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Bound by Revenge

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Nobody crosses Nikolai Stefanovich and lives to tell the tale…

A chilling realization hits me…

He’s here to claim me.

Kidnapped, bound, and drugged, I wake up in a strange place.

Towering over me is Nikolai: my one-night stand.

And, to my shock, the ruthless boss of the Russian bratva. Feared by all, he has no weaknesses… except me.

To survive, I strike a desperate deal with the devil.

But as my past sins catch up with me, Nikolai becomes more than just my captor. Beneath his cold exterior, I discover a man scarred by grief, driven by revenge—and willing to risk his empire and life to protect me.

Now, as his devotion turns into obsession, one question haunts me: will he save me… or destroy me for good?

Originally released as the Diamond Duet, this story has been revamped with fresh edits and expanded with brand-new chapters to make it better than ever. Whether you’re coming back for more or experiencing it for the first time, you’re in for an unforgettable, heart-pounding ride!

537 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2024

339 people are currently reading
1329 people want to read

About the author

Anna Cole

3 books67 followers
Anna Cole writes thrilling, steamy romance stories about fierce, unapologetic heroines—and the larger-than-life, possessive antiheroes who are crazy about them. She spends her time on the East Coast, plotting out all the delicious pain and suffering she will put her characters through on their quest for true love and a happily ever after.

When she’s not writing, Anna enjoys sunsets, long walks on the beach, and spending time with her favorite book boyfriends—and her husband and dog, too.

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5 stars
191 (33%)
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188 (33%)
3 stars
130 (22%)
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35 (6%)
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23 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
Profile Image for v.e.e.r.e.a.d.s.
92 reviews946 followers
December 26, 2024
Strong FMC and possessive MMC?! Sign me up! 🤩

4 ⭐️ 3.5🌶️

Kat is tasked with stealing a expensive diamond, to save herself and her best friend for someone we know as the ‘Stronzo’

The night she steals the diamond, she ends up having a one night stand….with the owner of said diamond 🤡

When Nik releases his one night stand is the very same woman who stole from him, he kidnaps her and locks her in his penthouse.

You see, it’s not just the diamond Nik wants back…he also wants answers, as his best friend was killed that night.

So many twists and turns, plus these two? They can not keep their hands off of each other 🥵
Profile Image for ☆Megan☆.
22 reviews40 followers
May 24, 2025
DNF at 40%

I wanted to like this so bad! It kept popping up on Instagram reels and has been on my tbr for forever. The trope list was enticing and I had seen only 4-5 star reviews. I however, struggled so much with this one. In previous reviews, they call the FMC strong and feisty when in reality she is calculating and manipulative. Like from the VERY BEGINNING she is manipulating the MMC. She also makes stands about her boundaries and making all these demands, but then completely bypassing his. LIKE GIRL WHAT?? Idk I just found her unlikable and annoying and because of that ended up not vibing with this book. Sorrryyyy 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️
Profile Image for Good Booking Girl.
431 reviews16 followers
December 5, 2024
Bound by Revenge is a gripping dark romance that explores the turbulent and dangerous world of organized crime, love, betrayal, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of the Bratva (Russian mafia), the novel offers a thrilling blend of crime, passion, and suspense. At the heart of this story is a complicated love that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

The story revolves around Katherine (Kat), a stunningly beautiful and skilled jewelry thief with a notorious reputation for stealing priceless treasures from the most well-guarded vaults. Kat is a woman of contradictions—intelligent, fierce, and resourceful, yet vulnerable in ways she refuses to acknowledge. She’s been raised in the foster care system, always let down by the adults who were supposed to take care of her, not hurt her. She and her friend AJ had enough of the abuse and ran away, to live on their own. Since then, they have literally been, partners in crime. Until one day, she crossed the wrong man, and they have been indebted to him (an Italian Mafia Don) since then.
This last hiest was suppsoed to be their last. their ticket to freedom. Little did she know, that she was stealing a priceless red diamond from none other than Nickolai (Nik), the Pakhan of the Russian Bratva.


Nik, the ruthless and calculating head of the Bratva, a man who is as feared as he is revered. Nik with his cold exterior and unyielding power, is gobsmacked by a beautiful woman at the party he's attending. Niether of them knowing who the other is, they find themselves drawn to eachother.

Kat has stolent he diamond and is trying to make a smooth get-a-way when Nik pulls her into a conversation and soon there after, a hot and steamy romp in the surplus closet. Thinking they'd never see eachother again, Kat makes a mad dash out of there, refusing to tell him her name and in her haste, she leaves her shoes behind (a la Cinderella).

The heist goes awry and their worlds collide in a way neither of them could have predicted. Nik is both intrigued and furious, takes her captive. What begins as a cat-and-mouse game between a mafia kingpin and a notorious thief quickly evolves into an explosive, passionate love affair that defies every rule of loyalty and trust. The power dynamics shift as their connection deepens, but trust is a luxury neither of them can afford. The dangerous world they inhabit is filled with enemies—both external and internal—and their love may be the most dangerous thing of all.

Nik is a quintessential antihero—cold, calculating, and terrifying in his control. He commands the Bratva with an iron fist, but his relationship with Kat forces him to confront a part of himself he thought long buried. His obsession with her goes beyond her beauty or his pride; he sees something in her that makes him question everything he’s ever believed about loyalty, love, and trust. Nik’s internal struggle is one of the novel’s strongest points. He’s not a man who easily opens up, but Kat makes him vulnerable, and the transformation he undergoes is both fascinating and heartbreaking.

The chemistry between Kat and Nik is electric. Their banter is sharp, and the tension between them crackles with every encounter. The cat-and-mouse games they play with each other—sometimes tender, sometimes violent—make for some of the book’s most intense moments. But what really stands out is how the author develops their relationship: it’s not just about physical attraction, but about two people who, despite their differences and the danger they face, start to see each other for who they truly are.

I received a free ARC of this book and this review is my opinion
Profile Image for Deb.
686 reviews
December 12, 2024
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ +

OMG Nik is hot, hot, hot 🔥 I love the chemistry between Nik and Kat, it is off the charts. Both coming from broken homes, their pasts forged their futures, and their eventual path of collision. Such a good story, with so many twists. I thought I knew who the killer was, but I was way off base. Will definitely be reading more.
Profile Image for Nicole Polson.
469 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2024
I absolutely enjoyed this book! The story line was interesting, developed, and reasonably well written. Honestly, the only thing that kept this from being 5 stars was that I found some of the dialogue to be a little cheesy at times. Almost a little over the top for a line or two. Otherwise, it was excellent and I loved the character development! The growth these two had and the realizations that they came into with one another.

Story line was shocking! In the best ways! I couldn’t believe the betrayals that they saw. Honestly I didn’t see it coming and that’s a shocker.

✔️bratva
✔️strong FMC - black cat
✔️OTT/jealous/possessive MMC
✔️found family

Check your triggers and enjoy!!!
Profile Image for __boundbybook__ 🥀Shaunie🥀.
244 reviews8 followers
December 7, 2024
This book was amazing absolutely one of my favorite mafia books 😍

The story had me hooked from page one and i couldn’t put it down!
There was so much action and the romance was absolute perfection.

I was immediately in love with the MC’s the chemistry from the beginning was just so good!
The FMC is an absolute badass and i love her sass and the banter is just *cheff kiss 💋
The MMC is just so dreamy the way he obsessed over her and the things he’d do for her im just melting thinking about it🫠🫠

I loved both pov’s in the book it made everything so much better seeing both views and the writing was just so smooth i loved every page of it!

~ she is mine. I won’t tolerate anything else.

🥀Tropes🥀
💋Russian mafia
💋Thief FMC
💋Forced proximity
💋Fun banter
💋Morally grey MMC
Profile Image for Happyscribe.
940 reviews9 followers
December 9, 2024
Best female character (Kat) I've read in ages - mainly because of the awesome interplay with the MMC (Nik).

Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

Characters: 😍😍😍

Tension: 🧲💋

Story: 🍾🍾🍾

THANK you Anna Cole for saving me from a terrible bad-book streak and worrying that the future of compelling and well-written dark mafia romances was starting to look bleak.

Not only is Bound by Revenge perfectly paced, but the characters are individually interesting. You actually get inside their complexity without there being a black and white moment that forces reader intimacy with them - which makes for a far richer and engaging journey as readers can move in and out of their worlds as the story twists and turns. Thank you, Anna Cole!

Kat is smart, and capable and kinda on the ASD spectrum as she's just very polarising (no criticism of ASD as I am too so I know it when I read it). But Kat is never a victim, never will be, but she's not a badass two-dimensional character either. She's unpredictable and she comes out with thoughts and ideas that you don't see coming. She catches you off-guard - thank you, Anna Cole!

On twists and turns - the plotting of this story was IMPRESSIVE. And the book is NOT a one-night stand- it's chunky and keeps you baited until the next reveal which then propels you into the next. So good. Thank you, Anna Cole!

And the story itself - on the surface it's nothing innovative or new, but (and we love the BUT) the layering is wickedly clever. Thank you, Anna Cole!

Kat's a jewellery thief and she's tasked with stealing a rare Russian red diamond. When Kat is fleeing the scene, she runs into Nik (Nikolai) and indulges in some outrageously awesome pleasure-chasing. These two are the bomb when it comes to owning their lives, their futures and their choices.

The story spins, dives, backtracks and then bumps in the night - and well worth a read. In fact keep this one around for when you have a spate of crappy reads - pull this one back up and reassure yourself that the future of dark romance writing is still bright with authors like this around!
Profile Image for Joanne Barton.
480 reviews1 follower
December 17, 2024
“Bound by Revenge” is the first book in “The Ruthless Russian Series.” The book will capture your attention from the first chapter with a bang, literally! Kat, the jewel thief, is mesmerised by Nik’s dark eyes and wow, how outstanding he fills out a tuxedo. Nik is captured by Kat’s beauty - the most beautiful woman he has ever seen.

“Stay with me tonight, kiska, and I’ll be anything you want me to be.” His intense tone catches me off guard, giving me pause.
“You’re dangerous,” I say after a while. I don't even bother hiding how much he's affecting me.”

He has to have her …. by fair or by foul! Foul it is - she wakes up tied to a bed and the she learns who Nik really is, the head of the Russian Bratva, the Pakhan himself! The tension between them is both physically and mentally - she challenges him on nearly every level! Nik is very protective and possessive of Kat. The chemistry between these two is off the page and will have you hooked. Cannot wait for the next book in the series ….

This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect and the physical attraction, it sizzles 🔥🔥 I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story ♥️ From page to page, chapter to chapter, you will enjoy this beautiful story - from cover to cover! This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊
Profile Image for Destiny Imperati.
1,041 reviews38 followers
December 13, 2024
ARC Review ✨️

☆Kat & Nik♡

Kat's a jewelry thief, and she's supposed to steal a very rare Russian diamond. Nik is head of the Bratva and also happens to be who Kat stole from. In her attempts to leave, Nik grabs her and pulls her into conversation. She absolutely refuses to tell him her name or anything about her. Just when she leaves and thinks she's in the clear, the heist goes wrong, and Nik finds out.

The way this story unfolded was so crazy and kept me wanting more. I couldn't have imagined the twist that happened, and that's amazing! Nik is so hot and such a great character. Kat is so incredibly strong-willed and such a relatable, loveable FMC. Their chemistry was so good. It was sizzling off the pages! I always love a good mafia romance, but this one takes the cake! The author did an incredible job on Bound by Revenge! Even the side characters were good and easy to connect to.

Tropes:
🖤Mafia romance
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Age Gap
🖤Morally grey MMC
🖤Billionaire MMC

Thanks to the author, Literally Yours Pr & booksprout for the ARC!
Profile Image for Jess Aulenbach.
94 reviews4 followers
December 15, 2024
Nik and Kat truly have taken me by surprise! Their story had me on the edge of my seat throughout 95% of the book. First we meet Kat who is on one of her most recent jobs stealing a rare diamond only to run into Nik who she later finds out was the owner. These two embody the definition of enemies to lovers all while fighting this attraction to one another that neither of them can fully deny. On top of all of that, there is no personal days in the life of the mafia and we are taken on a rollercoaster of a journey with Nik and his bratva against the Irish as they try to avoid an all out war. While Nik is this tough and manly mafia don, he is such a mush when it comes to Kat (even if they butt heads literally all the time) and will burn the world for her .. I mean who wouldn’t want that! Their banter and flirting made all of the rough mafia bits lighter throughout the book. I loved it!

Fav Quote: “The truth is, if she ever figures out just how far she’s got me wrapped around her finger, I’m ruined.”
38 reviews1 follower
December 17, 2024
My first Anna Cole book and I loved it!

Bound by Revenge is the lovestory of Nik and Kat.
Nikolai Stefanovich is the hardened, ruthless, lethal pakhan and Katherine Deveraux a stunning beautiful, little thief.

Their story starts as they meet on the night that Kat steals a precious diamond. A diamond, that belongs to Nik. After a hot one-night-stand, Nik finds out about his stolen diamond and it's thef Kat. He has her kidnapped and locked up in his appartment.
From there, we are taken on a rollercoaster ride.

The chemistry between Nik and Kat is hot and sizzling!

Anna Cole brought Nik and Kat alive in a fun, entertaining way.The darkness is there, but the banter and flirting between the strong, main characters really makes it a great read. There are shocking twists and unexpected turns in this story to keep you reading.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,605 reviews12 followers
December 12, 2024
Bound By Revenge is a fantastic mafia romance which I thought to be exceptionally suspenseful and most definitely a page turner of a mafia romance. Author Anna Cole continues to show me what a fabulous author she is with each book that I have read thus far. Bound By Revenge is well written, beautifully balanced and perfectly executed by Anna Cole. The characters are well developed and beautifully executed throughout the story. The chemistry between the main characters is quite undeniably hot to the point where neither one of the main characters could no longer ignore what one another felt for each other. This is a mafia romance which I would most definitely give as a recommendation for anyone who enjoys reading mafia romances. I can’t wait to read more amazing romances from Anna Cole in the near future.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Liz.
2,127 reviews15 followers
December 7, 2024
A dark and absorbing Bratva romance from a new to me author as jewel thief Kat steals from someone she shouldn’t have which brings her to the attention of Pakhan Nikolai. Their dynamic was fantastic with both characters well matched. In her own way Kat was just as strong as Nik and with sizzling chemistry and some wickedly delicious banter between them. The overall plot was fast paced and intricate with a lot of twists and turns. I loved the characters, the story and if Bound by Revenge is any indication of Anna Cole’s style of writing, then I can't wait to read more books. If you’re a fan of bratva romance, I recommend you read this book.
Profile Image for Auma .
21 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2024
"Bound by Revenge" by Anna Cole is a masterfully crafted dark romance that will captivate readers from start to finish. The story weaves together elements of love, revenge, possessiveness, chemistry, and jealousy, creating a thrilling and intense reading experience. Kat, a skilled thief, steals the precious "Flame of Mir," which sets off a series of dangerous events and sparks undeniable chemistry with Nik, the diamond's owner. What I particularly loved was Nik's unwavering determination to protect his connection with Kat, no matter the cost. This book kept me hooked with its strong characters and suspenseful twists!
Profile Image for Pizzatildeath.
28 reviews2 followers
January 12, 2025
⭐⭐⭐.75
🌶🌶🌶.5

🍕Mafia romance
🍕Forced Proximity
🍕Enemies to lovers
🍕Age Gap
🍕Morally grey MMC
🍕Billionaire MMC

(Always check your trigger warnings)

This is my first book by Anna Cole and she blew it out of the water.
The writing was polished the banter was slapping and the chemistry was off the charts

Loved the strong MFC "Kat". She made used her wit and her wiles to wrangle her big bad mafia boss MMC "Nik" who oozes confidence and sex appeal.

The twists and turns in this story made sure the read was fast pace and engaging. I look forward to reading more from this author

I was given an ARC copy to review honestly
Profile Image for JoAnna VanDorn.
505 reviews6 followers
December 8, 2024
I was to read this as a ARC reader, but I got sick and got delayed. So I finished this on KU. And let me just say, it didn't disappoint at all. This book had my emotions all over the place. Laughing, cringe, crying and gasping at the twist. Like omg I am not ashamed to say I DIDN'T have the traitor picked out. I had two guys I was going back and forth on and it wasn't either 😬🤣 So good writing that I wasn't able to guess. I'm so looking forward to the next book. Hopefully will get the two answers to questions left unanswered in this book.
600 reviews7 followers
December 10, 2024
This was such a fun and inventive read. Kat and Nik were so perfect. The stronzo was not the nicest of characters but the bond between Kat and AJ was so strong and they ment so much to each other you could feel how much they cared for each other. But the bond that developed between Kat and Nik developed into such a wonderful beautiful thing. There towards the ending you just knew McGuire wasn’t involved with Maxim but I never ever guessed who it was. There was so much hope and promise in the relationship. I’m hoping there will be more to follow.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
10 reviews
December 14, 2024
so, so good

UGGGHHHH this book was SO GOOD. I couldn’t stop reading but also never wanted it to end! The MCs were so likable and their banter and mischief was so fun. Kat is probably one of my favorites FMCs I’ve ever read; she’s so strong and never afraid to face anything head-on. Nik was a little rough around the edges but only because he was afraid of how in love with Kat he was; the things he says are totally swoon-worthy, and the mouth on that man!! 🥵🥵 yeah, Nik became top book boyfriend material for me at record speed!! Can’t wait to read Dmitri’s story next!!
Profile Image for Magic book club.
617 reviews71 followers
December 3, 2024
4, 5 stars

Earlier this year I read this duet, Ruthless Russians, and loved it. This is the same story, slightly expanded, about Nick and Kat, a Russian mob boss and a jewel thief. The story is dynamic, unpredictable, full of ups and downs and unexpected twists. I enjoyed it and story has all the recommendations from me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Candy Habin.
483 reviews23 followers
December 5, 2024
Well, this book was completely unexpected in so many ways. First of all, I absolutely loved Nik and Kat, like seriously these two were absolute perfection together, and their chemistry was off the charts! The plot was fantastic. It's intriguing, suspenseful, has some angst, and let's not forget the delicious spice! The twist and turns will have you guessing, and I was seriously not prepared for the ending. I can't wait to get the next story!
2,310 reviews
December 13, 2024
Known as just Kat to her friends, she is a thief tasked with stealing the blood red diamond, the Flame of Mir. He's known as Nikolai Stefanovich, the ruthless pakhan of the Russian bratva. But to each other they are Kat and Nik. A steamy and sexy dark romance with plenty of bratva and mafia drama, and a whole lot of touch her and die too. An absolutely wonderful dark read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
306 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2024
Oh my gooosssh!!
What a story.
This book was soo freaking awesome.
From the instalove to the kidnapping to the
possession. 🥹This one had it all.
If you love mafia romance. This is the one you gotta read.
I could not stop reading it.
Total HEA
A must read!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Judy Chestnutt.
373 reviews3 followers
December 2, 2024
This publication is an exceptional narrative featuring a skilled thief tasked with the acquisition of a valuable diamond. The plot unfolds during an intriguing encounter with an enigmatic gentleman, which ultimately leads to a pivotal moment in her life. Unfortunately, she is subsequently abducted by this individual, who is revealed to be the owner of the gem. The story incorporates intense scenes where she endeavors to earn his trust. This installment surpasses the original in quality and engagement; I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
144 reviews5 followers
December 4, 2024
Bound By Revenge
Anna Cole
Release date Dec 5th, 2024
If you’re like me and you love mafia romance, this is for you! There’s Kat who is the thief and there’s Nik who is the head of the Russian mafia and proud owner of a rare diamond that Kat just so happens to want! This book is described as a heart pounding ride and that is exactly what it is! It is sultry, spicy, and downright exhilarating! Make sure you check it out. You will not be disappointed.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1,210 reviews5 followers
December 5, 2024
I loved reading Bound By Revenge! This is such a well written dark mafia romance I didn't want to put it down. The characters are well developed and the storyline held my attention from start to finish. Highly recommend reading this book if you enjoy dark romance.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,201 reviews
December 9, 2024
This is an entertaining force, proximity, dark, mafia romance book that grabs your attention and holds it from beginning to end. The storyline is intriguing and dramatic as the elements unfold. The characters are well written with depth to their personalities and steamy chemistry together. I enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Vicki Lauren.
11 reviews
December 12, 2024
I hadn’t read a mafia book in quite a while but this was the perfect one to jump back in with.

I immediately fell in love with both characters and I won’t lie I absolutely loved Nik. Who doesn’t love someone saying sweet nicknames and sayings in another language!

I loved both POV but I always prefer the male POV when you can see hard they’ve fallen ❤️

One of my fav couples!
651 reviews3 followers
December 17, 2024
Nik (Nikolai) & Kat: Age gap/ one-night stand to more/ enemies to lovers/ kidnapped/ forced proximity/ Bratva/ dark mafia romance: This was originally released as The Diamond Duet. It has been revamped, edited, and chapters have been added. Anna Cole had me hooked right away with this intense and exciting read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Janett L.
146 reviews7 followers
December 6, 2024
This book took me on a wild ride. The crazy banter between the FMC and MMC is fantastic, and more than one occasion, I wanted to scream at them both. The bossyness of the MMC just drove me insane. But i loved it.
Profile Image for Lola Jansen.
393 reviews9 followers
December 3, 2024
Wow!
This was a ride!
The book had my interest from page 1, very engaging writing style that makes the story and characters feel familiar very fast.

The plot is amazing, and it’s spicy elements are just perfectly balanced
Highly recommend!!!!.

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