Under Control

Zeitsev Bratva #1

by B.B. Hamel

I showed up at the wrong house wearing nothing but a fuzzy robe.
And I ended up stripping in front of a stranger.

I agreed to pose nude for a talented artist friend of mine since I could really use the extra money, but it went all wrong.

Now the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen is staring right at me like he’s about to claim a prize.

Turns out, this handsome stranger is the dangerous head of a Russian Bratva, and his arranged fiancee ran out on him at the last minute.

And I’m apparently good enough to take her place.

Valentin Zeitsev is brutally dangerous and horribly scarred, and I shouldn’t let a little accidental nudity lead directly into marriage.

But my family’s deep in debt and harboring some dark secrets, and I need Valentin’s help if I’m going to get through this nightmare.

Only when I say I do, what else is he going to take from me?

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Marriage Of Convenience, Dark, Ebooks, Contemporary Romance, Romance

361 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2024

About the author

I'm a long time reader, writer, and lover of Romance! Writing is my dream and my passion, and I want to share my stories with you.

I live in the Philadelphia area with my husband and two dogs.

Website: http://www.bbhamel.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bbhamelwriter

Check out my mailing list for updates, giveaways, and more! http://bbhamel.com/signup

Reviews

[Jen ♥]

DNF @ 31%

I've had enough of her pretending to be so strong and independent, only to turn into a complete horny mess whenever he's nearby. I had high hopes since she stood her ground at first; unfortunately, that didn't last long because, of course, her hormones and BBS always get the best of her.

Also, I'm only at the 31% mark, and the times they went at it were already too much for my liking. Every time they met, they always ended up getting frisky. There's no chemistry, only lust-driven thoughts, and I can only assume that this'll be the driving factor for the most part of this book.

So yeah, I'm stopping right now, because I'm not in the mood to read a story that's probably more smut than plot. 🤷‍♀️

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their Destined Encounter -
Karine was only looking to make a bit of money modelling when she accidentally walked into the wrong house and met the man who would not only take her on a wild and wonderful adventure, but also helped her find the secrets of an extended family she didn’t know about. Valentin felt an instant connection on Karine from the moment he laid eyes on her, which set him on an obsessive path toward making her his.

However, Karine and Valentin’s path to happiness didn’t run smoothly, as he was involved in a life where their lives were forever in danger, but in their case they had to deal with long held family conflicts and find solutions to resolve the issues amicably. Karine and Valentin worked well together and helped each other navigate through all the challenges, but more importantly it helped their feeling for each other grow and gave them the confidence to turn their agreement from a short term agreement into a permanent forever.

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey filled with passion, obsession, drama and action-packed moments, then grab a hold of this book now, where you will find yourself hooked on the story from the first page and unable to stop reading until you reached the end. I can say without a shadow of doubt, that B. B. Hamel has hit it out of the park again with this fantastic book.

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

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the creativity of this author.

Valentin has many situations that demand his attention, but none as surprising to him as a naked woman in his home. In a case of mistaken locations, Karine has unknowingly put herself in grave danger, as Valentin is instantly intrigued.

The twists and turns in this storyline kept me very entertained, and the sizzling chemistry and steamy scenes were oh, so hot. I loved how the unseen connections played into the families drama, and how it was all resolved.

This story has all the drama, betrayals, violence, and passions we expect from this author, and I highly recommend this one.

[R. Small · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love! Need to read more mafia romances!

[Bianca Espineli · Rating 1 out of 5]

“Valentin is a very, very bad man”. Says the character about 50 times before she magically falls in love and lives happily ever after.

I gave this book 1 star as I felt nothing. No wow factor, flat storyline, no plot twist and it was too rushed. All they did was f*ck.

Also in the beginning when she walking to get painted naked — Why did she not just have any clothes on underneath her jacket AND THEN strip at her friend’s place. Make it make sense please.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under Control is a full-length standalone novel with no cheating or cliffhanger and complete with a happily-ever-after. A beautifully written story with two broken and flawed individuals and a twisty and complex storyline that captures the audience attention from the start and keeps you transfixed turning the pages until the end. Hang on to your kindle and brace yourself for this tantalizing rollercoaster ride. This is Valentin and Karine story. A fast paced, thrilling, and gripping story.
A contemporary romance, dark mafia romance, billionaire romance, organize crime story, romantic suspense story, lust-at-first-sight story, insta-love romance, taboo romance, crime thriller story, fake marriage story, arranged marriage story, general romance, forced proximity romance, enemies-to-lovers romance, hate-to-love vibes story, Bratva romance, age gap trope story, virgin heroine story, marriage-that-started-on-contract story, marriage-of-convenience story, business arrangement marriage story, touch-her-and-die romance, jealous OTT possessive alpha hero story with steam, non-stop action, secrecy, suspense, lies, deception, darkness, madness, spanking, kidnapping, obsession, possessiveness, survival, tragedy, resilience, passion, enemies, family issues, dominance, submission, consensual intense rough sex, dirty talking, revelations, jealousy, angst, anger, tension, emotions, fear, guilt, violence, danger, enemies, rivalry, revenge, drama, loss, threats, attacks, twists and turns, mob war, chaos, bloodshed, pain, blackmail, love, murder, mention of cancer, kink, kidnapping, family found, torture, captivity, mob war and double-cross.
Karine Vardanyan is a twenty something year old beautiful young woman who's swimming and drowning in debt after the death of her father who died from cancer and having to take over all the debt from his illness, her mother and their household expenses. She works as a bartender at the Stove and Smoke to make ends meet and is the only breadwinner with her older brother in medical school. Karine gay friend Merrick bullied her into letting him sketch her nude and offered to pay her a thousand dollars and since she was broke and on the verge of getting evicted she agreed. She was so into her head worrying about posing naked that she didn't look at where she was going. She showed up naked in a trench coat in the middle of the winter in Philadelphia. When she knocked the housekeeper Nikkita let her in and told her that she was late and that he doesn't like to be kept waiting. She was shown to a room where she took off her coat. But when the door opened it wasn't her friend Merrick who came in the room instead it was the most gorgeous man that she had ever seen in her life staring at her with an expression caught between surprise and curiosity.
It was Valentin Zaitsev, pakhan of the Russian Bratva. Valentin is a brutal, vicious, ruthless and violent man. Valentin was supposed to marry Natalya Fedorov and he tells her that she wasn't Natalya and pull his gun on her. Valentin as to be very careful with who comes into his proximity even if it was a woman given his line of work. But he was immediately drawn to her and so was she. He told her where Merrick lives and she leaves. Valentin was supposed to negotiate a union between Natalya family and his and his. But she went missing and likely has gone the run somewhere in Europe. He needed to find a replacement. Since Valentin met Karine he can't seems to get her out off his mind. Valentin wanted to save face with his men so he offered her a job to be his wife one that would solve all her financial needs and help him accomplish what he wanted. He tells her that it would be a temporary arrangement for two years. But became obsessed with her and when he find out that she was Karine is a Sarkisian by blood he wanted her even more to be his wife. Valentin then stalked and pursued her relentlessly with expensive gifts, tips from his guys and even went as far as paying her electric bill to wear her down.
Valentin Zaitsev runs a multi-billion national company called Matrix International. They're involved in sports gambling and crypto among others. Karine's mother Mimira is the sister of the head of the vicious Armenian Brotherhood in Baltimore Aram Sarkisian a vindictive, ruthless, brutal and callous leader. Years ago Mimira flee from Baltimore and the Brotherhood to get away from the life. But when her husband got sick in trying to do everything to save him she turn back to her brother Aram for help and borrow money unbeknowing to Karine. However, the loan was with a steep return. Aram wanted his money back and send some of his soldiers to rough her up and threaten to come back again when Karine was there. When Karine saw her mom face and finally learn of her family's dark secrets it was then he wanted his money back so he send his soldiers to rough her up and threaten her. It was then that Karine decided to accept Valentin's offer because she knows that he was the only one who help them with her uncle.
The Zaitsev Bratva and the Brotherhood has had a long and bloody history. But Valentin and Karine marriage is going to put an end to all that. She's going to help their powerful organizations together and there won't be a single crime family left standing that can match their strength. Zaitsev Bratva is one of the most powerful criminal organizations on the East Coast. Valentin and Karine chemistry was off the charts hot with their freaky sex games and before long what started out as convenience and a means to an end and before they became obsessed and possessive of each other and convenience turned into love. The war escalate when Aram send his son Arsen to torch Mimira house which almost cause her life and Valentin's when he went into the burning house to save her. Karine stepped up in the Bratva and showed Valentin that she could be a true queen by offering sage advice to his soldiers and lieutenants that was beneficial in his fight against the Brotherhood. She was his anchor in his storm. The normal to his abnormal. The light to his darkness. She's His. His to protect. His to dominate. His to fuck. His to possess. His to love. His queen.

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

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

UNDER CONTROL by BB Hamel is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, dark, Mafia romance focusing on Bratva Pakhan Valentin Zeitsev, and bar tender Karine Vardanyan.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Valentin and Karine) UNDER CONTROL focuses on the building but tempestuous relationship between Bratva Pakhan Valentin Zeitsev, and bar tender Karine Vardanyan. Desperate for money to pay her late father’s medical bills, Karine Vardanyan offers to pose nude for an artist friend but mistakenly arrives at Valentin Zeitsev’s house, the Pakhan of the Russian Bratva. Valentin, needing a wife, sees an opportunity, and stalks our heroine until she says yes but Valentin Zeitsev has a secret, a secret that could destroy our story line heroine. As their relationship begins to develop, the past returns to finish a job that started years ago.

The world building follows several interconnected paths, including the encroaching war between the Russian Bratva and the Armenian Brotherhood. Years earlier the Brotherhood took at the people at the top, and Valentin is determined to get his revenge for the losses in his life.

The relationship between Valentin and Karine begins acrimoniously but Karine is desperate and Valentin sees an opportunity.

There is a large ensemble cast of powerful and questionable secondary and supporting characters: Housekeeper Nikkita; Karine’s mother Miriam; Aram Sarkissian, and his son Arsen; as well as several Bratva members, soldiers and Valentin’s security detail.

UNDER CONTROL is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, dysfunctional family values, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is twisted, dramatic, dark and engaging; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are desperate, determined and strong.


copy supplied for review

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Under Control by B.B. Hamel is an intense and steamy dark mafia romance, blending dangerous alliances with a slow-burn love story that builds tension both inside and outside the bedroom. The novel begins with a twist of fate: Karine, a struggling bartender, stumbles into the wrong house to pose for an artist and finds herself face-to-face with Valentin Zeitsev, the powerful head of the Russian Bratva. Seizing the opportunity, Valentin proposes a marriage of convenience, setting off a chain of events that binds their futures—and their hearts—together.

The romance between Karine and Valentin grows from reluctant partnership to undeniable passion. What begins as a transactional arrangement steadily evolves into a deeper, emotionally charged connection. Karine’s initial vulnerability is met with Valentin’s unyielding protectiveness, creating a magnetic push and pull between them. As the walls around them come down, their bond deepens into a love built on trust, loyalty, and undeniable chemistry.

The mafia world is richly drawn, adding layers of danger and intrigue to every interaction. Valentin’s life is ruled by power struggles, rival families, and brutal codes of honor, all of which heighten the stakes for Karine as she’s pulled further into his violent world. As secrets about her own family’s ties to the Armenian Brotherhood surface, the story gains even greater complexity, tying personal loyalties to criminal alliances in a way that feels organic and gripping.

B.B. Hamel expertly balances high-stakes action with raw emotion, creating a story that feels both thrilling and intimate. Under Control is a compelling read for those who love their romance wrapped in danger, heat, and just the right amount of emotional vulnerability.

[Ra Ra · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 44%

Something about this wasn’t meshing for me. I think this needed another edit. Or maybe I’m just in a mood. But that’s doesn’t matter. This book SHOULD have been a slam dunk for me. I’m bummed that it wasn’t. But, I’m confident that this book will still be enjoyed by many. Take this review with a grain of salt.

Here’s are my loosely structured grievances

- I didn’t care for any of the characters. I found Valentin to be a one dimensional sex maniac. Karine is a doormat controlled by her libido. Her mother is a weepy shell that only inspired spite. And Merrick (I know he was a side character) said “Darling” so often I worried that he had forgotten Karine’s name.
- The sex. *Shivers* (and not the good kind). I like a little CNC. I’m in touch with my dark side. This is not my first time at the Dom/sub rodeo. But, ultimately, the sexy stuff needs to be in service of the story. I love smut. It’s fun! This felt… not fun. I started skimming and that when I knew I was over it.
- The way Valentin talked threw me off. His dialogue felt robotic to me- resulting in me feeling disconnected from his character.
- Early on in the story it felt like details were established and promptly forgotten. For example, Merrick tells Karine that Valentin is involved in organized crime, specifically, the Bratva. They have this conversation again a few chapters later. It bothered my brain.

Okay. That’s it. DNFing :(

[Vic · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Under Control, Karine accidentally walks into the wrong home for a job. Unfortunately, her job is to pose nude for an artist friend. She decides to gather enough courage and just strip everything off but when she turns around, it is not her friend who is facing her. The man in question, is none other than the Brava Leader, Valentin Zeitsev.

Valentin is cold and ruthless and instantly attracted to Karine. He needs a fiancee since his ran away. When will he get another opportunity to get another fiancee? And he wants Karine. However the more he digs into her past, the more he wants to marry her. Karine does not want to marry him no matter what he offers. Even though her family is drowning in debt, she will not agree to Valentin’s offer. Valentin is the type of man who does not take no for an answer. What will he do to convince her?

B.B. Hamel is known for her mafia books and this one did not disappoint. One minute she had me laughing and smiling. Next, I was crying and gripping my tablet. I loved Karine and Valentin together. From the moment they meet, you can feel the heat between them. They have undeniable chemistry that sizzles throughout the book. Even their banter is flirtatious. There were some twists I did not see coming. All you want is of them to have their happily ever after. I really enjoyed their story.

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written story about a woman who was needing money to pay off her family’s debt and a Bratva Pakhan who needed a wife but found one another by mistake. The woman didn’t want anything to do with the Bratva Pakhan even before she found out what he was but the family she didn’t know had changed her mind about becoming the Bratva Pakhan’s wife.
Throughout the story the couple find out about secrets kept as well as what rivals will do to get what they want. They also find out that the woman has a smart mind for planning and dealing with problems.
As time goes by the couple start falling in love with one another even though the marriage was not to be long term. Even with what’s going on the two are happy when they are around one another.
At the end, the family of the woman that she didn’t know she had has a shift in leadership due to war with the Bratva. The woman keeps in contact with the family she didn’t know about after the war has ended. The couple decide to start their own family and soon they have it.
The couple and their family are happy and the couple are in love.
The story has outstanding characters and is a true page turner. This story has drama, suspense, intrigue, action, thrills and romance as well as a happily ever after ending that make it great.

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

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dark mafia romance with a fake marriage about a young innocent woman, Karine and a Russian Pakhan, Valentin. Karine has been struggling to pay her bills is offered to pose nude for a wealthy artist for money ends up in the wrong place and one scary, brute who’s handsome is shocked and pleasantly surprised by her state of undress. Valentin knows with his bride to be running away allows him to make Karine his and boy does she make him work for it! Unknown to Karine she is from the Armenian Mafia and once her mother shares the truth behind their past and money troubles does Karine decide to marry Valentin giving them protection. When trouble comes their way we get to see how Karine grows into the Queen that Valentin needs in his life. Their relationship is all business until it’s not and once they become more their strength takes them on a journey to rid those out to destroy them. Valentin finds something special with Karine never knowing it was missing. With secrets, death, suspense and one thrilling war some family connect while others are taken care of. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karine Vardaynan is doing something so far out her element that she is wavering, but she needs the money or face eviction. Needing the money to help her mom who has never been the same since her fathers death she feels she has no choice. Dressed in a coat and nothing else she shows up to what she believes is her friend, Merricks, home to pose nude she is ready. All should be fine but she is at the wrong house and the man in front of her is clearly not her friend Merrick.

Valentin Zaitsev believes his arranged marriage bride is finally at his home to discuss details, only to find a stunning beauty naked in front of him. He decides the wayward bride who ran off is free to go and wants to enter a fake marriage with Karine. Convincing the feisty beauty to agree though is another matter altogether. When he finds out she is in danger though it all changes and his protective streak amps up. Can a fake marriage turn into something so much more special maybe even a happily ever after.

What a delightful story, loved every moment of this one. Valentin is pure alpha male which I loved and so determined when it comes to Karine. Terrific read.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentin has been jilted only to have a golden opportunity literally drop her robe for him is he amused dise he point a gun at her definitely but when she leaves he realizes 2 things he's completely obsessed with her and she's the answer to a problem he has instant bride and revenge. Karine all she had to do was pose for her art friend to get money she needs to pay for all those overdue bills money her mother ran threw to try and save her father from cancer what happened is now she has some Bratva thug proposing marriage and saying he will take care of all her worries nope not gonna happen and he's not just any guy in the Bratva he's there leader the Pakhan she's in trouble and know mater how many times he rings her bell and makes her lose her mind in a puddle of passion it's still know or is it but there past is even more intertwined then either of them knew and it's gonna be a bloody battle but there just demented enough to get threw it together or die trying.

I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fated romance with suspense and lots of sizzle!
I fell in love with Karine’s determination to make more money to cover the bills that she is now becoming a model for a famous artist she met at the bar she works at except with her frazzled brain she walks up to wrong door. What follows next is anything but expected and sets the stage for the rest of the story with Valentin trying to persuade Karine to be his bride who wants nothing to do with him. Or that is until her mother is attacked by Armenian family for not paying back her loan. The electricity between Valentin who is the pakhan of the Philly bratva who has a vendetta against Karine’s family brotherhood takes this story in an interesting twist for the two, as the suspense ramps up. Will Karine be the unexpected queen that Valentin needs? You have to read to find out and don’t expect to put the book down until you turn the last page!

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karine finds herself caught up in a plot of despair, intrigue, violence and terror, which her only hope was difficult for her to accept. The power, strength and unbridled passion that emanated from Valentino enveloped her and awakened strong emotions in her while obsessed by his malishka, Valentino, the Pakhan, was willing to do anything to protect her. An exciting roller coaster of action, suspense, violence and passion with ruthless characters and where an indiscriminate struggle for power plays the biggest card. The strategies to achieve this and everything that was at stake caught my attention. Interesting and very intense, not only the relationship that developed between Valentino and Karine but also the descriptions and narrations that kept me alert to the twists in the events. I find these stories entertaining, full of dark situations that make me think and try to see the characters within their circumstances.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally Lost Myself in this Story!!

OMG. Only good things to discuss here. Karine is living under a pile of debt after her father became ill and her parents tried every traditional and experimental option out there. She agrees to model for Merrick as it will provide a few much-needed dollars. She ends up at the next-door-neighbor in her birthday suit. Oops (and hysterical).

Valentin Zaitsev is that neighbor. His arranged marriage just fell through, but he has a new solution. The chase is exciting, and I love how Karine refuses to cave. Until she is really, really between a rock and a hard place.

Such intensity. Power, dominance, politics, Family (with a capital F), bliss, sin, violence and ruthlessness. Then there is the romance. It happens gradually, but all the better. In this case it is the journey AND the destination. A stunning read.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book kicks off by introducing us to the main characters, which makes the beginning a bit slow-paced. But as we get to know them better, things start to pick up! I really got hooked once they got married. The male main character (MMC) is quite the piece of work—obsessive, ruthless, and possessive—but in a way that makes things interesting. On the other hand, the female main character (FMC) is so captivating! She balances strength and vulnerability beautifully, especially since she’s navigating such a dangerous world. I really admired her journey as she discovers her own strength. Plus, it was great to see her coming up with clever ideas and the MMC genuinely listening to her. While he did impose some limits on her freedom, it felt necessary given what they were facing, and you could tell all his actions came from a place of love. They truly are a compelling pair!.

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

[Coastie Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karine is trying to pay off debts her mother incurred while her father was sick. She agrees to model for her friend Merrick and ends up in the wrong house. Valentin is the Pakhan of the Bratva and pulls a gun on her when he walks into the room (as she is naked). Valentin is taken by the lovely Karine and once she finds out who she is and realizes he can use her as part of his revenge against the Brotherhood, he offers to help pay off her debts.

While Karine is against it at first, after her mother is attacked, she has no choice but to take Valentin up on his offer to help keep her mother safe. Karine finds out more about her family and secrets are revealed. The chemistry between Karine and Valentin is HOT, and feelings start to form between the two. Will this 2-year agreement turn out to be more? And just how much like Valentin is Karine when push comes to shove?

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

[Dorrita Winch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karine Vardanyan’s story starts with Merrick, her gay artist friend. She is going to pose for him for 1,000. She agrees as she’s broke and she and her mom’s on the verge of getting evicted. Her bartending at Stove And Smoke isn’t doing it.
Valentin Zaitsey is Pakhan of the Russian Bratva. When he walks into his sitting room expecting his fiancee and see a naked Karine posing, he unconsciously falls for her at that moment.
He persuades her to marry him for various reasons, one being revenge.
Then Karine finds out all kinds of secrets involved her mom and
The head of the Armenian Brotherhood in Baltimore.
This is a sweet, funny, sexy book that was an enjoyment to read. Has abuse, secrets, lies, murder, Bratva and Armenian Brotherhood, graphics scenes between mmc and mfc and a happy ending…

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Valentin and Karine
Genre- Mafia Romance
Length- about 350 pages
POV- 1st dual
Heat- they like consensual dub con (they have a safe word).
Safety- Y
Triggers- violence, language, discussion of past SA (not of the hero or heroine), firearms, blood, sex.
Tropes- Arranged Marriage, He Ain’t Heavy- He’s My Bratva, J/P Hero, MINE, Consensual Dub Con, Dysfunctional Family FTW, Secrets and Lies, Obsession.
Mewsings
I thought that their meet cute was really funny (she went into the wrong house when she was going to be an artist’s model and the hero saw her naked). And I just loved the way he was obsessed with her and the way she couldn’t resist him. They were utterly perfect together and for each other, mentally and physically.

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

[Rozebudzz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karine and Valentin

Karine needed money so she agreed to pose nude for a painter friend but walks into Valentin’s house by mistake. He sees her naked and it’s instalove for him. Karine is mortified. Valentin is crazy obsessed and finally wears Karine down and she agrees to marry him. As head of the Russian Bratva, Valentin is quite the obsessive alphahole and makes some outrageous and unhinged demands but Karine is no pushover. She’s smart, strong willed and she can run circles around Valentin.

I liked this couple together. There was quite a bit of steamy scenes. And there’s a war going on in the background with an Armenian mob that Karine is somehow related to. The plot is fast, there’s action and violence, lots of sex scenes where Valentin shows his dominance and a nice HEA.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always this author brings us another fantastic story. Under Control is
Valentin Zaitsev and Karine Vardanyans story and it's packed full of drama, intrigue, chaos, danger and excitement. Valentin is a man who knows what he wants and as Pakhan to the Zaitsev Bratva he has the means to get it.

“I want a strong queen. I want a wife with a spine."

Karine just happens to be what he wants. She's unknowingly a part of the Armenian Mafia and that makes for a very interesting journey.
"I’m his wife, I’m his kitten, I’m his malishka. I’m his everything."

This story is intense and absolutely consuming. From start to finish I was completely engulfed in these characters and their journey. I'd LOVE to get more on Arsen!

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy 3 ½ stars. - I came for the steam and the author did not disappoint but Valentin and Karine’s story comes with drama and action, mostly violent, that kept the plot interesting. I wasn’t a fan of Karine’s character’s whininess. She’s definitely a good daughter and very responsible but she kept complaining that all the family’s resources went to his brother but she never said anything to her family to rectify the situation. Valentin has to take care of her. I can’t seem to remember what skills she has. I’m not saying Valentin is perfect because murderous is far from that but his character’s behavior is as expected. He’s definitely a Prince Charming only to Karine. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Vonn Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karine, early twenties, is struggling to keep the electricity running. She’s a bartender at a local bar, where she meets Merrick, a wealthy artist. He offers her $1000 to paint her, she just has to come to his house.

She walks up to the wrong house and bares herself to a stranger. The stranger is handsome and can’t stop looking at her. Until he pulls a gun on her.

Valentin Zeitsev, 38, a Bratva Pakhan is waiting for his run-away bride, but instead sees a beautiful young (naked) woman in his office.

Marriage of convenience with 80% sex, lots of Drama and Murd3r. Didn’t really see the feelings happen or grow, it’s mostly lust. He kinda “falls first”, but she’s right behind him in her thoughts.

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

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Hot,Dark,Intense!

I gave this story five stars but if I could I would give it more! Valentina is the Parham who got stood up so he finds another girl to fill the spot,he has Karina fill the spot,he tells her he will pay her bills,take care of her,but she flatly refuses Valentina but he wears her down and she agrees to marry him. She must obey him,do what he says but she is head strong and has a mind of her own.They get on ok but he is showing feelings for her,she is a distraction he didn't bargain for.He married her for different reasons but they went out the window.There is alot violence in this story but also there is caring,love ,hope and softness! Please read,feel what I did and you wish for more,I do!

[Adri · Rating 4 out of 5]

BB Hamel
ARC
Under Control
★★★★/★

OOO WEEEE is it getting hot in here???

This is definitely one chemistry laden read!!
Not sure you would want to read it and keep a straight face in public ;)

The Bravta , Brotherhood connections between Russian and Armenians always fascinates me and this was done really well and I can not wait to read Arsens book (hopefully BB Hamel? ) next!

The friendship between Merrick and Karine also lovely. Id like to see more of the both of them again.
Valentine and Karine is smouldering on page and in my head.
I also absolutely adored how Valentine respected Karine’s emotional state and grief without ever making her feel less "than".

Good length book and kept me intrigued all the way.

[Phyllis Wolford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dark romance about the Different Mafia Families and how their past intertwined with each other.
Karin and Valentin have an unforgettable first meeting. Karin has no clue that her family is the Armininain Mob, or that her parents ran to get away from the violence.
Valentin is the Pahkan of the Bratva, what neither of has any clue that her mom was betrothed to his dad, but his dad acted like a dumb idiot and lost her.
Valentin thinks that he can use Karin to get revenge for his father’s death , but instead falls for her and falls hard. Karin hates him at first burt soon realizes that he has unlocked her inner physcopath and she falls for him also.
They fight, cry and eventually figure out what they want and will protect it no matter the cost.

[Charlene Gaskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valentin and Karine's story started out a bit weird but the story took off from there. No nude model goes to a shoot with just a coat on and then just strips the coat off without confirming important details, like whether you are at the right place. Honestly that made me laugh, but I did enjoy the story once I got past that.

The writing was done in the style of BB Hamel and proved to be very entertaining as these two character's must navigate a very intense and mysterious path forward before they are able to find answers to questions that have been long buried. Their sexual relationship begins quickly as their attraction does, but the lingering backstory and current issues facing Valentin find the answers he is looking for as to who killed his father add to the suspense and the mystery. The novel is well paced even though the story unveils additional "drama" as the story progresses.

The story was very enjoyable and I was quite smitten with some of the secondary characters who added humor to a story that was already entertaining.

The immediate sexual attraction/obsession between the two main characters is initially a push and pull of sorts or a "one off" one and done that just keeps transitioning in to something much bigger.

[Anni Barkla · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the breathtaking elements for a dark enthralling mafia Romance read. Valentin is the handsome, fearless, bulging, brute strength Russian bratva Pakhan (Don) and Karin, well she enters this story in an amusing and unlikely manner- I love bb’s mafia stories, and this one is another beauty. Karin is a force of nature, extremely loyal to her mum, despite her circumstances and upbringing- I really enjoy how her character blooms like a rose as this story progresses. She seems so fragile in the beginning and I enjoy the feisty side that Valentine brings out in her. All the sparks, spice, torture, killing & suspense you’d expect, and a sweet HEA. Loved this read SOO much BB! 🫶🏻😍🤩