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Guarded Secrets
Nikolai Ivanov
doesn't let anyone close-until Lilian. From the moment she steps into his world, she becomes his obsession. Cold, ruthless, and used to getting what he wants, Nikolai is drawn to her fierce independence and the fire in her eyes. He knows there's more to her than she lets on, but the more she resists, the more he's determined to make her his. For Nikolai, Lilian isn't just a bodyguard -she's the one thing he can't control, and that makes her irresistible.
Lilian Hayes
a FBI agent who has always relied on her wits and independence to navigate a world filled with danger. Her latest go undercover as the bodyguard to Nikolai Ivanov, a feared mafia boss who rules the underworld with brutal precision. Her objective is clear -protect him, gain his trust, and gather the evidence needed to take him down. But staying detached is easier said than done when every glance from Nikolai sets her nerves on edge and her heart racing
doesn't let anyone close-until Lilian. From the moment she steps into his world, she becomes his obsession. Cold, ruthless, and used to getting what he wants, Nikolai is drawn to her fierce independence and the fire in her eyes. He knows there's more to her than she lets on, but the more she resists, the more he's determined to make her his. For Nikolai, Lilian isn't just a bodyguard -she's the one thing he can't control, and that makes her irresistible.
Lilian Hayes
a FBI agent who has always relied on her wits and independence to navigate a world filled with danger. Her latest go undercover as the bodyguard to Nikolai Ivanov, a feared mafia boss who rules the underworld with brutal precision. Her objective is clear -protect him, gain his trust, and gather the evidence needed to take him down. But staying detached is easier said than done when every glance from Nikolai sets her nerves on edge and her heart racing
- GenresDark Romance
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2024
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 12, 2024
✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
"I didn’t just want to break her. I wanted to own her."
"“Crawl to me,” he said, his voice low and commanding"
I had the pleasure of reading the ARC of this book and I'm in love. This book was perfect in all aspects. I fell in love with the characters and the plot. From page 1, the writing is immaculate, and the plot is intense(in the best way possible). The author explained everything to detail. Lilian and Nikolai were so perfect, their chemistry is literally unmatched. I assure you you'll love them from page 1. Lilian or should i call her Seraphine is literally a badass, she's literally an icon. I loved her from page 1, she carries herself with confidence and is brave and fierce. Nikolai, i literally adore this man so much. He's continously perfect, once you meet him, i tell you you'll literally be hooked and obsessed with him. He's cold to everyone except for Lilian. He's methodical, logical and a strategist. He makes sure everything falls in place. Them 2 make so much sense. The tension between them is literally so think you could cut through with a knife. They match each other's freak too. There is one scene in a limo that everyone needs to read because it's 🥵🥵🥵🥵. Can't wait for the other books in the series. The author really outdid herself with this one considering it's her first book, she definitely aced it. If you're not reading this book, What are you doing?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
"I didn’t just want to break her. I wanted to own her."
"“Crawl to me,” he said, his voice low and commanding"
I had the pleasure of reading the ARC of this book and I'm in love. This book was perfect in all aspects. I fell in love with the characters and the plot. From page 1, the writing is immaculate, and the plot is intense(in the best way possible). The author explained everything to detail. Lilian and Nikolai were so perfect, their chemistry is literally unmatched. I assure you you'll love them from page 1. Lilian or should i call her Seraphine is literally a badass, she's literally an icon. I loved her from page 1, she carries herself with confidence and is brave and fierce. Nikolai, i literally adore this man so much. He's continously perfect, once you meet him, i tell you you'll literally be hooked and obsessed with him. He's cold to everyone except for Lilian. He's methodical, logical and a strategist. He makes sure everything falls in place. Them 2 make so much sense. The tension between them is literally so think you could cut through with a knife. They match each other's freak too. There is one scene in a limo that everyone needs to read because it's 🥵🥵🥵🥵. Can't wait for the other books in the series. The author really outdid herself with this one considering it's her first book, she definitely aced it. If you're not reading this book, What are you doing?
October 13, 2024
This was an amazing store about undercover agent and her mission to protect mafia boss. She fights with emotions and sense of duty. You have to read to find out who and where her true self lies. Past drives her future awaits her. I arc read this and couldn’t put it down. Suspense , witty banter , emotions and an amazing story. I am an avid Mafia reader and this is up the list in story and character development. Great addition to the mafia genre.
November 1, 2024
A delicious read
Lillian has a secret and its critical to the mission that she hides it well.
Over the course of these pages she overcomes unexpected obstacles and gains new secrets.
Working undercover proves extremely complicated when it comes to her current target and troubled past.
The writing flows amazingly and let's your imagination sour while you devour the book.
And who doesn't love some danger with their spice?
Lillian has a secret and its critical to the mission that she hides it well.
Over the course of these pages she overcomes unexpected obstacles and gains new secrets.
Working undercover proves extremely complicated when it comes to her current target and troubled past.
The writing flows amazingly and let's your imagination sour while you devour the book.
And who doesn't love some danger with their spice?
October 30, 2024
Guarded Secrets is a story about an fbi agent, Lillian. she is to infiltrate the world of the Ruthless mafia boss Nikolai who is down bad for Seraphine the moment she steps into his office, she has sworn to bring him down, gathering information etc under the guise of protecting him, but what happens as the lies develop into more and she decides that she can't do that to him.
Lillian has a dark past herself, as she learns more about the reason why she became an fbi agent, her agenda changes and she develops and gives in to the man that has captivated her from the get go.
Nikolai is infatuated from the get-go, although he does not want to be, and he tries to deny this. This infatuation turns into trust for Seraphine, but in this world, trust is deadly.
Seraphine/Lillian is a badass fmc. She can hold her own against others in a mafia setting.
I love the nickname 'snowflake' melts my heart.
This book is the authors debut novel, and I, for one, think this is amazing, I had the chance to beta read this, and she has developed it wonderfully.
Can't wait for more 🖤
Lillian has a dark past herself, as she learns more about the reason why she became an fbi agent, her agenda changes and she develops and gives in to the man that has captivated her from the get go.
Nikolai is infatuated from the get-go, although he does not want to be, and he tries to deny this. This infatuation turns into trust for Seraphine, but in this world, trust is deadly.
Seraphine/Lillian is a badass fmc. She can hold her own against others in a mafia setting.
I love the nickname 'snowflake' melts my heart.
This book is the authors debut novel, and I, for one, think this is amazing, I had the chance to beta read this, and she has developed it wonderfully.
Can't wait for more 🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2024
ive had the wonderful honour of being an ATC reader for this book and let me tell you, it is absolutely worth your time to read!
i haven’t been reading much mafia books yet so far of my reader journey, and this did not fail to set some standards!
the tension, the betrayals, the possessiveness and the excitement of this was amazing! it was one point a good way into the book that had my heart up in my throat, like i was there myself to witness it! and when things unfolded? i was in shock of how it happend! oh my i could’ve talked about this book a lot!
i gave this a strong 4 stars, not fully 5 as some part of me didnt really see where the emotional attachment came from as i kind of missed the proper personal connection between them? others than that, this was such a thrill!<3
i haven’t been reading much mafia books yet so far of my reader journey, and this did not fail to set some standards!
the tension, the betrayals, the possessiveness and the excitement of this was amazing! it was one point a good way into the book that had my heart up in my throat, like i was there myself to witness it! and when things unfolded? i was in shock of how it happend! oh my i could’ve talked about this book a lot!
i gave this a strong 4 stars, not fully 5 as some part of me didnt really see where the emotional attachment came from as i kind of missed the proper personal connection between them? others than that, this was such a thrill!<3
October 21, 2024
Arc Review!!
This book had me hooked from the start. FBI Secret Agent Lillian Hayes has to go undercover as a bodyguard for the leader of one of the biggest Mafia organizations. Nikolai Ivanov doesn’t trust just anyone, and once his trust is broken you can never get it back. This book has lies, secrets, deception, action, romance, suspense, betrayal, and so much more. It’s so fast paced and entertaining. Really great job for a debut novel, and I can’t wait to see what Federica has in store for us in the next books!!!
This book had me hooked from the start. FBI Secret Agent Lillian Hayes has to go undercover as a bodyguard for the leader of one of the biggest Mafia organizations. Nikolai Ivanov doesn’t trust just anyone, and once his trust is broken you can never get it back. This book has lies, secrets, deception, action, romance, suspense, betrayal, and so much more. It’s so fast paced and entertaining. Really great job for a debut novel, and I can’t wait to see what Federica has in store for us in the next books!!!
October 17, 2024
I was thrilled to be an ARC reader for this book. It hooked me from the start, and I instantly connected with the characters. Lillian, who goes undercover for a Russian mafia boss, is pure fire. The story escalated from 0 to 100 at one point, but I didn’t mind, especially given the book’s length. And the limo scene? 🔥!The story was not only entertaining but also ended on a heartwarming note. I’m giving it 4 stars because I felt like something was missing or it could be a bit more but overall, it was a great read! ♥️
October 31, 2024
ARC Review 🫶🏻
Very happy to have received an ARC of this. Lillian is an undercover FBI agent whose next mission is Nikolai Ivanov, the most feared mafia boss in the city.
-Age Gap
-Mafia Romance
-Betrayal
-Hidden Identity
I really really enjoyed this. It was spicy and dramatic and I loved having the dual pov and knowing what was happening before the characters even did. I literally could not put this book down.
Very happy to have received an ARC of this. Lillian is an undercover FBI agent whose next mission is Nikolai Ivanov, the most feared mafia boss in the city.
-Age Gap
-Mafia Romance
-Betrayal
-Hidden Identity
I really really enjoyed this. It was spicy and dramatic and I loved having the dual pov and knowing what was happening before the characters even did. I literally could not put this book down.
Read
December 3, 2024DNF 51 %
I was supposed to ARC read this, but it sadly became a DNF…
I tried so hard to get into this book, because I really found the tropes interesting, so I didn’t want to be disappointed.
But, sadly, I couldn’t get over the writing style. It just wasn’t for me.
I was supposed to ARC read this, but it sadly became a DNF…
I tried so hard to get into this book, because I really found the tropes interesting, so I didn’t want to be disappointed.
But, sadly, I couldn’t get over the writing style. It just wasn’t for me.
February 16, 2025
This is Federica's debut novel and I ate this s*it up!!! This is the perfect book to get out of the slump. It's quick, it has action, plot, spice and super strong characters. I can't wait to see what she has in mind for her next books!!
October 25, 2024
ARC review!
In Federica's debut novel, where dreams entwine with reality, my expectations soared beyond the clouds. Her career’s dawn brightens with such promise! Each word crafted with tender care, whispering stories in a world where beauty thrives not just in the prose, but in the visual feast of an exquisitely adorned book. Ah, the font, the details—they cast a spell upon my senses.
Spice & Tension:
- Oh, the shattered glass tableau, jealousy’s sharp kiss ringing through the room, and her fierce vow, "I won't miss next time," echoing through scattered souls. Shivers, indeed.
- Mature scene in the interrogation room—a dark romance’s pulse, sending shockwaves through my veins. Not for the faint-hearted, this tale of shadows and fire, with Nik's wild spirit unbridled. Freaky? Perhaps. But captivating beyond measure.
- And then, a car’s intimate embrace, flames of desire igniting the night. HOT, HOT, HOT.🔥
Plot & Other Details:
Yet, solace found in a happy ending. With tears wiped away, I recommend this journey to all.
My rating system (explained):
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: It touched my heart and soul in some sort of way. Satisfied in all means.
⭐⭐⭐⭐: I loved it.
⭐⭐⭐: Neutral - not good, not bad.
⭐⭐: It was not my cup of tea.
⭐: I was unwell while reading this book, obviously I didn't like it.
In Federica's debut novel, where dreams entwine with reality, my expectations soared beyond the clouds. Her career’s dawn brightens with such promise! Each word crafted with tender care, whispering stories in a world where beauty thrives not just in the prose, but in the visual feast of an exquisitely adorned book. Ah, the font, the details—they cast a spell upon my senses.
Spice & Tension:
- Oh, the shattered glass tableau, jealousy’s sharp kiss ringing through the room, and her fierce vow, "I won't miss next time," echoing through scattered souls. Shivers, indeed.
- Mature scene in the interrogation room—a dark romance’s pulse, sending shockwaves through my veins. Not for the faint-hearted, this tale of shadows and fire, with Nik's wild spirit unbridled. Freaky? Perhaps. But captivating beyond measure.
- And then, a car’s intimate embrace, flames of desire igniting the night. HOT, HOT, HOT.🔥
Plot & Other Details:
Yet, solace found in a happy ending. With tears wiped away, I recommend this journey to all.
My rating system (explained):
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: It touched my heart and soul in some sort of way. Satisfied in all means.
⭐⭐⭐⭐: I loved it.
⭐⭐⭐: Neutral - not good, not bad.
⭐⭐: It was not my cup of tea.
⭐: I was unwell while reading this book, obviously I didn't like it.
October 21, 2024
🖤✨⛓️💥Arc Reader Review⛓️💥✨🖤
Rating: 4-4.5/5
Spice: 🌶️.5/5
First of all, thank you Federica for writing such an amazing story and creating interesting characters like Nikolai and Lilian! I enjoyed every single moment and had such a good time reading it!
Can’t wait for your first book to finally be released<3
Second of all, thank you for trusting me enough to be part of the ARC Reader Team- to read and review your work before the release!
The story:
Lilian, a FBI undercover agent, who becomes a bodyguard for a Russian mafia boss, Nikolai Ivanov. Lilian- she is a pure icon. I absolutely love and adore strong FMC and she is definitely one of my favourites! She has confidence, she’s strong and most importantly brave enough to walk right into Nikolais arms...
Nikolai on the other hand- he is strategic, he is rational and intelligent. He doesn’t trust anyone but somehow he did with Lilian.✨
Nikolai can be grumpy but once you get through his exterior he is such a lovely and thoughtful person <3
The Tension was amazing it makes you hold your breath for what’s coming next and their chemistry was perfection! It was really fast paced but also slightly slow burn which is the perfect combination!! I finished it pretty fast and now I’m actually sad that it’s over buuuut I’m so excited for the other books of this series and you all should definitely be excited as well!
Some tropes: Age gap, Hidden identity, Possessive / obsessiveness, Mafia romance and Betrayal.
Get your calendars out and mark yourself the 1st of November 2024🖤
Rating: 4-4.5/5
Spice: 🌶️.5/5
First of all, thank you Federica for writing such an amazing story and creating interesting characters like Nikolai and Lilian! I enjoyed every single moment and had such a good time reading it!
Can’t wait for your first book to finally be released<3
Second of all, thank you for trusting me enough to be part of the ARC Reader Team- to read and review your work before the release!
The story:
Lilian, a FBI undercover agent, who becomes a bodyguard for a Russian mafia boss, Nikolai Ivanov. Lilian- she is a pure icon. I absolutely love and adore strong FMC and she is definitely one of my favourites! She has confidence, she’s strong and most importantly brave enough to walk right into Nikolais arms...
Nikolai on the other hand- he is strategic, he is rational and intelligent. He doesn’t trust anyone but somehow he did with Lilian.✨
Nikolai can be grumpy but once you get through his exterior he is such a lovely and thoughtful person <3
The Tension was amazing it makes you hold your breath for what’s coming next and their chemistry was perfection! It was really fast paced but also slightly slow burn which is the perfect combination!! I finished it pretty fast and now I’m actually sad that it’s over buuuut I’m so excited for the other books of this series and you all should definitely be excited as well!
Some tropes: Age gap, Hidden identity, Possessive / obsessiveness, Mafia romance and Betrayal.
Get your calendars out and mark yourself the 1st of November 2024🖤
October 31, 2024
Rating: 4.5⭐️/5 (rounded up!)
“Tomorrow, you become Seraphine Ashford. No more Lilian Hayes until this is over.”
Guarded Secrets is a blazing start to the Hidden Sins series, serving up a forbidden love story that crackles with danger, obsession, and undeniable chemistry. Lilian, a fearless ex-military operative turned FBI agent, dives into her most daring mission yet—going undercover as the bodyguard to Nikolai Ivanov, the city’s most dangerous mafia kingpin. Her mission? Stay undercover, gather intel, and keep her distance. But Nikolai, with his dark, magnetic charm, has other plans, and his ruthless obsession with Lilian blurs every line she’s tried to draw.
This is no ordinary romance; it’s a high-stakes game of trust and betrayal that will have your heart racing! Every page is packed with slow-burn tension, age-gap intrigue, and that irresistible push-and-pull of two powerful forces colliding. Fans of dark, suspenseful romance will be utterly hooked. Guarded Secrets delivers a thrillingly intense read that leaves you desperate for the next book—perfect for anyone who loves a little danger with their romance!
A huge thank you to Federica Surian for the digital ARC! It’s such a privilege to be a beta reader for this book!
The paperback is still being reviewed, but the ebook will be available on 11/01/2024.
“Tomorrow, you become Seraphine Ashford. No more Lilian Hayes until this is over.”
Guarded Secrets is a blazing start to the Hidden Sins series, serving up a forbidden love story that crackles with danger, obsession, and undeniable chemistry. Lilian, a fearless ex-military operative turned FBI agent, dives into her most daring mission yet—going undercover as the bodyguard to Nikolai Ivanov, the city’s most dangerous mafia kingpin. Her mission? Stay undercover, gather intel, and keep her distance. But Nikolai, with his dark, magnetic charm, has other plans, and his ruthless obsession with Lilian blurs every line she’s tried to draw.
This is no ordinary romance; it’s a high-stakes game of trust and betrayal that will have your heart racing! Every page is packed with slow-burn tension, age-gap intrigue, and that irresistible push-and-pull of two powerful forces colliding. Fans of dark, suspenseful romance will be utterly hooked. Guarded Secrets delivers a thrillingly intense read that leaves you desperate for the next book—perfect for anyone who loves a little danger with their romance!
A huge thank you to Federica Surian for the digital ARC! It’s such a privilege to be a beta reader for this book!
The paperback is still being reviewed, but the ebook will be available on 11/01/2024.
October 21, 2024
🌟ARC REVIEW!🌟
"Together, we’ll navigate these guarded secrets, but know this: I won’t hesitate to protect what’s mine. You’re my snowflake, and there’s no room for weakness in this world."
I loved the plot of this book! She's an undercover FBI agent who's main objective is to gather Intel. He's a Mafia Boss who's not afraid to get his hands dirty. My only big complaint is I felt like the ending scenes felt a little rushed. I wanted everything to lead up to the big, final scene and I was left wanting more. I wanted to see Nikolai a bit more morally grey/possessive over Lilian. Otherwise, I loved the dynamic between the MMC and FMC and his trust in her, even after everyone else didn't trust her!
"Together, we’ll navigate these guarded secrets, but know this: I won’t hesitate to protect what’s mine. You’re my snowflake, and there’s no room for weakness in this world."
I loved the plot of this book! She's an undercover FBI agent who's main objective is to gather Intel. He's a Mafia Boss who's not afraid to get his hands dirty. My only big complaint is I felt like the ending scenes felt a little rushed. I wanted everything to lead up to the big, final scene and I was left wanting more. I wanted to see Nikolai a bit more morally grey/possessive over Lilian. Otherwise, I loved the dynamic between the MMC and FMC and his trust in her, even after everyone else didn't trust her!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2024
Really? Like seriously, really?? This book is a CHORE to get through. It's not bad, but it's nowhere near good, which somehow makes it worse than bad. It's just so painfully meh. Even during the spice, it felt like reading about paint drying. Which isn't until CHAPTER 13!!! Speaking of paint drying, I think this book needed another coat. At least one more draft would've ironed out a lot of the unnecessary fluff. I don't mean to sound cruel, but I gotta be honest in the hopes that this author puts a little more thought into her work. This would've been fine if it were free, but you can't charge money for this. Probably the last time I take a chance on a first time Booktok author
November 2, 2024
Another mafia romance is finished for me. It’s absolutely one of my favorite types of books. I did like the difference in this one of an undercover FBI agent instead of an arranged marriage situation. Also I think it’s so funny that this book talks about Lillian and how she’s always looking essentially like she gives no f’s and I’m over here making all sorts of faces while reading this book. And the guarded secrets in this book were not the secrets I was expecting. But I liked how this one turned out. Check this book out. It’s a nice easy read!
October 27, 2024
I had the opportunity to arc read this and I am soo thankful!!
Snowflake 😍😍
Considering this is the authors first books!! Wow, such an amazing story!!
Lilian has to fight between her duty as a secret agent and her emotions!! I mean I couldn’t resist Nikolai either 🥵 I do love a mafia romance and this really hit the spot
Snowflake 😍😍
Considering this is the authors first books!! Wow, such an amazing story!!
Lilian has to fight between her duty as a secret agent and her emotions!! I mean I couldn’t resist Nikolai either 🥵 I do love a mafia romance and this really hit the spot
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2024
Guarded Secrets was a great read! It was captivating, full of suspense and tension. I could feel Nikolais internal struggle with his feelings towards her in the first part of the book, and I just love that! I love it when an author can describe things so well that my feelings are also being tugged at, and Federica does that so well with this book.
November 9, 2024
This debut novel delivers a captivating blend of suspense, romance, and complex characters.
The story follows Lillian, an undercover agent entangled in the Russian mafia, whose fiery personality and wit shine as she navigates her mission to protect a mafia boss.
The intense chemistry, paired with mature scenes and heated confrontations, keeps the tension high. Highlights include an unforgettable limo moment that truly sizzles (IYKYK 🌶️).
Although I felt it could have gone a bit further, it’s an impressive addition to the mafia romance genre
The story follows Lillian, an undercover agent entangled in the Russian mafia, whose fiery personality and wit shine as she navigates her mission to protect a mafia boss.
The intense chemistry, paired with mature scenes and heated confrontations, keeps the tension high. Highlights include an unforgettable limo moment that truly sizzles (IYKYK 🌶️).
Although I felt it could have gone a bit further, it’s an impressive addition to the mafia romance genre
October 27, 2024
This was a good read for me. Something a little different. FBI undercover. The pressure of trying to be someone else while not getting attached. How could you not though. Her becoming who she was meant to be instead of following someone else's path.
November 2, 2024
OMG THIS WAS A REALLY AMAZING INTRIGUING READ... THIS BOOK US DEF A PAGE TURNER & WILL HAVE ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT. I DEF NEED A BOOK 2 WITH THEM..
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews