Daniela Carvalho was given one warning before she was allowed entry to the Vartanovs family home ⎯ stay away from Valentin. Her childhood crush grew into something more until the brutal ways of her chosen family left her alone.
Absence may make the heart grow fonder, the truth sets it ablaze.
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Valentin Vartanov is known for his cruel tongue and there has only ever been one person exempt from the venom he produces. Until she left without a trace as a baby was placed in his destructive arms.
Falling for his brothers best friend was never part of his plan, neither was getting her sister pregnant. But she’s back and he refuses to let her go.
Their ties are messy, complicated, and dysfunctional.
She was always meant to be his wife ⎯ the mother of his children ⎯ not their aunt.
I went into this book blind and with an open mind and honesty, I did enjoy it. The story was great and easy to follow. The characters we all well written and i was routing for the main MMC and FMC the whole way through. I decided to give this books 4/5 starts because as I did enjoy it, I did think some bits could have been in more detail or been longer. However, this is a good single dad mafia romance book overall, and I can't wait to see what else this amazing author comes up with! It's got lots of back and forth and spicy sceans, including with a very obsessed MMC, which i love. I received this as an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily for all those interested in reading! I can't wait to hear otheres opinions and reviews on this new book.
what a great book! i was shocked and heartbroken for Dani with what happened to her due to her sister. then the reunion and the desire to hate each other i think only made the pull to each other stronger. i love how close knit the whole family was. and cant say a bad word about the spice *chef’s kiss*
I received this book as an ARC in exchange of an honest review.
It was little hard for me to get into this book, it took until 30% I really started to enjoy it. I'm starting to realise that I'm not really a fan of the miscommunication micro trope. It's frustrating as hell, and this book has it in spreads. I feel like the last 10% of the book has been rushed a bit, but otherwise I enjoyed this book. I haven't read the first two books in this world, but I'm going back. I'm intrigued of Vlad's story.
I had high hopes for this but it was a HUGE letdown. Dani is a spineless idiot, Val is a crazy abusive asshole and these two can't even have a healthy conversation. DND @85%
PLOT: Dani is neglected by her family and spends most of her time with her best friend Tali, while being in love with his older brother, Valentine. When Dani's parents die and she's left alone, her sister ships her off to Brazil in the middle of the night and she doesn't return until 9 years later. She thought things would be the same but she's sorely mistaken - everyone's grown up, Val has a son by her sister and he's out for blood because he thinks she knew about everything and disappeared.
THOUGHTS:
- I was not a fan of how long winded and drawn out this was. Like half of the book is when they're kids and then the ending feels rushed and frustrating with people being unable to talk things out. It honestly gets ridiculous.
- DANI: Dani is TSTL, an idiot and has the backbone and self confidence of a marshmallow. She has been neglected and unloved since she was a kid and she latched on to Tali as her best friend and comfort in life. I don't get WHY she even likes Valentine, he was always mean to her as a kid, dated her bullies and treated her like an object. She follows her crappy sister blindly and leaves for another country never thinking to explain to her chosen family why she leaves. Then she shows up 9 years later and expects to be welcomed with open arms and that everything will go back to normal?! Lastly the whole "romance" was SO DUMB. Val treats her like LITERAL garbage, basically assaults / rapes her in broad daylight because has "angry at her" and continues to hurt and antagonize her constantly and she's STILL into him? If this is how he could treat someone he used to care about imagine how bad he is with other people. Then instead of sitting down and talking about everything they just keep hurting each other physically and emotionally all over their screwed up history and her want to see her nephew (a kid she kind of resents for being the product of her sister and crush's time together). The fact she could want a man who has repeatedly choked her out against the wall and assaulted her is beyond me.
- VALENTINE: Val is not that much better. While Dani is stupid and has no brain or self preservation skills, he's just a HUGE asshole. Val sees how Tali treats Dani as a kid and how close they are but never tries to offer that to her. Never ties to get to know her on a personal level and basically just lays claim to her like an object. He's obsessed with her and doesn't really give her agency. We're supposed to believe that he loves her so deeply and he's upset she left without saying goodbye / is under the impression she wanted his son dead when she found out about him being the father BUT that doesn't explain away his actions. She is so happy to see him and wants to make up and the first thing he does is defile her in broad daylight and basically r*PE her (and don't give me that "she was into it tho bs, she was NOT consenting and was confused and went along with it because she was aroused).
Next after that collosal fuckup he goes to her house, accuses her of being fucked by his brother and instead of letting her explain, chokes her out, trashes her place and lets her end up with GLASS stuck in her feet. When he finally sees she has NO IDEA what's happening and is greatly distressed by his betrayal, he STILL refuses to believe that the woman he loved has no part in this. He doesn't even seem as mad at her sister, the woman who basically r*ped him while he was drunk to have his baby? Talk about misplaced anger here.
THROW THE WHOLE MAN AWAY. He's done nothing but hurt and harm Dani, put her on a pedestal and resent her and their "romance" is a joke.
- lastly, the smut sucked! We get bits and pieces of hookups and none of it is engaging or good and definitely not worth reading this trash heap of a story.
Vulnerate is the third installment in the East Coast Bratva Series and can be read as a standalone, but if you want a clearer image of the Vartanovs, architecture of liasons and the course of events, I would suggest to read Vripotent and Viparious, books #1 & #2, respectively.
Valentin Vartanov's love interest made itself known in this book and I never could’ve imagined it would be Daniela Carvalho or how their love started innocent and shy, specially for Dani, and evolved to a love/hate/lust/protective/agressive kind of relationship. This pretty much sums their reconnection after 10 years apart and the events that populated said time span.
Two kids gowing into adolescents from very different families, both wealthy, one seemingly perfect with no lost feelings, the other dysfunctional embeded in care, love and protection. Two adolescents victims of a deceitful, trecherous masterplan and the utmost blow. What touched me inside was to see Val and Dani struggling in their reunion, bonding over passion, love and supposed hate, the lies they told against the volition to be in each other's spectrum, loving wholy and hurting wholy, and mostly, Dani's internal turmoil between want and will and her expectation of having perfect, once in her life, just not with Val because, for as much as her love had only grew, her reluctance, doubts about what Val showed to world and self-deprecation did as well.........it would feel strange, dysfunctional, unperfect......
On Val' side it was the vulnerability and despair of having Viktor in his arms at such young age, not knowing what to do and the fury for the way he got there, his insecurities, mistrust and the fear of not doing it right.
In a very convoluted environment as we know the Vartanov world to be, it was great to have another perspective on their family dynamics and how much pride and love the brothers nurture for Vlad and after, Inessa.
So, so glad Val was able to go through Dani's defenses, to show what nobody ever saw, that it had always been her, only her and his ultimate belief that Daniela Carvalho was meant to be Daniela Vartanov, no matter what, as wife, mother and aunt. Their unperfectly perfect!
Vulnerate by A.X. Cole is a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and the complexities of family ties set against the backdrop of the dangerous and volatile world of the Vartanovs. Cole has crafted a dark, emotionally intense romance that keeps you hooked from the very first page, pulling you into a whirlwind of passion, pain, and unresolved tensions.
The story revolves around Daniela Carvalho, a woman who was warned to stay away from Valentin Vartanov but found herself irresistibly drawn to him. Their connection, rooted in a childhood crush, evolves into something far deeper and more dangerous. Valentin is a character who exudes danger and ruthlessness, with a sharp tongue and a heart that seems almost unreachable—except when it comes to Daniela. Their relationship is fraught with complications, from the brutal nature of the Vartanov family to the heartbreaking twist of Daniela leaving and Valentin being left to care for a child.
What I loved most about Vulnerate is how Cole doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of their relationship. The tension between Daniela and Valentin is palpable, their emotions raw and unfiltered. The chemistry between them is electric, and their interactions are filled with both longing and bitterness, reflecting the complicated history they share. Cole does an excellent job of exploring the messy, tangled web of emotions that come with loving someone who is both your salvation and your downfall.
However, while the intensity of their relationship is a highlight, it also sometimes overshadows the broader narrative. The plot, rich with potential, occasionally feels secondary to the romance, with certain aspects, like the dynamics within the Vartanov family and the consequences of Daniela’s departure, not fully explored. A deeper dive into these elements could have added even more depth to the story, making it a five-star read.
Despite this, Vulnerate delivers a compelling and addictive romance that fans of dark, angsty love stories will thoroughly enjoy. Daniela and Valentin’s journey is one of pain and passion, with Cole skillfully portraying the fine line between love and hate. The book’s emotional depth and the complex, flawed characters make it a standout in the genre.
In conclusion, Vulnerate is a must-read for anyone who loves a dark, intense romance with characters who are as flawed as they are captivating. A.X. Cole has crafted a story that lingers in your mind, leaving you eager for more. While it has a few moments where the plot could have been more developed, the powerful connection between Daniela and Valentin more than makes up for it. This is a story about love that burns bright, even in the darkest of places.
The Vartanovs family have stole my heart After reading the first two books in the East Coast Bratva Series I was hooked. Now I have to wait for book Four to get my next Vartanovs fix. 😜
They are a force to be reckoned with
They’re filthy as sin with mouths that say the most delicious things. That would absolutely break you 🌶️
The first Two books focus on Vlad and Inessa’s story and you see how each character in the family have their own ways. Tali, Val, Viktor and Dani with others mentioned in these stories.
Vulnerate was amazing and you see how Val grows into being a dad when being a dad was not what he was expecting at a young age, the love and protectiveness he has for his son Viktor is nice to see, how the whole Vartanov family come together and protect this special boy who they all so clearly love and will do anything for.
There a family and no one stands alone.
Val and Tali are hilarious together their banter had me bad laughing, Tali “You’re a sick fuck, I always thought you were the sensitive brother and that’s why you had tantrums.”
Tali is the human fridge… literally 😂
Val with such a dirty dirty mouth Val “When you’re ready to be my wife, I’ll f🌶️ck you like my wh🥵re.”
Then Dani, sweet Dani who is in love with her best friend’s brother and has been since she was a kid She’s part of the family and is protected the same way as if she was blood Dani had me feeling all the feelings for her, she had such a crappy relationship with her family and The Vartanovs became the family she should have had. I love how you see what Viktor was like from being a baby to growing up to a young man. You find out who his Mother is and omg what a b!tch.
Ax Cole knows how to keep you hooked and wanting more and like the first two books there’s twists and turns and a rollercoaster of a ride but it’s a ride you want to be on. I absolutely loved all three of these books. I love the relationships these characters have I’m soooo Looking forward to book four
‘ And you’re heaven but just like those pearly gates you’re denying me. ‘
Heavennnnn, must be missing an angel. Val is obviously yum but Dani has my heart… she’s, girl, you the sh*t.
This book oh my lord. I feel like I have a hangover… I was so on edge throughout. I’m gutted it’s ended if I’m honest, I want another book.
In the beginning if I’m honest, I was very lost and felt slightly bombarded with characters. I couldn’t keep up and got very confused with who was who and even though I’ve finished it, I’m still unsure. All I know is that I loved them regardless.
No joke, the twists in this book are enough to make a stone scream. I was a particular section in and WTF. Val no the tf you did not. Like, I had to write it down in a notebook in caps. I WAS SHOOK and then I was like, oh hell no. I still am a little heartbroken and angry.
The spicy scenes… Jesus. It got a bit hot in here. I think my sweat has sweat… give me all of them, all over again!!
I was gripped throughout, the tension had me drawling, the emotions had me reeling and the characters had me falling in love.
Val and Dani’s relationship. It’s a… erm, it’s wild. Crazy. Lust filled with so much drama. I can’t fully explain it.
Going to drop the fact I’m extremely in love with Tali. I’m sorry. I said it… I just can’t help it.
The ending... always owns my heart. I wasn’t actually prepared for it though and part of it broke me.. I wasn’t expecting it. I felt relief too. My emotions are haywire. It was perfect. No joke. I’m so happy, but so sad. I need more. I need a story for V, M & D. They have just stolen my heart. Gosh.
In all my joy, giddiness, anger and sadness… Highly recommended. This has got me goinggggg.
Please check trigger warnings before you read!!
* Copied from my review on my Instagram. @livingmybookera
“I promise Dani mine, you’ll never get away from me.”
Always in reach but never close enough to hold. Part of the family but never in the family secrets. A temptation that could become the curse of never letting them go…
“You were the only thing I wanted, and I never would have hurt you.”
“But you did.”
The Vartanov family…Oo just reading that name gives you the shivers-and for very good deadly reasons too.
This time is Valentin's story and how his childhood obsession was focused on Daniela Carvalho. Befriending Vitali, Daniela was soon adopted into the family with Vlad looking over her as someone else to protect and on the sidelines Val was always there. As Daniela grows you could see the bond forming between her and Val, it’s great seeing how their story started and then understanding them more from what we’ve seen in the previous book. You see what caused the betrayal and how they were going to come back together now after the time that has passed.
There is a lot of emotion from both characters, as they deal with the hurt they’ve both caused and secrets pulling them further from being together. Following events that have happened you’re then able to see it from different eyes which brings the whole story out even more.
One star character is the mature, kind and funny Viktor who is Val's young son. You really do get to see the bond Val has with Viktor, becoming a young parent overnight and having his brother’s help guide him brings them all even closer.
He’s an idiot, but he’s my idiot.
This family certainly put the fun in dysfunctional!
It’s full of angst, heartache, tears, hot needy-I need a fan to read this scene sex, family values and even hilarious moments that have you reaching for popcorn to see how this will turn out!
“It has only ever been you and it will only ever be you.”
“Take a seat Mr. Vartanov, I wouldn’t want you to be uncomfortable during the show.”
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I love this series and I couldn't wait for this part about Valentin to come out because I was intrigued by his life story. I have to admit that I liked the first half of the book less than the second. It was kind of hard for me to read it, Valentin got on my nerves and I even put the book down and didn't want to read it.
I simply did not like the younger Valentin, his behavior in a couple of scenes was disgusting to me, and I continued reading the book out of pure curiosity. Valentin as a father and mature man is a completely new dimension. He is still wild and unrestrained, sometimes too stubborn. but his intentions are sincere and pure. I liked his relationship with Dani, I could feel the love and connection, I liked their witty dialogues. There are also things that I didn't like, but I won't write them, that's why I gave four stars to this book.
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“Oh fuck.”
There’s humor in it and I can hear his stupid smirk as he closes the
distance and stands at my back. Electricity works up my spine as he lifts my
hair away from my neck. It gets worse with his deep, low voice brushing
my skin and goosebumps erupt.
“Found your porn, khudozhnik moya.”
My entire body turns red knowing what he’s looking at.
I turn to face him, snatching my book out of his hand again, but the
stupid idiot is so attractive I pause. Blue is all I can see as he leans down,
the same blue eyes that I’ve been painting for years are right in front of me
again, and his taunt is lighthearted.
“If that’s what you read, what do you watch?”
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an ARC of this book for free and this is my honest review. 3.5⭐ 3 🌶 4❤ for the romance. I did enjoy this book, I had a great time reading. It was a bit of a slow start for me, it took some time for me to really get into it. It was at about 20-25% that everything really started to pick up for me. In this book we follow Valentin and Dani their story start when they meet as kids. She is his brothers best friend and he thinks that there is more to their relationship then either of them will say. Valentin has been in love and fascinated with Dani since the first time they met, but she thinks that he doesn't really see her because he has dated her bullies. However he only dated them so he could publicly humiliates them all for how they treated his girl. If alpha and possessive asshole is what you like in an MC this book is definitely for you. If you also like a jealous and possessive FMC you will love Dani. This book also has degradation from both the MC and the FMC and they both very much enjoy it. This book does have some darker themes and some very intense situations. If one of your triggers is child neglect/abuse probably skip this one. This book is full of action and intense situations that really moved the story very well. I will say that the romance was enjoyable to read however if the miscommunication trope is not for you then this book probably isn't for you. I feel like there were a lot of points that were miscommunication between the main characters that were only half was resolved, I feel like I was left with things not explained between them. I knew because the book is duel pov but I don't feel like all of there issues were resolved. And that may very well be just a me problem. Over all I did enjoy this book, I thought that their story was intriguing and fun to read.
Vulnerate is the third book in @axcole East Coast Bratva Series! This book WOW Ax Cole did it again I fell in love with this series with the first two books and we knew a little about of Vlad’s brother’s especially Val and this book is Val’s story with his Dani. As always Ax did a breathtaking job of telling Val and Dani’s story from their past to their future. Val is like all Vartanov men and stubborn, possessive. Vald will also say Val knows how to throw a tantrum better than this son.😂 In this book we see him change for Dani and we get to see more of his interactions with his son. We also get to know more about Viktor’s character and his “mother” and why she lost that role. Also sweet Dani she is shy and innocent on the surface but the more we learn about her and the older she gets we come to realize how total badass, sassy and witty. She is also protective and will do whatever she can to protect the ones she loves. She fits in perfectly in the Vartanov family perfectly also that should be one of their mottos! This story takes us on a roll-coaster of emotions from love at first sight to hurt, trauma and growth. You can read this book as a stand-alone but I definitely recommend reading the first two books because you get to understand the Vartanov Men are the way they are. You also understand Vlad’s quote to Val hurts so bad! This book is full of twist and turns and it will leaving you wanting more. I am sooo invested in this series and I can’t wait to see were AX will take this series next!!
Vulnerate is the third book in AX Cole’s East Coast Bratva series. I haven’t read the first two books in this series and felt that in the beginning of the story I was slightly lost as to what was going on. That being said, this book can be read as a standalone, but it does take some time to catch up.
AX Cole did a magnificent job of telling Dani and Val’s story from their past to their future, keeping me hooked and wanting to know what would happen next. Dani’s character development was perfect, she is originally shy, broken and a bit of a wallflower due to her family but she soon comes into herself becoming feisty, sassy and isn’t afraid to stand up to Val. The Vartanov family becomes her safe place. Val is stubborn, possessive and knows how to throw a tantrum. It was lovely to see him change for Dani and the softer side to him for his son.
I loved Vitali and Dani’s relationship they accept each other for who they are and don’t expect anything from each there.
The back and forth between Val and Dani was funny to read at time and heartbreaking at others. Their connection and lust for each other was always present. The spice was next level. AX Cole took the dark romance element and attached it to the spice scenes beautifully.
It is not a book for the faint of heart if you’re new to dark romance please read the trigger warnings. I can’t wait to read more of AX Cole’s writing.
This is the 3rd story in the East Coast Bratva Series where we get Valentin and Dani’s turbulent journey from kids to adults. Once Valentin meets his younger brother’s best friend, Dani he knows she’ll be his. Dani is unaware of his true feelings and hides her crush on Valentin. Dani is an artist is one to blend in never wanting attention is unaware the entire Vartanov family supports her. Valentin is a mean alpha bully who becomes possessive of Dani and protects Dani at all cost not caring how others see him. Dani grew up with parents never seeing her and a sister that treats Dani horribly to the point changing her life and her opinions of those who truly care for her with lies and deceit. When Vlad discovers Valentin fathered a child with the devil he gets custody of him and as a family they raise him. Over the years Valentin has always wondered about Dani and her unpleasant reactions to his situation shared by her sister so when Dani reappears all bets are off and he takes his anger and frustration out on her. There are hateful misunderstandings and feelings all over the place and boy is it beautiful to see how they find common ground. Inessa, Vlad’s wife is a protector and helps their crazy underworld they live in seem normal. There are dark secrets they are revealed throughout their lives, some causing harm and danger and when the Vartanov Family does what they do best they handle each situation how they see necessary.
The book is full of emotions, some bad, some good, and some confusing, but all in all it was a great read. If you have read the first two books in the series then you know how sad those books were, it was all so serious in it yet they were good. This one is nothing like that and it was a fun one with bursts of different emotions.
Do read the triggers first before you start the book. I was very eager to know about Dani and Val’s story and now that I have finished it, I want more. I didn’t want it to end. I DEVOURED the book, it was worth all the pain and stress. The writing is good and Ax Cole has built a great dark world where family comes first.
Seeing all the characters again in a different light and at different ages was refreshing. The story starts with Val being just 11 and everything grew from there was so sweet and fascinating. I loved the arc of the plot and how well stages are defined and built. The bond between the characters is so precious and melts my heart.
I was addicted to the story just after reading the first chapter and knew I would love every aspect of it even the heartbreak too. The story is fast-paced with spice and spice is mouthwatering. You don’t have to read the other books in the series to enjoy this one because the timeline varies but after reading this, you will want to go and read them for sure.
I feel like I read a completely different book to everyone else. Right from the start, Valentin pissed me off. He was whiny and immature, and he didn't really change, to be honest. He refused to communicate and resorted to anger and violence for everything, even going as far as to choke her against a tree because her nephews great uncle wanted to meet him. He also spends half the book thinking she did this terrible thing (despite admitting it was out of character for her) and just never mentions it to her, never tried to resolve it, it just stops being mentioned. There is a difference between being morally grey and being an asshole. Dani was very naive. She took what people told her and just believed them no matter what. She says at one point she isn't a pushover, but honestly, I don't believe that. She had next to no backbone and just could not stick to her guns. Them together didn't make any sense to me, I couldn't picture it no matter how hard I tried. He completely overshadowed her and ruled the relationship while constantly crossing her boundaries, and she just allowed it. The whole thing felt forced, and yeah, I just didn't believe any of it.
I did receive this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this story is that Val and Dani fall for each other when they’re just kids. Dani gets tricked by her sister Carly into running away to family in another country all the while Carly finds a way to have Val’s baby and press him for money. There is a nine year jump and Dani comes back home. Val turns back into his crazy obsessed self over Dani and does whatever he can to make her his wife. But of course the awkwardness and betrayal of Val having her sisters kid keeps Dani from accepting their relationship.
Many parts of this story could be considered sweet, some parts psychotic and of course some very steamy parts, but in many ways it didn’t make sense. Throughout the entire book, Val swears he never slept with Carly and has no idea how the kid is his. That trope is never wrapped up even though Carly was brought back into the story multiple times and I was on the edge of my seat waiting for an explanation, but we didn’t get one. The story could have been wrapped up in far less pages considering the majority of Vulnerate was Dani, in her own way, playing hard to get. Eventually there is a happily ever after despite threads being left open and questions unanswered.
What can I say? AX Cole hit it out of the park yet again! Vlad will always be my favorite Vartanov but Valentin is not a bad second choice. His book was everything I hoped for and more. His love and devotion for not only his son Viktor but his Dani was top notch. He had some trauma to overcome but nothing like Vlad. No matter how many mistakes he made he always had his brothers to back him up. There were parts of this book that made me laugh so hard I am pretty sure my husband thought I lost my mind. There were parts that made me sad and cry. The rollercoaster of emotions this book took me on was what made this book so amazing. The depth of the story and the characters was fantastic. AX really knows how to write a Mafia romance. She keeps you engaged in the story the entire time. I cannot wait for more books. I even want a book for Viktor. I want to see him get his revenge. I also loved how she kept up with the time line and we got to see situations with more detail and clarity. It was refreshing. If you want a fantastic mafia romance look no further. This book is the entire package.
Am I crying at 12am because of that ending? You sure bet I am!! Throughout this book I wanted to cry, scream, yell, and so much more. I didn't think I needed this book, but after reading it. I needed it.
This one is about Dani and Valentin story and honestly I didn't know so much about them and now I'm glad I do! Because it makes so much more sense now. After reading the first two books, there was a lot of stuff that you don't get to fully see. But this book opens it up so much more. I feel in love with them like I did with Inessa and Vlad story. I did cry in the middle of the book with the scene of Valentin going to try to get Dani. I couldn't handle it. I didn't want that heartbreak! The only thing is Dani, I love her, but the reason for her saying no made me want to shake her!! Like girl OPEN YOUR EYES!!! You will know what I mean lol.
You want dark romance with Mafia style that will make you want to scream but love how toxic their relationship is? Then read the first two books, then read this one. I honestly can't wait for book 4 now. I feel like I need all their backstories!
Valentin and Daniela grew up together. Daniela was often forgotten by her family and she was definitely neglected so she elected to spend all her time with Val’s family, in fact his brother Tali considered her his other half. Val was often jealous of Tali because Daniela slept in his bed and spent all her spare time with him. As they got older Val started to make his intentions known telling Daniela that she was his. After the unfortunate death of her parents things rapidly went downhill. Daniela sister began acting bizarre. Daniela moved to Brazil, Val was accused of fathering a child. So nine years later when they reunite there are a lot of hard feelings and anger toward one another. Especially with Val towards Daniela since he couldn’t believe she would abandon him and her nephew for so long. This section was a little confusing to me the aspect where he didn’t sleep with Daniela’s sister but still fathered her child. Interesting book with spicy moments, some mysteries and lots of drama.
I recieved an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If anyone is into single dad tropes, grab this book. This was my first ARC read and I never thought that I would be this much impressed because I want to read the rest of this series.
For me, the initial chapters were quite slow paced but when it reached to the half, I was literally flying through the pages. I am so in love with the Vartanovs. Their brotherhood and love for their families were adorable. And the violence and spicy scenes were out of this world.
Val and Dani, you guys were amazing, but my favourite was Tali( I am sorry). Tali was that easy go lucky kind of guy who keeps on entertaining the book throughout. Vlad was the best head of family anyone can have. The ruthless and powerful man of the house. I am very impressed by Vlad and Inessa that I am definitely going to read the first two books of this series in the future.
Dani and Vals dynamic had me absolutely hooked but I also adored Dani and Talis. The twists kept coming and I was on the edge of my seat reading this. I started this series with this one first so it can easily be read as standalones. Val is the perfect mix of dangerously delicious. Dani is naturally drawn to the darkness and girl I can relate, there’s something so pure about it. Despite how psychotic the family is you cannot help but feel the depth of their love and protection of each other. A few points throughout the book I wanted to bang dani and vals heads together because of course they were inevitable. Tali and Dani’s friendship is to be completely admired, platonic soulmates, who truly just love eachother and want the best. The epilogue ended their romance perfectly and Carly can rot.
How I’ve never read anything by AX Cole before idk but I’m so thankful I have now found her!!! Will be playing catch up with all of her books now!!
Vulnerate is a twisty loopy upside down and into the dark roller coaster ride!! This book was amazing!! It had every element you could think of!! Love? ✅ best friends? ✅ horrible families? ✅ amazing families? ✅ hate? ✅ and so much more!!! If you haven’t read any of her books I suggest you start now!!
Vulnerate follows Dani and Val. Dani is Tali’s best friend! But one day at a young age Val sees her and instantly falls in love. He doesn’t care if Tali is with her or not. He wants her and he’s going to do anything to have her.
When Val finds Dani again will he forgive her? Do they fall in love or does Carly get in the way of their love? Read to find out!!!
A.X Cole has done it again! This series is so damn good, it is binge worthy, Vlad and Inessa are always going to be my favourite couple, but Val and Dani made my heart beat once again. Their story starts when they were very young but their stars never aligned until they were a little older, they both had trauma that led them apart. They are so perfect for one another, yin and yang that are drawn together through Tali, Val's brother and Dani's best friend. A.X. Cole writes with ease, the words flow on the pages, her books are my guilty pleasure, devouring them but not wanting them to end. I liked that we got an epilogue and now desperate for Voracious to read more from this dysfunctional family that i wish i was a part of!I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Val is your classic bratva Alpha-hole MMC who is helplessly in love with our ultra strong FMC. Dani is dealing with the rejection of her childhood and finds a family in the Vartanovs.
Personally, I am sucker for the whole you’re mine, possessive book boyfriends/husbands. Throw in some violence, banter, and spice and you have me - hook line and sinker. And if you sprinkle on just the right amount of she actually holds all the power. 🥵
A.X Cole delivers this combination perfectly. 🤌🏼🤌🏼
The twists and turns that run through the beginning of this book to the very last page will have you gripping on to the edge of your seat. The scenes will have you tipping over the edge losing every semblance of control.
Received this as an ARC. Haven’t read the other books in the series so went in completely blind.
Poor Dani had a tough life, not truly feeling she had a family until she met Vitali and he took her home. Through Tali she met Val. There was an instant connection but neither one admitted their feelings.
Things happen and Dani ends up moving away for nearly a decade. When she returns it’s discovered that due to miscommunication (of course) their lives had been altered for no good reason.
Lots of spice between the main characters.
Not much mentioned about the Mafia which was disappointing. It’s meant to be a mafia romance.
I love that the eldest Vartanov brother, Vlad, looked after every single person in the family, with the help of his right hand man Dima.
Topics such as death, killing, child abuse, bullying and neglect were handled well.
Vulnerate: To hurt, to wound. Their ties are messy, complicated, and dysfunctional. Daniela Carvalho was given one warning before she was allowed entry to the Vartanovs family home ⎯ stay away from Valentin. Her childhood crush grew into something more until the brutal ways of her chosen family left her alone.
What a wild ride filled with laugh out loud banter, heartache, emotions, twists and turns and spice! Daniela was neglected by her family growing up, so the Vartanov family became her found family and a safe haven for her. I absolutely loved Tali's character and his deep platonic love for Dani.
Tropes: - Mafia Romance - Single dad - Found family - Best friends brother - Possessive MMC
I loved Val and Dani but then to be honest I loved the dynamics between Dani and Tali.
I did want to knock Val and Dani's heads together a few times once they made their way back to each other. Both of them know that Carly is a conniving witch but both of them believed her lies.
I think my favourite part had to be them getting called up to the school and the head being more annoyed at Tali, Katya and Ana cheering Viktor on than she was with the actual fight or the dirtiness of glass blowing.
I loved the fact Tali treated Dani like a sister because he knew he had one previously. I really hope that Tali get his own book so that he can look into this missing sister a little more.
Okay, this one is different then the rest of the book from this author. For one this one won't traumatize as the rest😂
But on the other serious note, this one was sooo good and cute. I would never expect Valentin to be such a softie considering that he was always grump in Vlad's books, but now we know why he was like that. He was just missing his Dani.😉
Also, I love how author connected all the books with certain scenes. It just makes it even more interesting to read. This book will pull you right from the start, it will show you little Valentin and Dani and the way their relationship is growing with years.