his character more than Mikhail.

[Angie.andbooks · Rating 1 out of 5]

Again, I feel like I already read this book before or plots from Nicole books are so similar.
Also, the way they were co hot & cold with each other was soooo annoying 🤷‍♀️

[Jennifer Garrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the first book in the series more than the second. The MFC just lost some of her appeal and became a bit annoying. Still enjoy Fox’s books but just love a strong FMC.

[Laura Cruz · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

I made it to 26% with this one. The round and round with this couple is exhausting. The same mistakes over and over. I feel like this is what happens when you do duet books, just prolonging the drama in unenjoyable ways. I usually don’t read duets for this reason, but the first book caught my attention. I just can’t keep going on this one though. Mikhail is a good character until he’s not. And he’s just not when he’s making the same dumb assumptions and irrational choices for the umpteenth time. And I like Viviana well enough, but being repeatedly put in this situation with Mikhail and her not leaving, essentially because they love each other because the sex is good 😒 please. Toxic crap

[Kelly C Elliott · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the ending, but it was a JOURNEY to get there

Not my favorite, but I did reluctantly finish it. Very tumultuous with miscommunication all over the place. I preferred the first book, Ivory Ashes, for pacing and story. This one was way more melodramatic, but not in a fun way. I liked Emerald Malice and Emerald Vices much better.

[Jill McLaury · Rating 1 out of 5]

The fact that this book took me 5 days to read is the 1st sign that it was absolutely awful. The 1st NF book I DNF. The miscommunication between these two should be a sign they do not belong together. Good grief.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

No baby name?

After all that... She gives birth he holds the baby and no one says her name... Well that's just gonna eat at my OCD ways and keep me up all night. *insert swear words of your choice*
I always love a Nicole Fox duet and although I still loved this one the bickering between the two became a bit much. He never listened and she never explained properly... The miscommunication trope is not a face of mine and it happened far too often in this book.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivory Oath by Nicole Fox

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

One stab just won’t do it for Trofim Novikov and now he has his revenge set on Viviana (the attempted assassin) and his brother Mikhail, for ruining his chances of becoming Pakhan. Ivory Oath is the second book in the Novikov series and readers are brought back into the world of manipulation, revenge and passion however, with a devastating start. Despite Mikhail’s projections, the consequences of his own actions are hitting him full force by a now upset six-year-old son and the bottle of vodka he keeps on his office desk. Viviana is now held captive by Trofim and has no other choice, but be in a marriage with him but Mikhail soon realises that he cannot be without her and begins the journey to keep his wife and son safe. Nicole Fox explores the dynamics of the mafia world and maintaining a stable family, with polarising personalities and the humour of Anatoly and Raoul to keep us entertained.

The professions of love in this was so endearing and powerful, as readers from the first book—we became accustomed to Mikhail’s refusal to admit his true feelings towards Viviana and the wall he had put up from the very start. However, in Ivory Oaths it adheres to its name—Mikhail and Viviana seem to abide by their vows and provide confessions that are captivating and inspiring in the midst of a threatening environment. Mikhail still exhibits frequent tentative behaviour, especially when Viviana admits that she has experienced a miscarriage. The immediate refusal and betrayal by Mikhail turned his once affectionate character to a man who continues to lead with a half-heart but we realise that even the toughest of made-men can provide forgiveness.

Nicole Fox redeems herself a lot in Ivory Oaths. Reservations I had from the previous book such as lack of intimacy, were quickly resolved in this book. Nicole Fox provides us plenty of intimate and humorous scenes between Mikhail and Viviana and whilst, sex is a significant factor in their connection, readers get to see Mikhail’s softer side towards his family.

The impending threat of war was quite tiring as a reader, it felt like there was no space of peace or contentment throughout the whole novel and whilst, this is archetypal for mafia books, Ivory Oath’s plot felt especially long. Nonetheless, the author articulates the reader’s emotions perfectly through Viviana and Mikhail, whom also, as the story progresses begin to question the importance of the mafia world and whether family may exceed all desires of revenge. Unfortunately, Viviana and Mikhail’s trope of misunderstanding and miscommunication still exists in the second book of the series, the two continually seem to fight over parenting responsibility and the war. The fighting slowly became redundant and also became a tiring component as a reader. Ultimately, Ivory Oaths is an unforgettable book, Viviana and Mikhail are characters you have to journey with to understand and are not at all perfect. Nicole Fox once again demonstrates mature writing, scenes that exhibit strength and resilience, and a humour that is incomparable. Absolutely enjoyed reading the love story of Viviana and Mikhail and keen to read the rest of Fox’s novels.

[chesirern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivory Oath (Novikov Bratva book 2) By Nicole Fox is a mafia romance. This is book 2 and picks right up after Ivory Ashes. I have to say this book was one wild ride though. There are parts I did not see coming and usually I am pretty good at predicting things. This book was full of steam, action, betrayal, emotions and more. I loved Vivienne and Mikhail even more as the story progressed. Their story was captivating from beginning until the end.
Great job Nicole Fox! I really enjoy your mafia books. I can not wait to read more!

[Lulucifer]

Your enemies must be celebrating.

I didn't read this, and after learning from different reviews that Mikhail only gets worse, I'll never read another book by this author ever again. Nothing I did in this life requires such punishment.

[sometimesijustreadit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man ey. Diese Bücher sind so cringig teilweise und so platt und schlecht. Und dann irgendwie wieder so gut und witzig und bringen mich zum weinen 🫡.
Freu mich jetzt schon auf die nächsten.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book git super annoying and viviana character ruined thus book she was annoying and couldn't understand makhail in bratva is dangerous especially with his heir and she just goes and gives makhail a choice her or bratva I wanted to slap her so many times

[Liz k · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars because this was way too long, it would have been a good story in one book but instead it was mostly filler. It's the second duo I've read from this author and the other one was the same, too long and dragged out. It gets really boring

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️ boring. Skimmed til the end

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book I was team Viv because Mikhail was a total ass. But this second book Viv got on my nerves more than Mikhail did because he was an ass in this book as well. Viv strikes me as an extremely young minded individual ehen I believe she's supposed to be in her early 30s...I can't remember.

For someone who grew up in the mafia she does a lot of dumb things. So your life is in danger so you going to grab a duffle bag and barely any money to run away because you think you can protect yourself, your 6 yr old and your unborn child with zero resources against trained killers? What about the constant wanting Mikhail home all the damn time while he's at war fighting to protect their lives because he couldn't read a bed time story or eat dinner with them? What dafauq........I mean just stop. I was getting annoyed then I realized Mikhail had the patience of a saint because I couldn't deal with it.

[Kim G · Rating 3 out of 5]

whiplash

This book was a struggle to finish. I’ve never experienced so much emotional whiplash in one book as I did with this one. AND please explain why one of the main characters had to be killed off. It just didn’t need to happen. I can honestly say that I will not be reading any more of this author’s books.

[Traceys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't get enough of this book, I was invested in the characters and wanted a happy ever after for them. There's lots of passion in this book along with danger.

[harbinger of death · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked book 1 enough to wanna read book 2.
Now just know I usually love Nicole Foxs books but this was kinda a disappointment. I skimmed simply to finish it but was it difficult to even just rage finish it.

Mikhail was barely tolerable but fit into the regular mafia trope but the only thing was that he was also mean to his wife. The anger he had when she said she wasn’t pregnant, also why did she say it like that? It would have been less of a fight if you said you miscarried ( 1/3 of pregnancies end in miscarriage) so that would have been fine.

Why did viviana never think about the violence and target on her back?

“ I wanna go back to work” meanwhile there’s 2 whole ass other mafias trying to kill her and her son and husband. So like 0 sense of safety. Is a job really that important ? It felt really idiotic and I feel like anyone who’s a mom wouldn’t think like this whatsoever.

Also asking her husband to surrender??? Babe what do you think this is? A PlayStation game? You must have been thrown at a wall as a child to be this dumb.

I like Antoly the best. Dante was a brat. I said what I said.

[Laurence Forest · Rating 2 out of 5]

She have the maturity of a 12 years old

[2TNWalkers · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF Too fucking wishy washy…these two can fucking talk or trust each other…also.. issues with her being pregnant…she took a pregnancy test shows positive she is nabbed, starved, but she does say squat to the doctor…thought her unborn child was important to her…then after she tells MMC she still does not see a doctor…

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This duet really missed the mark for me. MMC has zero redeeming qualities and treated the FMC like garbage consistently.

I get having major trust issues but there was no growth, Mikhail never learned and kept accusing Viviana of lying, never once asked to hear her side of the story. It got repetitive real fast and unfortunately ruined the storyline for me.

[Via Curtis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️ if i had a nickel for every time the 5 year old son’s life was in critical danger… i’d have like 7 nickels.


and YEAH i giggled when he got hit by a car—sue me. 🥰