I crashed a wedding. Got caught by the best man. Now, I’m pregnant with his baby…
It's Katya's fault. (As per usual.) My BFF despises her ex and wants to hate-watch him marry the woman he left her for. Problem is, she didn't fill me in on that plan... Until we arrive at the ceremony.
As soon as I find out, I run. Hop on the elevator and smash the Doors Close button like the Energizer Bunny on a sugar rush.
But right before they shut... A hand comes shooting through.
And attached to that hand, unfortunately for me, is the most stunning human specimen I've ever seen. Tall. Dark. Handsome. Dangerous.
Also... the best man.
He takes one look at me and knows I don't belong. "Who let you in here, little bird?" he growls.
I gulp. Tremble. Open my mouth to lie... And then the elevator stops.
EMERALD MALICE is Book 1 of the Kuznetsov Bratva duet. The story concludes in Book 2, EMERALD VICES.
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.
OH MY GODDDD??!!!! WHAT WAS THAT? THE ENDING???? Am I a loser for being a sucker for this? I mean it's a mafia one soooo......🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️ please tell me you get me
Natalia saw her parents get killed when she was seven. She went to live with her aunt Annie. She works at a Sunshield Insurance. Natalia is a meek woman and she becomes catatonic when she gets in a very stressful situation. Natalia is crashing the wedding of her best friend Katya’s ex-boyfriend. Natalia didn’t want to go but Katya convinces her. At the wedding Katya calls out Viktor her ex and tells everyone that Natalia is his pregnant mistress. Natalia and Katya take off trying to get away from security. Natalia ends up in a bar where a man from the wedding finds her. Andrey is the Pakhan of the Kuznetsov Bratva and it is his brother Viktor’s wedding. When Andrey finds Natalia he takes her to her apartment and they end up having sex. Andrey was not very nice after the sex when he left Natalia. Three months later Natalia is at the clinic to confirm that she is pregnant. The doctor is just getting started when there is a commotion in the hallway. Natalia peaks out the door and sees a man bleeding in the hallway. Andrey is at the clinic with a couple of his men when he sees Natalia. Andrey has been thinking about Natalia since he had sex with her. He goes in the room and sees the chart and finds out she is pregnant. There is gunfire in the hallway and Andrey takes Natalia to his place to keep her safe from his enemies. Andrey tries to stay away from Natalia but they end up in bed again. Andrey took over the Bratva when his father Slavik left the country but not before stirring up controversy with Nikolai. It has been years but Andrey is still fighting with Nikolai. Natalia gets close with Yelena the housekeeper and everyone that lives in the mansion. Viktor corners Natalia in the hallway and Andrey saves her. Natalia is falling in love with Andrey even though she doesn’t think he feels the same way. Aunt Annie gets hurt by Slavik’s men, Slavic has come back to claim his Bratva. Natalia goes in to a catatonic state and gets kidnapped by Nikolai. Andrey comes to rescue her and finds an explosive vest on her. They get out of that situation with one of Natalia’s guards dying. Natalia starts to blame herself. Will Natalia decide to leave to keep everyone safe? What will Andrey do? I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via Booksprout.
Fabulous Kuznetsov Bratva Book One!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It started off pretty promising, but it never developed into anything more. Natalia and Andrey were just criminally bland.
I kept reading waiting for something to happen, but there was little plot development. Natalia and Andrey don’t even spend that much time together. So I don’t see how they could come to love each other outside the baby.
The spark they had never turned into romance, there was never any real relationship to root for. They both spent the whole book denying their feelings, which was all very annoying.
If you like the "evil" mobster meets a naive weak insufferable heroine that is a borderline moron trying to change him trope you'd like this. Aside from Natalia's love for books I liked absolutely nothing about her. She was a detractor from the rest of the wayyy more interesting characters. I found myself hoping Andrey was delivered from her stupidity
Well that ending is not what I expected. Hats off to the author for not making it obvious. I like the characters in this book and the plot. There are some things that I feel are not realistic, but I still enjoyed it. FYI, it ends in a cliffhanger.
This spellbinding story delivers an irresistible mix of humor, tension, and undeniable chemistry that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Her reaction to the best man’s presence—part fear, part undeniable attraction—sets the stage for a charged interaction filled with witty banter and palpable tension. What makes this book stand out is how well it balances humor with genuine romantic tension. The dialogue between the two characters is electric, filled with both snappy comebacks and moments of vulnerability. As they navigate their predicament, the story explores themes of fate, attraction, and the idea that sometimes, the best things in life come from the most unexpected circumstances.
Overall Nicole Fox once again has delivered a is a delightful, fast-paced romantic story that’s as much about seizing the moment as it is about the sparks that fly when two people are thrown together in a highly unusual situation. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves a romance with a healthy dose of humor and a dash of unpredictability.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hooked from the elevator scene, the chemistry was definitely sizzling. the bratva and complex relationship with maintaining control and plot was well done and added a layer to the storytelling.
Steamy scenes were 🔥🔥🔥
Enjoyed book and couldn't put it down !!! Definitely recommend and already read part 2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Natalia seemed weaker than the usual FMC of mafia books. I understand she had PTSD which made her very sympathetic. I liked Andrey a lot. Very morally grey. Spicy but a more emotional relationship. I liked the friendships and found family in this book. Plot was good. Not sure how Ms. Fox manages to create a unique plot every time!
Nicole Fox's Emerald Malice is a whirlwind of tension, humor, and undeniable chemistry that had me hooked from the very first page. As someone who enjoys stories with a mix of romance, humor, and a dash of danger, this book was an absolute treat.
The premise itself is irresistible—crashing a wedding is chaotic enough, but getting stuck in an elevator with the dangerously handsome best man? That's a whole new level of trouble. Our protagonist, caught off guard by her best friend Katya's plan to hate-watch her ex's wedding, tries to escape the scene as quickly as possible. But of course, nothing goes as planned.
The moment when the elevator doors start to close, only for a mysterious hand to stop them, is electric. The man on the other side—tall, dark, and undeniably dangerous—immediately senses that our heroine doesn't belong. His growl of "Who let you in here, little bird?" is both thrilling and foreboding, setting the tone for the rest of the story.
What I loved most about Emerald Malice is how it combines elements of romance, suspense, and a bit of humor. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, making their interactions as tense as they are entertaining. The setting of the elevator adds an intimate and claustrophobic atmosphere, heightening the stakes as the characters are forced into close proximity.
Fox's writing shines in these moments, capturing the mix of fear, attraction, and curiosity that the protagonist feels. The dialogue is sharp and witty, with a sense of underlying danger that keeps you turning the pages. And just when you think you've figured out where the story is going, the plot takes unexpected turns that leave you eager for more.
For readers like me who love romance with a side of suspense and a hint of the unexpected, Emerald Malice delivers on all fronts. The dynamic between the characters, the tension of the situation, and the promise of what’s to come make this book a captivating start to a series that I can't wait to continue. Nicole Fox has created a world where love and danger go hand in hand, and I'm all in for the ride.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She shot him, yeah it was an accident but she shot him! Ok I actually like both the FMC Natalia and the MMC Andrey, yeah they both have Desmond to battle but he's not unnecessarily cruel to her and she's bored toxic as some of the women in these books so I'm actually rooting for them.
This is a well written mafia romance with strong characters in Natalia and Andrey. The author does a great job developing the story and brings it to life with her perfectly painted scenes. She takes you into their lives with humor, steam and a surprise .. or two and kept me turning the pages with all the emotions and happenings along the way. I was glued to the pages and left with wanting more with the cliffhanger ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
What the fuck - Yes it’s good The ending is not an ending - you have to continue to book 2 - don’t read unless you’re committed to reading both books, you get a big story but no answers! Well you get some, but the ending is crazy and fuck my mind is spinning. Off to book 2 I go.
This is Book 1 of The Kuznetsov Bratva Duet and ends o a whopper of a Cliffhanger. What a great book and beginning to this Duet! Andrey was the alpha, dominant you love to hate but is quickly redeeming himself. Natalia is such a strong character but not without her dumb moments in the book you want to shake her for lol Love all the mystery and twists so far. Can't wait for the conclusion!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
~ mafia accidental pregnancy ~ h TSTL, BBS ~ second chance for H
⚠️ the H was in love with a woman he lost and so he keeps his distance, we find out eventually she was also pregnant when she died - sort of gave me the ick
This is your typical one night stand accidental pregnancy. The beginning was fun and felt different, towards the middle I enjoyed the found family Natalia, our heroine, had created at the manor. I wish I enjoyed the main characters more. Unfortunately plot convenience was plentiful and so was dumpster sex. (Natalia had just been in a dumpster and offered to shower but Andrey wouldn’t let her 🤢)
Natalia- in the beginning she’s sarcastic and fun, as the book goes on she becomes TSTL, has serious BBS, is dependent and whines about being lonely when she has 2 bffs, an adopted son and a dog. I didn’t understand what Andrey saw in her.
Andrey- is your typical mafia alpha hole, but has double standards when it comes to Natalia, gives major whiplash and mixed signals to Natalia. “You’re mine, no one else can have you- I only want you for sex”. He’s supposedly excited about being a father but doesn’t attend any of the ultrasounds. Also for a mafia boss he’s fairly incompetent.
This is how the story goes
Andreys a jerk, they have sex. Andrey’s a jerk again. h grew a backbone…but no BBS rears its head. They have sex. Andrey is YET again a jerk. They have sex.
Get the picture?
Towards the end the heroine, impossibly, becomes more stupid and points a gun at Andrey - the guy that just saved her life TWICE and was willing to die with her…why? Because she’s stupid.
Initially I wasn’t going to read the next one, but I’ll probably skim it just to see what happens. You won’t miss out if you don’t read this.
Edit- Don’t bother with Book 2, it’s so bad, I didn’t think the heroine could get dumber but she did…oh did she. There’s so many inconsistencies from book 1 it’s like reading two separate stories. Do not waste your time!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Overall, the writing of this book was good. It is very predictable, but still engaging enough for me to want to finish the book. However, at the end there is one hell of an unecessary plot twist, not talking about the maid being a spy, but the main character shooting the baby daddy. Like.. its totally to set up book 2 but it.. sucks. Doesnt make sense, and just feels kind of meh overall. But this author has a consistent writing style. It was ok overall.
Update: I skimmed book 2 to see what happens and it was worth a 20 minute read but would not have been worth an entire book. i would’ve been so annoyed, but i read first chapter and last few and that summed it all up pretty well! it was the happy ending that was missing from this book for sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I actually really liked this book and then we got to the last 3 chapters and all of a sudden Natalia turns into an idiot. Especially the last part. You're mad at the man that saved your life by killing the person who was literally about to kill you and your baby. Girl be so for real.
At first it was GOOOOD, i was sooo excited to keep reading, but i after that, I was feeling the ick i don't know why it went from 5 to 4 but after i kept reading and reading till i finished it, i was at 2 I dont know what's is missing or what happend but i think m a little bit disappointed.
DNF @ 25% - I fell for the trap! The blurb sounds great but the actual book has two awful characters. They’re not likeable. It’s not romantic. I might revisit later.
After crashing a wedding with her friend, Natalia finds herself alone with Andrey. Can she trust this man? They are from completely different worlds. She is quiet and stays under the radar and he doesn't. She has a small circle and maintains those relationships. However after that one dreaded night, she finds herself pregnant and trying to figure out life for herself and the baby. But what happens when Andrey finds her again? What will his enemies do? Can she be protected?
Andrey is the pakhan of his Bratva. And he finds this little woman more intriguing than anything in a long, long time. Can he find a place for her in his life? Will he mess this up too? He has had love before but when his father was up to no good, he could no longer protect her. Now he protects his mother and his Bratva family. Is that enough? Will it ecer be enough?
This story is the first in the series for the Kuznetsov Bratva duet and ends with a jaw and heart stopping cliffhanger. This book contains so much love, lust, romance, betrayal, mystery, twists and turns, murder and so so much more. I can't wait for the next installment!!! I received an ARC of this book from the author.
Uhm, I kinda found the book lowkey cringe. Not gonna read the second one. Honestly, I don’t get the high rating on goodreads either. The whole thing between Andrey and Natalia was just… boring. No tension, barely any spice, zero emotional depth. So far I’ve only read the Oryolov Bratva duet by Nicole Fox, and that one was way better.
Mafia bratva funny as hell meet cute like it was hot and sexy but only happens in books BABY 🤰🤰 Obsessed with her from the very first moment Heroine in feisty and fights backs Big family debacle/ crazy father from hero side I love the sexy scenes between Natalia and Andrey 🥵 CRAZY BEST FRIEND CRASHES WEEDDING 😂
The first three chapters of this book will have you at the edge of your seat. Honestly, Natalie’s friend is as crazy as anyone could get. I was laughing my ass off , the chemistry between Natalie and Andre from the very beginning is so raw, and especially when she had her panic attacks and needed to be brought back to life was so sweet amazing that honestly I fell in love with the story fromthe very beginning. And the baby. Like aweee. How everyone from andrey side just fell in love with Natalia and her connection to Misha after being caught spy was heartwarming.
Love the book as always 5/5.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The first s*x scene was after she had climbed out of a NY dumpster and fell into a puddle of rotten food. That's disgusting. FMC literally said "I should shower" and the MMC told her not to. Um... gross. 3 months later she "happens" to be at the clinic getting her first checkup when he "happens" to go to the same place, then "happens" to see her name on the sign in sheet and then "happens" to find her in the exam room. Come on, author! Make it at least a LITTLE realistic! Mafia guys don't bring their gs victims to the clinic! 🤦♀️
In addition, I can't stand mafia/bratva romances where the supposed bad@$$ MMC is a ruthless, murdering, alpha-hole turns out to be an immature moron.