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Stalk Me
Beautiful monsters wear the most alluring disguises... and the deadliest one just walked into my gallery. As a successful gallery owner in Boston, I thought I knew who I was.
Then Nikolai Ivanov walked into my life, and everything changed.
Dangerous, magnetic, and impossibly controlling, he awakens something dark within me.
His obsession should terrify me—the cameras hidden in my apartment, the way he appears exactly when I need him, how he seems to know my every move.
Instead, I find myself drawn deeper into his world of power and control.
But Nikolai isn't the only one with secrets.
As threats emerge from the shadows, I discover my past isn't what it seems.
Every revelation pulls me further from my carefully curated life and deeper into a world where danger and desire blur into one.
Now, caught between the man who claims me as his and the mysteries of my own history, I must do I fight the darkness within or embrace it?
In this game of power and passion, there's no going back. And maybe I don't want to.
Stalk Me is a dark stalker Russian mafia romance and the first book in the Beautiful Monsters Series. This dark age-gap mafia romance explores themes that may be disturbing to some readers. However, there is no cliffhanger, and the happily-ever-after ending meaning this book can be read as a standalone.
Then Nikolai Ivanov walked into my life, and everything changed.
Dangerous, magnetic, and impossibly controlling, he awakens something dark within me.
His obsession should terrify me—the cameras hidden in my apartment, the way he appears exactly when I need him, how he seems to know my every move.
Instead, I find myself drawn deeper into his world of power and control.
But Nikolai isn't the only one with secrets.
As threats emerge from the shadows, I discover my past isn't what it seems.
Every revelation pulls me further from my carefully curated life and deeper into a world where danger and desire blur into one.
Now, caught between the man who claims me as his and the mysteries of my own history, I must do I fight the darkness within or embrace it?
In this game of power and passion, there's no going back. And maybe I don't want to.
Stalk Me is a dark stalker Russian mafia romance and the first book in the Beautiful Monsters Series. This dark age-gap mafia romance explores themes that may be disturbing to some readers. However, there is no cliffhanger, and the happily-ever-after ending meaning this book can be read as a standalone.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2025
2515 people are currently reading
1598 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
April 1, 2025
2.5 ★
The book started off strong, pulling me in with an engaging plot and solid character development. The writing was compelling at first, and I was excited to see where the story would go. However, as it progressed, it started to fizzle out.
The author leaned too heavily on a ddlg kink, to the point where it felt repetitive and annoying. JUST STOP IT!
The ending was another letdown. Instead of a satisfying resolution, it felt vague and incomplete. Nikolai was hot but again the same cringe mafia story line. Sophia was strong and i liked her sometimes.
- no cheating, no ow drama
The book started off strong, pulling me in with an engaging plot and solid character development. The writing was compelling at first, and I was excited to see where the story would go. However, as it progressed, it started to fizzle out.
The author leaned too heavily on a ddlg kink, to the point where it felt repetitive and annoying. JUST STOP IT!
The ending was another letdown. Instead of a satisfying resolution, it felt vague and incomplete. Nikolai was hot but again the same cringe mafia story line. Sophia was strong and i liked her sometimes.
- no cheating, no ow drama
February 3, 2025
Stalk Me started out a little slow and I was having trouble staying interested, but holy shit did it explode out of nowhere and really heat up! I love these two together. Sofia calling him Daddy was 🥵! I liked that she was a strong and independent business woman who ran her own gallery and didn’t back down from her feelings. I loved when she stood up to her grandfather and stood firm on her feelings for Nikolai. But I didn’t always like how defiant she was and her insistence on her being able to do things herself. Nikolai's dominant and protective, and obsessive behavior was really intoxicating. And the way he was with his brothers and their banter was fun, but also how all of them rallied with him to get Sofia back was great to see.
Next is Shatter Me with Dmitri & Tash. I can’t wait.
Next is Shatter Me with Dmitri & Tash. I can’t wait.
February 16, 2025
Personally
Ok I'm going to try & be as nice as possible. First, no hate, but I'm not one of those that are into the whole "Daddy" thing. I understand some are & that's fine but for me personally, I just don't care for it. Next, she contradicted herself! She was all "I'm not gonna surrender to him," but then in the next paragraph, not even on a different page, she says "I'm going to surrender." I understand trying to stick to what she wants but you can't be so headstrong one second & then change your mind in the next. I understand after getting to know someone & changing your mind. See what I did there? That happened a lot as well. Literally the same thing being said but a little different. So much so I thought I had already read that page. Last, what in the world happened with all the "family" stuff?! There was a plan to destroy Lucia, but there wasn't the follow through. What happened after she handed it over to whoever?! Nothing was said! So to sum up, no, I would not recommend! On to the next book!
Ok I'm going to try & be as nice as possible. First, no hate, but I'm not one of those that are into the whole "Daddy" thing. I understand some are & that's fine but for me personally, I just don't care for it. Next, she contradicted herself! She was all "I'm not gonna surrender to him," but then in the next paragraph, not even on a different page, she says "I'm going to surrender." I understand trying to stick to what she wants but you can't be so headstrong one second & then change your mind in the next. I understand after getting to know someone & changing your mind. See what I did there? That happened a lot as well. Literally the same thing being said but a little different. So much so I thought I had already read that page. Last, what in the world happened with all the "family" stuff?! There was a plan to destroy Lucia, but there wasn't the follow through. What happened after she handed it over to whoever?! Nothing was said! So to sum up, no, I would not recommend! On to the next book!
February 6, 2025
For my first Bianca Cole book, I was thoroughly impressed by her story-telling, writing, and characters in Stalk Me. Sofia and Nikolai's relationship was incredibly sexy, romantic, and even dirty at times because of the dd/lg kink. The romance between Sofia and Nikolai was the strongest point of the book and the author did an excellent job building the chemistry and romance between our two main characters. I was completely fascinated by Nikolai's constant pursuit of Sofia and how she ultimately fell for him despite knowing that he was a dangerous man. As the main title of the book suggests, Nikolai was completely obsessed with Sofia and wanted to know everything about her—he even went so far as to stalk and monitor her. I would be creeped out in real life but this is fiction so I gave him the benefit of the doubt. I knew it would ultimately come back to bite him, and it did. I loved that Sofia confronted him and Nikolai even felt ashamed because of it.
In the end, this was a wonderful start to a brand new series and I absolutely can't see what Bianca Cole has in store for Dimitri and Natasha—Nikolai's brother and Sofia's best friend. I'm certain that we'll be getting books for the rest of Nikolai's brothers as well. There was a slight age gap between Nikolai and Sofia but it didn't detract from their romance. I loved that the author primarily focused on their growing relationship. The love scenes were incredibly spicy and had me on the edge of my seat. Although the last part of the book was bogged down by drama between Sofia and her long-lost family, I still enjoyed this book nonetheless. If you are look for a steamy mafia romance between a totally obsessed and possessive hero who deeply loves his malyshka, I highly recommend Nikolai and Sofia's story because it will hook you right in.
*This ARC was generously provided by the author for an honest review*
“From the first moment I saw you, you consumed me. Every thought, every breath—just you. I couldn’t bear not knowing what you were doing.”
In the end, this was a wonderful start to a brand new series and I absolutely can't see what Bianca Cole has in store for Dimitri and Natasha—Nikolai's brother and Sofia's best friend. I'm certain that we'll be getting books for the rest of Nikolai's brothers as well. There was a slight age gap between Nikolai and Sofia but it didn't detract from their romance. I loved that the author primarily focused on their growing relationship. The love scenes were incredibly spicy and had me on the edge of my seat. Although the last part of the book was bogged down by drama between Sofia and her long-lost family, I still enjoyed this book nonetheless. If you are look for a steamy mafia romance between a totally obsessed and possessive hero who deeply loves his malyshka, I highly recommend Nikolai and Sofia's story because it will hook you right in.
*This ARC was generously provided by the author for an honest review*
March 15, 2025
pathetic
In one word this book was pathetic.
I’m all for kinks, but the daddy every other word and him telling her to call him that just makes it cringe worthy.
They were together two weeks? You’re telling me a girl who would shake when her emotions got too much is able to grow a back bone and stand up to the mafia and assert dominance. lol um no.
The character development wasn’t there it’s more like a transplant.
I love smutty books. But this one was too much and just cringey
In one word this book was pathetic.
I’m all for kinks, but the daddy every other word and him telling her to call him that just makes it cringe worthy.
They were together two weeks? You’re telling me a girl who would shake when her emotions got too much is able to grow a back bone and stand up to the mafia and assert dominance. lol um no.
The character development wasn’t there it’s more like a transplant.
I love smutty books. But this one was too much and just cringey
March 24, 2025
well if this man was my stalker i’d call him daddy too
GOOD LORD HELLO ?!!? CAN YOU HEAR ME ?!
bianca cole is a new author to me and i’m absolutely obsessed. i’m literally searching for more books by her because this one literally had me in a chokehold. i couldn’t stop reading omg. i was in such a fat book slump until i came across this. the moment i found out its mafia romance, insta lust, and stalker … oh i just knew it would help me out !!
10/10 would recommend if you want a quick but packed with spice and obsession mafia romance, daddy kink, age gap, long lost mafia princess fmc + stalker russian mmc, dark secrets, he puts cameras in her house, possessive, he falls first, book one in series, and duo pov 🖤
UGH I CAN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT THIS !!!
sofia is built her art empire all by herself. she is quick and assesses everything and everyone around her. she is not some puppet and doesn’t let people walk all over her. when nikolai first saw sofia at her art gallery this man literally bought the most expensive thing just so he could be on her mind. he became so obsessed with her and needed to learn everything about her. but when he began to dig deeper, there are other people who are looking for her as well 🫢 sofia always wanted to know who her biological family were and where she came from. when she finds out … shit goes down !!!
it honestly does feel a bit unfinished because what is happening with lucia 👀 i feel like i still needed some more closure with that ending. but overall i fucking enjoyed the hell out of this !! i’m so excited for the rest of the series to come out but before that i’m gonna go deep dive into the rest of bianca’s books 😍 i already have a series i’m eyeballing and i can’t wait omg
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
GOOD LORD HELLO ?!!? CAN YOU HEAR ME ?!
bianca cole is a new author to me and i’m absolutely obsessed. i’m literally searching for more books by her because this one literally had me in a chokehold. i couldn’t stop reading omg. i was in such a fat book slump until i came across this. the moment i found out its mafia romance, insta lust, and stalker … oh i just knew it would help me out !!
10/10 would recommend if you want a quick but packed with spice and obsession mafia romance, daddy kink, age gap, long lost mafia princess fmc + stalker russian mmc, dark secrets, he puts cameras in her house, possessive, he falls first, book one in series, and duo pov 🖤
UGH I CAN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT THIS !!!
sofia is built her art empire all by herself. she is quick and assesses everything and everyone around her. she is not some puppet and doesn’t let people walk all over her. when nikolai first saw sofia at her art gallery this man literally bought the most expensive thing just so he could be on her mind. he became so obsessed with her and needed to learn everything about her. but when he began to dig deeper, there are other people who are looking for her as well 🫢 sofia always wanted to know who her biological family were and where she came from. when she finds out … shit goes down !!!
it honestly does feel a bit unfinished because what is happening with lucia 👀 i feel like i still needed some more closure with that ending. but overall i fucking enjoyed the hell out of this !! i’m so excited for the rest of the series to come out but before that i’m gonna go deep dive into the rest of bianca’s books 😍 i already have a series i’m eyeballing and i can’t wait omg
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 27, 2025
Liked the storyline but not enough insight into the climax. I feel like she needed more background to the FMC backstory. Felt like she made it up as she wrote
February 14, 2025
Sofia is the owner of an art gallery and thought she know who she was and then she meets Nikolai. He is obsessed with her, and she loves it, she finds herself loving the danger surrounding him and the control he has over her. What will happen when she discovers his secrets? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and intense chemistry. Great characters and an entertaining story. I liked it.
February 12, 2025
“Stalk Me” : A Dark Mafia Romance
(Beautiful Monsters Book 1 of 2). But this is a standalone with no cliffhanger. Is a very adult read, review the trigger warnings.
Sofia Henley is a successful gallery owner living in Boston. She knew who she was and where in life she was at, and was content with it…Untill Nikolai Ivanov crashed into her life setting it on fire. And it will never be the same again. He made her guestion things about herself she had never dreamed about.
Nikolai is big, muscled and handsome. Oh and also of the Russian Mob. He’s stalking Sophia and wants her for himself. Leaving no corner for the chance of having her to chance. He was obsessed with her. She finds cameras in her apartment, car markers, and he seems to always be close. He’s older than her and they both have secrets that will find them and possible change their chance at love. She’s drug into his world of mob life, danger and desire. This is their fiery story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
(Beautiful Monsters Book 1 of 2). But this is a standalone with no cliffhanger. Is a very adult read, review the trigger warnings.
Sofia Henley is a successful gallery owner living in Boston. She knew who she was and where in life she was at, and was content with it…Untill Nikolai Ivanov crashed into her life setting it on fire. And it will never be the same again. He made her guestion things about herself she had never dreamed about.
Nikolai is big, muscled and handsome. Oh and also of the Russian Mob. He’s stalking Sophia and wants her for himself. Leaving no corner for the chance of having her to chance. He was obsessed with her. She finds cameras in her apartment, car markers, and he seems to always be close. He’s older than her and they both have secrets that will find them and possible change their chance at love. She’s drug into his world of mob life, danger and desire. This is their fiery story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2025
“This book really surprised me. I was expecting another B-grade mafia romance about a man obsessed with his beloved, but this one hooked me and I devoured it in a day and a half.
I loved the writing style—it’s such a fast, engaging read. Both characters are fantastic, funny, and wonderfully human, unafraid to show or admit their flaws. It’s not insta-love; they gradually find their way to each other. That said, the hero’s approach is definitely unconventional—you could easily call him a stalker and an obsessive man who can’t take no for an answer. While he never wants to hurt the woman he loves, his behavior can feel like pressure, even blackmail.
I thoroughly enjoyed their conversations and how they chose to face everything together.
If you enjoy mafia romances with a dark edge, an obsessed stalker and dominant hero, and a heroine who isn’t so meek and innocent, this is absolutely for you. And those passionate, steamy moments full of heat and lust—wow. My figurative panties were on fire. Highly recommended.”
I loved the writing style—it’s such a fast, engaging read. Both characters are fantastic, funny, and wonderfully human, unafraid to show or admit their flaws. It’s not insta-love; they gradually find their way to each other. That said, the hero’s approach is definitely unconventional—you could easily call him a stalker and an obsessive man who can’t take no for an answer. While he never wants to hurt the woman he loves, his behavior can feel like pressure, even blackmail.
I thoroughly enjoyed their conversations and how they chose to face everything together.
If you enjoy mafia romances with a dark edge, an obsessed stalker and dominant hero, and a heroine who isn’t so meek and innocent, this is absolutely for you. And those passionate, steamy moments full of heat and lust—wow. My figurative panties were on fire. Highly recommended.”
February 16, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyable read involving some of my favourite tropes.
It did take me a second to really get into this one, as it seemed to move a little slowly to start, but HOOLY DOOLY— when that heat dropped, it was all systems go, and I couldn’t put this down.
Sofia was a strong independent woman, with stubbornness a mile long. I loved Sofia as a FMC with her steel backbone and constant railing against Nikolai and his possessiveness— she sure made him work for it.
Nikolai was just… so much YES! This guy just ticked all the boxes— strong, possessive and Ol’ mate is OBSESSED… like, next level obsession— HAWT!
I love me a good stalky-stalk book, and this was so well done! Love that it’s the start of a series and hopefully that means there’s a lot more deliciousness to come, starting with Dmitri and Tash!!
Solid 4 ‘stalker’ ⭐️s!!
It did take me a second to really get into this one, as it seemed to move a little slowly to start, but HOOLY DOOLY— when that heat dropped, it was all systems go, and I couldn’t put this down.
Sofia was a strong independent woman, with stubbornness a mile long. I loved Sofia as a FMC with her steel backbone and constant railing against Nikolai and his possessiveness— she sure made him work for it.
Nikolai was just… so much YES! This guy just ticked all the boxes— strong, possessive and Ol’ mate is OBSESSED… like, next level obsession— HAWT!
I love me a good stalky-stalk book, and this was so well done! Love that it’s the start of a series and hopefully that means there’s a lot more deliciousness to come, starting with Dmitri and Tash!!
Solid 4 ‘stalker’ ⭐️s!!
February 8, 2025
This book was definitely 🌶5/5 and also had a complete story with plenty of twists and turns. So many things happened in one story that I had to think about some pages revelations before moving to the next. Ypu could tell this book was thought through and I can't wait until the next in the series!.
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 26, 2025
Absolutely loved this book.
✨️📚🔥💞✨️💞📚🔥💞
✨️📚🔥💞✨️💞📚🔥💞
June 5, 2025
3 🌟🌟🌟
if you're looking for a book with bare minimum plots and intense smut on every chapter. This book is for you.
if you're looking for a book with bare minimum plots and intense smut on every chapter. This book is for you.
July 15, 2025
4.5/5⭐️
August 3, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded up
I loved the spice & the Russian mafia stuff, but everything being silk drove me NUTS. Silk dressed, silk nightgown, silk scrunchies..silk everything. I searched the word on my kindle & something is described as silk 46 times.
I loved the spice & the Russian mafia stuff, but everything being silk drove me NUTS. Silk dressed, silk nightgown, silk scrunchies..silk everything. I searched the word on my kindle & something is described as silk 46 times.
December 7, 2025
my dream date…cute
April 20, 2025
It all seemed forced. The story the couple even the “call me daddy”. Nothing about it flowed. I was rather disappointed in all areas of this read. It fell so flat it’s discouraging me from reading on even though I think Dimitri might be the bees knees. Sadly missed potential imo.
March 24, 2025
Stalk Me is first book of Beautiful Monsters Series. A full-length standalone dark stalker romance with no cliffhanger and ends on a happily-ever-after. A beautiful written story with complex individuals and a twisty and fascinating storyline that captures the reader attention from the start and keeps you riveted and on the edge of your seat and turning the pages. A fast paced, dark, twisted, sinful and decadent read. An unputdownable and absorbing addictive read. Hang on to your kindle and brace yourself for this tantalizing rollercoaster ride of cravings, tension and Heart-stirring emotions. This Nikolai and Sophia story which is told from a dual point of view. Hang on to your kindle and brace yourself for this tantalizing rollercoaster ride of high-octane action, adventures, mystery and secrecy.
A gothic romance, billionaires & millionaires romance, dark mafia romance, aged gap trope story, taboo romance, mafia romance, stalking romance, contemporary romance, organize crime story, romantic suspense story, daddy kink romance, captive romance, forced proximity romance, lust-at-first-sight romance, insta-love romance, polar opposite attracts story, insta-everything romance, he-falls-first romance, OTT possessive alpha hero romance, stalker romance, prey-predator romance with passion, hate-to-love vibes story, enemies-to-lovers romance, touch-her-and-die romance, protective alpha hero story with enemies, lies, fear, power and control, dark hidden secrets, drama, lies, deception, spice, threats, attacks, twists and turns, Ddlg, mystery, suspense, anger, revelations, danger, praises, darkness, lust, madness, violence, trust, enemies, angst, fear, kidnapping, family issues, surprises, torture, murder, love, pawn, possessiveness, obsession, dominance, dirty talking, consensual intense rough sex, kinks, suspense, revenge, acceptance, love, submission, revelations, survival, retaliation, resilience, stalking, daddy Dom, bloodshed, attacks, acceptance, abandonment, delayed gratification, revenge, betrayal, spanking, mob war, manipulation, tragedies, loyalties, hidden identity, retaliation and bondage.
Nikolai Ivanov is a billionaire silver fox businessman and leader of the Ivanov Russian Bratva. He's head of Ivanov Holdings and specialize in import, banking, export and real estate and illegal arms among other things in the criminal underworld. The Ivanov's is dangerous, feared and controls Boston. Nikolai is also an avid art lover which takes him to gallery of owner who specializes in expressionist art. Sofia Henley is a successful businesswomen of an art gallery who Nikolai heard a lot about amongst the Boston elites on being able to uniquely be able to spot a forgery so he decided to go and check out the gallery. However, as he stand hidden in the shadows and watched her work he was mesmerized, smitten and immediately drawn to the independent, fiesty, controlled and sophisticated businesswoman. He took one look at her and know that she was his and would stop and nothing to claim her even stalking and manipulating her to get what he wanted. Sofia has a mask that she wears to protect herself in public, but underneath he senses a strength and hidden darkness. She was adopted and has always felt incomplete and wondered why her parents didn't want her. It was a sensual dance between the two as she tried to fight their attraction. Each rejection only made Nikolai became more obsessed and possess as he tries harder to get her to surrender to him. Sofia knows that before long that she will surrender to because he brought out something in her that she as never felt before. He's the first rich client that made her wanted to throw caution to wind and give them a try.
Nikolai know that there was something more to Sofia and was hell bent and figuring out what secrets she was hiding and starting digging into her background. Sofia succumb to her attraction to Nikolai which only fuel is obsession and possession. He wasn't going to let her go. And as he digged further into her past it brought danger to her doorstep.
As it turns out Sofia Henley was actually Sofia Castellano is the daughter of Antonio Castellano, the head of Italy's most powerful crime family and the long lost Castellano princess heir. She was transfer to America when she was six after Castellano wife Lucia discovered her existence while she had been having miscarriage after miscarriage. Lucia was angry that her husband had a child and that he had her living in luxury right under her nose. He and mistress Maria came up with the plan to safely got Sofia away from Italy and with a good family and out of Lucia's reach. Sofia was smuggled out of Italy and place with the Henleys under a seal adoption to protect both her and her mother. However, Lucia found her mother in Florence cutting her car brakes and letting it look like an accident. Two years ago she did the same thing to the Henleys because she never stopped searching for her.
Once Nikolai learned of all this he kidnapped Sofia and took her to his compound for her protection. The two got closer as they spend more time together being sequestered at his home and she had even forgiven him for the cameras in her home and him watching her every move. But she got restless and angry with letting the unknown person who was out to get her stop her from living. Because it had taken her years to build her business. But as soon as she went back to work her grandfather kidnap her from the gallery and took her to Florence saying that it was time for her to take her rightful place in the family as the heir. Her kidnapping devastate Nikolai to the point where he neglected his business inspite of there being trouble on the horizon with the Chinese and possibly government involvement. Nikolai burn the place down from continent to continent for taking how's his. Sofia makes him more human and helps block out all the noises. The kidnapping helps to heal the gap in her heart because she gets to meet the only surviving parent. But when she learnt that she was being use a pawn and being manipulated by her grandfather and father like a chess piece on a board.
Nikolai saw phoenix risen from the ashes and watched his queen emerge, someone who could rule by his side. Her new family will learn a lesson that they weren't expecting because things didn't turn out the way how they had planned as she decided to dismantle everything that they holds dear. The family learned very fast that she was truly a Castellano from the steal in her backbone and the way how she used their same lies and manipulate them into believing that they had won and was getting what they wanted. They wanted to maintain control of the lineage through a blood heir. But she offered her position to a cousin which didn't sit well with them. And on top of it all the married a Russian instead of an Italian right on their territory. Nikolai and Sofia chemistry was electrifying and magnetic. Sofia had somehow managed to bring down the Ice King of Boston. The strategist someone who had carefully carved out their life on control. The author left some unanswered questions in this book like did Lucia got her comeuppance. Did Antonio and Mario gave cousin Leonardo the position since she turn it down? Can the two family form an alliance through her marriage?
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
A gothic romance, billionaires & millionaires romance, dark mafia romance, aged gap trope story, taboo romance, mafia romance, stalking romance, contemporary romance, organize crime story, romantic suspense story, daddy kink romance, captive romance, forced proximity romance, lust-at-first-sight romance, insta-love romance, polar opposite attracts story, insta-everything romance, he-falls-first romance, OTT possessive alpha hero romance, stalker romance, prey-predator romance with passion, hate-to-love vibes story, enemies-to-lovers romance, touch-her-and-die romance, protective alpha hero story with enemies, lies, fear, power and control, dark hidden secrets, drama, lies, deception, spice, threats, attacks, twists and turns, Ddlg, mystery, suspense, anger, revelations, danger, praises, darkness, lust, madness, violence, trust, enemies, angst, fear, kidnapping, family issues, surprises, torture, murder, love, pawn, possessiveness, obsession, dominance, dirty talking, consensual intense rough sex, kinks, suspense, revenge, acceptance, love, submission, revelations, survival, retaliation, resilience, stalking, daddy Dom, bloodshed, attacks, acceptance, abandonment, delayed gratification, revenge, betrayal, spanking, mob war, manipulation, tragedies, loyalties, hidden identity, retaliation and bondage.
Nikolai Ivanov is a billionaire silver fox businessman and leader of the Ivanov Russian Bratva. He's head of Ivanov Holdings and specialize in import, banking, export and real estate and illegal arms among other things in the criminal underworld. The Ivanov's is dangerous, feared and controls Boston. Nikolai is also an avid art lover which takes him to gallery of owner who specializes in expressionist art. Sofia Henley is a successful businesswomen of an art gallery who Nikolai heard a lot about amongst the Boston elites on being able to uniquely be able to spot a forgery so he decided to go and check out the gallery. However, as he stand hidden in the shadows and watched her work he was mesmerized, smitten and immediately drawn to the independent, fiesty, controlled and sophisticated businesswoman. He took one look at her and know that she was his and would stop and nothing to claim her even stalking and manipulating her to get what he wanted. Sofia has a mask that she wears to protect herself in public, but underneath he senses a strength and hidden darkness. She was adopted and has always felt incomplete and wondered why her parents didn't want her. It was a sensual dance between the two as she tried to fight their attraction. Each rejection only made Nikolai became more obsessed and possess as he tries harder to get her to surrender to him. Sofia knows that before long that she will surrender to because he brought out something in her that she as never felt before. He's the first rich client that made her wanted to throw caution to wind and give them a try.
Nikolai know that there was something more to Sofia and was hell bent and figuring out what secrets she was hiding and starting digging into her background. Sofia succumb to her attraction to Nikolai which only fuel is obsession and possession. He wasn't going to let her go. And as he digged further into her past it brought danger to her doorstep.
As it turns out Sofia Henley was actually Sofia Castellano is the daughter of Antonio Castellano, the head of Italy's most powerful crime family and the long lost Castellano princess heir. She was transfer to America when she was six after Castellano wife Lucia discovered her existence while she had been having miscarriage after miscarriage. Lucia was angry that her husband had a child and that he had her living in luxury right under her nose. He and mistress Maria came up with the plan to safely got Sofia away from Italy and with a good family and out of Lucia's reach. Sofia was smuggled out of Italy and place with the Henleys under a seal adoption to protect both her and her mother. However, Lucia found her mother in Florence cutting her car brakes and letting it look like an accident. Two years ago she did the same thing to the Henleys because she never stopped searching for her.
Once Nikolai learned of all this he kidnapped Sofia and took her to his compound for her protection. The two got closer as they spend more time together being sequestered at his home and she had even forgiven him for the cameras in her home and him watching her every move. But she got restless and angry with letting the unknown person who was out to get her stop her from living. Because it had taken her years to build her business. But as soon as she went back to work her grandfather kidnap her from the gallery and took her to Florence saying that it was time for her to take her rightful place in the family as the heir. Her kidnapping devastate Nikolai to the point where he neglected his business inspite of there being trouble on the horizon with the Chinese and possibly government involvement. Nikolai burn the place down from continent to continent for taking how's his. Sofia makes him more human and helps block out all the noises. The kidnapping helps to heal the gap in her heart because she gets to meet the only surviving parent. But when she learnt that she was being use a pawn and being manipulated by her grandfather and father like a chess piece on a board.
Nikolai saw phoenix risen from the ashes and watched his queen emerge, someone who could rule by his side. Her new family will learn a lesson that they weren't expecting because things didn't turn out the way how they had planned as she decided to dismantle everything that they holds dear. The family learned very fast that she was truly a Castellano from the steal in her backbone and the way how she used their same lies and manipulate them into believing that they had won and was getting what they wanted. They wanted to maintain control of the lineage through a blood heir. But she offered her position to a cousin which didn't sit well with them. And on top of it all the married a Russian instead of an Italian right on their territory. Nikolai and Sofia chemistry was electrifying and magnetic. Sofia had somehow managed to bring down the Ice King of Boston. The strategist someone who had carefully carved out their life on control. The author left some unanswered questions in this book like did Lucia got her comeuppance. Did Antonio and Mario gave cousin Leonardo the position since she turn it down? Can the two family form an alliance through her marriage?
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2025
There are a few reasons why this book just didn't hit for me, one, that the intent for a relationship happened on page one without any interaction before hand and it gave me the ick. I can understand a MMC who is infatuated with the FMC but if you don't build a series of interactions between the two characters it feels rushed and hollow. Second, I don't have an issue with the 'Daddy' kink per se but it really held no purpose in this book other than to bring kink. The MMC shouldn't throw the kink out only a few chapters into the book without intimacy being established or even giving the FMC a chance to show that's her thing. It was a kink forced on her and that once again felt hollow. Third, the backstory for her was weak and needed to be built through inner thoughts and some scenes where it could be explored rather than thrown in for fun. I don't care if she's a mafia daughter with training she doesn't remember, I care about a mental challenge where she's trying to remember her past BEFORE the MMC mentions it to her. Also, stop writing females that 'throw a tantrum' over being kept safe because they were nearly assaulted and killed. It's tacky and doesn't show strength but rather that the author needs a reason to keep them fighting. I liked the smut and moments in-between the two characters enough to know this book had some potential but it needs to be reworked heavily before it can be a coherent story.
January 8, 2026
Maybe I’ve read one too many mafia books but this one was boring and predictable. At times I asked myself, “did chat gpt help write this?” Idk, it just was not it.
Sophia was supposed to be this real independent girl boss. And at times yes I could see that. But most of the time girlfriend folded so fast! I wanted to see a little more resistance from her and there were times where I felt it was gonna happen but then it just fell flat. And her character was a bit confusing to me. Like she was handling assassins like it was no big deal in fights? I think she says she would do jujitsu or something but how when she is literally always at the gallery and no where else. Idk there was a point where I was confused too because for someone being brought up as a very successful business woman, her gallery was going broke paying for protection? And the author never really elaborated too much on that. Just the oh yeah thugs charge business owners for protection. From who? And that’s it. No other explanation. Okay?
Then there’s Nikolai. He’s supposed to be this big time Russian mafia boss, but the author never really gave us too much of a glimpse into that. Just an instance with one of his brothers and him and that’s about it. It’s almost like the author kind of forgot about that. Oh and his obsession with Sofia calling him daddy. Ugh, it was not sexy at all. I swear every time they had spicy scenes and he always wanted her to call him that I would roll my eyes. It just didn’t feel natural and it was just weird. Idk I hate the whole daddy name calling. Especially when there isn’t a huge age gap like with Nikolai and Sofia. There was nothing really exciting about him at all. His brothers were more interesting than him.
Also, the story was all over the place. Like what happened to Nikolai’s business threat? I’m not sure if it will be discussed more in the series since I won’t be continuing but nothing was ever mentioned anymore once the incident happened with Sofia. Which was sooooo predictable btw. I swear every mafia trope has this happen to every FMC. Idk if it was just me but there is a conversation that Sofia was having with one character and then all of a sudden she’s talking to Nikolai. I was so confused because I could have sworn she was talking to someone else. And her devious plan to get back at these people wasn’t so devious because again it was predictable. Oh also, I was yet again confused at who was really supposed to be the villain. Like it was set up all along to be this one person and then it’s not? And then you never hear about that person again. If this sounds confusing it’s because I don’t want to get flagged for spoilers. But idk it was just that, confusing. And quite honestly, the spicy scenes weren’t so spicy. I just started skipping them because it was so repetitive and like I said before I couldn’t take the whole daddy kink any longer.
If you made it this far, it’s safe to assume that I will not be reading the rest of the series. Again predictable because Sofia’s best friend will be with one of the brothers. Like there aren’t other women in the city? Anyway, yeah this book wasn’t for me.
Sophia was supposed to be this real independent girl boss. And at times yes I could see that. But most of the time girlfriend folded so fast! I wanted to see a little more resistance from her and there were times where I felt it was gonna happen but then it just fell flat. And her character was a bit confusing to me. Like she was handling assassins like it was no big deal in fights? I think she says she would do jujitsu or something but how when she is literally always at the gallery and no where else. Idk there was a point where I was confused too because for someone being brought up as a very successful business woman, her gallery was going broke paying for protection? And the author never really elaborated too much on that. Just the oh yeah thugs charge business owners for protection. From who? And that’s it. No other explanation. Okay?
Then there’s Nikolai. He’s supposed to be this big time Russian mafia boss, but the author never really gave us too much of a glimpse into that. Just an instance with one of his brothers and him and that’s about it. It’s almost like the author kind of forgot about that. Oh and his obsession with Sofia calling him daddy. Ugh, it was not sexy at all. I swear every time they had spicy scenes and he always wanted her to call him that I would roll my eyes. It just didn’t feel natural and it was just weird. Idk I hate the whole daddy name calling. Especially when there isn’t a huge age gap like with Nikolai and Sofia. There was nothing really exciting about him at all. His brothers were more interesting than him.
Also, the story was all over the place. Like what happened to Nikolai’s business threat? I’m not sure if it will be discussed more in the series since I won’t be continuing but nothing was ever mentioned anymore once the incident happened with Sofia. Which was sooooo predictable btw. I swear every mafia trope has this happen to every FMC. Idk if it was just me but there is a conversation that Sofia was having with one character and then all of a sudden she’s talking to Nikolai. I was so confused because I could have sworn she was talking to someone else. And her devious plan to get back at these people wasn’t so devious because again it was predictable. Oh also, I was yet again confused at who was really supposed to be the villain. Like it was set up all along to be this one person and then it’s not? And then you never hear about that person again. If this sounds confusing it’s because I don’t want to get flagged for spoilers. But idk it was just that, confusing. And quite honestly, the spicy scenes weren’t so spicy. I just started skipping them because it was so repetitive and like I said before I couldn’t take the whole daddy kink any longer.
If you made it this far, it’s safe to assume that I will not be reading the rest of the series. Again predictable because Sofia’s best friend will be with one of the brothers. Like there aren’t other women in the city? Anyway, yeah this book wasn’t for me.
January 13, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five wickedly addictive stars for Stalk Me (Beautiful Monsters #1) by Bianca Cole 🖤🔥
Stalk Me is dark romance done dangerously right seductive, unsettling, and impossible to put down. Bianca Cole delivers a story that crawls under your skin and lingers there, equal parts intoxicating and unnerving, with a tension so thick it practically breathes. This book doesn’t just flirt with obsession it owns it, revels in it, and dares you to look away (you won’t).
From the very first pages, the atmosphere is deliciously sinister. There’s a constant sense of being watched, hunted, chosen. The hero is every morally gray fantasy taken to its most thrilling extreme calculating, possessive, and unapologetically obsessive. He is not a man you tame; he is a force you survive… or surrender to. And watching his fixation sharpen into something all-consuming is as terrifying as it is addictive.
The heroine is a perfect counterbalance complex, vulnerable, and far stronger than she realizes. What I loved most was how her fear, curiosity, and undeniable pull toward the darkness are handled with nuance. She isn’t oblivious, and she isn’t weak. She questions, resists, spirals, and feels and that emotional realism makes every interaction crackle with intensity. The dynamic between them is a slow, wicked burn that keeps tightening until you’re holding your breath.
And the chemistry? Unholy. Every near-miss, every charged moment, every line heavy with implication had my pulse racing. Bianca Cole excels at writing tension that feels intimate and invasive in the best way lingering looks, whispered threats, promises that feel like sins. The spice is bold, provocative, and scorching without tipping into gratuitous. It’s the kind of heat that makes you feel like you’re doing something a little forbidden just by reading.
What truly sets Stalk Me apart is its confidence. This book knows exactly what it is and doesn’t apologize for it. It leans into the dark themes, the obsession, the blurred lines, and the psychological edge and because of that, the payoff hits harder. The pacing is tight, the suspense keeps you guessing, and the ending leaves you desperate for more.
If you love dark romance with obsessive heroes, morally twisted dynamics, and stories that make your heart race while your conscience side-eyes you Stalk Me is a must-read. Bianca Cole has kicked off the Beautiful Monsters series with a haunting, seductive bang, and I am officially obsessed.
🖤🔥 Read with caution. Read with intention. And be prepared to crave the monster. 🔥🖤
Stalk Me is dark romance done dangerously right seductive, unsettling, and impossible to put down. Bianca Cole delivers a story that crawls under your skin and lingers there, equal parts intoxicating and unnerving, with a tension so thick it practically breathes. This book doesn’t just flirt with obsession it owns it, revels in it, and dares you to look away (you won’t).
From the very first pages, the atmosphere is deliciously sinister. There’s a constant sense of being watched, hunted, chosen. The hero is every morally gray fantasy taken to its most thrilling extreme calculating, possessive, and unapologetically obsessive. He is not a man you tame; he is a force you survive… or surrender to. And watching his fixation sharpen into something all-consuming is as terrifying as it is addictive.
The heroine is a perfect counterbalance complex, vulnerable, and far stronger than she realizes. What I loved most was how her fear, curiosity, and undeniable pull toward the darkness are handled with nuance. She isn’t oblivious, and she isn’t weak. She questions, resists, spirals, and feels and that emotional realism makes every interaction crackle with intensity. The dynamic between them is a slow, wicked burn that keeps tightening until you’re holding your breath.
And the chemistry? Unholy. Every near-miss, every charged moment, every line heavy with implication had my pulse racing. Bianca Cole excels at writing tension that feels intimate and invasive in the best way lingering looks, whispered threats, promises that feel like sins. The spice is bold, provocative, and scorching without tipping into gratuitous. It’s the kind of heat that makes you feel like you’re doing something a little forbidden just by reading.
What truly sets Stalk Me apart is its confidence. This book knows exactly what it is and doesn’t apologize for it. It leans into the dark themes, the obsession, the blurred lines, and the psychological edge and because of that, the payoff hits harder. The pacing is tight, the suspense keeps you guessing, and the ending leaves you desperate for more.
If you love dark romance with obsessive heroes, morally twisted dynamics, and stories that make your heart race while your conscience side-eyes you Stalk Me is a must-read. Bianca Cole has kicked off the Beautiful Monsters series with a haunting, seductive bang, and I am officially obsessed.
🖤🔥 Read with caution. Read with intention. And be prepared to crave the monster. 🔥🖤
February 13, 2025
She is a young gallery owner. Orphaned she has put all of her focus into building her business and cultivating her talent in the art world. When he shows up in her gallery, he upsets everything that she knows. He is older, dark, and dangerous… and he makes her feel things she never felt before. He is a Bratva leader and is used to taking what he wants, and what he wants is her. She is resistant, but he likes that fire so he makes it his mission to find out everything about her, biding his time, waiting to make her his. This is the best mafia story. I’ve read in a while. The focus is on their relationship and his obsession with her, her reluctance to submit to him, and the inevitability of their union. There is an additional arc of mafia drama, however, it is woven in integrally into the story and helps to build their connection rather than distract from it. The characters are well developed. You feel like you know who they are and you get an insight into both of them, including their strength and vulnerabilities. Their connection and chemistry is strong and consuming, and their passion is powerful. They have a well written power dynamic, he is definitely a dominant daddy, and seeks her submission, but he also admires her fire and encourages her strength. I am looking forward to the rest of the series as this one has started out so well. And I hope to see them pop up in the future stories.
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 2, 2025
A simply wonderful start to series, great characters and plot that holds you riveted in its grip
This story is set around two main characters and they are Nikolai Ivanov and Sofia Henley and they come into contact with each other because he wants to, anything he wishes to do will happen no matter what he has to do to bring the circumstance to fruition.
She is an accomplished gallery owner who even though she is young has a plethora of knowledge that puts her head and shoulders above those far older and her knowledge is not simply book learned she has a real understanding and appreciation for art and techniques which enables her to ensure all paintings and other pieces are genuine.
When Nikolai made Sofia aware of his interest in her gallery and had purchased a much-desired picture well above the expected price and then had spoken with her at length until he realised the interest he had in her was more than mere infatuation, she is obviously extremely nervous and this makes him extremely wary of the cause and he begins keeping a close eye on her to ensure she is safe.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
This story is set around two main characters and they are Nikolai Ivanov and Sofia Henley and they come into contact with each other because he wants to, anything he wishes to do will happen no matter what he has to do to bring the circumstance to fruition.
She is an accomplished gallery owner who even though she is young has a plethora of knowledge that puts her head and shoulders above those far older and her knowledge is not simply book learned she has a real understanding and appreciation for art and techniques which enables her to ensure all paintings and other pieces are genuine.
When Nikolai made Sofia aware of his interest in her gallery and had purchased a much-desired picture well above the expected price and then had spoken with her at length until he realised the interest he had in her was more than mere infatuation, she is obviously extremely nervous and this makes him extremely wary of the cause and he begins keeping a close eye on her to ensure she is safe.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
February 2, 2025
This is Nikolai and Sofia's story. The arc flows beautifully and quickly without getting stuck in quicksand. Sofia is strong, cool and aloof in business, but Nikolai brings out the strong leader, a Queen. Nikolai is the leader of the Ivanov Empire who sees Sofia and wants her. The interaction between the two is as equals. They each give as much as the get. The characters are fleshed out and multi-dimensional. There's a connection on the personal side the threatens to burn down everything. Nikolai takes a bit of a foray into total stalker mode but pulls back quickly while continuing to watch over & be overprotective. Sofia learns about her heritage and while the family tries to retain control, they learn the steel in her backbone was underestimated. The secondary characters are interesting and fleshed out enough to make them memorable. The brothers have their own personalities and interesting quirks that make the reader excitedly waiting for their books. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2025
This is the 1st story in the new Beautiful Monsters Series where two unexpected come together, Sofia a Art Gallery Owner with a hidden past and Nikolai a dangerous man with control of his family illegal and legal businesses. Nikolai makes decisions to be involved in Sofia’s life and she’s one strong independent woman out to stay away. Not being able to stop others from causing her problems. Sofia is on guard when Nikolai buys one priceless piece of art after another and these two have a craving for the other. Nikolai can’t stop himself from stepping in and handling the problems doing what him and his brother’s do best - eliminates them. When secrets are revealed and the implications are front and center will their relationship becomes more. Sofia realizes Nikolai’s intentions with are more than infatuation and stalking but one of genuine care and love! It’s great to see how the brothers help and interact with Sofia with her fitting in seamlessly. All is done to protect, care and love! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2025
This is the 1st book in the Beautiful Monsters series featuring the deliciously dark and steamy dangerous,intense, age-gap, kinky,mafia romance between Nikolai and Sofia. When Nikolai meets Sofia at her art gallery he knew as soon as he saw her that Sofia belonged to him and he will do whatever he has to do to make sure that she belongs to him. Sofia tries fighting it but Nikolai is a dangerous man who manages to know things about Sofia that she never told him even though he's always around. Nikolai is trying really hard to get Sofia to submit to him and then she learns the truth. Nikolai however is completely obsessed with Sofia who is stronger than she even knows. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this deliciously dark and steamy dangerous, intense, age-gap, kinky, mafia romance to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.
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.
April 20, 2025
Even though he stalked her after meeting her, but his obsession was truly love at first sight.
From the moment Nikolai saw Sofia he was hooked. He tried to date her but when she refused he became obsessive, possessive and protective of her. He began to stalk her by setting up hidden cameras in her apartment and her art gallery. He was persistent, never giving up and when he found out that Sofia was being bullied and paying for protection, Nikolai took matters into his own hands. One night the gang broke into her gallery, she fought like she had taken combat training. By the time Nikolai men got there she had subdued the threat. Nikolai knew she was different and started checking into her adoption until he found out exactly who she was, but all the time he knew he was never going to let her go. Sofia learned who her family was and discovered their lies and how they tried to manipulate her. The ending is beautiful and it has a happily ever after. I enjoyed this book and recommend reading it. Now ready to read the next book in the series.
From the moment Nikolai saw Sofia he was hooked. He tried to date her but when she refused he became obsessive, possessive and protective of her. He began to stalk her by setting up hidden cameras in her apartment and her art gallery. He was persistent, never giving up and when he found out that Sofia was being bullied and paying for protection, Nikolai took matters into his own hands. One night the gang broke into her gallery, she fought like she had taken combat training. By the time Nikolai men got there she had subdued the threat. Nikolai knew she was different and started checking into her adoption until he found out exactly who she was, but all the time he knew he was never going to let her go. Sofia learned who her family was and discovered their lies and how they tried to manipulate her. The ending is beautiful and it has a happily ever after. I enjoyed this book and recommend reading it. Now ready to read the next book in the series.
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