Bound by Hate

by Ivy Davis

I’m not a woman who bows down for any man.
But he said he’d bring me to my knees.


I never wanted to marry a man like Aleksander Vasiliev.
As the oldest sister in my family, I was excpected to make a marriage pact with a high ranking mafia man.
Not someone from the slums of Russia.
Aleksander is a man who thinks himself above his station.
I’m a woman who deserves the best.
When I’m forced into a marriage with Alek, I am appalled.
He pushes my body beyond repair.
He drives my mind to insanity.
I hate him.
But… I’m also drawn to him.
Aleksander knows how to make me feel seen when no one ever has before.
How can I love a monster like him?
One thing I know for certain Aleksander will be my salvation…
Or my downfall.

Bound by Hate can be read as a standalone and has a guaranteed happy ending and NO cliffhangers.

Genres: Mafia Romance

228 pages, Paperback

Published August 6, 2024

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Dark Mafia Romance, and this is the second book in the Born in Blood series. I have read the first book in this series before picking up this book. I had issues with the first book, but I wanted to give the second book in this series a chance. I liked this book more than the first book, but my main issue with this book is I did not like or connect to the character we are following in this book. I am happy we got her point of view, and I enjoyed reading this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Kirsten_BookRants · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

⭐⭐⭐.5 (for the last 40% of the book)
🌶️🌶️(Slow burn, no spice until 66% mark)

This book opens with Vik talking about how all the men around her have large egos. But honestly I've never read a fictional female character with a larger ego than hers. And the facts she's still jealous over her sister's marriage to Mikhail is a little sad. "Mikhail was a man worth of me" girl bye.

"I just may have to resign myself to becoming a crazy cat lady. The problem is—I fucking hate cats." Mood, except I like cats lol

I don't care if it's problematic Vik needed to hear Vera's words. While mean spirited there was a lot of truth in them. Vik needed to get a clue, and stop thinking she was God's gift to the universe.

Nice to see the POVs of the characters from book 1. Added a layer of development to the story. And made plot connections.

Aleksander was the best part of this book....kinda. He made Vik feel safe, heard and wanted. He never gave up on her and I appreciate that.

I want to empathize with the fact that Vik has lived in her sisters' shadows, always having to be perfect as the reason she is the person she is today. But it's not translating over well to me.

This book is VERY similar to bound by hatred by Cora Reilly. However Gianna was hot head and bitchy at times, but it is as relatable. She simply didn't want to be a part of the Mafia world. But with Vik she takes the cake, because she just gives off mean girl vibes. And I feel the disordered eating behaviors were just thrown in as a plot device, because even the author knew people didn't like Vik. So there needed to be something put in place for us to care about her.

Welp I guess a smack on the ass truly never hurt nobody 😅. Cause it made home girl did a complete 180.

I get it the pressure to be perfect all the time is the worst. I've personally experienced it my entire life. But I could never imagine treating people the way Vik does.

"Since no one likes me anyway, no one will miss me." Okay I'll admit it this line did pull at the heart strings.

Prior to reading this book I didn't think I would be interested in reading Mila. But she grabbed my attention in this book and I'm looking forward to getting to know more about her.

While it was obvious Gleb was evil, I must admit I didn't see his true intentions coming. Great plot twist.

As much as it kills me I did need up having a soft spot for Vik towards the end. It sucks not having control over your life, plus feeling alone while surrounded by people. But she's still not making any list of top FMCs in my book 🤣.

The spicy stage scene 🥵

Vik creating a new positive sensation, instead of coping through a negative one, was a great therapy technique that I appreciate seeing.

Vik has some serious growth in this book, and I enjoyed seeing it. I was skeptical going in, thought I would totally check out. But I did trust the process and enjoyed what I read.

Spoilers Ahead

I was prepared to give this book 4 stars, because I was slowly growing a soft spot for Vik. But when Mikhail let Gleb go I decided that I clearly was insane for thinking things were going to stay good.

Gee to think I spent 8 years in college studying to be a therapist, only to find out all eating disorders could be cured simply because someone tells the person not to do the harmful behaviors.

Mikhail needs to be fired 💀

[Phyllis Wolford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good second book of this series, and the characters are both strong willed and set in their ways. They are basically thrown together because he works for her sister,
Vik is a strong willed, protect yourself at all costs, and that means from everyone even family.
Alex is a self made man, born and raised in the slums. He is Sofiyias husbands second in command. He is in lust with Vik since the first time he saw her and is doing everything he can to claim her, she does not make this easy.
They fight, argue,have stand-offs, and eventually give in to their feeling for each other. This is the only way for Vik to let her past go and learn to live her life.

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book of this outstanding series about three sisters and what happens to them. This story has amazing characters which is also easy to read as well as a great page turner. The story has drama, suspense, intrigue, action and a steamy romance happily ever after ending.
The story follows three Bratva sisters and the people that they interact with them. The eldest and youngest Bratva sisters find out that the guy who was supposed to protect them before but didn’t get hold of another guy to protect them in case something happened to him.
The three wind up going to Moscow to the other sister’s home. The sister is married to the Bratva Pakhan who controls Moscow. The eldest Bratva sister goes out and finds a man who the Bratva Pakhan doesn’t like but he turns her away. The Bratva Pakhan’s second as well as the guy wants to marry the eldest Bratva sister. The sister makes a bad decision that gets her sold at an underground auction but is soon saved by the Bratva Pakhan and his second.
The eldest Bratva sister gets married to the second who tried to help her with her problems. The second also introduces her to BDSM, taking her to a BDSM club several times. Throughout the story he tries to help her with her problems but she doesn’t push through them until after the guy auctions off the youngest Bratva sister and then kidnaps all three Bratva sisters to get money that the guy thinks that they owe him. The eldest Bratva sister kills both the guy as well as the man who helped the guy kidnap them and the husband of both of the married sisters come for them.
The Bratva sisters become closer. The eldest Bratva sister and the second finally tell one another how much they love one another. The Bratva sister and the Bratva Pakhan find out their family will become bigger. The youngest Bratva sister will be staying with the sister and her Bratva Pakhan husband.
The eldest Bratva sister has never been so happy ever.

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

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Born in Blood series hang on and you might want to make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way! Viktoriya is sweet but has a reputation of being pretty much a drama queen not afraid to tell you how she feels about any/everything, she wants a man who is worthy of her, and she doesn’t or won’t stop until she gets what she wants a high ranking mafia husband no just a member. Aleksander sexy as all get out second in command, he is considered high ranking but in book one he insulted Viktoriya causing her to hate him or so she says, they both get on each other’s nerves her more so than him and he knows his brand of discipline is exactly what she needs and offers to marry her but trouble brews when Gleb steps in to claim the girls Viktoriya and her younger sister Mia as their guardian like Mikhail will let that happen but will Mikhail the boss keep the girls safe, will he allow Aleksander marry Viktoriya, is he the right man to marry her, will she trust him enough to show her softer side, allowing him to take over controls, and can they find happiness somewhere along the way?

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viktoriya Morozova at twenty-five is known as the Ice Queen. She's very outspoken, insults every man who approach her, they're not good enough for her. She feels she's needs of a high-ranking mafia husband. Aleksander Vasiliev is second in command to her brother-in-law, he's high ranking, but he's already insulted her in the previous book. She hates him, he infuriates her, but he thinks she needs his brand of discipline and offers to marry her. A captivating story as another guardian, Gleb, steps up to claim Viktoriya and her younger sister Mila as their guardian who cause trouble for the girls. This is an action-packed story filled with twists and turns for Morozova girls. Will Victoriya be forced marry against her will? Life in the mafia is dangerous, so is the life of a virgin mafia princesses with a scoundrel for a guardian. Can Mikhail, their brother-in-law, the mafia boss, and Aleksander keep them safe? I love how strong Viktoriya is she's a warrior, she fights for herself and her family. Can she find love with a man who grew up in the slums of Russia, a man beneath the mafia princess. Can she trust him, can she love him and give up control to him? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd story in the Born in Blood Series where we uncover why the hard shell that Viktoriya the Ice Queen has in place. We meet Viktoriya and her sisters in the 1st story where they are owned and ruled by the ruthless men of Bratva after their parents unexpectedly pass away. Viktoriya previously meet Aleksander in Russia where things did not go well so when she returns to Russia again for safety they come across each other again things between them become something more and Viktoriya fights it each step of the way which leads her down an unspeakable situation when she should have been protected. The outspoken and rudeness she shows to the Bratva men she comes across earns her hurt and pain. Aleksander can read her and wants to give her the discipline needed to bring her peace so as she allows him in one step at a time does her world become filled with hope and love… These 3 sisters come across one evil man after another and learn to depend one each other to get through all the difficulties. Viktoriya’s world of perfection comes tumbling down only for Aleksander to be there to catch and provide care and love she never Shaw coming! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Viktoriya has always been opinionated and head strong, she will not bow down to any Bratva man, it's them who should bow down to her, to be worthy of her! Just as Mila and her settle back home in the US, Gleb comes on the scene stating he is now in charge of their wellbeing since the demise of Boris an associate of their father. They try to secretly leave, to go back to Russia to their middle sister Sofiya's home but Gleb catches them and goes with them instead.

But Viktoriya clashes with Mikhail again and a ultimatum is given. Will her pride be her downfall and she'll chose the wrong person? Will Aleksander, Mikhail's right hand man take her to task? Show her that she cannot control all around her?

An enemies to lovers with twists along the way. The sisters may just be women in the Bratva world but they are resourceful. when push comes to shove, the will stand together and fight for those they love. Viktoriya has to deal with her life spiralling out of her control and she has to learn to put her trust in others.

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

[Coastie Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Ivy Davis, but I found it very hard to get through this story because I instantly disliked Viktoriya (Ice Queen) – she got on my last nerve with her mightier than thou attitude. She thought everyone was beneath her and not worthy of her time. She is a very disturbed woman with a lot of issues and blames everyone for everything that has gone wrong since her parents died. Aleksander is Mikhail’s 2nd in command and loves a challenge. He sees Viktoriya as that challenge and believes that he can help her through her darkness. Alek asks Mikhail to let him marry Viktoriya, as he can take her off Mikhails hands and stop causing all these problems with him and his wife Sofyia.

Let the trouble begin, Viktoriya is stubborn, feisty, vicious, and very hurt. Alek grows to care about Viktoryia and decides he would do anything to save her – there is a new threat to her and Mila now and the skin trade is back in full force with Viktoryia as the main attraction. Will Alek be able to save Viktoryia? Will Viktoryia ever let her walls down and realize she is not above anyone else?

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

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viktoriya has always felt the need to be perfect in order to get the love and attention of her parents. She becomes a prima ballerina to please them, while building up a wall around her heart and garnering the moniker 'Ice Princess'. After her parents' murders, she seeks to find a husband but her strive for perfection makes her caustically reject all suitors as not good enough. Especially not Aleksander who rose from poverty to become second in command of the Moscow Bratva. Alek sees Vik as a challenge, trying to break her down to submit to him. As he unravels the wall around her heart, he finds more than he bargained for.

I really liked this mafia romance. There is action, danger and intrigue with a strong FMC who fights back to protect herself and her family, and a MMC who is willing to change his first impressions to become the man who Vik needs in her life. There is plenty of steam and romance in this story, too.

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

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always team Alek

I read the prior book Bound By Desire where Alek was featured. You don’t have to read it before this one. It truly can be read as a standalone. I think reading it ahead of time really sets the exterior view of Viktoriya and Bound By Hate helps you understand why she became who she is now.

In the first book Alek was pretty much a jerk overall. But in this one he has some witty banter and flirtation that had me team Alek.

Alek balanced leading Viktoriya and offering support in her adversities and traumatic history.

This book and series really outlines relatable family disfunction and underlying love. You know the sisters love one another. I can’t wait to see Mila’s story bring everything together and how her match fits into everything.

I would recommend this book and series so far for anyone wanting to follow along the transitions and growth of a family entering a new chapter.

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

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Aleksandr and Viktoriya
Genre- Mafia Romance (bratva)
Length- 260 pages plus previews
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋 BDSM was involved, but it was more about trust than heat
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- Kidnapping, Trafficking, Violence, Explicit Erotic Content, Language
Tropes- Ice Queen, Tiny Dancer, Enemies to Lovers, BDSM, Forced Marriage, He Ain’t Heavy- He’s My Bratva, Sister Power
Mewsings
As always, I’ll be honest. I really didn’t like Viktoriya at the beginning of this book. But as it continued, I found myself feeling empathy for her and I was very happy for her in the end. This was an interesting character study of someone who had a lot of walls keeping herself protected. Aleksandr used BDSM a to break down those walls. I thought it was a little odd, but it worked for them and that’s cool. You do you, characters, you do you.

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

[TarNisha Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️’s….I enjoyed reading this book even though Viktoriya was getting all my last nerve. I commend Aleksander for his strength and attitude towards Vik because she judge and talked so badly about him because of how he grew up….but what she didn’t know was that she wasn’t worthy of him because he had to fight and work his way to the top, while everything was handed to her, and she didn’t have to work for anything. And it’s true what the old saying says, Karma is a Bitch….she got deserved some of the stuff that happened to her because of how cruel she was but I do agree that men think they can just control a woman and expect them to obey like puppets….ugh! Poor Mila; someone is always trying to take her….lol. And Glen was an Evil Bastard, and I’m glad Vik put a bullet in his head for being a disgusting animal. All in all, a good read, and I’m looking forward to reading Mila and Damien’s story. 💜💜💜💜💜

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viktoriya is the eldest sister, and although she has the ice queen exteria inside she's wants to be cared for and dare say loved?, but with her particular requirement for the high rank her future husband must have, she's not finding any matches that fit that bill.  Aleksander was drawn to Vik at first sight and will do anything to make her submit to him, but she hates him for his insults, and theirs another with their sights on her, will Alek be the one to get his woman and keep her safe?  Will she ever thaw for him?
The story is well written and evenly paced with a mix of suspense  action, desires and more, the only let down was like bk1 Alek also enjoys 2 other subs before fully being with Vik but still after having asked for her hand in marriage, which kinda makes the whole obsession with having her as his a bit of an underwhelming feeling overall.

[K. Smock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Viktoriya aka "Vik" Morozova is known as the Ice Queen. She is the eldest daughter in the Morozova family and knows her worth. She is a bit over the top with her own self-worth and refuses to marry anyone who she deems is beneath her. This gets her into a bit of a pickle when her guardian decides that he will marry her. Then there is Aleksander Vasiliev who likes a bit of a challenge and has decided that Viktoriya is just the challenge he needs. He comes from the slums but has worked his way to second in command of the Russian mafia. There are some good twists and turns in the story with a few surprises that have you reading to the very end. Will it work out for Vik, or will it all fall apart?

I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advance copy of this book from Booksprout.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound By Hate is book 2 in the Born In Blood. This is the story of Viktoriya Morozova, the Ice Queen, Princess of the New York Bratva. I did not like Viktoriya one bit in Mikhail and Sofiyas story in book 1. She's so full of herself and can cut you down to nothing with just a look. BUT, she's in store for the shock of her life when she meets her match. Aleksander is is absolutely perfect for her. His upbringing the complete opposite of hers and if she thinks she's stubborn and determined, well, Alek is about to teach her a lesson. I LOVE THIS STORY! To see Vik evolve into something so much more was utterly fantastic! To watch her and Alek become one was totally consuming. They're complete and utter perfection together. Each other is exactly what they needed in lifelong partners.

[Shelly Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not everything is wrapped up in a perfect bow. Not everyone is likeable even after fixing what is broken.

This is Viktoriya and Aleksander's story. I spent the first half of the book thinking I'm never going to understand Viktoriya let alone like her. If the author was going for the most hated character, she nailed it. Aleksander saw something in her that she kept very well hidden. I was screaming in my head for him to run the other way. By the end, I'm glad he didn't.

While I didn't feel a connection, there was a need. Aleksander needed someone and needed to break through the barriers. Viktoriya was extremely unlikeable in her good moments. It will be explained but for the first half, be prepared.

[Kass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by Hate is the sory of a mafia princess who has to nagigate the world of the Bratva following her parents death while caring for her younger sister. Viktoriya is at the mercy of the way she was raised and has to learn that who she thought she was and who she is are not the same person.

Through some twists and thrilling moments, Viktoriya is left with a choice as to who she will marry and why.

This was a great mafia as well as love story. I really enjoyed the characters and their progression through the book. I devoured this story in 4 hours and do not regret my book hangover today. I recommend this book to lovers of the mafia trope, strong men and thrilling romance. You will not be disappointed.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a slow burn dark mafia romance book featuring Viktoriya Morozova and Aleksander Vasiliev. Vik is a mafia princess that is an absolute ice princess. I actually didn’t love her character, but I understood why she was so closed off. Alek was not born into wealth, but had to fight his way from poverty to become a powerful mafia man. Vik hates Alek and he sees her as his greatest challenge. They are a good match for each other and bring out the better parts of one another. I will say that I rolled my eyes several times at Vik — she was just really over the top. But overall this was a good romance.

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

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bound by Hate is book 2 in the Born in Blood by Ivy Davis, and though part of a series, could be read as a standalone, but you would be missing some context. Viktoryia is a Russian American Bratva Princess, haughty, entitled, a bully to her sisters, an ice-cold bi**h, and overall pretty unlikeable. Unfortunately, I didn't like her any better at the end of this book. We also met Alek in Book 1, but he grew on me. So with all that said, I could have cared less if Viktoryia found her HEA. Hard to like a book when the main character is so unlikeable. This book was a 1.5 I don't care stars......But I am really curious about little sister Mila's story.

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

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viktoriya, the oldest of the Morozova sisters finally meets to man who can tame her, but she continues her pompous altitude and makes it hard for him to "convince" her that he needs to take care of her. Aleksander Vasiliev did not make a good "first impression" on Vik when he forced her to dance for him the first time they met. For Alek, that meeting was enough to decide that he must have her but trying to convince her and keep her safe turns out to be very hard. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and look forward to reading Mia's story in the next installment of this series.

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

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. We are taken into the lives of Aleksander and Victoria who is known as the icy and selfish ice princess. She is not easy and not many people can handle that or dare to do that, but Aleksander is the only one who is not afraid of her and tries to get the real Victoria out and not the ice princess she shows. A great story with a wonderful BDSM content and a touch of enemies to lovers. Highly recommended to read.


I received an Advance Reader sample of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is the oldest and has to be the toughest, dancing is her life, however when an injury sidelines her she becomes even more cold. When danger comes knocking she takes her little sister to Russia for protection. What she is not looking forward to is see him again, when given the choice to marry him, she picks another only to realize to late that Alek is who she really wants. The problem is now that she has pick the other guy things are not as they seem.

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

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this story was totally HOT!!!! I really enjoyed this book and I wanted more. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was intense. It was addicted and I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. Sofiya and Mikhail romance was arrange and she hate him with a passion. He was a mafia enforcer and she just want to live her life with fun and happiness. But the physical and chemistry attraction was to tempted and they couldn't fight the temptation any more was she falling in love with him or will she be with her true love one day. But her father was not haven't at all in this arrange marriage it was business relationship.
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I liked this story better than the first in the series. Viktoriya & Aleksander's chemistry is awesome despite the fact that she truly hates him. Although Viktoriya comes off as a you know what, this story shows the reasoning behind her attitude, and it really made me empthasize with her. Aleksander saw behind this hard exterior and understood exactly what she needed. There were some twists I didn't expected, which made the reading more interesting. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.

[Linda Fairburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second story in this trilogy and its about the oldest sister Viktorya and a man she hates Aleksander.
Viktoria who thinks no man will ever be her equal and makes enemies whenever she opens her mouth.
Denis is now dead as in the first book and another man takes his place, Gleb.
Viktoria and Mila decided to travel back to Russia to be with her sister to get away from him as they don't trust him.
The only thing is he demands to go with them to look after them.
Nothing ever goes right as they are right not to trust him as they biypth find out.
Great story, come on number three.

[Jenny Bui Nguyen]

The 2nd book in the Born in Blood series focuses on the eldest sister, Viktoriya. She is loud-spoken, not being afraid to be vocal about anything, especially in who she wants to marry. Someone at the top, not just a common member.

Aleksander is second-in-command but from a previous insult, she doesn't like him. He thinks he can give her the discipline she needs. Their story has twists and turns and ends in a HEA.

[Amber Pickerill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viktoriya Morozova has to find a husband, but it's not as easy as it looks when she's known as the Ice Queen. Vik always let's her opinions known, so when Aleksander immediately agrees to marry her, she's determined to keep him away.
That fine line between love and hate blurs the more Alek shows up for her even when she's unreasonable.
A great read that has even those with the coldest heart melting.

[Tina Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this book was going to be good when I saw the FMC was Viktoriya and I was not disappointed. Viktoriya and Aleksander have instant chemistry when they meet in the last book but also a hate/hate relationship. It was fun to see how this couple gets together. There is also a lot of drama and suspense in this book. It keeps you on your toes. The characters really bring this book together! I can’t wait to see who the main characters are in the next book!.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me glued to the book! It was worth taking a sick day just to read it! Vic is the Ice Queen that I didn’t think she would find a match but boy was I wrong! Alek is the best man for her in all ways! Definitely one of the best mafia books I’ve read!.

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