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Legacy of Heathens #2
Nikola
I was the dutiful daughter. Or, at least, that was what it looked like from the outside.
Deep inside, I was suffocating. I longed for something I didn’t know how or where to find. But I kept my façade firmly in place while I searched for answers.
Until one New Orleans’ night changed it all.
Nikola Nikolaev—the heir to the Crescent City’s ruthless criminal empire—caught me in a club that was off limits. And just like that, my carefully constructed world began to crumble.
We never saw it coming. The invisible force between us, the one that had a power far beyond anything we understood, pulling us closer, demanding what we couldn't give.
But there was more to Nikola than the unhinged, reckless man everyone saw.
I fell. Hard.
He didn’t.
I should've walked away. Instead, I was determined to peel back his layers and prove to him he’d met his match.
I, Skye Leone, would rise to become his queen.
Deep inside, I was suffocating. I longed for something I didn’t know how or where to find. But I kept my façade firmly in place while I searched for answers.
Until one New Orleans’ night changed it all.
Nikola Nikolaev—the heir to the Crescent City’s ruthless criminal empire—caught me in a club that was off limits. And just like that, my carefully constructed world began to crumble.
We never saw it coming. The invisible force between us, the one that had a power far beyond anything we understood, pulling us closer, demanding what we couldn't give.
But there was more to Nikola than the unhinged, reckless man everyone saw.
I fell. Hard.
He didn’t.
I should've walked away. Instead, I was determined to peel back his layers and prove to him he’d met his match.
I, Skye Leone, would rise to become his queen.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2025
742 people are currently reading
1519 people want to read
About the author
Eva Winners
56 books4,136 followersEva released her first novel Second Chance At Love in 2020 and has been writing feverishly ever since. She writes about everlasting romance for every century focusing on characters emotional development and always guarantees an HEA.
She loves yoga, wine and her kiddos. In her spare time, she seeks adventures either hiking through trails or exploring the beaches.
Writing books has always been her passion and she brings real life to the forefront in everything she writes about.
Deeply passionate characters and stories will draw you in and you'll never want to leave.
Follow her on social media to stay up to date with all her new releases!
She loves yoga, wine and her kiddos. In her spare time, she seeks adventures either hiking through trails or exploring the beaches.
Writing books has always been her passion and she brings real life to the forefront in everything she writes about.
Deeply passionate characters and stories will draw you in and you'll never want to leave.
Follow her on social media to stay up to date with all her new releases!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
June 19, 2025
I hate and i really hate a doormat heroine so much. Especially here from the beginning the heroine is the main pursue in the relationship which makes me disgusted 😤 SHE’S TOO CLINGY!!! EEWWWWW 😒😒
The way she always sends many text the hero before they have a relationship, she always ask the hero to kiss her and do things for her, she always the one who touch him first which is SOOO EWWW! seriously my eyes want to puke for even reading those scenes 😒 tbh i cringe a lot of times reading how the heroine love the body parts of the hero way too much than the hero 😰🥱😵💫😵💫🫠😵💫😵💫😵💫
I get that the author might want this book to focus on the heroine who loves the hero first and desires him more. But that doesn’t mean she has to do more than he does 😒 Honestly, she’s way too obsessed and clingy with the hero more than he is 🤢 and that really made me feel sick 🙄 It’s just super annoying for me to read about a heroine like that, so I didn’t enjoy their relationship storyline. I did read it all the way through, but there were plenty of scenes I didn’t like at all… Unfortunately😬😬
I really don’t enjoy romance stories where the woman has to do all the chasing for a guy who can’t fully commit to her… Especially when he keeps pushing her away 😓 one day he’s talking to her, and then the next day, or even after a month, he won’t respond to her simple texts. Just a text!!!! Like wtf 😑😑 talk about a huge ego…
To me, that’s not a good hero at all, red flag!!! and it just feels like such a foolish thing to do. Maybe some people like that kind of man or romance, but honestly, it’s just not for me…
I don’t like it when i read that the heroine constantly fights for the hero so much 😂 And when the hero tries to win the heroine back after a short breakup, he didn’t even grovel so much! And the heroine just welcome him with open arms and even excited to see him again… WTF????!
I've been reading this author’s books for a couple of years now, and I’ve noticed that many of them have very similar situations! The hero wants the heroine badly but can’t officially be with her right away, usually because of some reason. Often, these reasons feel really silly (very stupid sometimes and sometimes very idiotic), almost like watching an adult man acting with a child’s mindset 🙄 A lot of times, the heroine has to do something drastic just to push the hero into finally making their relationship official… Honestly, these storylines are starting to feel repetitive and not as enjoyable anymore 🥴 When I read these books, I keep wondering why they don’t try adding something better or different… The plot twist closely resembles those in previous stories, which is somewhat disappointing as it essentially repeats the same concept, utilizing similar character roles but with different individuals set in alternate timelines… I kindly urge the author to consider introducing new character roles to enhance the story’s appeal 🥺
It would be beneficial to avoid reusing former characters and instead dedicate more time to thoughtfully developing the narrative by carefully deciding what elements to include, thereby making the story more engaging than before…
SPOILER ALERT 🚨
One of the villain in the story is actually a grandmother, a 80 years old (yes 80 years old) great grandmother who shoot the hero. And it’s from the heroine side of the family… Sounds familiar? YES. Remember Wynter and Sebastian “Bas” love story? (villainous kingpin) It involves a grandmother of Skye!!! and that is also her great grandmother! And also the great grandmother of wants to kill the hero. It’s quite strange that a 80 year old grandmother who can hold a gun and shoot someone, it’s like wow… maybe the grandma is on steroids or next level drugs? 😑 or maybe the grandmas here are mutan… who knows 🥴
See the similarities…
Can you see why I’m easily bored when i read this story 😄😄 And also the similarities of the heroine is the heroine loves the hero for years, liking him for years but the hero only did little for her… He claimed to stayed at the school for years to protect the heroine, PROTECT MY A$$ 🤢 he also claimed to also have feelings for the heroine but did nothing more before, like wtf? These type of scenes and characters are so similar with the previous ones… Luca story, sasha story is also similar like that 😂
Who knows the hero what he do with someone else during those times in school before the hero finally claims the heroine… idk it just a red flag for me if a man is like that to a woman who he claims he loves but can’t fully commit!
Even tho there’s no tell that the hero’s history with someone or with who he have intimacy with… But still it looks like 100% he have that history 😂
They only went on a date like one time and then yeah the way they build the relationship is ridiculous to me 🙄
If you’re wondering why I kept reading until the end even though I didn’t like it, honestly, it was because I was really curious about the family dynamics 😄😄
Since it’s about the second generation, we get to see the families, cousins, and everything that happens in their future 🥺🥺 The last time I read about them, they were just babies, and now they’re growing up! That’s actually what I looked forward to the most. As for the love story, I usually skipped over it because I found the heroine annoying. A doormat? Eew.
My favorite is KOSTYA!!!!! So to see kostya now growing up and have a great relationship with his parents is freakin cute! I can’t wait for kostya’s love story and hopefully it will be better or else i will write a long a$$ review about it 😄
If you’re aware or not, whenever I start a review like this, it means I won’t be adding much more to it. I won’t include additional quotes because the whole thing was annoying from the very beginning 😓
I’ll mention safety, but that’s about it. Honestly, I just can’t believe the hero and heroine have such a silly love story to start with. The hero loves and wants the heroine but cannot fully be commitment to her because of the family, he only wants her because he realizes one day that he doesn’t want her with anyone else. The hero claims the heroine as his but not fast enough to really actually claim her. The heroine loves the hero since the beginning but was waiting on him. LIKE WTF! This is a ridiculous slow burn! It’s like reading a child love story!!!! And we who are reading this obviously are not children!!!!
‼️‼️‼️NO CHEATING. It has separation for two months but both are loyal and didn’t go to anyone else. Slow burn and it’s annoying (argh). The hero and heroine are both possessive but the hero is more over the top. The heroine is a virgin. The hero’s history about him being a manwhor3 was not in discussion. It has many pushing away from the hero, the heroine never push the hero away. The chemistry was there but it was not too romantic for me. Mafia family and there’s some violence there too. Hot s3x scenes. Happy ending, married.
‼️‼️‼️TRIGGERS: PTSD, killing, death, high on violence, alcohol, hospital, therapist sessions, trafficking, and mafia.
⚡️⚡️⚡️THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING MY REVIEW. Even if you hate my review i still say thank you so much cause you spend your time reading this one👻 I’m not a professional reviewer or professional reader. I’m just someone who likes to read novels that is safe and no cheating whatsoever. And many more that i like lol😆 I DID NOT GET PAID TO DO THIS. This is just basically me writing my review based on my personal opinion about the book if it’s safe or what I will write it all down just the way i like it 😏 I realize that my review might come across as pretty direct, and I don't claim to be a professional writer since I'm just sharing my own thoughts. If you find any negativity in what I've said about the book, just remember that we all have different perspectives. What I think doesn't have to align with your views. We all have our own preferences when it comes to books, just like we each have our unique perspectives. You can’t dictate what I should say in my review, and I shouldn’t tell you what to think either… I WILL NOT TOLERATE NEGATIVE COMMENT AND I WON’T EVER REPLIED TO IT. If you still don’t like what i write and my disclaimer here, IT’S A YOU PROBLEM. NOT MINE😙 HAVE A GREAT DAY❤️❤️❤️
Types of book that I’m looking for: SAFE, safe all the way from the beginning till the end🥵 No cheating, no unnecessary childish drama. Not too much OW DRAMA cause they are loud and annoying lol. NO to still having feelings about a ex especially wants go get back together tf no. NO to friends with benefits and still seeing other people type of sh*t. NO to hero or heroine who said i love you and have been obsessed but still likes to fvck around yeah big NO to that sh*t. NOOO to still married or still in a relationship with someone else while liking the main character, yeah they have to be single since the beginning. NOOO to a long separation and have someone else they have s3x with during the separation. NOO to too many times of separation and breaking up sh*t. NOO to toxic narcissistic characters.
I preferred the characters are loyal to the core, over the top possessive heroes since the beginning and never stops, main characters have unique jobs or talents, the hero adores and obsessed with the heroine so much, the hero fell harder for the heroine and don’t want let her go and fight for her. And most importantly EPILOGUE AND ESPECIALLY THE DECADES LATER SCENE…. HAPPY ENDING IS A MUST. Chemistry is a must too 🙏🏼
The way she always sends many text the hero before they have a relationship, she always ask the hero to kiss her and do things for her, she always the one who touch him first which is SOOO EWWW! seriously my eyes want to puke for even reading those scenes 😒 tbh i cringe a lot of times reading how the heroine love the body parts of the hero way too much than the hero 😰🥱😵💫😵💫🫠😵💫😵💫😵💫
I get that the author might want this book to focus on the heroine who loves the hero first and desires him more. But that doesn’t mean she has to do more than he does 😒 Honestly, she’s way too obsessed and clingy with the hero more than he is 🤢 and that really made me feel sick 🙄 It’s just super annoying for me to read about a heroine like that, so I didn’t enjoy their relationship storyline. I did read it all the way through, but there were plenty of scenes I didn’t like at all… Unfortunately😬😬
I really don’t enjoy romance stories where the woman has to do all the chasing for a guy who can’t fully commit to her… Especially when he keeps pushing her away 😓 one day he’s talking to her, and then the next day, or even after a month, he won’t respond to her simple texts. Just a text!!!! Like wtf 😑😑 talk about a huge ego…
To me, that’s not a good hero at all, red flag!!! and it just feels like such a foolish thing to do. Maybe some people like that kind of man or romance, but honestly, it’s just not for me…
I don’t like it when i read that the heroine constantly fights for the hero so much 😂 And when the hero tries to win the heroine back after a short breakup, he didn’t even grovel so much! And the heroine just welcome him with open arms and even excited to see him again… WTF????!
I've been reading this author’s books for a couple of years now, and I’ve noticed that many of them have very similar situations! The hero wants the heroine badly but can’t officially be with her right away, usually because of some reason. Often, these reasons feel really silly (very stupid sometimes and sometimes very idiotic), almost like watching an adult man acting with a child’s mindset 🙄 A lot of times, the heroine has to do something drastic just to push the hero into finally making their relationship official… Honestly, these storylines are starting to feel repetitive and not as enjoyable anymore 🥴 When I read these books, I keep wondering why they don’t try adding something better or different… The plot twist closely resembles those in previous stories, which is somewhat disappointing as it essentially repeats the same concept, utilizing similar character roles but with different individuals set in alternate timelines… I kindly urge the author to consider introducing new character roles to enhance the story’s appeal 🥺
It would be beneficial to avoid reusing former characters and instead dedicate more time to thoughtfully developing the narrative by carefully deciding what elements to include, thereby making the story more engaging than before…
SPOILER ALERT 🚨
One of the villain in the story is actually a grandmother, a 80 years old (yes 80 years old) great grandmother who shoot the hero. And it’s from the heroine side of the family… Sounds familiar? YES. Remember Wynter and Sebastian “Bas” love story? (villainous kingpin) It involves a grandmother of Skye!!! and that is also her great grandmother! And also the great grandmother of wants to kill the hero. It’s quite strange that a 80 year old grandmother who can hold a gun and shoot someone, it’s like wow… maybe the grandma is on steroids or next level drugs? 😑 or maybe the grandmas here are mutan… who knows 🥴
See the similarities…
Can you see why I’m easily bored when i read this story 😄😄 And also the similarities of the heroine is the heroine loves the hero for years, liking him for years but the hero only did little for her… He claimed to stayed at the school for years to protect the heroine, PROTECT MY A$$ 🤢 he also claimed to also have feelings for the heroine but did nothing more before, like wtf? These type of scenes and characters are so similar with the previous ones… Luca story, sasha story is also similar like that 😂
Who knows the hero what he do with someone else during those times in school before the hero finally claims the heroine… idk it just a red flag for me if a man is like that to a woman who he claims he loves but can’t fully commit!
Even tho there’s no tell that the hero’s history with someone or with who he have intimacy with… But still it looks like 100% he have that history 😂
They only went on a date like one time and then yeah the way they build the relationship is ridiculous to me 🙄
If you’re wondering why I kept reading until the end even though I didn’t like it, honestly, it was because I was really curious about the family dynamics 😄😄
Since it’s about the second generation, we get to see the families, cousins, and everything that happens in their future 🥺🥺 The last time I read about them, they were just babies, and now they’re growing up! That’s actually what I looked forward to the most. As for the love story, I usually skipped over it because I found the heroine annoying. A doormat? Eew.
My favorite is KOSTYA!!!!! So to see kostya now growing up and have a great relationship with his parents is freakin cute! I can’t wait for kostya’s love story and hopefully it will be better or else i will write a long a$$ review about it 😄
If you’re aware or not, whenever I start a review like this, it means I won’t be adding much more to it. I won’t include additional quotes because the whole thing was annoying from the very beginning 😓
I’ll mention safety, but that’s about it. Honestly, I just can’t believe the hero and heroine have such a silly love story to start with. The hero loves and wants the heroine but cannot fully be commitment to her because of the family, he only wants her because he realizes one day that he doesn’t want her with anyone else. The hero claims the heroine as his but not fast enough to really actually claim her. The heroine loves the hero since the beginning but was waiting on him. LIKE WTF! This is a ridiculous slow burn! It’s like reading a child love story!!!! And we who are reading this obviously are not children!!!!
‼️‼️‼️NO CHEATING. It has separation for two months but both are loyal and didn’t go to anyone else. Slow burn and it’s annoying (argh). The hero and heroine are both possessive but the hero is more over the top. The heroine is a virgin. The hero’s history about him being a manwhor3 was not in discussion. It has many pushing away from the hero, the heroine never push the hero away. The chemistry was there but it was not too romantic for me. Mafia family and there’s some violence there too. Hot s3x scenes. Happy ending, married.
‼️‼️‼️TRIGGERS: PTSD, killing, death, high on violence, alcohol, hospital, therapist sessions, trafficking, and mafia.
⚡️⚡️⚡️THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING MY REVIEW. Even if you hate my review i still say thank you so much cause you spend your time reading this one👻 I’m not a professional reviewer or professional reader. I’m just someone who likes to read novels that is safe and no cheating whatsoever. And many more that i like lol😆 I DID NOT GET PAID TO DO THIS. This is just basically me writing my review based on my personal opinion about the book if it’s safe or what I will write it all down just the way i like it 😏 I realize that my review might come across as pretty direct, and I don't claim to be a professional writer since I'm just sharing my own thoughts. If you find any negativity in what I've said about the book, just remember that we all have different perspectives. What I think doesn't have to align with your views. We all have our own preferences when it comes to books, just like we each have our unique perspectives. You can’t dictate what I should say in my review, and I shouldn’t tell you what to think either… I WILL NOT TOLERATE NEGATIVE COMMENT AND I WON’T EVER REPLIED TO IT. If you still don’t like what i write and my disclaimer here, IT’S A YOU PROBLEM. NOT MINE😙 HAVE A GREAT DAY❤️❤️❤️
Types of book that I’m looking for: SAFE, safe all the way from the beginning till the end🥵 No cheating, no unnecessary childish drama. Not too much OW DRAMA cause they are loud and annoying lol. NO to still having feelings about a ex especially wants go get back together tf no. NO to friends with benefits and still seeing other people type of sh*t. NO to hero or heroine who said i love you and have been obsessed but still likes to fvck around yeah big NO to that sh*t. NOOO to still married or still in a relationship with someone else while liking the main character, yeah they have to be single since the beginning. NOOO to a long separation and have someone else they have s3x with during the separation. NOO to too many times of separation and breaking up sh*t. NOO to toxic narcissistic characters.
I preferred the characters are loyal to the core, over the top possessive heroes since the beginning and never stops, main characters have unique jobs or talents, the hero adores and obsessed with the heroine so much, the hero fell harder for the heroine and don’t want let her go and fight for her. And most importantly EPILOGUE AND ESPECIALLY THE DECADES LATER SCENE…. HAPPY ENDING IS A MUST. Chemistry is a must too 🙏🏼
June 12, 2025
While this story is infinitely better than the first part of the series, the drama towards the end of the book seemed unnecessary to me.
June 9, 2025
ARC Review
4.75. Only because I needed epilogue 😭
Y’all. I’m unwell. I opened this book thinking I’d flirt with a little danger, maybe flirt with a morally gray heir to a criminal empire. But what I got was a slow descent into madness, longing, vulnerability, and the kind of chemistry that physically hurts to read.
Skye Leone, you chaotic softheart—girl, I SEE you. You’re the dutiful daughter, the locked box of aching, the girl who’s never allowed to want more. But then this menace of a man, Nikola freaking Nikolaev, storms into your life like he owns the air you breathe and suddenly the box is busted open and WE'RE ALL SCREAMING.
The man is trauma wrapped in tattoos and steel. He is haunted, dangerous, and emotionally constipated in the most delicious way possible. He’s also inexplicably gentle with Skye when no one’s watching. HOW DARE HE.
Their connection? Not a slow burn. Not a spark. It's a molotov cocktail, and I am standing way too close. I kept yelling, “Skye, RUN,” but also, “Skye, GET CLOSER.” I am emotionally cross-eyed.
The push and pull. The secrets. The legacy. The FAMILY NAMES THAT MADE MY HEART STOP. Yes, Eva, I see what you did. I screamed at every mention of the OGs. Screamed. You expect me to just… sit here and accept that my mafia faves are older now? Running empires? RAISING KIDS WHO ARE NOW MAKING ME FALL APART?
Absolutely not. I’m not emotionally prepared to let go. I miss the chaos, the blood, the betrayals, the love that burned whole cities.
But you know what?
Nikola and Skye ARE that chaos. That blood. That unhinged love story I crave. They carry the weight of the past and the threat of the future and still manage to carve something beautiful out of violence and vulnerability.
I need therapy. I need more. I need everyone to read this book and then scream with me.
Eva Winners, you criminal mastermind. You’ve ruined me again. 💔🔥
Thank you so much for the ARC!!🤧❤️❤️
4.75. Only because I needed epilogue 😭
Y’all. I’m unwell. I opened this book thinking I’d flirt with a little danger, maybe flirt with a morally gray heir to a criminal empire. But what I got was a slow descent into madness, longing, vulnerability, and the kind of chemistry that physically hurts to read.
Skye Leone, you chaotic softheart—girl, I SEE you. You’re the dutiful daughter, the locked box of aching, the girl who’s never allowed to want more. But then this menace of a man, Nikola freaking Nikolaev, storms into your life like he owns the air you breathe and suddenly the box is busted open and WE'RE ALL SCREAMING.
The man is trauma wrapped in tattoos and steel. He is haunted, dangerous, and emotionally constipated in the most delicious way possible. He’s also inexplicably gentle with Skye when no one’s watching. HOW DARE HE.
Their connection? Not a slow burn. Not a spark. It's a molotov cocktail, and I am standing way too close. I kept yelling, “Skye, RUN,” but also, “Skye, GET CLOSER.” I am emotionally cross-eyed.
The push and pull. The secrets. The legacy. The FAMILY NAMES THAT MADE MY HEART STOP. Yes, Eva, I see what you did. I screamed at every mention of the OGs. Screamed. You expect me to just… sit here and accept that my mafia faves are older now? Running empires? RAISING KIDS WHO ARE NOW MAKING ME FALL APART?
Absolutely not. I’m not emotionally prepared to let go. I miss the chaos, the blood, the betrayals, the love that burned whole cities.
But you know what?
Nikola and Skye ARE that chaos. That blood. That unhinged love story I crave. They carry the weight of the past and the threat of the future and still manage to carve something beautiful out of violence and vulnerability.
I need therapy. I need more. I need everyone to read this book and then scream with me.
Eva Winners, you criminal mastermind. You’ve ruined me again. 💔🔥
Thank you so much for the ARC!!🤧❤️❤️
June 24, 2025
Malo, aunque apenas mejor que el anterior.
Toda esta serie me da que va a ser asi:
puro relleno, sin trama, sin romance con un montón de personajes narrando.
Tenía potencial, pero se quedó en el esqueleto de una buena historia.
Hasta el spicy fue mediocre.
Toda esta serie me da que va a ser asi:
puro relleno, sin trama, sin romance con un montón de personajes narrando.
Tenía potencial, pero se quedó en el esqueleto de una buena historia.
Hasta el spicy fue mediocre.
Read
June 13, 2025DNF.
September 7, 2025
• Taboo/forbidden romance
• Mafia romance
• Deaf FMC
• Opposites attract
• Arranged marriage(but not to him)
• Possesive MMC
• Family Ties
• Forced proximity
• Strong-willed FMC
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
Duet Narration
Narrated by Jason Clarke and Lucy Rivers
I have absolutely loved this series. After Matteo and Arianna's book, Eva did such an incredible job setting up Nikola and Skye's story, and I was so eager to jump right in! These two were such a perfect example of opposites attract, and because of it, their chemistry was off the charts. I loved how their push and pull dynamic kept me hooked through out the whole book. Skye’s fire and independence mixed with Nikola’s broody, protectiveness was so perfectly captured!
Jason Clarke and Lucy Rivers have absolutely nailed these characters through this series. Jason brings such a commanding performance for Nikola that fit him so well. While Lucy gave Skye the perfect blend of sass and strength. And it just came out so well in her performance. I’m crossing my fingers Eva keeps them for the rest of the series, because they truly have done an incredible job!
• Mafia romance
• Deaf FMC
• Opposites attract
• Arranged marriage(but not to him)
• Possesive MMC
• Family Ties
• Forced proximity
• Strong-willed FMC
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
Duet Narration
Narrated by Jason Clarke and Lucy Rivers
I have absolutely loved this series. After Matteo and Arianna's book, Eva did such an incredible job setting up Nikola and Skye's story, and I was so eager to jump right in! These two were such a perfect example of opposites attract, and because of it, their chemistry was off the charts. I loved how their push and pull dynamic kept me hooked through out the whole book. Skye’s fire and independence mixed with Nikola’s broody, protectiveness was so perfectly captured!
Jason Clarke and Lucy Rivers have absolutely nailed these characters through this series. Jason brings such a commanding performance for Nikola that fit him so well. While Lucy gave Skye the perfect blend of sass and strength. And it just came out so well in her performance. I’m crossing my fingers Eva keeps them for the rest of the series, because they truly have done an incredible job!
July 19, 2025
“𝓗𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓪𝓵𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭𝔂 𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓮…”
Ok folks. Bring it in. You know I love a good Mafia romance…the more unhinged and darker the better. Eva Winners is at the top for me as far as writers in this genre go. But…I didn’t love it??? 🫣🫣🫣 PLEASE DON’T HATE ME!!! 🥺🥺🥺 I liked it! But I didn’t love it 💔
This is a second gen book and the story of Skye, our FMC and Nikola, our MMC. They have known each other since childhood, and Skye has loved him since that first day. She’s definitely the aggressor and pursuer here. She wants Nikola, he is hers and nothing is going to stop her from getting him. Only problem is…Nikola pushes her away like the plague 😩
Nikola and Skye come from….rival families…there is a lot of hate. A lot of secrets. A lot of tension. You might think Nikola hates Skye but he doesn’t. He wants her too. But he is also very possessive and protective of her. He knows the danger of them being together and he’s not willing to put her in danger. He’s constantly pulling her in and pushing her away and it was very frustrating and heartbreaking to see.
But what really kind of soured the book for me was Skye. Can the woman be the pursuer ? YES! 😍 But sky was not in my opinion the pursuer, she was the doormat. She wanted this man even when he ignored her, hated her, disliked her. She was constantly all over him when he clearly didn’t want it and she WREAKED of desperation that was absolutely so unattractive and cringe. I had second hand embarrassment for her through most of the book. Let’s be very clear. If a man acted this way towards a woman, it would be assault. Point. Blank. Period. There’s a right and a wrong way to go after what you want and I personally just didn’t enjoy the way Skye was going about things.
And Nikola, he took advantage of how desperate she was. Using her when he felt then ignoring her for weeks or months. It was kind of gross behaviour. When they finally get together It’s hot. Yes. Lots of spicy time. But I felt like their connection was purely physical. I didn’t feel any real chemistry between them. And when Nikola messes up and they breakup…does he grovel? NO! Should he have? HELL YES! Does sky forgive him and his weak apology? YES 🤡 please…I need these heroines to be strong. Especially when dealing with men like Nikola. Because the truth is he will continue to play her as long as she allows it. He wasn’t as invested in their relationship as she was. He SAID he was but his actions showed different. And that made it hard for me to really get into it.
This book seemed very similar to the previous book. Similar plot line. Similar characters…especially with the great grandmas…I don’t want to spoil it but IYKYK….the story as a whole felt like I was reading Villainous Kingping just with different names for the characters.
Was it still a good story? Yes. Could it have been better? Yes…should you read it? ABSOLUTELY YES! 🖤
Thank you to Eva Winners and Candi Kane PR for the opportunity to ARC read this book 🖤
🖤Mafia Romance
🖤Dark Romance
🖤Second Gen Series
🖤SHE’S the pursuer
🖤Mutual Pining
🖤Mutual Obsession
🖤Virgin FMC
🖤Possessive MMC
🖤Deaf FMC
🖤Friends to Lovers
🖤Found Family
🖤College Romance
🖤Suspense
🖤Secrets
🖤Touch Her & 💀
🖤3rd Act Breakup
🖤Dual POV
🖤HEA
Ok folks. Bring it in. You know I love a good Mafia romance…the more unhinged and darker the better. Eva Winners is at the top for me as far as writers in this genre go. But…I didn’t love it??? 🫣🫣🫣 PLEASE DON’T HATE ME!!! 🥺🥺🥺 I liked it! But I didn’t love it 💔
This is a second gen book and the story of Skye, our FMC and Nikola, our MMC. They have known each other since childhood, and Skye has loved him since that first day. She’s definitely the aggressor and pursuer here. She wants Nikola, he is hers and nothing is going to stop her from getting him. Only problem is…Nikola pushes her away like the plague 😩
Nikola and Skye come from….rival families…there is a lot of hate. A lot of secrets. A lot of tension. You might think Nikola hates Skye but he doesn’t. He wants her too. But he is also very possessive and protective of her. He knows the danger of them being together and he’s not willing to put her in danger. He’s constantly pulling her in and pushing her away and it was very frustrating and heartbreaking to see.
But what really kind of soured the book for me was Skye. Can the woman be the pursuer ? YES! 😍 But sky was not in my opinion the pursuer, she was the doormat. She wanted this man even when he ignored her, hated her, disliked her. She was constantly all over him when he clearly didn’t want it and she WREAKED of desperation that was absolutely so unattractive and cringe. I had second hand embarrassment for her through most of the book. Let’s be very clear. If a man acted this way towards a woman, it would be assault. Point. Blank. Period. There’s a right and a wrong way to go after what you want and I personally just didn’t enjoy the way Skye was going about things.
And Nikola, he took advantage of how desperate she was. Using her when he felt then ignoring her for weeks or months. It was kind of gross behaviour. When they finally get together It’s hot. Yes. Lots of spicy time. But I felt like their connection was purely physical. I didn’t feel any real chemistry between them. And when Nikola messes up and they breakup…does he grovel? NO! Should he have? HELL YES! Does sky forgive him and his weak apology? YES 🤡 please…I need these heroines to be strong. Especially when dealing with men like Nikola. Because the truth is he will continue to play her as long as she allows it. He wasn’t as invested in their relationship as she was. He SAID he was but his actions showed different. And that made it hard for me to really get into it.
This book seemed very similar to the previous book. Similar plot line. Similar characters…especially with the great grandmas…I don’t want to spoil it but IYKYK….the story as a whole felt like I was reading Villainous Kingping just with different names for the characters.
Was it still a good story? Yes. Could it have been better? Yes…should you read it? ABSOLUTELY YES! 🖤
Thank you to Eva Winners and Candi Kane PR for the opportunity to ARC read this book 🖤
🖤Mafia Romance
🖤Dark Romance
🖤Second Gen Series
🖤SHE’S the pursuer
🖤Mutual Pining
🖤Mutual Obsession
🖤Virgin FMC
🖤Possessive MMC
🖤Deaf FMC
🖤Friends to Lovers
🖤Found Family
🖤College Romance
🖤Suspense
🖤Secrets
🖤Touch Her & 💀
🖤3rd Act Breakup
🖤Dual POV
🖤HEA
July 1, 2025
FLOVED it!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: Childhood friends to lovers, she pursues him
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
I absolutely floved Nicola! After meeting them as kids in previous books, you just knew this was how their story would ultimately end. I love a good "she persues him," and Nikola just couldn't shake her (not that he really wanted to anyway, lol). The story was sweet with just a bit of angst. It flowed well and moved quickly. I loved all the little I loved all the little bread crumbs for the next book. I can't wait to see what happens!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: Childhood friends to lovers, she pursues him
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
I absolutely floved Nicola! After meeting them as kids in previous books, you just knew this was how their story would ultimately end. I love a good "she persues him," and Nikola just couldn't shake her (not that he really wanted to anyway, lol). The story was sweet with just a bit of angst. It flowed well and moved quickly. I loved all the little I loved all the little bread crumbs for the next book. I can't wait to see what happens!
June 19, 2025
⭐⭐⭐.5
"We were the legacy of heathens, and cruelty was inevitable."
I came for glimpses of Dante and Phoenix Leone, stayed for Nikola and Skye. I was happy to catch up with my favorite couple, and happily surprised with the Nikola and Skye.
Sidenote: the whole family (and close friends) learning and using ASL was super special. Skye's a lucky girl. There's so much love amongst them all!
Dante definitely holds my heart with all his crazy antics, overprotectiveness, and just the love that he spoons out to his daughter and wife. Even his banter with Sasha was some humourous moments.
Now, can we take a moment to acknowledge the other tattooed, crazy hotty of the story: Kostya!
I'm gonna need HIS story ASAP!
Cheers to the second generation and living up to their parents' wild ways.
"We were the legacy of heathens, and cruelty was inevitable."
I came for glimpses of Dante and Phoenix Leone, stayed for Nikola and Skye. I was happy to catch up with my favorite couple, and happily surprised with the Nikola and Skye.
Sidenote: the whole family (and close friends) learning and using ASL was super special. Skye's a lucky girl. There's so much love amongst them all!
Dante definitely holds my heart with all his crazy antics, overprotectiveness, and just the love that he spoons out to his daughter and wife. Even his banter with Sasha was some humourous moments.
Now, can we take a moment to acknowledge the other tattooed, crazy hotty of the story: Kostya!
I'm gonna need HIS story ASAP!
Cheers to the second generation and living up to their parents' wild ways.
June 12, 2025
Another Eva Winners Book Devoured! 🖤
Okay, I’ll be honest, while I loved the couple, my heart was so much more focused on the first generation’s appearances! The dynamics between Vasili, Sasha, and Dante? Chef’s kiss. I LIVE for Vasili yelling, Sasha bickering with Dante, and everyone plotting the end of the Marchettis. 😂
Nikola was like a mini Sasha, and I adored him way too much. His bond with his papa Dante? Absolutely killed me. I was so hurt for him after the accident, and on top of that, the manipulation by the therapist? I wanted to jump into the book and kill her myself (if Skye hadn’t beaten me to it).
Skye, my girl was obsessed with Nikola, and honestly? We love that about her. ( she was perfect just like her mother <33)
Her memories from the past added so much emotional depth to the story. And Dante in this book? That man melted my heart and made me want to reread his book all over again.
And then there’s the fact that Vasili’s kids are basically little versions of Tatiana and Sasha? Pure chaos. Loved every moment.
Honestly, every single detail of this book was perfect, even the little ones most ppl might miss. I could go on forever.
Finally, a huge thanks to the author and the team for releasing this book in advance. it was such a surprise and made me so happy. I hope we get more surprises like this in the future! 🤣
Okay, I’ll be honest, while I loved the couple, my heart was so much more focused on the first generation’s appearances! The dynamics between Vasili, Sasha, and Dante? Chef’s kiss. I LIVE for Vasili yelling, Sasha bickering with Dante, and everyone plotting the end of the Marchettis. 😂
Nikola was like a mini Sasha, and I adored him way too much. His bond with his papa Dante? Absolutely killed me. I was so hurt for him after the accident, and on top of that, the manipulation by the therapist? I wanted to jump into the book and kill her myself (if Skye hadn’t beaten me to it).
Skye, my girl was obsessed with Nikola, and honestly? We love that about her. ( she was perfect just like her mother <33)
Her memories from the past added so much emotional depth to the story. And Dante in this book? That man melted my heart and made me want to reread his book all over again.
And then there’s the fact that Vasili’s kids are basically little versions of Tatiana and Sasha? Pure chaos. Loved every moment.
Honestly, every single detail of this book was perfect, even the little ones most ppl might miss. I could go on forever.
Finally, a huge thanks to the author and the team for releasing this book in advance. it was such a surprise and made me so happy. I hope we get more surprises like this in the future! 🤣
December 8, 2025
“Nikola” is the story of Skye and Nicola.
Slow burn, friends to lovers romance in which unrequited love meets obsession.
What I liked
-the fact that the heroine being mute was a part of the plot and not the focus of the story
-how loyal and caring she was
-the beautiful art
-the protective heroine in the climax
-how the hero’s disability didn’t magically disappear
What I found somewhat eh
-the whole sex tape drama- was that really the smartest decision nikola
-the hero repeatedly pushing the heroine away
-if he loved her forever, and reciprocated her feelings why was he with ow until the heroine finally decided to get her man
Anyways enjoyed it
Unsafe by definition
3/5
Slow burn, friends to lovers romance in which unrequited love meets obsession.
What I liked
-the fact that the heroine being mute was a part of the plot and not the focus of the story
-how loyal and caring she was
-the beautiful art
-the protective heroine in the climax
-how the hero’s disability didn’t magically disappear
What I found somewhat eh
-the whole sex tape drama- was that really the smartest decision nikola
-the hero repeatedly pushing the heroine away
-if he loved her forever, and reciprocated her feelings why was he with ow until the heroine finally decided to get her man
Anyways enjoyed it
Unsafe by definition
3/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2025
Nikola no podía decepcionarme 🫦
Desde que leí que el personaje de Nikola tenía la personalidad y locura de su tío Sasha, sabía que iba a necesitar leer ese libro y disfrutar cada parte de él. Pero en este libro a diferencia de Branka, Skye Leone sabía perfectamente lo que quería y era a Nikola.
Me encanta la tensión, y sobre todo como un personaje tan fuerte como Nikola no puede con el encanto de su mujer. Para eso vengo a leer Mafia Romance 🤌🏼
Este libro es muy “Mine, My woman”
No soy fan de ese final, pero espero tener pedazos de ellos en otros libros y que la historia se desarrolle más.
Desde que leí que el personaje de Nikola tenía la personalidad y locura de su tío Sasha, sabía que iba a necesitar leer ese libro y disfrutar cada parte de él. Pero en este libro a diferencia de Branka, Skye Leone sabía perfectamente lo que quería y era a Nikola.
Me encanta la tensión, y sobre todo como un personaje tan fuerte como Nikola no puede con el encanto de su mujer. Para eso vengo a leer Mafia Romance 🤌🏼
Este libro es muy “Mine, My woman”
No soy fan de ese final, pero espero tener pedazos de ellos en otros libros y que la historia se desarrolle más.
August 12, 2025
this was such a fun read, and i really love all this characters
i love the way that the both main characters are, the jelousy and everyone in this books
i really didn´t though that something could top thelast series of eva winners, but wow, this series is getting there
and i can´t really wait to read the next book
i received an arc copy in exchange of an honest review
i love the way that the both main characters are, the jelousy and everyone in this books
i really didn´t though that something could top thelast series of eva winners, but wow, this series is getting there
and i can´t really wait to read the next book
i received an arc copy in exchange of an honest review
June 21, 2025
***4 "Zayka!!!" stars***
"I was determined to peel back his layers and prove to him he'd met his match.
I, Skye Leone, would rise to become his queen."
I am loving it when I am entering the Eva Winner's mafia universe and I am loving it even more when I am seeing the second generation to fall in love!!!
This time, it was Nikola's turn to fall, but not before Skye Leone had fallen for him... He was just slower to accept it and give into their connection...
Skye had to fight to get noticed by her object of obsession and yes, after some point, her infatuation turned to obsession and it was a lovely change of scenery, since usually the man is always the obsessive one!!! LOL!!!
"I'd told her that I left ashes in my wake, and I meant it literally. Life in the mafia was death, and she deserved better. But she didn't heed the warning."
Skye was in love with Nikola since she remembered herself... He was always her protector and her heart was beating only for him...
But Nikola wasn't seeing her as anything else than a little cousin that he had to protect...
And then, Skye is finding something that was about to change her life forever and she couldn't let it happen....
At the same point, Nikola is hearing about this plan too and he is starting to realize that this woman is his and only his... Now, it's time to take matters into his own hands and make him and Skye a reality... But they have to get through several powerful mafia men to succeed in being together... Can they do it together???
"There was no way in fucking hell I'd let them take Skye away from me. For better or worse, she was mine."
I loved Skye and Nikola together... Yes, he was playing hard to get, but he had his reasons...
He was a tough nut to crack but in Skye's presence he was always a mush in her hands....
Nikola was wild, reckless, but also very protective of the ones who was loving...
My heart had broken near the end with what had happened to him, but he was a warrior and with Skye by his side, he could bypass any obstacle!!!
As for Skye??? Yes, she had a disability but that wasn't a problem... She had her own demons to fight but if she was loved by Nikola, she could get through anything... This girl was soft while being tough and I loved her so much!!!
"You shouldn't have gotten all dolled up for him, Skye. You've unleashed a monster in me."
And now, I can not wait for Enzo's turn!!!
I am very sure of what had happened in this club and I am so eager to see how his and Penelope's story will turn out!!!
After all the arranged marriage trope is always my most favorite!!!
"You and me... we're a disaster waiting to happen."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
"I was determined to peel back his layers and prove to him he'd met his match.
I, Skye Leone, would rise to become his queen."
I am loving it when I am entering the Eva Winner's mafia universe and I am loving it even more when I am seeing the second generation to fall in love!!!
This time, it was Nikola's turn to fall, but not before Skye Leone had fallen for him... He was just slower to accept it and give into their connection...
Skye had to fight to get noticed by her object of obsession and yes, after some point, her infatuation turned to obsession and it was a lovely change of scenery, since usually the man is always the obsessive one!!! LOL!!!
"I'd told her that I left ashes in my wake, and I meant it literally. Life in the mafia was death, and she deserved better. But she didn't heed the warning."
Skye was in love with Nikola since she remembered herself... He was always her protector and her heart was beating only for him...
But Nikola wasn't seeing her as anything else than a little cousin that he had to protect...
And then, Skye is finding something that was about to change her life forever and she couldn't let it happen....
At the same point, Nikola is hearing about this plan too and he is starting to realize that this woman is his and only his... Now, it's time to take matters into his own hands and make him and Skye a reality... But they have to get through several powerful mafia men to succeed in being together... Can they do it together???
"There was no way in fucking hell I'd let them take Skye away from me. For better or worse, she was mine."
I loved Skye and Nikola together... Yes, he was playing hard to get, but he had his reasons...
He was a tough nut to crack but in Skye's presence he was always a mush in her hands....
Nikola was wild, reckless, but also very protective of the ones who was loving...
My heart had broken near the end with what had happened to him, but he was a warrior and with Skye by his side, he could bypass any obstacle!!!
As for Skye??? Yes, she had a disability but that wasn't a problem... She had her own demons to fight but if she was loved by Nikola, she could get through anything... This girl was soft while being tough and I loved her so much!!!
"You shouldn't have gotten all dolled up for him, Skye. You've unleashed a monster in me."
And now, I can not wait for Enzo's turn!!!
I am very sure of what had happened in this club and I am so eager to see how his and Penelope's story will turn out!!!
After all the arranged marriage trope is always my most favorite!!!
"You and me... we're a disaster waiting to happen."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
June 16, 2025
Eva Winners is my go to author whenever I need a story to get me out of my reading slump not only that but she is my favorite Mafia romance author she knows how to pull you in keep you entertained with enough drama and end it with a fabulous HEA unless she leaves you with a killer cliffhanger but the next book will always seal the deal for me! Her twists and turns add that extra depth and the banter between the characters adds an extra flair to the stories and the steam set the pages on fire ! There’s not a lot I can say about the story that has not already been said but I will say this book is one of my favorites which I’m sure I’ll say about the next one lol if you haven’t read anything by Eva you are definitely missing out and if you’re on the fence about reading because you think you have to read all of them then I’ll assure you that you don’t you can read this book as a standalone and still understand it! This series is such a fantastic read and I just can’t wait till the next book!
Also this book is for 18+ it is not for young kids or teenagers to read there is high heat and some dark topics that are in the story. Check the CW before you read especially if you’re easily offended or have triggers.
5/5⭐️
Also this book is for 18+ it is not for young kids or teenagers to read there is high heat and some dark topics that are in the story. Check the CW before you read especially if you’re easily offended or have triggers.
5/5⭐️
August 29, 2025
⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Nikola is the second book in the Legacy of Heathens series. I loved the sexy, tattooed, and always shirtless Nikola in the previous book, so I was excited to read his romance.
Skye was adopted by Nikola’s uncle and has been in love with him forever. It may feel one sided for a bit, but Nikola was actually obsessed with Skye and was just pushing her away. However, things change when he realizes she is going to be forced into an arranged marriage. Nikola is so possessive and willing to do whatever it takes to stop this wedding and make her his woman.
It took a while for me to get into this one, and the pacing felt off. It felt a little too long, and 6 kind of dragged for me. I did appreciate the character arcs for both of them and the disability rep.
My first book by this author was Matteo, the first in this series, so I do feel like I was confused by how Skye was adopted and also knew her real parents. I just wish there was a little more background on that whole situation. I think this would be more enjoyable if you had read the parents' books first.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
🎤Duet narration by Jason Clarke & Lucy Rivers
I loved that this book had duet narration, and it helped to keep me going during some of the slower parts. Jason Clarke did an amazing job bringing the chaotic Nikola to life.
Thank you to Must Love Audio for providing the ALC.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Nikola is the second book in the Legacy of Heathens series. I loved the sexy, tattooed, and always shirtless Nikola in the previous book, so I was excited to read his romance.
Skye was adopted by Nikola’s uncle and has been in love with him forever. It may feel one sided for a bit, but Nikola was actually obsessed with Skye and was just pushing her away. However, things change when he realizes she is going to be forced into an arranged marriage. Nikola is so possessive and willing to do whatever it takes to stop this wedding and make her his woman.
It took a while for me to get into this one, and the pacing felt off. It felt a little too long, and 6 kind of dragged for me. I did appreciate the character arcs for both of them and the disability rep.
My first book by this author was Matteo, the first in this series, so I do feel like I was confused by how Skye was adopted and also knew her real parents. I just wish there was a little more background on that whole situation. I think this would be more enjoyable if you had read the parents' books first.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
🎤Duet narration by Jason Clarke & Lucy Rivers
I loved that this book had duet narration, and it helped to keep me going during some of the slower parts. Jason Clarke did an amazing job bringing the chaotic Nikola to life.
Thank you to Must Love Audio for providing the ALC.
June 12, 2025
5 ⭐️
📕: Nikola by Eva Winners
She did it again omg Eva Winners what magic do you put into your books!!
I am loving this series just .. Nikola is wild and I love it and so does Skye she has loved home for a long time.. I loved the characters and banter in this book.. Skye is strong , feisty , and she knows she wants Nikola no matter how many people try to stop it from happening.. If you need a book that will suck you and entertain you through the whole book this is definitely the book you want to read!!
📕: Nikola by Eva Winners
She did it again omg Eva Winners what magic do you put into your books!!
I am loving this series just .. Nikola is wild and I love it and so does Skye she has loved home for a long time.. I loved the characters and banter in this book.. Skye is strong , feisty , and she knows she wants Nikola no matter how many people try to stop it from happening.. If you need a book that will suck you and entertain you through the whole book this is definitely the book you want to read!!
July 1, 2025
In this second Legacy book, we again find a couple who have known each other since children, a childhood sweetheart instead of the insta-love we have been used to with Eva. This part works for me.
I also really like the future protagonists; I'm looking forward to hearing about Enzo or Kostya.
But the parental involvement doesn't quite work as it does in other series; I hope that improves.
The drama is forced, which is why I'm not entirely convinced. A little disappointed.
I also really like the future protagonists; I'm looking forward to hearing about Enzo or Kostya.
But the parental involvement doesn't quite work as it does in other series; I hope that improves.
The drama is forced, which is why I'm not entirely convinced. A little disappointed.
August 17, 2025
🎧audio review🎧
Nikola is book 2 in the Legacy of Heathens series — but don’t worry, each book in this second-gen saga can be read as a standalone.
Skye has loved Nikola since they were kids, and she’s never been shy about wanting him. She’s relentless, bold, and absolutely certain he’s hers. Nikola? He pushes her away like she’s fire… but he’s the one getting burned.
Because beneath the rivalry, the secrets, and the hate between their families, Nikola wants her too. Badly. He’s possessive. He’s protective. And the only thing more dangerous than them being together… is trying to stay apart.
Nikola & Skye are pure chaos. Bloody, unhinged, soul-deep kind of chaos. The kind of love story that’s carved out of violence, secrets, and vulnerability—and somehow still beautiful.
🎧 And the audiobook? Perfection. Jason Clarke & Lucy Rivers bring this tension-filled, addictive love story to life in the best way.
Things to know
1st Person POV • Duet narration • Death • Handicap-related issues • Graphic descriptions of torture, violence, and gore • Forbidden romance • Childhood friends to lovers • Step-cousins • Mafia • Deaf FMC • Protective MMC • College • Morally Grey MC • Light OW/OM drama • Found family
Nikola is book 2 in the Legacy of Heathens series — but don’t worry, each book in this second-gen saga can be read as a standalone.
Skye has loved Nikola since they were kids, and she’s never been shy about wanting him. She’s relentless, bold, and absolutely certain he’s hers. Nikola? He pushes her away like she’s fire… but he’s the one getting burned.
Because beneath the rivalry, the secrets, and the hate between their families, Nikola wants her too. Badly. He’s possessive. He’s protective. And the only thing more dangerous than them being together… is trying to stay apart.
Nikola & Skye are pure chaos. Bloody, unhinged, soul-deep kind of chaos. The kind of love story that’s carved out of violence, secrets, and vulnerability—and somehow still beautiful.
🎧 And the audiobook? Perfection. Jason Clarke & Lucy Rivers bring this tension-filled, addictive love story to life in the best way.
Things to know
1st Person POV • Duet narration • Death • Handicap-related issues • Graphic descriptions of torture, violence, and gore • Forbidden romance • Childhood friends to lovers • Step-cousins • Mafia • Deaf FMC • Protective MMC • College • Morally Grey MC • Light OW/OM drama • Found family
August 24, 2025
Nikola and Skye’s connection has been brewing since childhood, though Skye always believed her feelings were one sided. That’s why she’s taken aback when Nikola makes it clear he won’t let anyone else have her. Their relationship isn’t without its struggles, but watching them navigate the highs and lows made their journey all the more rewarding. Jason Clarke and Lucy Rivers were phenomenal as Nikola and Skye, Clarke captured Nikola’s commanding presence as well as his moments of vulnerability, while Rivers beautifully balanced Skye’s sweetness with her confidence. Their story is too good to miss so definitely give it a listen!
Thank you, Eva Winners and Must Love Audio for the ALC.
Thank you, Eva Winners and Must Love Audio for the ALC.
July 3, 2025
THIS IS THE FIRST BOOK I HAVE COMPLETED SINCE MAY , YAY ME .
I read this book in one sitting which says something I guess?
I have loved the first 70% of this book however THE HANDICAPPED TROPE WAS COMPLETELY FUCKING UNNECESSARY IN THE LAST 30%
Like the book was moving so good until Eva Winners decided to SHATTER NIKOLA'S FUCKING KNEES FOR NO ABSOLUTE FUCKING REASON .
That pissed me off .
I read this book in one sitting which says something I guess?
I have loved the first 70% of this book however THE HANDICAPPED TROPE WAS COMPLETELY FUCKING UNNECESSARY IN THE LAST 30%
Like the book was moving so good until Eva Winners decided to SHATTER NIKOLA'S FUCKING KNEES FOR NO ABSOLUTE FUCKING REASON .
That pissed me off .
June 29, 2025
Esperaba más de la segunda generación y si el anterios fue un meh este de plano fue un libro que no me gustó 😐 seguire con los siguientes porque mi curiosidad puede más y le veo potencial a un par de parejas pero ya voy sin expectativas.
June 11, 2025
5 ⭐️/2 🌶️
Okay, I’m never gonna stop saying it—I freaking love the Eva-verse!!🙌🏼
This book was seriously amazing! Nikola and Skye were just meant to be. Skye is such a strong FMC, and I loved how she didn’t hold back when it came to Nikola. That girl was all in from the start, and I was here for it!
And Nikola… oh my god. He’s so chaotic and intense in the best way possible. I loved his brand of crazy—the prologue itself sold me on that!😉
Without giving away any spoilers, let me just say: the emotions, the twists, the angst—this book had it all. This is exactly why I love Eva’s writing. She knows how to wreck you and heal you all in one story.💕
If you’re a fan of her books, you’re gonna love this one just as much as I did. And now I’m counting down the days till Enzo’s book—I have so many theories and I need answers ASAP!
Okay, I’m never gonna stop saying it—I freaking love the Eva-verse!!🙌🏼
This book was seriously amazing! Nikola and Skye were just meant to be. Skye is such a strong FMC, and I loved how she didn’t hold back when it came to Nikola. That girl was all in from the start, and I was here for it!
And Nikola… oh my god. He’s so chaotic and intense in the best way possible. I loved his brand of crazy—the prologue itself sold me on that!😉
Without giving away any spoilers, let me just say: the emotions, the twists, the angst—this book had it all. This is exactly why I love Eva’s writing. She knows how to wreck you and heal you all in one story.💕
If you’re a fan of her books, you’re gonna love this one just as much as I did. And now I’m counting down the days till Enzo’s book—I have so many theories and I need answers ASAP!
June 28, 2025
DNF
the absolute whole time I was reading this I felt like I was missing something. This book says it can be read as a standalone but it most definitely CANNOT!!!!! First of all not once did I find out how the FMC, skye, ended up being in foster care, but then reunited with her actual parents and also had adopted parents. I was confused this whole time and just didn’t understand. Nothing was touched on about how she is deaf either which is annoying. And why is nikola so hated by everyone????? And how does everyone know his kinks which resulted in no one wanting him to be near skye?? These are just a few of the random and unanswered questions I have. I couldn’t even make it to 60% in this book bc literally nothing is progressing or happening and I’m just tired of skye pining after nikola when he obviously isn’t interested. There were literally so many names presented in this book that at one point I fr just had to skip bc it was so overwhelming and this book makes it to where you needed to read past books in order to understand. And don’t even get me started on the chapters from HER PARENTS povs. That was sooooo confusing and weird to me. If I had read their book then maybe it would have been fine, but I had no connection to them so it was just weird. I had to DNF bc this book was just boring and so annoying all at the same time. HEAVILY AVOID!!
the absolute whole time I was reading this I felt like I was missing something. This book says it can be read as a standalone but it most definitely CANNOT!!!!! First of all not once did I find out how the FMC, skye, ended up being in foster care, but then reunited with her actual parents and also had adopted parents. I was confused this whole time and just didn’t understand. Nothing was touched on about how she is deaf either which is annoying. And why is nikola so hated by everyone????? And how does everyone know his kinks which resulted in no one wanting him to be near skye?? These are just a few of the random and unanswered questions I have. I couldn’t even make it to 60% in this book bc literally nothing is progressing or happening and I’m just tired of skye pining after nikola when he obviously isn’t interested. There were literally so many names presented in this book that at one point I fr just had to skip bc it was so overwhelming and this book makes it to where you needed to read past books in order to understand. And don’t even get me started on the chapters from HER PARENTS povs. That was sooooo confusing and weird to me. If I had read their book then maybe it would have been fine, but I had no connection to them so it was just weird. I had to DNF bc this book was just boring and so annoying all at the same time. HEAVILY AVOID!!
June 11, 2025
My Rating: 4.5 stars!
**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
Ooh, I love it whenever a book lives up to all the teaser-y hype the author has build-up ahead of its release. Nikola definitely lived up to his wild gestures, smoking-hot appearance, and all-encompassing character. Phew-wee! 🔥 Easily one of my favourite MMC’s from the Legacy of Heathens.
Skye Leone could not have been a more perfect heroine to constantly keep Nikola on his toes. If you enjoy a little game playing with your flirty banter, then Nikola and Skye will keep you entertained throughout this book. You’ll smile. You’ll giggle. You’ll blush.
I was already salivating from the sexual tension and crackling perspire-inducing stare-downs that these two were giving, but you add the thrilling romantic relationship gradually developing between them, and you have yourself one helluva gripping romance read!
Winners has effortlessly incorporated an eclectic band of second-gen mobsters into this youthful, dark mafia romance with first-gen character crossovers. It was interesting to see beloved characters like Sasha Nikolaev and Dante Leone in parental roles. Man, how time flies.
Putting aside the romantic elements, Nikola and Skye’s story delves into realistic and relatable matters. I love the diversity that the MCs brought into this extended mafia world. Phoenix and Dante’s story (Thorns of Silence) is one of my all-time favourite first-gen stories for the same reason, and I’m happy to discover Nikola and Skye have followed in similar fashion.
The storytelling flowed well and was constantly developing. Little plot twists here and there added another level of excitement. The multiple POVs elevated intensity during certain situations and emphasised what these characters were thinking and feeling at those moments.
I do recommend reading The Den of Sin (Belles & Mobsters), Sasha (Belles & Mobsters), and Thorns of Silence (Thorns of Omertà) before starting Nikola—only because there’s a rich, detailed backstory with Nikola’s and Skye’s parents/families, and knowing those relationships beforehand will make your reading experience so much fuller. If not, less detailed narrations are still included in this book to ensure new readers or those who are not quite up-to-date with Winners’ backlist of books don’t miss a beat.
Overall, it was executed beautifully. There’s a mixture of light and shade throughout. The lightness being the tight-knit familial dynamics, the friendships, the lighthearted banter, and the playful bonds displayed. The shade being the forbidden love, evil (old and new) lurking behind the shadows… oh, and the hurdles, the hurdles, the hurdles!
It does contain certain subject matters that may be triggering for some readers such as, kidnapping and child abuse—resulting in PTSD, and graphic violence (torture, attempted murder, and death). This book is intended for readers of age.
From the very first page, I was immediately invested, and constantly on the edge of my seat. I loved the complexity of this story, the character growth, and the vulnerability the characters expressed. It was well-paced, well-written (format and all), and left me wanting more. There was just enough action and suspense included, and an ongoing secondary storyline that left me amped for the next books to come in the series.
Winners knows how to write dark mafia romance books, and write them well. Nikola is a prime example. If you’re looking for a dark, mafia romance read, I highly recommend you add this one to your immediate TBR!
🚨 Full review on my blog: https://booksofthemuggleborn.wordpres...
**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
Ooh, I love it whenever a book lives up to all the teaser-y hype the author has build-up ahead of its release. Nikola definitely lived up to his wild gestures, smoking-hot appearance, and all-encompassing character. Phew-wee! 🔥 Easily one of my favourite MMC’s from the Legacy of Heathens.
Skye Leone could not have been a more perfect heroine to constantly keep Nikola on his toes. If you enjoy a little game playing with your flirty banter, then Nikola and Skye will keep you entertained throughout this book. You’ll smile. You’ll giggle. You’ll blush.
I was already salivating from the sexual tension and crackling perspire-inducing stare-downs that these two were giving, but you add the thrilling romantic relationship gradually developing between them, and you have yourself one helluva gripping romance read!
Winners has effortlessly incorporated an eclectic band of second-gen mobsters into this youthful, dark mafia romance with first-gen character crossovers. It was interesting to see beloved characters like Sasha Nikolaev and Dante Leone in parental roles. Man, how time flies.
Putting aside the romantic elements, Nikola and Skye’s story delves into realistic and relatable matters. I love the diversity that the MCs brought into this extended mafia world. Phoenix and Dante’s story (Thorns of Silence) is one of my all-time favourite first-gen stories for the same reason, and I’m happy to discover Nikola and Skye have followed in similar fashion.
The storytelling flowed well and was constantly developing. Little plot twists here and there added another level of excitement. The multiple POVs elevated intensity during certain situations and emphasised what these characters were thinking and feeling at those moments.
I do recommend reading The Den of Sin (Belles & Mobsters), Sasha (Belles & Mobsters), and Thorns of Silence (Thorns of Omertà) before starting Nikola—only because there’s a rich, detailed backstory with Nikola’s and Skye’s parents/families, and knowing those relationships beforehand will make your reading experience so much fuller. If not, less detailed narrations are still included in this book to ensure new readers or those who are not quite up-to-date with Winners’ backlist of books don’t miss a beat.
Overall, it was executed beautifully. There’s a mixture of light and shade throughout. The lightness being the tight-knit familial dynamics, the friendships, the lighthearted banter, and the playful bonds displayed. The shade being the forbidden love, evil (old and new) lurking behind the shadows… oh, and the hurdles, the hurdles, the hurdles!
It does contain certain subject matters that may be triggering for some readers such as, kidnapping and child abuse—resulting in PTSD, and graphic violence (torture, attempted murder, and death). This book is intended for readers of age.
From the very first page, I was immediately invested, and constantly on the edge of my seat. I loved the complexity of this story, the character growth, and the vulnerability the characters expressed. It was well-paced, well-written (format and all), and left me wanting more. There was just enough action and suspense included, and an ongoing secondary storyline that left me amped for the next books to come in the series.
Winners knows how to write dark mafia romance books, and write them well. Nikola is a prime example. If you’re looking for a dark, mafia romance read, I highly recommend you add this one to your immediate TBR!
🚨 Full review on my blog: https://booksofthemuggleborn.wordpres...
June 14, 2025
The Legacy of Heathens series is only two books in and already I know that the next generation is kicking their parents into touch. I loved Matteo but Nikola took crazy to a whole new level. I thought I knew what his book would be like, another crazy Russian just like his uncle but there was so much more to him, and his story turned out to be so much more emotional than I expected. He’d been told it was his duty to protect Skye after he pulled her pigtails and made her cry, and he’d quickly become obsessed with the silent little girl, so it was a good thing that she was just as obsessed with him. As they grew up Skye knew who and what she wanted and all it took was one night away from her overprotective family at a club in New Orleans, where she shouldn’t for it to begin. She fell hard while he didn’t but she was determined. She saw beneath the crazy everyone else saw and with a lot of effort she would prove she could be his queen. Their love wasn’t the hearts and roses kind. It was combustible and passionate, the kind songs are written about but just as things are falling into place, a familiar enemy from the past emerges from the shadows determined to finish the job they began years before.
Despite her traumatic start in life, I loved that like her mother Phoenix before her, Skye’s deafness didn’t define her. She was a badass hearing or not and the perfect match for Nikola who along with all their friends had learnt to sign for Skye. There was some humour with Skye having not only her overprotective father Dante, but an equally protective adopted father Sasha neither of whom thought Nikola was good enough for their princess, fortunately she also had two mothers to put them in their places. Told from dual points of view, their story was fast paced and laden with twists and turns from the opening pages as the new Belles and Mobsters scheme still hung over them.
Despite her traumatic start in life, I loved that like her mother Phoenix before her, Skye’s deafness didn’t define her. She was a badass hearing or not and the perfect match for Nikola who along with all their friends had learnt to sign for Skye. There was some humour with Skye having not only her overprotective father Dante, but an equally protective adopted father Sasha neither of whom thought Nikola was good enough for their princess, fortunately she also had two mothers to put them in their places. Told from dual points of view, their story was fast paced and laden with twists and turns from the opening pages as the new Belles and Mobsters scheme still hung over them.
June 11, 2025
I'm unsure where to start with this but Sasha & Dante's book were two of my favourites in the Eva-verse and once Nikola and Skye were confirmed as the couple for this book, well, I was thrilled because a Nikola, Dante & Sasha unhinged fest is just the icing on the cake. Then you add Vasili, and this book turns into something special. This had me laughing, a little surprised, and a bit heartbroken but I was all in and rooting for Nikola & Skye.
Nikola
Nik's level of crazy gets me every time. He's just a younger version of Sasha, not in looks but pretty much in every single other way. The personality, the craziness, the obsession for his woman, the playfulness, his dangerous and protective side just make him who he is, and he'll do whatever it takes to make Skye his. I enjoyed seeing his softer side and Skye certainly calmed him down and provided that inner peace he needed.
Skye
She knows what she wants, it's Nikola and she isn't afraid to go after him even when he continues to ignore her. She's sweet and calm like Phoenix, but when someone pisses her off, she's all Dante. She'll also protect the ones she loves something fierce, and we see that towards the end of this book. I knew something was going to happen, but her knife throwing skills... Well, that surprised me!
Eva spoils us with Vasili's, Dante's and Phoenix's points of view which made this even better. I would've liked a chapter for Sasha, but he was still present in Dante's and Vasili's, so I didn't feel like I missed out. The relationship between Dante & Sasha is a bromance that each secretly cherishes and are too afraid to admit. Then add Vasili to the mix and you have a heck of a party.
Loved seeing Marietta and Adrik's personalities come out in this book. I hope we get to see more of them in future. There were some surprises and unexpected events thrown in and the story kept me captive the entire time. I got through this book so quickly.
Let me also mention that Penelope & Enzo and Gabriel & Amara's books can't come soon enough.
Should you read it? Yes, you should!
Nikola
Nik's level of crazy gets me every time. He's just a younger version of Sasha, not in looks but pretty much in every single other way. The personality, the craziness, the obsession for his woman, the playfulness, his dangerous and protective side just make him who he is, and he'll do whatever it takes to make Skye his. I enjoyed seeing his softer side and Skye certainly calmed him down and provided that inner peace he needed.
Skye
She knows what she wants, it's Nikola and she isn't afraid to go after him even when he continues to ignore her. She's sweet and calm like Phoenix, but when someone pisses her off, she's all Dante. She'll also protect the ones she loves something fierce, and we see that towards the end of this book. I knew something was going to happen, but her knife throwing skills... Well, that surprised me!
Eva spoils us with Vasili's, Dante's and Phoenix's points of view which made this even better. I would've liked a chapter for Sasha, but he was still present in Dante's and Vasili's, so I didn't feel like I missed out. The relationship between Dante & Sasha is a bromance that each secretly cherishes and are too afraid to admit. Then add Vasili to the mix and you have a heck of a party.
Loved seeing Marietta and Adrik's personalities come out in this book. I hope we get to see more of them in future. There were some surprises and unexpected events thrown in and the story kept me captive the entire time. I got through this book so quickly.
Let me also mention that Penelope & Enzo and Gabriel & Amara's books can't come soon enough.
Should you read it? Yes, you should!
July 14, 2025
*** 3.8 “Estuvo mejor” Stars ***Nikola es como el hijo extraviado de Sasha (su tío) solo que no llega a la altura de lo impertinente y psicótico que podría ser el segundo.
Skye está muy bien, me pareció trivial, inmadura algunas veces, pero tampoco para tomármelo como en serio y decir que es mala protagonista; sé que es un personaje de ficción (aunque no cayó en el cliché).
No se imaginan lo que me reí con los capítulos de Vasili, muy diferente a lo que fue en su libro que me pareció un título más adecuado como "Las quejas de Vasili" de lo fastidioso que fue leerlo allí.
En otro rumbo, no soporté a Dante, ni sé por qué Eva nos lo quiere seguir vendiendo como el loco o desquiciado que nunca me relató que puede ser, y, por lo visto ya no saldrá mucho o veremos su supuesta psicosis; su historia ya fue contada y este es el libro sobre su hija. Mucho ruido y pocas nueces con él.
Por cierto, este libro tiene más drama que mafia. De pronto da un giro inesperado y nos encontramos con una trama nueva ya al final que nada tiene que ver con negocios ilegales, tráfico, y fue bastante lento, pero es interesante leer sobre lo que puede trastocarse y cambiar la vida de una persona con sueños y sus metas, y que esto se dé por una discapacidad.
En fin, me gustó más que el anterior. Matteo me pareció lo mismo que su padre: un aburrido que me daba más sueño que ganas de leer qué iba a hacer.
Y no, no es que sean libros malos, es que a veces pierdo el interés demasiado rápido y acá sacando cuentas ya me leí 15 libros de la autora de abril para acá. Eso es un montón de tramas que posiblemente en unos meses termine de olvidar jaja.
P.D: He decido no leer libros de Eva por un tiempo, hasta septiembre (a finales de agosto saldrá el libro de Enzo jajaja).
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