A Very Bad Man: A Russian Mafia Fairytale Romance

by Joanna Blake, L.J. Anderson (illustrator)

I own her. I want her. But I am trying to be honorable.



Her father owes us money. A great deal of money. Normally, we would break his legs, or worse. But we’ve known the old man since we were children.

So, I take her. She will work in my house. Serve me. But her big eyes pierce the stone around my heart. And her curves tempt me beyond all reason.

I cannot touch her.

But I am not a man who is used to holding himself back.

So, I don’t.

And when an enemy within our ranks takes her to provoke a reaction, they do not anticipate hell raining down upon them. I am known for being ruthless and cruel. But my creativity in my revenge astounds everyone.

A Very Bad Man is the start of an all-new series starring the Aslanov Brothers and the Aslanov Russian Crime Syndicate. Expect possessive behavior from an obsessed anti-hero. Happy Ever Afters are always guaranteed!

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 21, 2024

About the author

Joanna Blake loves good old fashioned romance, men who open doors and work with their hands. Hot Blooded Heroes is a series of sizzling stories about True Blue American men and the women who love them. She's thrilled to be collaborating with Pincushion Press on her new series! Come along for the ride!
XoX,
Joanna
*********

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Joanna loves to hear from her fans! Please contact her at JoannaBlakeRomance@gmail.com

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Reviews

[Cen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
Normally, I don't mark down a book for poor editing (honestly, I haven't encountered many; the ones I have seen complaints on, I have listened to the audiobook, and narrator usually fixes any sentences as they speak). This book, sadly, was in bad need of editing; some sentences didn't make sense, and you had to decipher the author's intended meaning. This book had a lot of potential. I loved the storyline; however, the execution and polish fell short of the mark.

We are told how vicious and ruthless Anton & his brothers are, but we see nothing to support this. He seems like a decent person from when we first see him, with him paying off her father's debt and paying & setting up his medical treatment, from his actions and his desire to become a better man for Mishka from the outset. He and his brothers are close & are loyal to each other. All those thing shows he is not the bad man that the author tries to portray at the beginning of the book. The characters were not that well developed. The author said they had all these traits, but we were not shown them

This was a slow burn sweet love story where Anton fell insta-love at first sight with Mishka. Mishka, on the other hand, was cautious and took her time coming around to him, though he didn't make much of an effort to seduce her till he took her on a trip. It is cute to see how lovesick he is over her, trying to plot a way to win her heart forever. From the moment he saw her, he couldn't even think of being with another woman. I would like to see his brothers' story in future books.

Fuck me. I was done. My fate was sealed. It was Mishka or no one.

I knew in that moment that I need not doubt how he felt about me. He loved me. There was no way he could manufacture the look of adoration and awe on his face. This was not merely lust. It was not merely love. It was a forever love. The kind that existed outside time and space.

A man should love his woman more. It made sense. I would protect and care for her tender heart and beautiful soul.

One unclear thing was why Anton's father had Mishka kidnapped the night before the wedding and brought her to a warehouse. His man asked if he wanted her killed, and he said no because she might be pregnant. He already knew she was married to Anton & they slept together, so was he planning on seeing if she was pregnant, then killing her (had Anton not found her), knowing that Anton might start a war over that?

[Michelle Frater · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit, Anton’s intense obsession with Mishka (dare I say love) made my heart skip a beat. But the context? It left me scratching my head. If we're to believe the backstory, Anton was one of the most feared men in Moscow—along with the entire Aslanov clan. Yet, all it takes is one glance at Mishka, and suddenly this ruthless Bratva boss is paying off her father’s debt, sending the old man to Switzerland for treatment, and whisking Mishka off to his home. Sure, she’s technically a servant, but let’s just say Anton has very different plans for how he wants her to serve him. And as if that weren't enough, Anton starts to change, driven by this inexplicable desire to become a "better man" just to earn her love. Now I get why the author dubbed this a fairytale! But honestly, setting this in the brutal world of the Bratva? That’s a mystery for the ages. To top it off, I was expecting at least a flicker of action or a glimpse of Anton’s legendary ruthlessness—especially when Mishka gets kidnapped on their wedding day (their third, by the way). The story teases a reckoning: “When an enemy within our ranks takes her to provoke a reaction, they do not anticipate hell raining down upon them. I am known for being ruthless and cruel. But my creativity in my revenge astounds everyone.” But alas, the “very bad man” Anton Aslanov? Nowhere to be found.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marsha]

A Very Bad Man is a wonderfully written romance and is Anton and Mishka's story. The Aslanov brothers were always taken to the candy shop owned by Barlov to get treats, when they were boys. As men the three of them oversee the Russian Crime Business. Barlov has been ill for a time and his daughter Mishka has been trying to keep the shop going. He owes the Aslanov's a debt and can't pay when they come to collect. Anton is taken with Mishka and decides to take her as payment. She will work in the home as a maid to pay the debt. This is such a sweet, touching romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Virginia VanSaders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anton and Mishka’s story is one you don’t want to miss!

This story is not really what you would expect for a Russian Bratva story. It’s so, so good! Anton Aslanov is in the Aslanov Russian Bratva with his two brothers, Alexie and Andrei. Of course, they are very dangerous men. Mishka’s father owned a sweet shop and owes the Aslanov family a lot of money. Her father, Barlov, is sick and his daughter Mishka, who is a violinist, is trying to keep the shop going, but it’s not going well. Barlov knows the Aslanov family for years. Now, the three brothers are going to have collect the money, which is a year late for payment. A trade of Mishka for the debt, as a maid in the Aslanov house. Anton will also pay for his treatment, not to be known to Mishka. An immediate feeling of possessiveness and protectiveness comes over Anton when he sees Mishka. Electricity sparks between them. Anton is a very bad man, but is he that way on the inside? Mishka should be afraid, very afraid. But is she really when she gets to know Anton? This is wonderful reading material if you ask me.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting to see more of the mysterious Anton Aslanov that we were introduced to in Vice (Untouchables MC) is a real treat!
This book is a slow burn, and nothing like the stereotypical mafia story that is swamping the market.
Mishka is a sweet yet spunky character, and Anton is so multifaceted, it’s a pleasure to see them emerge. Watching him change as he falls for Mishka is delightful, and will warm anyone’s heart.
The outside entity that causes issues is handled quickly, and pretty easily, in keeping with the lighthearted stories Ms Blake is known for.
Seeing characters that are well known and loved from her Untouchables series is a treat!
A Very Bad Man is interesting enough that you’ll easily get pulled into the tale, and it will leave you wanting and waiting for the other Aslanov brothers to find their happy endings! A great beginning to a new series, and a tantalizing tale from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Bad Man follows the story of Anton and Mishka. I found A Very Bad Man to be an amazing mafia romance story with amazing characters. Even though I have seen this kind of storyline in other mafia romances, I still absolutely enjoyed reading this amazing book. This book just shows me how much I have been enjoying reading a variety of Mafia romance stories. Author Joanna Blake continues to write fantastic stories and I love her writing style. Anton and Mishka I found both of these characters to be fascinating and interesting. While reading their story, I felt like I was right there watching their story unfold before my very eyes. I definitely would recommend other readers to checkout this book. I’m looking forward to reading more books by Joanna Blake.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intense and entertaining mafia fairytale.
Anton is one of three brothers that run the Russian mafia, aside from their evil father. When he goes to collect on an outstanding loan, he is taken aback by the man's beautiful daughter.
Mishka has no idea her father has a loan eith the mafia. Let alone that he is behind on payments. She's whisked away to save her father's life to be held captive by the brothers.
Things change drastically for Mishka once she learns she must serve her captor. But can he resist her beauty. Will she succumb to his advances?
This is an interesting concept on a mafia story with fairytale feelings interlaced throughout.
Its fast paced, super sweet, sexy and at some times pretty funny.
I really enjoyed this book. 4.5 stars

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anton and his mafia family have been patient when it comes to the debt they are owed by Mishka’s father however it can’t continue. When he is unable to collect the money owed he decides to take Mishka as collateral and have her work for him.

Due to her father’s illness Mishka knew that finances were a problem, but she did not realize it included a debt to the Bratva. To protect her father, she will work for Anton however as they become close, she may become the one in danger.

Anton is a dark and dangerous man except when it comes to Mishka while she doesn’t back down from anyone or anything and that includes Anton. It was fun to see Mishka and Anton’s story unfold and I am looking forward to see what happens with his brothers.

[Kristin Howie · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Vice, I was curious about the Aslanov brothers. So I looked forward to reading this book.
This instalment is about Anton Aslanov and Mishka.
Mishka’s father owes the Bratva money, so surprise, surprise, Anton will collect by making Mishka work for him as a maid. Naturally it follows that Anton will find it impossible not to be protective and possessive of Mishka. But of course Mishka is a little more difficult to come around to wanting Anton back.
This is a quick, relatively light-hearted read. Blake continues her tradition of letting us see familiar characters from previous books, which is something I personally always enjoy.
Onto the next brother! Which shall it be?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andra Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Russian mafia fairytale is an excellent and accurate description of A Very Bad Man. As make-believe as the story is, the characters feel real. The appearance of some of the Untouchable MC, including Vice and Anastasia, the Aslanov brother's cousin, brought humor and a nice little twist to the story.

Mishka and Anton almost fall into the category of star-crossed lovers, but their deep and abiding love for one another helps them dodge that fate. How they come to grips with their love for one another makes this book a page-turner. Since this is the beginning of a new series, the other two brothers, Alexi and Andrei, will have awesome stories to come.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things I liked- Anton was so very in love with her (and became a reformed man ho-ho-ho), even to the point of stalking and voyeurism, but somehow, it was charming (and I need my head examined). And she didn’t forgive him right away because she was no doormat. I thought that the various settings were interesting. And I loved that Preacher made a guest appearance! His wedding ceremonies are always hilarious.
Things I didn’t like- there was an unsatisfying part to the ending because certain characters didn’t get their comeuppance, and that’s all I’ll say about that. This was a slow burn as far as consummation goes, and I didn’t care for that, but I will say that once it happened, it was hot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LLS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great beginning to a new series! Anton and his brothers are part of the Russian mafia and are considered to be the worst of the worst. Mishka is the daughter of a man who owes money to Anton's family. Her father owns a candy store that the brothers went to as children and he was nice to them. When Anton goes to the store to collect, he meets Mishka for the first time. He decides that he has to have her. She is to be his personal housemaid. For him, it is love at first sight. She doesn't make it easy for him. I really enjoyed the fact that she made him work for it. I can't wait for more from this series!

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mafia Debt Blackmail

Anton is a bad man because he has to be. You can’t run a crime syndicate and be soft. So when someone owes them money and can’t pay, he has to take something in collateral and that ends up being Mishka.

Mishka’s father gets into some trouble with the Russian mafia and she has no choice but to go work for Anton. It starts out as just being work, but the sizzling attraction becomes all consuming. Thrilling, dark, dangerous and steamy. This was a good book and the debt blackmail trope is always a fun storyline to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mishkas father owes a debt to the family, and it's only through the respect the 3 brothers he hadn't been hurt, but now times up and Anton wants payment, fortunately he wants Mishka too. He takes her to become his maid but keeping g his hands off will be even harder than he thought. And when enemies take her, they will see just how bad he can be. Well written steamy engaging, desires, obssesion, mafia romance, debt repayment and more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christine Jalili · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I immediately felt for Anton as he’s not shown any affection from his Dad. He and his brother’s are mafia and must be tough. Glad they had each other. But once he’s met Mishka? He falls so hard. Love his possessiveness and how he’ll do anything for her. She’s paying off her Dad’s debt while he’s getting his health in order. Can she be falling for him too? Loved feeling connected and that they get a happy ever after. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I recommend this book.

[FHR · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Mishkas father is late on his payment to the Russian mafia, a trade is made. Mishkas service in trade for his payment.
Anton is a toughened mafia man but he is smitten with Mishka and will do his best to keep got himself.
When danger comes calling, he will prove to those around them what lengths he will go to to keep his woman.

A fast paced, entertaining start to this new series by the author. We get to meet new characters and learn the dynamics of the Russian mafia. Im excited to see what’s next in the series.

[BookFox · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
There was too much inner dialogue so much I couldn’t get a connection between them. And it was repetitive of how much he loved her and how he would change for her. And how she was falling for him but shouldn’t trust him. Also what bothered me is they were supposed to be Russian and nothing seemed like it was in Russia not even languages it was very American English and words until about 75% then he starts thinking about how they were practicing using English. The spice was low and not until the end as well.
Safe
Dual pov
Virgin h manwhore H
No ow/om drama
Epilogue 1 year out

[Phyllis Wolford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great intro to a new series. The characters are thrown together, her so her father has a chance to get treatment, him because his brothers and him have mad respect for her father.
Anton and brothers use to stop at the candy shop with their father, who is a Bratva king pen. They never forgot the kindness he treated them to. Now they are helping him and his daughter is being used as a maid to Anton, but the attraction is so much more and intense.
They dance around each other and their feelings. They finally give in and their love story begins and grows stronger as time goes on.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Very Bad Man by Joanna Blake is the story of Anton and Mishka. Her father is gravely ill and has borrowed money to cover the costs….borrowed from Anton and his family. He’s known of her for years…but, now she’s all grown up.

This was a forbidden love story that captured my heart! Mishka does what she has to do to protect her father. Anton is willing to take on the debt. He seems a little flippant about it all. He has her hired as a maid for his home. But, he has other reasons for agreeing to this contract…

He didn’t seem like the typical man in this world…and he never seems to go outside of those parameters. Good read…just missing a few details in the story.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anton is the youngest of the Aslanov brothers, when the go to collect from Barlov only to discover he is really ill. All three brothers have a soft spot for the baker. Anton is instantly attracted to his daughter Mishka. He makes her a deal, she comes to work for him as his maid to work off her father’s debt to the bratva. What she does not know he will pay for her to father to get treatment.

His plan is to make her fall for him, he does not want to just bed her once, he wants to keep her.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Wow, what an amazing start to a new series I couldn't put this book down, the story was mesmerising and the characters Anton and Mishka were what dreams are made of. Anton Aslanov and his brothers run the Aslanov Russian Crime Syndicate, Anton takes Mishka so she will work for him to pay back the debt. Anton becomes obsessed with her. Mishka is a quiet, nieve, beautiful soul. Can she tame the beast or will he ruin her.

- and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Bad Man is the first book in Joanna Blake's new series. A Russian Mafia romance. We are introduced to the Aslanov brothers. It was a true fairy tale romance. A very delightful slow burn. But when Anton and Mishka finally take that step, it was deliciously spicy. Little drama. Very HEA. Definitely need more from his brothers. Wait! I think Preacher needs a little love as well. Kudos!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The new series featuring the Aslanov brothers is off to a great start. When Anton knows what he wants, he sets out to get it. Mishka has no idea what is in store for her when she is sent to fulfill her father’s debt to the Aslanov family as a maid. This is actually a sweet, slow burn love story, with great supporting characters and a happily ever after. There are even a few cameo appearances from some of the Untouchables! Looking forward to the next brother!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Mafia Man Only Towards Her

Mishka doesn’t realize the man who makes her think she’s working off her father’s debt is already half in love with her. For Anton, it was love at first sight when he saw Mishka. His plan to make her fall in love with him will obviously eventually happen since this story does have a happily ever after, but I enjoyed what all happened leading up to this point. Great story!!

[KMart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m giving this a 3.5. I usually love Joanna Blake books, but this one fell short. Way too much inner dialogue, way too much! I want to see the interaction and conversation between the two o main characters. Instead, we get tons of pages of what they’re thinking. Ugh. Plus I thought the ending was too short. Don’t like how the dad got off so easy. For future reference, have more dialogue between the characters.

[Syd Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If the rest of the series is like this book then we are in for a awesome time and I can't wait! Anton and Mishka's story had me hooked soon after reading and I was upset when it ended however, the rest of this series should be awesome! I loved the passiveness, steam, love, steam, and drama had this book on my re-read list soon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Free book

I am a fan of JB with a large collection of her books. I began with 'The Untouchables' a d haven't looked back. This book was different from others in a way that did not portray the MMC in a good light at all. There are many things towards the end that were left open and unresolved. Considering that there are 2 more brothers, I believe/hope that their books will follow and round out the series.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written Russian mafia romance with a cast of strong characters centering on Anton and Mishka. The takes you into their lives with a slow burn romance, chemistry, steam and love and kept me turning the pages with drama, twists and turns. She moves the story fluidly and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Claire RC · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good start to a new series. I did enjoy reading this story featuring Anton and Mishka, although there were some grammatical errors they didn’t detract from my enjoyment. Mishka’s character is strong and she’s willing to do anything to help her father and although Anton initially starts out as being ruthless, there is a softer part to his character which he displays throughout this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanna Blake has done it again! I absolutely loved A Very Bad Man. Mishka and Anton take you on a rollercoaster ride you won't to get off. I was immediately hooked on their story. When Mishka's father is unable to pay his debts, Anton takes Mishka as payment. She becomes his obsession. And when she is taken Anton will stop at nothing to get her back. Its was well written and if you enjoy mafia romance this is definitely for you.