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Litvinov Bratva #2

Inked Athena: Litvinov Bratva, Book 2

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Running from him once was hard.
Doing it again will be impossible.
Especially once he finds out I'm pregnant with his child.


When he learns the truth, Samuil whisks me away to his Scottish castle.
He says it's to keep me safe.
But the bars on the windows say they're there to keep me contained.

I want to hate him for locking me away.
But when his touch melts my resolve and his kisses promise protection,
I start to wonder if his prison might be the only place I'm truly free.
Because the way he looks at me now—like I'm carrying his whole world inside me—
Makes me want to believe in forever.

Problem is, forever might be shorter than we think.

Dark forces are closing in on all sides,
Led by his ex-wife and his own brother, who want to destroy everything Sam's built.
I say, Let them come.

That day on the beach, Rufus knocked a stranger into my arms.
Now, I'm carrying his heir.
I'm commanding his castle.
And I'm about to show his enemies
Why even the gentlest creatures have teeth.

Inked Athena is Book 2 of the Litvinov Bratva duet. The story begins in Book 1, Inked Adonis .

Audible Audio

Published January 30, 2025

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About the author

Nicole Fox

199 books4,840 followers
Nicole Fox writes smart, sexy mafia romance novels. She is a crazy cat lady in her late 30s with a coffee addiction, an overactive imagination, and a husband who somehow puts up with her impulsive need to keep buying new plants for their house.

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5 stars
4,028 (51%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 374 reviews
Profile Image for Alicia.
111 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2025
This just seemed to drag. I read it in one day because I wanted to just get it over with, not because I couldn't put it down.

The timeline was confusing. At one point, Sam referred to Nova as his "heavily pregnant wife." 2 chapters later, she mentions being 2mos along. She felt the baby move before she ever had her first ultrasound. I wonder if the author knows anything about pregnancy honestly. This isn't the first time I've rolled my eyes at super early milestones in her books.

Nova is written to be headstrong, independent, strong.. But to me, she comes off as whiny and childish. She throws fits, insists she knows better than someone who's lived his entire life in the Bratva, and refuses to listen to reason.

Overall, I rate this duet as "meh." I've definitely preferred some of her other ones.
Profile Image for Michelle Ellis.
35 reviews
February 11, 2025
DNF 41% to dragged out I lost interest this could have been summed up in the first book.
Profile Image for Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth).
2,267 reviews1,534 followers
January 18, 2025
Hard fought conclusion

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: opposite side of the tracks
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥

So I struggled with this one a little bit. It felt a bit slower than Nicole Fox's books normally are. Still a good story. Angsty with a bit of a rollercoaster. Still entertained, so giving it 4 stars.
Profile Image for MaryLovesRomance.
880 reviews9 followers
January 20, 2025
Just bad! I mean I knew it would be but at the beginning I thought I saw a glimmer of hope when the hero seemed to go through some character development. That quickly fell apart.

In this second installment of the love story, instead of a back and forth with betrayal and trust issues, it is just a story of secrets. The hero keeps the heroine in the dark for the entire story in spite of his promises to the contrary and it never changes all to way to the end.

It doesn’t make any sense. The hero continues to keep the heroine in the dark and then has wild mood swings back and forth between his previous cold personality and the loving personality he showed very occasionally.

I really wish the heroine has been made an equal partner so we could see her holding her own. It just felt like she was the submissive partner who was completely useless and then she sometimes whined when she didn’t get her way. It was really frustrating.

I don’t recommend this duet. It was honestly an exercise in frustration.
2,189 reviews5 followers
January 21, 2025
2 stars
Two is more than generous. This was monotonous, repetitive. And Nova is a moron. What part of Samuil trying to keep her alive, does she not understand? Being independent doesn’t mean being a beacon to your enemies. She was kidnapped, viciously attacked by dogs, and beaten in book one.
Here, newly pregnant, you’d think she’d appreciate his efforts to shield her from their enemies and keep her baby safe.
No.
She whines and pouts and cold shoulders him at every turn.
And his temper, his hot and icy cold?
I had enough of the both of them in book one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Meagan Grauel.
693 reviews4 followers
January 30, 2025
While I was hoping this book would be on par with the first story or improve, it was fairly quickly that I realized that this book declined swiftly into garbage. There's an accidental (but wanted?) pregnancy which has gotta be the worst romance trope of all time; but as soon as it's confirmed that Nova is in fact pregnant, Samuil gets weird and becomes more closed off than he has been. On top of that shit, the back and forth of Nova being mad that Samuil is distant, him kind of apologizing, then fixing it with sex cycle got old quickly. I get that Samuil is trying to keep Nova safe from the darker side of things, but she has repeatedly stated that in order to feel like a true partner, he needs to tell her everything and that includes his Brava side. And if he really views Nova as an equal and wants to be with her and she "has all of him," then he should trust her to know what she wants and fucking LET HER IN. If the cycle of disappearing, keeping Nova at a distant round and round had occurred less often, the book might not have been as long or as irritating.
And oh my God ... the fucking dramatics of these characters and their feelings. Woof. It was rough to get through some of those chunks and read a lot like a soap opera. Especially when Samuil is in the boat in the loch and trying to "get away" from his demons. Gag.

So ... this whole Samuil keeping Nova isolated and in the dark about things to protect her is kind of bullshit. However ... he's spent his entire life in the Bratva and knows how this shit works. So the fact that he tells Nova his rules are there in order to protect her and that she NEEDS to follow them to keep herself and those around her safe and she routinely ignores them and does whatever the fuck she wants is stupidity in its highest form. And she doesn't learn her god damn lesson after she doesn't listen the first time, she does it again and again. Then her not listening causes Myles to get fired and for her friends life to be in danger. Because she NEEDED to call her and talk with her on the phone. I get that putting her up in that castle and leaving her there with no explanation and essentially leaving her alone was a shit move. But it was for protection, so her getting high and mighty about there being consequences is stupid.
On the other hand, Samuil does need to get it through his thick skull that Nova needs him and he can't keep locking her up to protect her. I'm glad that Myles kind of put him in his place for treating Nova like shit for weeks.

If you liked the first book, this one is important to read if you want to know how things end up, I guess. All loose ends are tied up and the epilogue is cute. I just didn't like the book in general and was irritated I had to get through it to find out how things end. Which, by the way, is stupid. No self respecting Bratva head would do what Samuil did. There would be no respect for it and no coming back from it in the eyes of the families ... in my opinion.
Profile Image for Kendall Wilson.
55 reviews
March 9, 2025
I don’t know why I keep going back to her books

The back and forth, the not making sense. So annoying. Every time I read one of her books I say I won’t read another and I’m lured in. No more dude
3 reviews
January 4, 2025
First Impressions:
From the moment I started Inked Adonis, I knew I was in for a high-stakes, emotionally charged mafia romance. Nicole Fox delivers a story that isn't just about love—it's about power, obsession, and survival. If you love a story where the hero is as dangerous as he is irresistible, this book will pull you in immediately.

The Hero – Dark, Possessive, and Addictive
The male lead is exactly what I expected from a Bratva kingpin—commanding, brooding, and dangerously seductive. He’s inked (obviously!), ruthless, and has a past that makes him both mysterious and compelling. His dominance isn’t just about control—it’s about protection, power, and claiming what’s his. If you enjoy alpha heroes who walk the line between sinister and swoon-worthy, he will absolutely get under your skin.

The Heroine – Strong Yet Vulnerable
What I loved about the heroine is that she’s not weak. She pushes back, challenges him, and doesn’t just surrender to the chaos around her. But at the same time, she’s caught in a world where danger is everywhere, and she must decide how much she’s willing to risk for passion.

Romance & Chemistry – Off-the-Charts Tension
If you like romance that burns slow before erupting into explosive passion, Inked Adonis delivers. Their connection is raw, intense, and borderline obsessive. The push-and-pull dynamic between them keeps the tension high, making every scene between them electric.

Plot & Pacing – Mafia Drama Done Right
What makes this book stand out is that it isn’t just about romance—it’s about power, betrayal, and survival. There are twists that will catch you off guard, and the cliffhanger ending will have you desperate for the next book, Inked Athena.

Final Verdict – Is This for You?

If you love mafia romances with powerful, dangerous heroes—yes.

If you enjoy passionate, high-stakes relationships with possessive men—yes.

If you prefer sweet, light-hearted romances—probably not.

If you hate cliffhangers, be warned! You’ll want to jump into the sequel ASAP.


Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

I’d recommend Inked Adonis if you love gritty, emotional, and dangerously seductive mafia romances. It’s addictive, and once you start, you won’t want to stop.

Let me know if you want a more tailored review! Would you like me to focus on the romance, character development, or dark themes?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
3,980 reviews62 followers
January 10, 2025
Inked Athena is the 2nd and last book in this duet. It kicks off pretty much where the last book ended. With things becoming difficult for both of them, so they escape to a Scottish castle for some respite. Things start to escalate with a problematic Ex-wife, as well as a backstabbing brother and a game playing father. The time away gave Nova and Samuil the time I thought to get to know each other even if the majority of time Samuil left Nova to her own devices. Plenty of great plot twists and turns as well as steam too. A brilliant ending to a knockout duet.
Profile Image for Sheree Salandy.
28 reviews
January 5, 2025
Inked Athena is a pulse-pounding, emotionally charged finale to the Litvinov Bratva duet. Picking up where Inked Adonis left off, this book plunges readers into a whirlwind of danger, love, and the fierce resilience of its heroine.

The story masterfully blends romance and suspense, as Samuil and Nova navigate their tumultuous relationship while facing threats that could destroy them both. The emotional stakes skyrocket when Samuil discovers she’s carrying his child, leading to their retreat to a foreboding Scottish castle. The setting amplifies the tension, with its blend of beauty and captivity mirroring Nova’s conflicting emotions: longing for freedom yet finding undeniable safety in Samuil’s arms.

Samuil shines as a dark, brooding hero—both protective and possessive. His unwavering devotion contrasts with the looming shadows of betrayal and familial treachery. Meanwhile, Nova proves her strength and determination, transforming from a woman on the run to a queen commanding her place in Samuil’s world. Her evolution is inspiring, especially as she prepares to face their enemies head-on.

The plot is packed with twists, including scheming exes, vengeful relatives, and dark secrets that threaten to tear everything apart. Yet, amid the chaos, the romance remains the heart of the story. The chemistry between Samuil and Nova is electric, their connection deepened by the life they’ve created together and the risks they’re willing to take for each other.

The final showdown is as satisfying as it is thrilling, proving that love and loyalty can conquer even the darkest forces. Inked Athena is a perfect blend of steamy passion, high-stakes drama, and emotional depth, making it an unforgettable conclusion to this gripping duet. Fans of mafia romance and dark love stories will be hooked from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,499 reviews13 followers
January 3, 2025
Running from him once was hard.

Doing it again will be impossible.

Especially once he finds out I'm pregnant with his child.



When he learns the truth, Samuil whisks me away to his Scottish castle.

He says it's to keep me safe.

But the bars on the windows say they're there to keep me contained.



I want to hate him for locking me away.

But when his touch melts my resolve and his kisses promise protection,

I start to wonder if his prison might be the only place I'm truly free.

Because the way he looks at me now—like I'm carrying his whole world inside me—

Makes me want to believe in forever.



Problem is, forever might be shorter than we think.



Dark forces are closing in on all sides,

Led by his ex-wife and his own brother, who want to destroy everything Sam's built.

I say, Let them come.



That day on the beach, Rufus knocked a stranger into my arms.

Now, I'm carrying his heir.

I'm commanding his castle.

And I'm about to show his enemies

Why even the gentlest creatures have teeth.

This contemporary women's crime fiction dark mafia romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is engulfed by darkness, danger, violence, and grit, and characters that are exuding power, obsessive, dangerous, violent, possessive, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with inked Athena, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, mob, romantic suspense, adventure, action, fake marriage, deception, secrets, a secret baby, heartfelt emotions, drama, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with inked Athena of the Litvinov Bratva and explicit romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly dangerous and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,087 reviews8 followers
January 6, 2025
Samuil dragged it out but I have to admit, he did finally redeem himself though it sure seemed a bit iffy at times.

I just knew that after what happened at the end of Inked Adonis, how terrified he was at how close he’d come to losing Nova, that he was gonna be a changed man, that it would finally be him and Nova against his family and their enemies but, NOOOOO! He knew in his heart that he couldn’t live without her but do you think he’d admit it to her? Too arrogant to explain when just a few minutes’ conversation might make a world of difference in making her feel secure with her place in his life… his absolute refusal to admit when he was wrong. And STILL Nova loved him.

Don’t get me wrong, he wasn’t ALL bad. When he wanted, he could be the most loving person but he could also cut it off in a heartbeat when it suited him. Thankfully, at least knowing he had it in him helped me look forward to when he would be able to fully commit to the way he felt for her and when we finally got it, it was PERFECT; I just wish we’d gotten more of it. And speaking of perfect, I couldn’t have wished for a better ending. I won’t spoil anything by saying what happened but, suffice it to say, we DO finally get our HEA.

For mafia romance fans who prefer the more traditional stories, versus the highly romanticized instalove ones I also enjoy, this two book set is sure to be one you’ll love. For me, it was just a good 4 star read. Not because it wasn’t a good book but because I had such high hopes for a closer relationship from the beginning between our two MCs that took forever to finally be cemented.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for nayezi.
592 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2025
Alles, was ich im vorherigen Band gelobt habe, wurde hier mit Füßen getreten. Eine bemerkenswert schlechte Fortsetzung, die nicht einfach nur SCHLECHT war, sondern auch noch unglaublich viele LOGIKFEHLER beinhaltete. Ein Beispiel: Laut der Timeline ist die Protagonistin also am Ende im 12. Monat schwanger und das wird als normal empfunden?! Teilweise wurde sich auch in ein paar Zeilen selbst widersprochen, was Zeitperioden anging… Und ich habe noch gar nicht von der „ich-werfe-deine-Verhütungspille-ins-Meer-und-schwänger-dich-obwohl-du-bereits-schwanger-bist “-Stelle gesprochen - die war verstörend und unangenehm zu lesen…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
21 reviews
April 3, 2025
I really don't have a lot of good to say about it and normally, I just move on because someone else may love it but this was a dumpster fire on so many levels.

Our MMC never really redeems himself for the way he behaves in 98% of this book. Honestly, by 60% in, I was hoping she'd runaway with Myles, his best friend. I understand that the "twist" at the end was supposed to be his redemption, but... no.

And the plot was so needlessly convuluted and complicated yet still had so many plot holes.

I love how he just brought Hope (the FMC's bestie) to Scotland and we just never hear anything about what was happening with her again. What happened to her business? What happened to her being bombarded by bad reviews? Did she just give up her business to live in Scotland with them? Did her & Myles actually get together?

Don't even get me started on inconsistencies and timelines. In one chapter, he refers to her as his "heavily pregnant girlfriend" yet one chapter later, it's stated she's only two months along. Really??

At the ultrasound appointment, we see that Nova has brought her grandmother along to the appointment. They even have a nice little chat in the waiting room with Sam right there. No mention of Hope.............. until the ultrasound when Nova mentions "I hear Hope's sniffling behind me." Where did she come from??

I was constantly left feeling like I'd missed a page because she'd mention something important was said, but that scene never happened.

Unpopular opinion, but I love me a good pregnancy trope. It's one of my favorites. But for the love of all that's holy, I wish some of these authors would do research on pregnancy if they haven't been through it themselves. She's two months along, yet she's already showing and already needing to "put her hand on her back to support herself". At barely three months, she's feeling the baby move and kick. At barely four months, he can feel the baby move?

All that baby build up and we don't even get a birth scene? After everything, we don't at least get to see this hard man go all gooey when his baby is born? Okay, okay. Fine. But even in the epilogue, we get no short birth story or a mention of it? Just, oh yeah there's Sam holding our 11 month old daughter.

I am not entirely sure why I powered through both of these books. I loved the meet cute and her and Sam's initial interactions but after that.....

If you're still reading this and none of that has put you off: if you're looking for good spice... this ain't it. Not at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ren.
4 reviews
December 8, 2025
First of all, I should’ve never touched book two. Book one was already written like a Wattpad fanfiction, but apparently, I enjoy suffering. But I do feel like a genuinely worse person after reading this.

The timeline? Written by someone who’s never met the concept of time. In one chapter, Nova is practically crowning, next chapter, she’s “barely two months,” and her estranged friend just SNIFFS the pregnancy through the phone. Make it make sense.

The mafia plot? I’ve seen more coherent crime narratives in episodes of Paw Patrol. The story gives you crumbs of intrigue and then immediately forgets what it was talking about or just never mentions it again. Nova locating someone through… an email?? Or Instagram?? Even the book couldn’t keep its lies straight.

Nova and Samuil have the emotional communication skills of two wet socks slapping together.
Every single semi-meaningful moment gets derailed by sex. He’ll be just about to open up, then we get TEN THOUSAND WORDS of “I’m scared to be a father 😔👉👈 but also I’m huge and scary and my eyes are ICE BLUE and I need to rail you immediately.”
Sir, this is a Wendy’s.

Every time he’s about to share something meaningful, the book panics and he immediately distracts Nova with his dick like a medieval jester juggling fruit.

This book is a masterclass in how NOT to write a couple.
These two morons could solve 100% of their issues if they talked for more than eleven seconds without immediately jumping into sex. Every argument ends with Samuil brooding, Nova whining, and then both forgetting what they were fighting about because MUSCLES. TRAUMA. PENIS. SUBTEXT WHO?

Nova herself? Annoying, repetitive, and makes me want to scream out the window. She throws tantrums like she’s fighting for the lead in Toddlers & Tiaras. She complains nonstop but then does NOTHING with her life except adopt dogs and get pregnant. She flips out every time Samuil tries to keep her alive, like girl… you’re pregnant, hiding in a Scottish castle, and being hunted. Maybe sit down??

Speaking of pregnancy: why does every paragraph feel contractually obligated to mention her belly? Her hand on her belly, his hand on her belly, the belly curving, expanding, glowing, orbiting the Earth—ENOUGH. We get it. She’s pregnant.
“Inked Athena” as a title is DELUSIONAL. I really thought she’d get skills, agency, a backbone — anything. Instead, she just floats through the book like a decorative fuckable fern.

And the cravings?? Haggis with strawberry jam??? She should be in jail. Scotland has so many better dishes to choose from, and the author decides on haggis??

And if I had to read ONE MORE TIME about Samuil being 6’4” and terrifying and OH MY GOD HIS ICE BLUE EYES. Congratulations, he’s a refrigerator with legs. Move on. By page 348 she’s STILL shocked her mobster husband behaves like a mobster. Girl, blink twice if you need help processing basic facts.

The last 100 or something pages were so slow and pointless that I started skimming through.
Shockingly, I missed nothing. Because nothing happens.

Long story short, I wouldn't recommend this book. And if you catch me doing so, assume I’ve been kidnapped and replaced by an imposter.
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,336 reviews25 followers
January 15, 2025
Inked Athena  is book two of the Litvinov Bratva duet. A full-length standalone novel that end with a happily-ever-after. This is Samuil and Nova story which is told from a dual point of view. Hang on to your kindle and prepare yourself for this tantalizing story of attraction and desires. An absorbing addictive and unputdownable read. A fast paced, thrilling and gripping read. A beautifully crafted story with two flawed and damage individuals and a fascinating storyline that captures the reader attention from the first chapter and keeps you hooked and on the edge of your seat and turning the pages until the end
A billionaires & millionaires romance, dark mafia romance, Bratva story, contemporary romance fiction story, crime thriller story, protective alpha hero story, organize crime story, romantic suspense story, lust-at-first-sight romance, insta-love romance, taboo romance, insta-everything story, captor-captive romance with revelations, lies, pain and hurt, deception, angst, darkness, madness, violence, danger, drama, trauma, dominance, dirty talking, fear, physical abuse, consensual intense rough sex, spice, guilt, submission, betrayal, enemies, rivalry, anger, heartbreak, friendship, loyalty, hatred, possessiveness, obsession, backstabbing, greed, revenge, kidnapping, death, corruption, sabotage, humor, laugh-out-loud-moments, passion, action, secret, redemption, family issues, miscommunication, scheming, mob war, traitor and so much more.
The story picks up where it left off from the cliffhanger. Nova has gotten away from her kidnappers and Ilya is hunting her down and so is Samuil. The evidence shows that she has betrayed him and when Nova sees Samuil at Hope's family cabin with a gun she believes that he's trying to kill her so she ran and he chased her and she fell into a ravine. She now fears him and is jumpy and wonders when he's going to hurt her. He nurse her back to health then they move location to the Sade a big yacht floating in the Mediterranean surrounding by lots of security. They're hiding from his brother, ex-wife, father and Andrpov. But when Samuil fines out that Nova is pregnant with his heir he becomes more protective and possessive and more hell bend on protecting her from his enemies.
They got off the boat and went to his unfinished castle in Scotland. But they have to stay one step ahead of his biggest rival the Andropov Group and his family who's trying to steal his Bratva from him. Samuil promise Nova that he will run everything by her about his plans. But he continues to leave her out which drives her crazy. There's so much going on in this story with lots of twists and turns. I leave you here for now but this book demands to be read.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Joanne Barton.
480 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2025
“Inked Adonis” is the second book in the “Litvinov Bratva Series.” With Nova’s life in danger from his ex wife and his brother, Sam takes her to the only place he knows he can protect her - a castle he owns in the highland’s of Scotland. Only himself and Myles know about Castle Moorbeath! Sam has the set of keys to a super yacht that is a floating fortress where he can keep Nova safe while maintaining my grip on his empire. It is out fitted with all the bells and whistles to avoid detection from any radar or satellite. The perfect place for Nova to recuperate and recover, both physically and mentally from her injuries - sailing on a luxury high rise with an invisibility cloak. Whilst here, they do have some joyous news to celebrate …. if Sam can stop and believe that happiness is possible!

Nova misses Best friend Hope and her grandmother deeply, but for security reasons to protect them all, she can have no contact. Sam is running hot and cold, he disappears for days, sometimes weeks at a time, leaving her on her own. Sam is under attack from his family on both a personal and a business level but refusing to open up to Nova about what is going on. With threats on all on fronts, Sam becomes more protective and possessive towards Nova. Can their relationship survive everything going on around them? Will Sam overcome his self doubts, due to how he was raised, that he is nothing like his father? Will he accept that he is nothing like his father - he will be a wonderful husband and a loving father. For Sam, does he dare to dream that he can everything and be happy?

The story is full of passion, intrigue, betrayal, survival, vengeance, power, control, twists and turns around every corner - most of all love. The book goes through moments of the thoughts or possibilities that it could happen to, to extreme violence to the most beautiful tender moments! I did not want it to end! From page to page, chapter to chapter, I could not put it down - you will metaphorically be on the edge of your chair! Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
Profile Image for Kim Cass.
179 reviews9 followers
January 6, 2025
When mistrust breeds mistrust, Nova and Sam find themselves at a crossroads, forced to decide if they can truly rely on each other. With the walls around them crumbling, they seek solace within themselves and work to rebuild the fragile connection they nurtured in Inked Adonis.

Wow.

Sam’s journey to rebuild Nova’s trust was nothing short of phenomenal. Despite the weight of his Bratva struggles, he prioritized what truly mattered, his new family. Sam was a masterfully crafted, complex character…he was a Nicole Fox classic MMC. He exuded arrogance, but beneath those rough, guarded layers lay a heart full of gold and an endless capacity for love.

“I want to give you everything, Nova,” he murmurs roughly. “Everything good in this world.”

And Nova? She deserves everything and more. With her pure heart and unwavering compassion, she cared deeply for the broken and abandoned, be it the stray dogs she rescued or Sam himself. Nova was endlessly likable in the last book, but now she faces the ultimate decision: risk it all to stay in Sam’s chaotic, volatile world or protect her own sanity.

“I’ve learned that real love doesn’t demand proof of worthiness. It simply is.”

This was yet another Nicole Fox masterpiece, and I devoured it like a starved woman. The trend of softer yet responsible male leads paired with strong, determined female characters in her newer books is a refreshing shift from the bratva alphaholes she used to write so if you haven’t read any of the newer duets, I highly recommend them! This duet is utterly un-put-downable, you won’t be able to stop turning the pages.
48 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2025
Book 1 just needed 2 more chapters not this long drown out sequel

This....yeah it's hard to say but this book doesn't need to exist. I hate when 1 good stand alone book gets stretched into 2 but everything emotanaly relevant to the romance gets finished in the first 1. There is still alot going on here still plots to foil and a happily ever after to finally be lived but for real there could have been like 2 more chapters on book 1 and nixed this one all together. And sadest of all is this book introduced so many plot holes into what was a "relatively " plot hole less book1. OK i said sadest already but actually the tragedy here is that there is like 80% Less fun/ whity dialog compared to book 1 also. It's just a depressing time all around. Still well written, but yeah....like there only thing added here was [spoilers] a longer ass con game where it turned out he was working with the feds all along and keeping it from her because "it would show on her face" show what? That you almost got her killed multiple times and left her isolated to the point of insanity? why not just tell her the Dame truth so she can be happy with you if you are going to not let anyone see her any Dame way? Honestly the "twist" check mate was the stupidest retcon that causes me to hate him more for being to stupid to actually have run the organization successfully for all this time as we have been told he has. 😳 .....4 stars because i like the female mc still so much but just wtf dude kill the people tring to kill your love next time instead of twirling your genius mustache for grand chess master ending. 😑
Profile Image for A L.
188 reviews4 followers
January 3, 2025
Nicole Fox is truly the queen of mafia romance. Inked Athena proves to be yet another masterpiece and this second book of two in the Litvinov mafia story is complex beyond what we’re used to.
Sam and Nova are two very damaged souls and although their problems are at times almost painful to “witness”, they are so well described with an insightful and, dare I say, intimate perspective, that commands you to share in their turmoil and frustration. This lets the book hover just on that fine line between fiction and reality without letting the reader navigate it alone and it makes me admire Nicole Fox even more, because it is a difficult line to balance but it works here because anything less complicated wouldn’t have suited these two.
As we have become accustomed to, the side characters are amazing and contribute greatly to the story both in supporting Sam and Novas journey but also in soothing the readers soul when the struggles become too great.
The backstory which is essential in a mafia romance is quite brutal with a “war on all frontiers” kind of theme, which challenges our H’s more than seems fair but honestly the ending made it a million times worth it. Mindblown, I tell you!
All in all, one of the best books I’ve read in a while both in complexity and richness in writing and overall story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dee.
5,061 reviews56 followers
January 5, 2025
You might want to hang on don’t blink and you might want to make sure you are buckled up because this is going to be one crazy ride usual mafia antics betrayal, jealousy, lies, secrets, murder, and throw in a little maybe even a lot of violence while we are at it but also a little love so buckle up 😊! Picking up where book one left off so you will need to read the first book to understand this one and to be honest you kind of want to read the first it is soooo good 😊. Samuil sexy overprotective of those he cares for once he claims you well you have become a part of his selected protected few and that would be our girl Nova yet she keeps him on his toes and that magnetic pull between them is so intense that it pulls you right in and you find yourself cheering from the sidelines for the two of them and then of course she runs but after running learns she is pregnant boy does that throw a monkey wrench in her plans but they weren’t going to get to far he was a man on a mission to find his girl when he does of course he takes her to ensure her safety throw in betrayal, an ex-wife who won’t go get the message she isn’t wanted, a brother who feels like everything should belong to him so he is going to take it by force, and where does it leave them will they find happiness with their little family?
Profile Image for Shelley  Drinkel.
152 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2025
Inked Athena is just as good as the first book in the series!

After being set up as an unwilling pawn by Samuils enemies with her fathers help and then being kidnapped and held hostage for days after being brutally attacked by a dog and forced to betray Sam, nova escapes Ilya’s captivity and makes a run for it with hope’s help. Convinced that if Sam catches up with her he’ll torture or kill her for what she was forced to do, she’s going to run from him too. That is until he finds her. Nova runs and ends up more injured than she was, so Sam takes her and protects her, nurses her back to health and does everything he can to show her what she means to him, and how far he is willing to go to keep her with him and keep her safe.

This is the concluding part of the story to inked Adonis and it doesn’t disappoint! There’s angst, danger and action that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout but we also get to see samuil’s sweeter, nurturing side with how he cares for nova and accepts to himself how deep his feelings for her really go.

I loved this duet of books, a must read for any other fans of Nicole fox or of the mafia romance trope!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
907 reviews13 followers
January 11, 2025
This will go down as one of my favorite duets by Nicole Fox! I loved everything about this story. Samuil and Nova stayed true to who they are throughout the whole duet and all the dogs were just icing on the cake!

I enjoyed that Nova was consistent throughout the duet. She stayed a little naive but headstrong. I loved that she was so warm with the dogs and the staff at the manor. She was pretty down to earth and relatable.

Samuil was great. He could have communicated better and been more forthcoming but old habits are hard to break, I guess. I loved that he stayed true to Nova and was supportive, although sometimes oppressively so. I loved that he wasn't afraid to get dirty playing with the dogs and was so affectionate with them. There is nothing hotter than a guy who is sweet to animals!

I have loved all of Nicole Fox's books but something about this duet just hit deeper for me and resonated more. I think it was all the animals mixed in, I'm a sucker for any animal! I loved the flow of the story and how it didn't veer to far from where it started. I also liked that it didn't have too much of the duet on the pregnancy. It was exciting and entertaining all the way through and I didn't want to put it down. I loved every second of it and would highly recommend it!!!
Profile Image for Grinning Cat.
3,747 reviews122 followers
January 4, 2025
After the meet cute of the last installment, shit gets real, fast. Nova and Samuil are on the run to keep Nova safe, and she turns up pregnant. Cue a luxury yacht and a Scottish castle with turrets!
The book drips with darkness, blood, and betrayal. But it also shines with the steadfast light of Nova’s personality. Nova chooses to be kind in the face of danger and violence. And throughout the book is the abiding love that connects Samuil and Nova so deeply.
The ending is surprising, but very satisfying, with flash forward epilogues that are only slightly marred by a time discrepancy that would put the heroine at approximately twelve months pregnant.
I enjoyed both of these books and thought they were among Fox’s very best.
Cat’s Stats:
Triggers- Violence, sex, language, and the aforementioned darkness, blood and betrayal. Discussion of abuse.
Tropes- YASS QUEEN, Secrets and Lies, Surprise Pregnancy, Love on the Run, Dysfunctional Family FTW, Found Family, He Ain’t Heavy- He’s My Bratva.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
713 reviews16 followers
January 4, 2025
Nova has been kidnapped twice and she has run away twice. Samuil has come to save Nova from the dark forces out to get them. Samuil is the pakhan of the Litvinov Bratva. His father wants the Bratva given to his younger son Ilya. Ilya and Katerina are after everything that Samuil has. Ilya has joined forces with the Andropovs who want Samuil gone. Samuil takes Nova to a luxury yacht and they float around the Mediterranean. Nova is home sick for her family. Samuil then takes Nova to a castle in Scotland. Nova found out that she was pregnant while on the yacht. Nova is starting to see the man she fell in love with more often but S Samuil still has business in London. After the ultrasound Samuil becomes more protective. Samuil proposes to Nova on the turret of the castle. Can Nova fit in the underworld that Samuil lives in? Will Nova remain unscathed? Will Samuil finally be rid of his father, his brother and ex-wife Katerina? Will Samuil be a much better father than his own? Will Samuil and Nova find lasting love and happiness in Scotland? Will they grow a family there?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via Booksprout.

Amazing Litvinov Bratva Conclusion!
Profile Image for Carole.
2,049 reviews15 followers
January 2, 2025
Inked Athena book two picks up Sam and Nova’s story and what that poor girl has been going through from Sam’s enemies is a crime. (pun intended) Nova has managed to escape from those Bratva enemies and with her friend’s help plans on hiding out in a cabin in the woods until she can figure things out because at this point she also fears Sam due to choices she was forced to make.
But nothing is ever easy and there is a big surprise awaiting her in that cabin.
This one was a double dip suspenseful read as well written and immersive as the first part of their story. Full of intrigue, surprises, family dynamics, suspense, spice, passion, twists, danger, action, and adventure as Samuil swears an oath to protect his woman no matter what, because he was out of the country when she was taken, and it won’t be happening again!
Loved the characters and narrative that was entertaining and compulsively readable, and provided a nail biting, exquisite journey to an HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
532 reviews7 followers
January 4, 2025
Oh my goodness what an explosive second book to finish off Nova and Samuil’s story! The action starts right where the first book Inked Adonis left off and continues with Nova and Samuil being torn apart by the danger, drama, twists and turns, uncertainty and everything else that comes with family being pitted against family for control of the Litvinov Bratva. Samuil is determined to prove to Nova that he will protect her and she is safer with him that she will be anywhere else in the world, he could not survive without her by his side, but he has yet to be able to convey those feelings in words, he is tender and caring in how he is nursing her back to health after her injuries, he wants to prove to her that he can protect her from all of his enemies and they can have a wonderful life together with their baby now that they have found out she is expecting. I could not put this book down, read it in one sitting, altogether a brilliant duet a must read by Nicole Fox.
I received an advanced readership of this book via Booksprout and I am writing this review.voluntarily
Profile Image for A. King.
360 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2025
For as much praise as I had for book one of this duet, I have to give even more to this one because it tore the roof off the house in my opinion!

Following the cliffhanger of a crazy ending in book one, this one starts out with our two main characters at complete odds with one another. And who can blame them with the mounting evidence that was pushed into play (even if it was staged)?

The journey to follow takes them by boat, by air, and over lands that no one could have seen coming while they attempt to pick up the pieces of their broken selves, each one attempting to put the other one together while being mindful of attempting to keep a wall around themselves. It's amazing how easily someone will want to put someone else together, and then refuse to let that same person help them as well.

A thrilling conclusion to the story and I just know that I'm going to be searching through more and more of Ms Fox's books from here on out!.
2,699 reviews33 followers
January 3, 2025
This was just amazing. Such a great ending to the duet. I loved Samuil and Nova.

When pakhan Samuil moves his woman, Nova away from danger to Scotland, no end of trouble follows.

The trouble ramps up as his family close in but they attempt to have a safe existence in Scotland. Their love and faith in each other is surely tested along the way but the common hopes are what get them through.

I especially loved the way these two were with each other. It was a testing relationship for sure but also they bonded through the adversity that was after them. But their chemistry is what had me spell bound.

Such a brilliant duet. Original, dangerous, intense and dramatic but with a beautiful romance. That characters sure took me on a wonderful journey. So good! I can unreservedly highly recommend this duet.

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