** will contain spoilers for previous books in the series **
Volatile - unable to hold fixed attention; tending to erupt into violence
Anastasia Vitali was supposed to be a harmless arrangement that would keep her heart safe and satisfied. He’s all golden smiles and wicked charm, the kind of man who makes you forget your rules, your plans, even your name.
But Vitali isn’t just another pretty face in her curated world of high society. Behind the easy laughter is a dangerous edge, one that comes with a family who makes deals in blood and a past that’s far from clean. She knows better than to let someone like him in, especially when he sees right through her designer masks.
He makes her feel things she doesn’t want to feel—safe, wanted, seen. And yet, every time she pulls away, he pulls her closer. She’s supposed to be hunting monsters, not falling into the arms of one.
He’s everything she doesn’t deserve, and everything she can’t resist.
Vitali Anastasia is his every temptation wrapped in a stunning, infuriating package. He doesn’t care about the walls she’s built or the secrets she keeps. What he wants is simple: her.
But she’s reckless—too reckless for her own good—and it drives him mad. She doesn’t see how much danger she’s in, chasing shadows and playing with fire. He should let her fall, but he can’t.
She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s already his. He’s not just her lover; he’s her shield and her hidden dreams come to life. If anyone or anything dares to hurt her, Vitali will burn the world to the ground to keep her safe. Even from herself.
She says she doesn’t want more. She says she can’t love him. But he’ll make her see the truth, even if it destroys them both.
3.5/5 ARC Review The Volatile was an enjoyable read with engaging characters. But it didn’t hit as hard emotionally as the other books.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing,sometimes, less emotional damage is a welcome change! However, I felt like the story could have delved deeper into certain relationships or conflicts to really elevate the stakes.
Overall, it’s a good book.
The reason why I didn't give five stars was no one speaks to Vlad like the way Vitali spoke. No matter what you are going through, you don't hurt Vlad.
Just because I didn't find myself emotionally wrecked doesn't mean you won't. Please go through trigger warnings before starting the book.
I went into this one convinced I was going to love it as I have loved Vitali and his theories since book one and that man didn't disappoint. He really is like an excitable loyal little puppy.
I wasn't sure that I like Anastasia at first but the more I learned about her mother the more I realised why she was how she was and that she just didn't feel like she deserved love.
I'm glad it worked out for them in the end and I loved the part were she wakes up to Tali just casually packing. It seemed like a totally Tali thing to do.
I get that he shouldn't have said what he said after they got back from the hospital especially to Vanya since he was the one that took her under is wing first but I would have been nice if they had stopped to find out what the issue was rather than just assuming it was the pills. He was hurting for something he really wanted so the detoxed him rather than talk to him.
I think the best bits of the entire book had to be Verena and her cups of questionable tea.
Like the previous 4 books this one has some heavy themes so check triggers.
I really thought that Dima's book will be my favorite of this series, but I was wrong. This one, is far better in my opinion.
This one isn't as dark as Vlad's or Ana's story, but in the same time it isn't "light" as Val's, it's somewhere in the middle, just right. It will destroy you and put you back together. And it fits perfectly as the last book in the series.
This book is beautifully writen, as always, and I just love and adore how author, even though this is Tali and Anastasia's story, author successfully included whole Vartanov family so we got full closure on all of their lives. In each book there was whole family, but in this it feels different. Also, I just LOVE the way author put Courts and slowly introduced them to us.
Just what I needed, this was the perfect way to end the series about Anastasia and Talia. Do I love their backstories? No, because they are so sad and depressing. Did they make the book so much better and explain their personality? Yes yes and yes!! I did feel bad for Talia at the end because he did kinda mess up how his family view him, but deep down he was hurting bad. But ugh I loved this book and needed something from years ago from book one. And this just gave it to me. All I know is I wish I knew what happened to Rowan and his team. But that will remain a mystery. If you want deep mafia bravo series that will make you cry your eyes out. Read this series and be ready for smut and pain!
This was another very enjoyable read in this series. I enjoyed all the details, the banter, the conversation, the hurt all of it made this super worth it. It wasn’t as emotional at the others but it still made me feel things while enjoying it and the story was so well written I couldn’t ask for more for the final installment of this series
“One day you’re going to let someone in. But today isn’t that day.”
No one sees the damage behind your so-called bloodshot eyes. They can’t tell that the skin tight dress is digging into your already skinny frame. Rumours are you're going off the rails…if only the vultures saw you clinging on the bridge when you were young.
No…But, he saw you and now he’s trying to see past the shield you show the world.
Break down your defences and show you how easy it could be to fall under his spell. He could be the one to bring you back and empower you to believe that you have the control in your life.
“Tell me who hurt you so I can make sure they never get the chance again.”
Feeding the inner beast stops the demons from taking over and remembering the past. Happy-go-lucky fun attitude may be seen as a weakness…but you will tear someone apart if they touch what's yours. No, your weakness is hidden away to survive each hit and the only way to stop the pain from consuming you.
Until, she was there in all her frosty stone queen beauty.
When you're together in the moment you ignite the world with the passion between you…then the moment ends with a cold shoulder. She’s the perfect image of her mothers eye…yet you’ve seen her vulnerable and her true self comes alive. You know that she could be the one to hold her head high with your family reputation…but heck to them either way, because you're going to claim this woman in every single way…
“You might moan for someone else but you fucking scream for me.”
The final Vartanov is ready to share his story with you and it won’t be all happiness and cake!
Vitali welcomes being treated like the family puppy and lives up to his easy banter with a fun bright life. Only not everything that glitters is gold, oh no you see how much his past trauma has affected him and seeing the wildness that he keeps at bay with each fist that lands on his opponent.
I’ve loved Vitali from book1, in all the drama, darkness and secrets uncovered he’s been the one character who’s always had a smile on his face for everyone else to fall on. So, now seeing his reaction to meeting Anastasia for the very first time brings this story full circle as he now has his own battle to face to get the girl of his dreams.
But, Anastasia won’t be easy on him. Everyone has always directed her life, from her obsessive mother controlling everything about her and even her stepfather leering after her with twisted lies, Anastasia is trying to crave her own path.
Working alongside the Vartanov family is like walking a knife edge and with Vitali giving her the puppy eyes and wanting to curl up next to her in bed…Anastasia wishes she had a knife to stab away these feelings that keep pestering her cold heart.
I think Anastasia's character was a tough cookie to crack, you do get to understand her personality and why she comes across as she does making the world see what she wants them too, when really she’s just a girl hiding who she wants to be.
There’s a good balance in this story, you have their relationship forming, the protective side that comes out for both of them and then hitting all the emotional elements that this series is very well known for.
You also have the whole family evolving together, the relationships are growing and even the fractions between the cracks was good with the tension rising. They may have blood on their expensive leather shoes and females with sharp nails…but underneath all the crazy madness and soul ripping emotions…this family is wholesome…you just gotta look past those sexy murderous eyes…
Fuck, this woman is going to kill me, and I’ll die happy.
Volatile is the fifth and final installment in the East Coast Bratva and I seriously would suggest to read the series in order for a better comprehension of the background story and architecture of liasons.
Vitali Vartanov is sunshine, levity and the proverbial balm amongst all the psychotic mayhem that superbly characterizes the Vartanov Family. He could easily be the favorite of every person, being reader or fictional because Tali is, simply, comfort. Anastasia felt to me like a grey woman. She's been present since the begining, definitively an acquaintance, but nobody really knows who's she and what she does alongside the Vartanovs.
Completly surprising was how Tali and Stasia came to be. In different spectrums of the exact same thing, a facade, portraying themselves in dissimilar demeanors, they developed a relationship exchanging theories and inner secrets, only theirs, no one else's. And due to how entwined they were with each other, first by s€x, after by stalking and then obsession, they also recognized the other for exactly what they were, broken equally and still trapped inside their once innocent, pure and believing child's mind drilled in speechs of manipulation and conditioning to act accordingly or afraid, painfully unable to give all when nothing was ever given freely.
(....)“Will you sit in the loneliness with me, luchik?”(...)
Not as emotionally scathing and critic as Vlad and Vanya' story because we already know how that went down, Vlad as fierce protector and carer as he was, always would be and still firmely is, wasn't omnipotent nor omnipresent and for Len and Anika, natural born verms, poisoning between the cracks meant job accomplished.
It's a very energetic and constant, I might even say, agressive conflict between Tali, decided to push for all, and Stasi pulling for nothing, feeling unworthy of such precious gift when she didn't know how to meet him half-way, fully and completely. .
Fighting tooth and nail and winning by perseverance against Stasi's reluctance, it was beautiful to watch Tali helping her to flourish and get back, bit by bit, the reigns of her life, the confidence to let go of the psychological and physical distorted image others created for her as a means to control and bend. The most perfect human being to ever cross her path, dessicating her psychological fortress one theorie at time, with permeated jokes, light and goodness, because he knew as she did what meant feeling inside what it couldn't be shown on the outside.
"(...) I'd rather sink with you than fly on my own.”(...)
And, in such a pernicious atmosphere, the job kept going, the vulnerability attached and where nothing good lasts too long, Tali's intractable outburst of despair and powerlessness garnered angst, rage and cold shoulders, but it wasn't shocking the one coming forward as ready defender, knowing the weight of guilt and remorse could only be met with never enough punishment. After the storm comes the calm, and understanding and respecting the consequences of the whats and whys of the uttered words, Tali would work his magic, again, strong, commendable and embeded in sweetness, everything would feel complete, once more, because above it all, what mattered the most was the family and their indelible sense of union, of loyalty in brotherhood, as one and the same.
In an extraordinary tale of family, friendship, connection and love, the end was the best as everyone could get, with a second generation in the making and the certainity everything was on its rightful place!
I don’t even know where to begin, I want to say I ate this book up it was so good but truthfully that would be a lie. I think this was one of my slowest reads as I wanted to savour everything about it. I have been around and a huge fan of Ax’s writing since the first release in this series Viripotent. I have witnessed her pour her love into this family starting with Vlad and now ending with Tali and I wouldn’t be honest if I said I was ready for this series to end. The character development and the love she pours into them shows in each of her books, she’s a fan of completely destroying her readers with her emotional damage but no matter what I’m crawling back begging for more. This book is no different. Every character Ax writes about including side characters (nieces and nephews, you can feel the love and thought-out plan for each of them)
This book is no different. I loved Tali in every book I’ve read in this series, each character had me wanting more of them. Vlads obsessive controlling nature and his love for his family and protectiveness. Vals temper tantrums, Vanyas horrific backstory which made her into the psychopath you’ll grow to love and Talis smart mouth and puppy eyes. Ax has a way of drawing you in and attaching you to her characters. Her MMC’s are unhinged, psychos who would do anything for those they love, her FMCs may have a heart of gold but are just as unhinged as the males and are the only ones who can control the beasts.
In this book we get full Tali, if you thought for a moment, he was a lovable puppy in the other books, be prepared to meet the unhinged physco puppy in this one. Tali is a golden retriever, sunshine’s and rainbows or in true Tali fashion your favorite comfort food of the Vartanov family. His puppy eyes and constant theories make him a perfect character to easily fall in love with. In this story we learn Anastasia’s background and what makes her who she is, more than just a background character but how she’s a strong, independent woman who seeks comfort in being alone but also suffers at the hands of her mother’s mental abuse. What starts as casual encounters between her and Tali quickly morphea into Tali becoming obsessed and Stasi insistent on pushing him away at every chance thinking she doesn’t deserve him after being constantly ridiculed and manipulated by those who should be her family.
Although this story may not be as emotionally gripping as priors in the series such as Vanya and Vlads, Ax will still rip your beating heart out with the chokehold she’ll have over you. This series portrays the wonderful tale of love, respect, leadership, loyalty, family and friendship. Highly recommend reading this series if you want to indulge and enjoy the Russian Bratva vibes however please read in order so you don’t risk any spoilers.
“He’s handsome in a way that you ignore because it’s obvious; I still look over my shoulder and watch him watch me as he strokes himself from base to tip. That shouldn’t be attractive, neither should the fact his lips are glistening or how he sucks on his bottom lip, moaning and watching me like it’s physically impossible to look away. His voice is husky and deep, the sound alone makes more of a mess between my thighs.”
,, Don’t kill Vitali, he’s a puppy and his family are all fucking crazy.””
I am delighted with this story and I enjoyed it from the first page to the last. I'm sad that this series is ending because I laughed, got angry and cried with the crazy Vartanov family and this is something I will read a few more times.
What to say about Tali ? It's an understatement to say that I adore him because I liked his boyish and cheerful spirit from the first book in the series. Without him, this series would not be the same because he is the heart and soul of the whole family.
—
“The uglier the parents the cuter the kid, it’s God’s way of balancing the scales.” He says it so seriously and then ruins everything as he speaks normally again. “Our kids would be ugly as fuck.” My mouth opens and I argue the wrong point. “Don’t call my kid ugly.” I’ve fucked up and it’s evident in the wide smile staring at me as I fumble to claw it back. “Not that I’d have a kid with you.” Why the fuck is that the second thing I say, it should have been the first through ten. He’s energized from my slip up and stops me from getting as far away from him as possible. One foot hits the ground when he springs up, wrapping his arms around my hips before locking my legs in between his. Nuzzling into my nape, he asks, “You want to have my babies, sweetness?” He’s an idiot. —
. “What do you want with me, Tali?” Everything. Anything. Fuck I don’t even fucking know other than I need Stasi, she makes life easy and she’s a bigger presence than the loneliness. I copy her, staring into her eyes as I ask, “Will you give me it if I tell you?” -
This book deserves all the best recommendations from me and thanks to AX Cole for introducing us to this crazy family♥️
This is the final story in the East Coast Bratva. This family has endured so very dark ways of life only to discover what life can really be with the protection that Vlad over the years of torture, demeaning experiences, no true love growing up and betrayal by their parents no child should ever experience. When Vitali shows the world who he really is all should be feared but as Anastasia knows he truly is a loving puppy behind closed doors. These two are each other’s half but Ana makes Vitali work for it as her childhood has left her with mental scars still controlling her. It’s beautiful to see how he breaks her walls down and when trouble comes their way he dies what is necessary to eliminate it. When at home you truly get to see how all the nieces and nephews have brought love and joy to this damage family but boy are they truly their parents children! Having experiencing what Vitali and Ana did shows you that being taken to such darkness makes you someone you’re not and how hurtful words can really be. Having a living family is what makes all the difference whether they are siblings, in laws or a part due to experiences. What a crazy and loving Vartanov Family!
I loved the book. Vitali had to be my favourite out of this whole series. After reading Vulnerate a few months back, I was addicted to Tali. He was that MMC, whom I always looked upon for - the extrovert MMC.
Anastasia was literally a goddess of badass. The very grumpy FMC I easily get obsessed with. She was throughout a grumpy one and towards the end she only opened up her real side for our very own Tali and he deserved it.
And the most fav thing I have always mentioned as my interest keeper was the family bond. The brotherhood and the playfulness of the nieces and nephews. I crave those in a book. All the Vartanov members were too dark and at the same time very light in their family time. The pulling of the legs of each and every one was adorable.
The only reason I gave this book a 4 stars was that, I hate sharing. Sorry to say this, I had to skip those chapters where the sharing took place. Other than that the book was a great read for me.
Thank you AX Cole for creating Tali and this book series. I enjoyed a lot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
"I was always supposed to fall for you, on this bridge, or in this life, it was inevitable, you could run but it was always going to happen."
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮: 🌶🌶🌶
♟️♟️♟️♟️♟️
This series has not disappointed and Volatile was no different. I loved every minute of this book and diving into Vitali's mind and story and Anastasia was everything I wanted in a love interest for our unhinged puppy. I knew I was going to love Tali in Volatile as much as I already did. I have always loved him since book one.
Once again, a Vartanov has had me weak in the knees. Ana was the perfect woman to balance out Tali's crazy. I love the fact she take whatever crazy Tali threw at her and that he helped her realize her worth.
And would it even be a East Coast Bratva book without the emotional turnmoil? Nope. I wasn't safe from the feels here either and neither will you. But it was all worth it!
I am so sad this series is over. I truly loved reading all about the Vartanovs and their lives. Even though AX Cole has made me seriously consider therapy after this lol.
Highly, recommend this series to anyone if you love damaged Russian mafia men and being put through the wringer emotionally. I recommend reading in order for the best experience for the plots.
AX Cole has done it again. Seriously, she knows how to build the perfect characters and to create the best world for the crazy Vartanov family. Lord have mercy on me. I was not ready for this series to end. I am not ready to leave the absolutely unhinged and psychotic Vartanov family. I so hope there are more stories in this world because I feel like there is more that we have yet to discover. Vitali was such a sweet but psychotic puppy 😜. He was truly a joy to read about. Him being with Anastasia made perfect sense. She was such a damaged nut to be cracked. Only someone with his personality could handle a task like that. She truly needed his puppy, upbeat personality to counteract her avoidance of feelings. I loved seeing how Vitali interacted with his nieces and nephews. This story took you on an emotional ride. It was not as intense as the other brothers, but he still had a lot to overcome to get to his happily ever after.
AX Cole is excellent at brewing emotions of every type. I was sad, happy, afraid, and enraged. This story had so much to offer that I consumed it in one go, and I feel addicted to this family.
Mind you, although the couples are new and you can probably read it as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading it in order of the series because it will contain spoilers and reading in sequence will make you understand the story and the characters better.
I was always intrigued by Vitali’s happy-go-lucky vibe of personality but I now know all the pain hidden behind it. He is a great person and I loved how well he treated her. Anastasia was something different and I am impressed by her character growth. I enjoyed the book fully.
It is spicier and has topics that may not be suitable for everyone, so please read the trigger warning before starting the book and the series. I need more of this family.
This book, Volatile, was the final installment in the East Coast Bratva series, and author @ax delivered another masterpiece. The writing was beautiful, and if you need a good cry, this book is definitely for you. Honestly, the entire series is heartbreakingly beautiful.
Unlike the previous books, Volatile takes a different approach. However, it still manages to captivate you from the beginning and keep you hooked until the very end. You’ll find yourself drawn into Vitali’s psychotic world, but he’s also a golden retriever. He has a lot to overcome to achieve his happy ending, but it’s worth the journey.
Anastasia, too, is damaged and needs Vitali to confront her feelings. I also loved seeing Vitali interact with his nephews and nieces. This series was undoubtedly one of my favorites ever. I shed a lot of tears during these books, but they were so worth it.
From the the very beginning I have absolutely loved this series and Volatile kept that feeling up. Vitali and Anastasia's story hits different than the previous books but is every bit as consuming as it's predecessors. This book pulls readers in and refuses to let go.
"You’re mine now. I decided a while ago, but I’m not going to wait for you to understand."
“My girl.” “My woman.” “My everything.”
Now who wouldn't love a guy like that? The East Coast Bratva series is without a doubt one of my best reads for 2024!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ READ TRIGGER WARNINGS Volatile is the last book in the vartanov series. ax Cole has beautifully written this book. every book that I have had the pleasure of reading by ax Cole I have enjoyed they have never disappointed! This one is not like the others in the series but you will still be hooked from the start nontheless you will not want to put it down. Here is some of the exciting things it involves and one of my favourite quotes. ~fwb to lovers ~you are mine ~dark Mafia romance ~eating disorder ~🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Vitali and Anastasia. Wow is all i can say. I've been waiting for Tali's book and it wasn't disappointed. Tali has been through alot trauma but is the most loveable of the brothers. Anastasia has been through terrible abuse at the hands of her stepfather and her mother. She's guarded and independent and pushes Tali away every chance she's got. Tali and Anastasia are each other's perfect match and they have to overcome so much to be together but they do and eventually find their hea.
This series has seriously become one of my absolute favs! I have never been big on ,aria romance, but this will convert anyone into loving them! This series is pure perfection! The perfect blend of plot, spice, emotion, love, and absolute chaos. I love this family so much. If you were on the fence about reading this series, let this review be your sign. READ IT!!!
This was a really great read! However, similar to another review, I did not get as emotional while reading this one. That's not really a bad thing, though.
I absolutely LOVED Stasi and Tali. Their interactions are so very 'opposites attract'. They are both such complex characters. I adore their relationship. Plus, the spice is practically volcanic with these two.
Im really glad we got to see more Vanya in this one. I love her so much. I do wish we had gotten to know more about Kristi and Becca, though.
I really enjoyed this book! I have been on this family journey since the beginning. At times i feel like they are getting predictable but i still throughly enjoy the journeys! I got this book as an Arc read and keep adding the books to my physical tbr/wishlist haha. I enjoyed the character development, the adding of found/previous family and the over all support from all the members<3
I’ve read every book in this series is now a bit predicated but they are still good. He is sweet but a psycho with a soft side for his family and those he loves. And she is crazy and broken. The family bound is wonderful, the close brotherhood. It’s not just Mafia book, it’s a tale of , friendship, healing, love and so much more. It was dark at times but it also go light moments.
What an amazing book to end the series with!!! I will miss the Vartanov Family! But can’t wait to read more from this author!!! This book will have you feeling all the emotions on this emotional roller coaster ride. Will Tali the puppy finally get his happy ending? Or does the one he love run as far as possible?! Read to find out!!
This book is a crazy ride. Dealing with Bratva is dangerous. Mess with their women. You're a dead man or woman. Do something that their women find disgusting, and it is war. That is the ride you get on top of all found family and romance. It is a wild ride. Check your triggers. I loved it.
Tali and Stasias books not like the others but you'll be hooked nonetheless less. An arranged marriage ajd obssesion just begining, a chaotic drama and more! The depths of desires the push and pull, drama, action will keep you on your toes. A great addition to the series
I loved this book Soo much I'm so glad Tali finally got his happily ever after. He's been my favorite throughout the whole series. I cried and laughed through the whole thing but it was Soo good. I'm in love.
Another intense story with the Vartonov family! They are none like I have ever met before and this story holds true to that. Intense emotions and great, strange family!
Another masterpiece by A.X.Cole and the grand finale of the Vartanov era! I am so sad that this amazing series has come to an end. I laughed, cried, yelled and devoured all of these amazing books. I fell in love with each and every character, all unique but fitting together to create a dysfunctional family. You too will sigh with each tender moment that the Vartanov men have with their women. Volatile is Vitali and Anastasia's story, she is helpless in her devotion to him, but doesn't feel she is worthy. The push pull between them is crackling, Vatali won't give up on her, believing they are meant for one another. A typical Alpha male he draws her in, not letting her go, preventing anybody from hurting her. Anastasia having had a traumatic childhood has scars but Vatali breaks through the barriers and gains her trust. Vlad has created a tight knit family that is loving, connections that show each of his famalies different personalities but all grow together and fit perfectly. I will miss this world so much, but I look forward to A.X.Cole's next book world.