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Vasily the Nail
Fifteen days. That’s how long he said he’d keep me.
I thought my life as a Mafia princess was suffocating, but nothing prepared me for being handed over to Vasily Baranov to pay my brother’s debt. Cold, brutal, and haunted by demons I don’t understand, Vasily is everything I should fear. Instead, he’s the first man to treat me like something more than a bargaining chip.
But I know better than to believe in saviors.
My only way out is to ruin myself. Destroy my perfect reputation, make myself unfit for marriage, and force my family to let me go. Vasily might help me, or he might break me first.
The longer I stay, the more I see the cracks in him. The voices that haunt him. The curse he’s convinced will kill him here in Flagstaff, just like the men before him, even as he refuses to leave. Vasily thinks he’s doomed—but I’m starting to believe we both are.
Fifteen days might not be enough to escape the chains binding us to our families. But it might be long enough to decide if we can risk everything and run together—or if staying will destroy us both.
***
Vasily the Nail is Book 1 of the Baranov Duet, which will conclude with an HEA at the end of Vasily the Hammer. The Baranov Duet includes content and themes that could be considered dark even by Mafia/Bratva Romance standards. Content Warning is included in the beginning of the book, but readers are highly encouraged to visit the author's website for a detailed list.
Seriously, this begins with a morally black nightmare. Reader beware.
I thought my life as a Mafia princess was suffocating, but nothing prepared me for being handed over to Vasily Baranov to pay my brother’s debt. Cold, brutal, and haunted by demons I don’t understand, Vasily is everything I should fear. Instead, he’s the first man to treat me like something more than a bargaining chip.
But I know better than to believe in saviors.
My only way out is to ruin myself. Destroy my perfect reputation, make myself unfit for marriage, and force my family to let me go. Vasily might help me, or he might break me first.
The longer I stay, the more I see the cracks in him. The voices that haunt him. The curse he’s convinced will kill him here in Flagstaff, just like the men before him, even as he refuses to leave. Vasily thinks he’s doomed—but I’m starting to believe we both are.
Fifteen days might not be enough to escape the chains binding us to our families. But it might be long enough to decide if we can risk everything and run together—or if staying will destroy us both.
***
Vasily the Nail is Book 1 of the Baranov Duet, which will conclude with an HEA at the end of Vasily the Hammer. The Baranov Duet includes content and themes that could be considered dark even by Mafia/Bratva Romance standards. Content Warning is included in the beginning of the book, but readers are highly encouraged to visit the author's website for a detailed list.
Seriously, this begins with a morally black nightmare. Reader beware.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2025
105 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 21, 2025
I’m the type of reader who loves going through all the emotional upheavals of the characters. The miscommunication, the dee eye cee k-ish behavior of the MMC that you want to throw that precious Kindle across the room moments, the foolish acts of the FMC that you yell at the story and say, “Girl, please, just please.” I stick with it because I know they have done their job as long as it is the author’s intent.
Author C.B. Alice has written a very dark Bratva Mafia story that introduces readers to a character who has challenges with addiction and is forced to do extreme things to the FMC but does so under unique circumstances. The way C.B. Alice described Vasily’s role in the mafia and his background made the story dark yet heartbreaking. There are TW/CWs to be aware of. There are romantic and steamy scenes that are written well, but readers should be aware that it is not love at first sight for these two characters. It is extreme in the beginning as well.
I enjoyed “Vasily the Nail. " Though it did leave on a cliffhanger, it was done well. Yes, I was emotional and upset with Vasily, in my feelings for Analiese, and hopped over to C.B. Alice’s site to see when Book 2 was coming out. I say that was a win.
Author C.B. Alice has written a very dark Bratva Mafia story that introduces readers to a character who has challenges with addiction and is forced to do extreme things to the FMC but does so under unique circumstances. The way C.B. Alice described Vasily’s role in the mafia and his background made the story dark yet heartbreaking. There are TW/CWs to be aware of. There are romantic and steamy scenes that are written well, but readers should be aware that it is not love at first sight for these two characters. It is extreme in the beginning as well.
I enjoyed “Vasily the Nail. " Though it did leave on a cliffhanger, it was done well. Yes, I was emotional and upset with Vasily, in my feelings for Analiese, and hopped over to C.B. Alice’s site to see when Book 2 was coming out. I say that was a win.
March 20, 2025
This is yet another book I jumped into with an open mind, and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. When you pick up a mafia romance, you probably expect a story about a rich mob boss sweeping you off your feet, not a ragged blond kid drowning in his mental struggles, barely daring to hope for a better life.
Vasily is a character you can’t help but align yourself with almost instantly. He is far from perfect, unconventional, even by the morally gray standards set for our beloved dark romance MMCs. In a beautifully tragic way, he just doesn’t seem to fit into the world he was born into. Vasily chooses to mar his kind soul with guilt over the things he does out of love and respect for his family. He’s the type of person who would carry the weight of the world on his shoulders for the sake of others.
And that leads us to the fateful first interaction where Analiese enters his life in one of the worst ways possible. Real talk, this book does not shy away from grim details in those initial moments, so please do your due diligence and heed the TWs. I’m personally comfortable reading just about anything, but as readers, it’s our responsibility to know where to draw the line.
That being said, there are a couple of things that always frustrate me when such topics are explored: when they’re used purely for shock value and when the very real aftermath is either disregarded or glorified, romanticizing the act. I can’t tell you how relieved I was when it became clear that this book does neither. Even more so, the circumstances were layered with complexities that remained a recurring point of contention until the very end.
Analiese was not quick to forgive and forget. Having been used as a bargaining chip by her family, she is closed off and wary of her future. Unbeknownst to her, this new reality she finds herself in grants her personal freedoms she was never allowed before. And so, with great reluctance and reasons of her own, Ana gradually opens herself up to Vasily. Their connection develops naturally, and their intricate dynamic is conveyed beautifully on the page.
Despite wanting more depth in certain areas like dialogue, internal thoughts, and especially more exploration of the conflicts outside the relationship, I absolutely love this book. And the epilogue will have you itching for the sequel. It’s raw, complex, all while crafting a romance that feels both organic and hard-earned. If you're looking for a mafia romance that challenges conventions with a touch of something deeper, this one is worth picking up.
Vasily is a character you can’t help but align yourself with almost instantly. He is far from perfect, unconventional, even by the morally gray standards set for our beloved dark romance MMCs. In a beautifully tragic way, he just doesn’t seem to fit into the world he was born into. Vasily chooses to mar his kind soul with guilt over the things he does out of love and respect for his family. He’s the type of person who would carry the weight of the world on his shoulders for the sake of others.
And that leads us to the fateful first interaction where Analiese enters his life in one of the worst ways possible. Real talk, this book does not shy away from grim details in those initial moments, so please do your due diligence and heed the TWs. I’m personally comfortable reading just about anything, but as readers, it’s our responsibility to know where to draw the line.
That being said, there are a couple of things that always frustrate me when such topics are explored: when they’re used purely for shock value and when the very real aftermath is either disregarded or glorified, romanticizing the act. I can’t tell you how relieved I was when it became clear that this book does neither. Even more so, the circumstances were layered with complexities that remained a recurring point of contention until the very end.
Analiese was not quick to forgive and forget. Having been used as a bargaining chip by her family, she is closed off and wary of her future. Unbeknownst to her, this new reality she finds herself in grants her personal freedoms she was never allowed before. And so, with great reluctance and reasons of her own, Ana gradually opens herself up to Vasily. Their connection develops naturally, and their intricate dynamic is conveyed beautifully on the page.
Despite wanting more depth in certain areas like dialogue, internal thoughts, and especially more exploration of the conflicts outside the relationship, I absolutely love this book. And the epilogue will have you itching for the sequel. It’s raw, complex, all while crafting a romance that feels both organic and hard-earned. If you're looking for a mafia romance that challenges conventions with a touch of something deeper, this one is worth picking up.
January 5, 2025
I had the pleasure of beta reading this book after I drunkenly submitted the interest form, not really thinking anything would come of it. I'm so glad I did, I fell in love with Vasily, and after that ending, I am dying for book 2!
June 12, 2025
5⭐️/2.5🌶️
Cute, light mafia dark romance
Cute, light mafia dark romance
January 26, 2025
Vasily the Nail is quite suspenseful and definitely a page turning mafia romance. I found this book to be entertaining and an absolute pleasure to read. Vasily the Nail is phenomenally written, well balanced and beautifully executed by C.B. Alice. This happens to be the first book that I have read this author and I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. In my opinion, this book has a marvelous plot, wonderful characters and a breathtaking outcome for the main characters. This book follows the journey of Analiese and Vasily. I loved getting to know both of the main characters as well as getting to witness their journey unfolding throughout the book. The characters are well developed and beautifully executed throughout the story. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading this book. I was completely captivated from start to finish. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a suspenseful mafia story which looks will be continued in a next book. I can’t wait to read the next book to see what will happen next between Analiese and Vasily.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2025
Let me start this review by saying definitely check the trigger warnings before reading. With that said it does leave off on a major cliffhanger that had me crying. This is my first book by this author but if all this author's books are like this I'm definitely going to be reading more. Vasily wasn't the good guy but he also wasn't the bad guy. He was put in a position to do something that he didn't want to do but tried to make it as kind as he possibly could. Analiese was traded by her brother to pay off his debt. Everything that she was raised to believe was turned on its head. she end up finding a real home in love. But in the lifestyle that both of them grew up in it's not easy to escape. And when things hit the fan everything falls apart. I'm anxiously awaiting the second book. I literally started biting my nails and I've never been a nail biter. This book put me through so many emotions and kept me up all night.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2025
This book had me from the first few pages.
What a character Vasily is ... his drug-induced hallucinations, attempting to be gentle to Ana when he is forced to be with her, the way he speaks broken English when in actuality, he can speak English perfectly, the voices in his head ... despite all of this, we get to see at his core, that Vasily Baranov really is a decent man with a good, but tormented, heart and soul.
Ana is a lovely, completely sheltered Mafia princess who has is sold to the Bratva to pay her idiotic brother's debt. However, she thrives with Vasily in the short 15 days she is with him, and ends up falling in love.
This book ends on a cliffhanger and it is a truly WTF JUST HAPPENED moment. First time I've ever read this author, but I loved this book and can't wait for book number 2 in June 2025.
What a character Vasily is ... his drug-induced hallucinations, attempting to be gentle to Ana when he is forced to be with her, the way he speaks broken English when in actuality, he can speak English perfectly, the voices in his head ... despite all of this, we get to see at his core, that Vasily Baranov really is a decent man with a good, but tormented, heart and soul.
Ana is a lovely, completely sheltered Mafia princess who has is sold to the Bratva to pay her idiotic brother's debt. However, she thrives with Vasily in the short 15 days she is with him, and ends up falling in love.
This book ends on a cliffhanger and it is a truly WTF JUST HAPPENED moment. First time I've ever read this author, but I loved this book and can't wait for book number 2 in June 2025.
October 25, 2025
loved this first book. Good and gripping story. spice was really good. writing was a bit weird, sometimes it just didn't make sense and was kind of hard to understand. second book ruined it for hence low score.
second book- random time leap of 6 years which in my opinion wasn't needed. contains cheating *H sleeps casually with OW who is related to heroine.* I like amnesia stories but if H was so obsessed with h why didn't he just go to her. nothing was really stopping him and again there was no need for him to sleep with other people if he was so in love with her. Also hate that the h didn't have relationship with anyone else, like her and Dima would've been cute even if they had ONS.
overall- had a lot of potential but ruined it with random time leap which was too long and H cheating.
second book- random time leap of 6 years which in my opinion wasn't needed. contains cheating *H sleeps casually with OW who is related to heroine.* I like amnesia stories but if H was so obsessed with h why didn't he just go to her. nothing was really stopping him and again there was no need for him to sleep with other people if he was so in love with her. Also hate that the h didn't have relationship with anyone else, like her and Dima would've been cute even if they had ONS.
overall- had a lot of potential but ruined it with random time leap which was too long and H cheating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2025
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book it was amazing this story was well written with the characters Baranov and Analiese both been forced into a situation for different reasons. Analiese was kidnapped to pay a debt her brother accumulated since the death of their father, there is no love loss between brother and sister he sees her as a tool to gamble on her virginity for a payment owed to the Baranov Bratva. Vasily being the younger brother he is told what to do, his brother is Pakhan for the Baranov Bratva. The family's could be at war with each other, this book finishes off on a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book it was amazing this story was well written with the characters Baranov and Analiese both been forced into a situation for different reasons. Analiese was kidnapped to pay a debt her brother accumulated since the death of their father, there is no love loss between brother and sister he sees her as a tool to gamble on her virginity for a payment owed to the Baranov Bratva. Vasily being the younger brother he is told what to do, his brother is Pakhan for the Baranov Bratva. The family's could be at war with each other, this book finishes off on a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2025
A good read with solid pacing and characters that kept me interested. While it’s set in the world of Bratva crime and romance, it’s definitely on the lighter end of the spectrum when it comes to suspense and darkness.
If you’re used to heavier mafia or dark romance, this might feel a bit tame—but in a good way if you’re looking for something intense but not overwhelming.
The characters were well-written and engaging, with enough chemistry and tension to hold the story together.
I appreciated how the emotional moments were balanced with action, though I expected a little more grit based on the genre.
⚠️Possible Spoilers
Trigger/content warnings:
Nonconsensual elements,
Sibling loss
Drug use
Mentions of trafficking.
If you’re used to heavier mafia or dark romance, this might feel a bit tame—but in a good way if you’re looking for something intense but not overwhelming.
The characters were well-written and engaging, with enough chemistry and tension to hold the story together.
I appreciated how the emotional moments were balanced with action, though I expected a little more grit based on the genre.
⚠️Possible Spoilers
Trigger/content warnings:
Nonconsensual elements,
Sibling loss
Drug use
Mentions of trafficking.
June 22, 2025
Rating: ⭐️3.25/5
Spice: 🌶️5/5
Triggers; CNC, degradation, sexual assault
Needs better scene setting, hard to tell who’s who and where they are in the beginning, there’s so many names in the beginning hard to keep up. So many words about gangs that’s hard to distinguish for rank. More detail regarding character description would be good. I wish beginning of book was in Ana’s POV to start the story off and I feel like it would’ve been better. Borderlines wattpad style writing. Most scenes are cut too short I would like more detail out of some scenes literally multiple times during a chapter and every chapter. I do like the storyline but literally there’s no plot. No chemistry between vasily and Ana for 70% of the book it all felt so mechanical cliffhanger was really good.
Spice: 🌶️5/5
Triggers; CNC, degradation, sexual assault
Needs better scene setting, hard to tell who’s who and where they are in the beginning, there’s so many names in the beginning hard to keep up. So many words about gangs that’s hard to distinguish for rank. More detail regarding character description would be good. I wish beginning of book was in Ana’s POV to start the story off and I feel like it would’ve been better. Borderlines wattpad style writing. Most scenes are cut too short I would like more detail out of some scenes literally multiple times during a chapter and every chapter. I do like the storyline but literally there’s no plot. No chemistry between vasily and Ana for 70% of the book it all felt so mechanical cliffhanger was really good.
January 5, 2025
Vasily The Nail is book 1 in the Baranov duet and my first read by this author. Vasily and Analiese have a dark journey so make sure you check the trigger warnings before you start reading. There's lots of topics that may be sensitive to some readers. It's incredibly intense and dramatic and just when you think the excitement is coming to a slight pause there's something else around the corner to amp it up again. Vasily ends on a cliffhanger so expect that but book if book 2 is as intense and consuming as this one has been it's going to be another rollercoaster of a ride.
January 5, 2025
Analise is a mafia princess fed up with the dark world she was born Into when her brothers debt come knocking she's given to Vasily for 15 days to pay it off. He's tortured by the past and lives in darkness, but with Analyse will she be a reason to live? Well written dark themes, engaging story, and a cliffy ending that has you craving more!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2025
Lacey is sold for a debt and was supposed to be for one night but Vasily wants more. He takes her for 15 days and they end up falling in love with a crazy situation they were in. And just when they have plans to leave and be together fate has other plans. He no longer has the option to leave and sends her home while he leaves. Can't wait to see how their story ends on book 2!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 28, 2025
Wow. What a book...
It's dark, tough, forced, non-con, enemies to lovers, and a whole lot more, with a cliffy ending. Analiese (Ana/Lacey) is left with Vasily to repay a debt for her brother. If you want a sweet romance filed with sunshine and sugar go look somewhere else as this is so not that type of book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's dark, tough, forced, non-con, enemies to lovers, and a whole lot more, with a cliffy ending. Analiese (Ana/Lacey) is left with Vasily to repay a debt for her brother. If you want a sweet romance filed with sunshine and sugar go look somewhere else as this is so not that type of book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 29, 2025
I was absolutely blown away right from the start of this book. Ana was given to the Russian mafia as payment for a debt her brother owed them. She falls for her captor and he for her. Then tragedy strikes and she is returned to her brother. There is a cliffhanger but it only makes you want the next book even more. I highly recommend this book to all dark mafia romance readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2025
This book was deliciously steamy, and extremely dirty. A story that is exciting and some what twisted. A strong woman who refuses to back down. This book is an intense, page-turning story filled with suspense, romance, and high stakes. Overall, this book was written so well and absolutely beautifully! I loved everything about it and I’m so so excited to see what happens in the next book! I couldn’t put it down until the end! Highly recommend !
March 17, 2025
Vasily and Ana met when she was kidnapped because of her brother and his debt. This story was intense at times and was very well
Detailed. It was only supposed to be for 2 weeks but Ana ended up wishing she could stay longer. She ended up back with her brother. Lots of danger, secrets, and suspense. A phenomenal cliff hanger ending. This book was so good and I can’t wait for the next one to find out what happens.
Detailed. It was only supposed to be for 2 weeks but Ana ended up wishing she could stay longer. She ended up back with her brother. Lots of danger, secrets, and suspense. A phenomenal cliff hanger ending. This book was so good and I can’t wait for the next one to find out what happens.
January 29, 2025
I enjoyed Vasily the nail which was Vasily and Ana’s story. This is book one of the Baranov Duet, which will conclude with an HEA at the end of Vasily the Hammer. The Baranov Duet includes content and themes that could be considered dark, even by Mafia/Bratva Romance standards. I loved it so far and can’t wait for the next book. I received a copy of the book and voluntarily leaving this review.
March 11, 2025
Horribly sick
An innocent virgin is chained to a pole and raped in front of her brother to pay off a debt. I couldn't get past the first of this book and I know I'll have nightmares. I would not recommend it to anyone there were trigger warnings but it could not prepare you for the perversion in this book.
An innocent virgin is chained to a pole and raped in front of her brother to pay off a debt. I couldn't get past the first of this book and I know I'll have nightmares. I would not recommend it to anyone there were trigger warnings but it could not prepare you for the perversion in this book.
January 17, 2025
Check the trigger warnings so you know before you read. It does end on a cliffhanger which leads you to not getting off the roller coaster of a ride.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2025
This is my first time reading anything from this author. I thought it was a good read i couldn't put it down. It was well written and I can't wait to read more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 16, 2025
OTT and depressing. Heroine went from abducted virgin and devout Catholic to sex crazed captive, making very kinky porn with H that he sends to mafia associates, including h’s brother. H has mental issues and bad drug habit and predictably, this part one of a duet ends very badly for the h.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2025
I cannot wait for the next book. This was so good. I loved it. Vasily and Ana are so good together. This is dark but so good.
January 24, 2025
I wasn’t sure about some of the themes of this book, but all the revelations made it so good. That ending has me dying for the next book.
February 4, 2025
Book 1 was good and im.looking forward to book 2. Loving the dark nature of the story. So interesting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2026
Now I have to read book 2 to find out what happened!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews