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Barinov Bratva #1
Deceitful Vows
Bratva bosses aren't supposed to marry regular girls like me.
Andrei Barinov is the heir of the Barinov Bratva—a prince with the world at his fingertips. I was working as a wedding photographer, trying to forget my cheating ex-fiancé when my path crossed with his.
He offered me a chance to escape, throw caution to the wind, and forget my troubles. I never got a chance to tell him my answer when the bullets started flying. He saved me that day, and I thought I'd never see him again.
Until I find him standing in my kitchen.
He's making the same offer to me again. But this time, he's not giving me a choice.
He's telling me that I'm coming with him. He's telling me that we're getting married. He's telling me that I will say yes, whether I want to or not.
Bratva bosses don't marry regular girls like me. Which means there's something he wants from me. Something he needs. Something he's not telling me about.
And if I want to find out just what that is…
It's going to cost me my body, heart, and soul.
Deceitful Vows is book one of the Barinov Bratva trilogy. The story continues in book two, Deceitful Lies, and concludes in book three, Deceitful Bond. For mature listeners.
Andrei Barinov is the heir of the Barinov Bratva—a prince with the world at his fingertips. I was working as a wedding photographer, trying to forget my cheating ex-fiancé when my path crossed with his.
He offered me a chance to escape, throw caution to the wind, and forget my troubles. I never got a chance to tell him my answer when the bullets started flying. He saved me that day, and I thought I'd never see him again.
Until I find him standing in my kitchen.
He's making the same offer to me again. But this time, he's not giving me a choice.
He's telling me that I'm coming with him. He's telling me that we're getting married. He's telling me that I will say yes, whether I want to or not.
Bratva bosses don't marry regular girls like me. Which means there's something he wants from me. Something he needs. Something he's not telling me about.
And if I want to find out just what that is…
It's going to cost me my body, heart, and soul.
Deceitful Vows is book one of the Barinov Bratva trilogy. The story continues in book two, Deceitful Lies, and concludes in book three, Deceitful Bond. For mature listeners.
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Published January 21, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
June 21, 2023
3.5 Stars rounded up
The waffling is getting annoying I hope things get better in the second one.
The waffling is getting annoying I hope things get better in the second one.
July 11, 2023
DNF at 21%
If I took a shot for each time the MMC’s full name was said in just one chapter, I’d probably black out. This book just isn’t for me
If I took a shot for each time the MMC’s full name was said in just one chapter, I’d probably black out. This book just isn’t for me
July 1, 2023
Quick and easy read. Not boring but not too dramatic/emotional either. Gotta read the second one because this ends in such a good cliffhanger though 🤭
July 9, 2023
Several inconsistencies between sections, and I can't follow the FMC's constant wishy-washy hot/cold attitude. Wish she would make up her mind. She also talks about her family constantly but then when given the time to see them barely engages with them. Just doesn't really feel developed or well thought out.
September 18, 2023
Great length, and I had plenty of interesting things going on to keep me drawn in. It ended on a plot twist/ mystery starting to unravel. I am not going to jump into the next one just so I can find everything out😂 TNR
January 3, 2024
2.5 This story had potential but was unable to deliver.
I really wanted to like this book in this series until it became too predictable. What could have been somewhat of an original storyline in this genre just turned into another "read and repeat". The storyline lacked substance, a good backstory as well as development of the characters. Too much talk about family and too many fake promises about how Andrei is protecting Paige from their enemies, with absolutely no explanation to Paige as to the "who and why" of said enemies. It's vague and did not flow well and was repetitive theme of prior novels I have read from this genre.
Andrei and Paiges' characters grew tiresome with their on again "I want to f.....you " to their off again, "I hate you" banter. He spent the entire first book "lying" to Paige about everything and refusing to tell her the truth as to why she was on his radar; which was "money". Two million dollars divided among several Bratvas' doesn't seem like enough money for a criminal family or several of them to take such drastic measures to find the money and her father - their accountant who skimmed off the money while handling their accounts. Perhaps there is more to it in book 2 as to the "why" and the fallout as to the loss of the money which would explain why everyone is trying to find Paige's father. Her father, who was their accountant and stole the money, is dying of cancer. He as well as his now dead wife never told Paige or her sister anything about what "daddy" had done until the end of this book, after Paige's mother is found dead.
The fake wedding, crown and the ridiculous OTT gaudy wedding ring, was so absurd for a fake wedding that I literally was laughing through it. Paige becoming "oops" pregnant during "hate sex" did it for me. Then comes the kidnapping by the crazy ex-fiancé Thalia with Paige becoming her hostage which leads to a cliff hanger for book 2.
Andrei is once again beating the repetitive drum of how he has failed at protecting Paige. He doesn't strike me as a character that knows what he is doing most of the time by overreacting about some things and just so-so about other things. Thalia's life should have ended when she came after Paige in the restroom, but no, her character was allowed to go on her way, without a hair out of place. There are just too many things in this storyline that don't make sense, especially if you have read your share of books from this genre and seen how some authors know how to craft a tale filled with characters and a storyline that is so good that the reader feels that they are a part of the story and not just a spectator.
I am going to make an educated guess that Andrei was not really Vasili's kid but is a result of an affair between Eva and ?. "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." I think that Andrei's real father may be much closer than anyone is led to believe.
I really liked Eva's character and would have liked more insight into how she survived being married to a monster. She was the character that I hope gets her "HEA" because in some respects she was the only one that acted as a grown-up. If this book follows the normal pattern, I will guess that she doesn't, but one can only hope that there is some deviation from the same ole storyline.
I really wanted to like this book in this series until it became too predictable. What could have been somewhat of an original storyline in this genre just turned into another "read and repeat". The storyline lacked substance, a good backstory as well as development of the characters. Too much talk about family and too many fake promises about how Andrei is protecting Paige from their enemies, with absolutely no explanation to Paige as to the "who and why" of said enemies. It's vague and did not flow well and was repetitive theme of prior novels I have read from this genre.
Andrei and Paiges' characters grew tiresome with their on again "I want to f.....you " to their off again, "I hate you" banter. He spent the entire first book "lying" to Paige about everything and refusing to tell her the truth as to why she was on his radar; which was "money". Two million dollars divided among several Bratvas' doesn't seem like enough money for a criminal family or several of them to take such drastic measures to find the money and her father - their accountant who skimmed off the money while handling their accounts. Perhaps there is more to it in book 2 as to the "why" and the fallout as to the loss of the money which would explain why everyone is trying to find Paige's father. Her father, who was their accountant and stole the money, is dying of cancer. He as well as his now dead wife never told Paige or her sister anything about what "daddy" had done until the end of this book, after Paige's mother is found dead.
The fake wedding, crown and the ridiculous OTT gaudy wedding ring, was so absurd for a fake wedding that I literally was laughing through it. Paige becoming "oops" pregnant during "hate sex" did it for me. Then comes the kidnapping by the crazy ex-fiancé Thalia with Paige becoming her hostage which leads to a cliff hanger for book 2.
Andrei is once again beating the repetitive drum of how he has failed at protecting Paige. He doesn't strike me as a character that knows what he is doing most of the time by overreacting about some things and just so-so about other things. Thalia's life should have ended when she came after Paige in the restroom, but no, her character was allowed to go on her way, without a hair out of place. There are just too many things in this storyline that don't make sense, especially if you have read your share of books from this genre and seen how some authors know how to craft a tale filled with characters and a storyline that is so good that the reader feels that they are a part of the story and not just a spectator.
I am going to make an educated guess that Andrei was not really Vasili's kid but is a result of an affair between Eva and ?. "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." I think that Andrei's real father may be much closer than anyone is led to believe.
I really liked Eva's character and would have liked more insight into how she survived being married to a monster. She was the character that I hope gets her "HEA" because in some respects she was the only one that acted as a grown-up. If this book follows the normal pattern, I will guess that she doesn't, but one can only hope that there is some deviation from the same ole storyline.
June 27, 2023
DNF @25%
I'M SO TIRED OF DAMIEN SAYING THE FULL NAME OF MMC LIKE???? AND This was all very vague. The start was good ngl but the escalation downhill started right after the whole "Wedding" charade. This had so much potential! I like the writing but there is something missing. The most common thing I saw is plot holes and vague back story, which wasn't given for the mmc. FMC was nice until I dropped it.
I'M SO TIRED OF DAMIEN SAYING THE FULL NAME OF MMC LIKE???? AND This was all very vague. The start was good ngl but the escalation downhill started right after the whole "Wedding" charade. This had so much potential! I like the writing but there is something missing. The most common thing I saw is plot holes and vague back story, which wasn't given for the mmc. FMC was nice until I dropped it.
January 25, 2024
No. Just no. I’m surprised I read this entire book. I have no patience lately bad pacing but this whole ass book is so poorly paced in the name of this author being able to justify a trilogy. That’s just sad, pathetic and gross. Greedy too. Yuck.
The hero is an asshole. The heroine is duller than dull. He forces her to marry him. Acts like a douchebag to her for 80% of the book. She’s surrounded by assholes except for his mother and sister.
He’s weak and can’t accomplish anything. He’s supposed to be looking for answers and protecting her. He fails at both.
They finally fuck at 80% and it’s underwhelming. In a final TSTL act she runs off and gets her dumb ass kidnapped.
Don’t bother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2024
I’ll round this one up to 4 stars but it very much has a Taylor Swift “We Are Never Getting Back Together” vibe. The chemistry was off the hook, but Paige wouldn’t give in because he kidnapped her and Andrei won’t give in because love is weakness. This went on and on until boom suddenly they couldn’t stay out of the bed (and guess what happens from this ). Cliffhanger ending with her dad revealing his secret on his deathbed right has his enemies make their move.
July 17, 2023
This story doesn't need to be 3 books.
And seriously, ladies. Use birth control. Why does nobody think to use birth control??? The whole "I lied to keep you safe but you were kidnapped/hurt because you didn't know the truth" is becoming tedious.
And seriously, ladies. Use birth control. Why does nobody think to use birth control??? The whole "I lied to keep you safe but you were kidnapped/hurt because you didn't know the truth" is becoming tedious.
June 20, 2023
Andrei & Paige
I don’t even know where to begin! Okay if I’m honest Andrei seriously worked my nerves most of this book but so did Paige and their back and forth I want him/her I don’t but I was still absolutely captivated by these two because I knew the moment the came together they would be explosive and I was not disappointed! This book is filled to the brim with secrets lie’s Betrayal and one crazy af chick that doesn’t understand the meaning of get flipping lost… I loved watching the feeling these two have for one another grow and bloom. There was some sweet moments and moments that seriously gripped my heart hard. I cannot wait to dive into book two especially with the way this one left me on that cliffy! Excellent read!
I don’t even know where to begin! Okay if I’m honest Andrei seriously worked my nerves most of this book but so did Paige and their back and forth I want him/her I don’t but I was still absolutely captivated by these two because I knew the moment the came together they would be explosive and I was not disappointed! This book is filled to the brim with secrets lie’s Betrayal and one crazy af chick that doesn’t understand the meaning of get flipping lost… I loved watching the feeling these two have for one another grow and bloom. There was some sweet moments and moments that seriously gripped my heart hard. I cannot wait to dive into book two especially with the way this one left me on that cliffy! Excellent read!
September 9, 2023
This was an extremely slow read for me. I finished after weeks of trying, but in the end the 2nd book is not in any future plans for me 🤷🏻♀️
September 9, 2023
Relationship kept flipping (enemies to lovers) too quick
August 4, 2023
It's a good book, can't put my finger on it but it's missing something.
December 28, 2023
Better than expected, debated on giving 3 or 4 stars here's why:
I loved the slow burn of this book. It wasn't insta love which I appreciate. I started out really loving Paige until around 70% . Andrei was bland to me. He was sexy sure but his personality bored me because he really didn't have one unless you count how he doesn't want to be his father but it's in his blood. The sex scenes were lackluster and honestly weren't described very well. Were they sitting, standing? Who knows. You know there's a big secret but once the secret is told it's highly predictable and anticlimactic honestly. The main reason Paige annoyed me around 70% is because she's so wishy washy and won't demand answers from Andrei. She just continues to go back and forth with her inner monologue but "ah my panties are soaked because he is just too sexy", meanwhile your dad is dying, your mother is dead and your sister is out there. Come on. Stop letting fmcs get ruined because they can't think beyond their sexual desires. Book ends with a cliffhanger which I personally love , however 30% into the second book I honestly think I'm going to dnf. Story is getting boring and repetitive and quite honestly Paige and Andrei are pissing me off. By the way what kind of pkyhan is Andrei? He is constantly worried about Paige's safety but not once does he escort her himself. He doesn't even let her go to her own mother's funeral. Honestly I should've given 3 stars but the first 60% made me give 4.
I loved the slow burn of this book. It wasn't insta love which I appreciate. I started out really loving Paige until around 70% . Andrei was bland to me. He was sexy sure but his personality bored me because he really didn't have one unless you count how he doesn't want to be his father but it's in his blood. The sex scenes were lackluster and honestly weren't described very well. Were they sitting, standing? Who knows. You know there's a big secret but once the secret is told it's highly predictable and anticlimactic honestly. The main reason Paige annoyed me around 70% is because she's so wishy washy and won't demand answers from Andrei. She just continues to go back and forth with her inner monologue but "ah my panties are soaked because he is just too sexy", meanwhile your dad is dying, your mother is dead and your sister is out there. Come on. Stop letting fmcs get ruined because they can't think beyond their sexual desires. Book ends with a cliffhanger which I personally love , however 30% into the second book I honestly think I'm going to dnf. Story is getting boring and repetitive and quite honestly Paige and Andrei are pissing me off. By the way what kind of pkyhan is Andrei? He is constantly worried about Paige's safety but not once does he escort her himself. He doesn't even let her go to her own mother's funeral. Honestly I should've given 3 stars but the first 60% made me give 4.
February 17, 2024
dnf at 80 percent. i tried. i tried so hard. this was just…nothing?? this book tells me nothing. i know that paige and andrei were attracted to each other. that’s it. i don’t know why he chose her as his fake wife. i don’t know why she doesn’t finally leave when she has the option. i don’t know why she gets jealous of this man’s ex, when he has done literally nothing good to her.
usually there’s some sort of peek behind the curtain sort of thing that happens in these books, where you get to watch them fall in love through some romantic choices, slow-burn sexual tension, and enemies-to-lovers-esque banter. this book has none of that.
paige is kidnapped, forced to marry, locked in a room, and mocked for the first 70% of this book. and we have to watch her whine about being sad that her fake husband doesn’t love her or whatever. but we get absolutely no behavior from him that would make us understand why she even gives a shit whether he likes her or not.
i literally gave up this book during the only real sex scene, and that’s because the dialogue during it simply consisted of paige saying “is this what you fucking wanted?” at least 6 times. possibly more. i was ready for him to fuck her blind simply to get her to stop fucking talking.
i was hoping this would get better, or at least hotter, and it just…didn’t.
usually there’s some sort of peek behind the curtain sort of thing that happens in these books, where you get to watch them fall in love through some romantic choices, slow-burn sexual tension, and enemies-to-lovers-esque banter. this book has none of that.
paige is kidnapped, forced to marry, locked in a room, and mocked for the first 70% of this book. and we have to watch her whine about being sad that her fake husband doesn’t love her or whatever. but we get absolutely no behavior from him that would make us understand why she even gives a shit whether he likes her or not.
i literally gave up this book during the only real sex scene, and that’s because the dialogue during it simply consisted of paige saying “is this what you fucking wanted?” at least 6 times. possibly more. i was ready for him to fuck her blind simply to get her to stop fucking talking.
i was hoping this would get better, or at least hotter, and it just…didn’t.
July 27, 2023
“You want to stay, Paige. You never wanted to leave. You came to me with wings broken and snapped. I may be a monster, but I’m your monster.”
This book started soo good and then dragged out. Definitely a slow burn and going back and forth. The most exciting stuff happened in the last 20 pages. Onto the next though! I do like Andrei and Paige together just need MORE from them as characters.
This book started soo good and then dragged out. Definitely a slow burn and going back and forth. The most exciting stuff happened in the last 20 pages. Onto the next though! I do like Andrei and Paige together just need MORE from them as characters.
February 18, 2024
The book was ok. The plot was interesting. It kept me wondering about some key motivations and issues, which held my interest.
There were some challenges for me too. It was very soap opera. A lot of internal drama. Paige was one of those MFC that couldn't think past her lust, at parts. She wasn't as bad as some other books/characters, but I always find this dynamic annoying. i.e. Your life's in danger, but you are consumed by some guy's abs. It never makes sense to me. I would be completely worried about dieing.
Paige was missing from her family for a month but didn't even push to call them or have someone else give them the message she was alive and ok.
Her mom is missing for a decade and she shows up and says she has a secret and Paige immediately forgives her. She loathed her like 10 minutes ago. It's one thing to agree to hear her out, but she forgives her before the explanation. Paige loves her dad, talks about how hard he worked for their family, and is very loyal, but sees her mom looking at her dad like she hates him and Paige's first thought is that maybe her dad did something similar to her mom than Andrei did to her (kidnap, hold against her will, etc.?). Turncoat for sure.
She talks (internal dialog?) about her mother having men, plural, over to the house to have sex with in their bedroom in front of her dad. But then she later tells Andrei that it was a singular man and that her dad never went into that room again.
Paige's mom is murdered. She tells her cousin Kenney that she is going to tell her dad/sister, but then she lets Andrei drive her home. She never went to tell her dad and sister?
Paige claims to live for her family but doesn't seem to try to really get back to them other than repeatedly trying to run away, which feels more like trying to escape the Bratva than it does getting back to her family.
Andrei calls his mom Eva, even in his internal dialog, not "mom", which i thought was odd. He doesn't ever really clear up the history of his ex-fiance. He lets Paige have an idea that she was the reason they broke up. He could have been clearer about this.
Throughout this book I feel like characters say 70% of what needs to be said and just stop short of explaining themselves. Besides actual secrets, this is just annoying. If they were clearer and had real conversations, then they would all be better for it. It leads to unnecessary drama and complications which got hard to read. It's also why I hate soap operas. I get that this is an actual literary technique, but I find it annoying and this book has enough external interest and drama that it doesn't need it.
I started skimming around 80% through. It got a little repetitive and I was over the flip flop of extreme emotions with nothing in the middle.
This book ends with a too stupid to live cliff hanger, as expected.
There were some challenges for me too. It was very soap opera. A lot of internal drama. Paige was one of those MFC that couldn't think past her lust, at parts. She wasn't as bad as some other books/characters, but I always find this dynamic annoying. i.e. Your life's in danger, but you are consumed by some guy's abs. It never makes sense to me. I would be completely worried about dieing.
Paige was missing from her family for a month but didn't even push to call them or have someone else give them the message she was alive and ok.
Her mom is missing for a decade and she shows up and says she has a secret and Paige immediately forgives her. She loathed her like 10 minutes ago. It's one thing to agree to hear her out, but she forgives her before the explanation. Paige loves her dad, talks about how hard he worked for their family, and is very loyal, but sees her mom looking at her dad like she hates him and Paige's first thought is that maybe her dad did something similar to her mom than Andrei did to her (kidnap, hold against her will, etc.?). Turncoat for sure.
She talks (internal dialog?) about her mother having men, plural, over to the house to have sex with in their bedroom in front of her dad. But then she later tells Andrei that it was a singular man and that her dad never went into that room again.
Paige's mom is murdered. She tells her cousin Kenney that she is going to tell her dad/sister, but then she lets Andrei drive her home. She never went to tell her dad and sister?
Paige claims to live for her family but doesn't seem to try to really get back to them other than repeatedly trying to run away, which feels more like trying to escape the Bratva than it does getting back to her family.
Andrei calls his mom Eva, even in his internal dialog, not "mom", which i thought was odd. He doesn't ever really clear up the history of his ex-fiance. He lets Paige have an idea that she was the reason they broke up. He could have been clearer about this.
Throughout this book I feel like characters say 70% of what needs to be said and just stop short of explaining themselves. Besides actual secrets, this is just annoying. If they were clearer and had real conversations, then they would all be better for it. It leads to unnecessary drama and complications which got hard to read. It's also why I hate soap operas. I get that this is an actual literary technique, but I find it annoying and this book has enough external interest and drama that it doesn't need it.
I started skimming around 80% through. It got a little repetitive and I was over the flip flop of extreme emotions with nothing in the middle.
This book ends with a too stupid to live cliff hanger, as expected.
January 24, 2025
Deceitful Vows by Brook Wilder (Barinov Bratva Book 1)
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Deceitful Vows follows the forced arranged marriage between Andrushka (Andrei) Vasilyevich Barinov and Paige Reyes. Whilst the latter character is innocent to the Bratva world and has never been marred by the threat of a gun before, Andrei was born into the violent world. Now the pakhan of the Barinov Bratva, has planned a farce engagement to pull his enemy, Karamazovs, out from hiding and ultimately win a long overdue war.
Readers are first introduced to Paige Reyes in a contemporary way—as a photographer who is trying to make ends meet and, the dependent for her little sister and dying father. Her latest gig to take photos at a wedding is when she is first faced with the Bratva world. Although she sees Andrei and is immediately attracted to him, his later kidnapping, forced imprisonment and forcing her hand in marriage deters Paige from ever finding solace in the pakhan again. The turnaround from innocence to violence in Paige’s POV is quite rapid. Unfortunately, the author leaves no room for the audience to get a good glimpse on her everyday life and instead, pushes the Bratva narrative to the forefront. As a reader, I desired for moments of solace prior to the wedding, where we could truly witness Paige’s life outside of her new role as the Bratva princess.
Furthermore, Paige’s beginnings as the Pakhan’s wife is not easy to read. Despite her numerous attempts to leave, the Bratva guards and Andrei continue to catch her and warn her on the danger of the outside world. However, no explanation is given to Paige for the reasoning of her imprisonment. Diction such as “lucky girl” continue to irate myself as a reader, as it seems no character in the novel shows empathy towards Paige’s situation. I am not new to the kidnapping component of a mafia romance however, the manipulation and gaslighting by characters is one that I am not used to and have now realised, I did not like.
Paige eventually succumbs to her position as the Bratva princess and instead fills her time playing a sexual cat and mouse game with her new husband. This component of the plot was the most exciting. With the majority of Andrei’s POV attempting to figure out Paige’s father’s connection to the Bratva world and keep his family safe, their little affair was fun and intimate. Moreover, it also ensured that their relationship was developing further without comprising Paige’s hesitancy to fully delve into the Bratva family. It kept the pace appropriate and maintained integrity for the Paige and Andrei dynamic.
‘Deceitful Vows’ does unfortunately end at a cliffhanger. The final moments of the novel can give a reader proper whiplash, with the saddening deaths of characters and an underlying threat becoming more visible as secrets are uncovered. The first instalment of the Barniov series is compelling and turbulent. Not at one moment is the audience given time to breathe or relax within the plot. I do believe this novel is not everyone’s taste, nevertheless, it was thrilling.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Deceitful Vows follows the forced arranged marriage between Andrushka (Andrei) Vasilyevich Barinov and Paige Reyes. Whilst the latter character is innocent to the Bratva world and has never been marred by the threat of a gun before, Andrei was born into the violent world. Now the pakhan of the Barinov Bratva, has planned a farce engagement to pull his enemy, Karamazovs, out from hiding and ultimately win a long overdue war.
Readers are first introduced to Paige Reyes in a contemporary way—as a photographer who is trying to make ends meet and, the dependent for her little sister and dying father. Her latest gig to take photos at a wedding is when she is first faced with the Bratva world. Although she sees Andrei and is immediately attracted to him, his later kidnapping, forced imprisonment and forcing her hand in marriage deters Paige from ever finding solace in the pakhan again. The turnaround from innocence to violence in Paige’s POV is quite rapid. Unfortunately, the author leaves no room for the audience to get a good glimpse on her everyday life and instead, pushes the Bratva narrative to the forefront. As a reader, I desired for moments of solace prior to the wedding, where we could truly witness Paige’s life outside of her new role as the Bratva princess.
Furthermore, Paige’s beginnings as the Pakhan’s wife is not easy to read. Despite her numerous attempts to leave, the Bratva guards and Andrei continue to catch her and warn her on the danger of the outside world. However, no explanation is given to Paige for the reasoning of her imprisonment. Diction such as “lucky girl” continue to irate myself as a reader, as it seems no character in the novel shows empathy towards Paige’s situation. I am not new to the kidnapping component of a mafia romance however, the manipulation and gaslighting by characters is one that I am not used to and have now realised, I did not like.
Paige eventually succumbs to her position as the Bratva princess and instead fills her time playing a sexual cat and mouse game with her new husband. This component of the plot was the most exciting. With the majority of Andrei’s POV attempting to figure out Paige’s father’s connection to the Bratva world and keep his family safe, their little affair was fun and intimate. Moreover, it also ensured that their relationship was developing further without comprising Paige’s hesitancy to fully delve into the Bratva family. It kept the pace appropriate and maintained integrity for the Paige and Andrei dynamic.
‘Deceitful Vows’ does unfortunately end at a cliffhanger. The final moments of the novel can give a reader proper whiplash, with the saddening deaths of characters and an underlying threat becoming more visible as secrets are uncovered. The first instalment of the Barniov series is compelling and turbulent. Not at one moment is the audience given time to breathe or relax within the plot. I do believe this novel is not everyone’s taste, nevertheless, it was thrilling.
July 5, 2023
Das war wirklich einfach nur schlecht.
Paige ist auf dem Weg um einen neuen Auftrag als Hochzeitsfotografin auszuführen. Als sie nochmal schnell nachhause geht um etwas zu holen was sie vergessen hat, erwischt sie ihren Verlobten wie er sie in ihrem Bett betrügt. So schnell liegt ihr Leben in Scherben vor ihr.
Auf der Hochzeit angekommen wird ihr Tag nicht besser. Sie ist in eine extrem seltsame Hochzeitsgesellschaft geraten. Die Hochzeitsgäste wollen nicht fotografiert werden und sind bewaffnet. Innerhalb kürzester Zeit läuft alles aus dem Ruder und Paige duckt sich im Kugelhagel.
Keine Ahnung was dieses Buch sein wollte. Es war auf jeden Fall inhaltslos und auch die Charaktere waren überhaupt nicht ausgearbeitet.
Im Verlauf der Geschichte hatte ich das Gefühl, dass Paige eine komplett andere Persönlichkeit hat als sie noch am Anfang hatte. Und das hat nichts mit Charakterentwicklung zu tun. Sie ist von emanzipiert und meinungsstark zu schüchtern und unterwürfig gewechselt.
Alles was an Handlung passiert macht auch wenig Sinn. Es gibt zu keinem Zeitpunkt einen eindeutigen Hinweis darauf, wer jetzt diese Schießerei veranlasst hat.
Andrei ist auch echt nervig. Er hält sich für den großen Anführer, aber alle seine Entscheidungen bringen die Bratva nicht weiter oder macht sogar Rückschritte.
Seine "Ermittlungen" in die Vergangenheit von Paiges Vater verlaufen auch sowas von langsam und ergeben nichts. Auch diese ganze Geschichte, dass er Paige entführt, weil er ein Haus auf einem Foto sieht was ihm vage bekannt vorkommt? Bitte was?
Die erste spicy Szene war auch sowas von cringe und ich bin da nicht so sensibel. Wie oft kann man denn bitte den gleichen Satz schreiben? Ich hab ab dem Zeitpunkt wirklich nichts mehr verstanden.
Paige dreht komplett am Rad, weil sie Sex hatte, den sie seit Wochen wollte?
Kann man sich komplett sparen.
SMUT: 🌶
Paige ist auf dem Weg um einen neuen Auftrag als Hochzeitsfotografin auszuführen. Als sie nochmal schnell nachhause geht um etwas zu holen was sie vergessen hat, erwischt sie ihren Verlobten wie er sie in ihrem Bett betrügt. So schnell liegt ihr Leben in Scherben vor ihr.
Auf der Hochzeit angekommen wird ihr Tag nicht besser. Sie ist in eine extrem seltsame Hochzeitsgesellschaft geraten. Die Hochzeitsgäste wollen nicht fotografiert werden und sind bewaffnet. Innerhalb kürzester Zeit läuft alles aus dem Ruder und Paige duckt sich im Kugelhagel.
Keine Ahnung was dieses Buch sein wollte. Es war auf jeden Fall inhaltslos und auch die Charaktere waren überhaupt nicht ausgearbeitet.
Im Verlauf der Geschichte hatte ich das Gefühl, dass Paige eine komplett andere Persönlichkeit hat als sie noch am Anfang hatte. Und das hat nichts mit Charakterentwicklung zu tun. Sie ist von emanzipiert und meinungsstark zu schüchtern und unterwürfig gewechselt.
Alles was an Handlung passiert macht auch wenig Sinn. Es gibt zu keinem Zeitpunkt einen eindeutigen Hinweis darauf, wer jetzt diese Schießerei veranlasst hat.
Andrei ist auch echt nervig. Er hält sich für den großen Anführer, aber alle seine Entscheidungen bringen die Bratva nicht weiter oder macht sogar Rückschritte.
Seine "Ermittlungen" in die Vergangenheit von Paiges Vater verlaufen auch sowas von langsam und ergeben nichts. Auch diese ganze Geschichte, dass er Paige entführt, weil er ein Haus auf einem Foto sieht was ihm vage bekannt vorkommt? Bitte was?
Die erste spicy Szene war auch sowas von cringe und ich bin da nicht so sensibel. Wie oft kann man denn bitte den gleichen Satz schreiben? Ich hab ab dem Zeitpunkt wirklich nichts mehr verstanden.
Paige dreht komplett am Rad, weil sie Sex hatte, den sie seit Wochen wollte?
Kann man sich komplett sparen.
SMUT: 🌶
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
Good plot-based story. The romantic build-up was realistic. The 🔥 scenes were good. I enjoyed their back-and-forth throughout both sexually and otherwise.
Paige was a good FMC who truly stood on her own and is not a pushover because of a hot guy. I appreciated her internal thoughts and monologues, which showed a high level of self-awareness. Similarly, for Andrei. The minor characters were also well written. There are a lot of overlapping conflicts, major and minor, which keep the story engaging. While about their relationship, it's also about their lifestyles and adapting for each other. I like how it wasn't the typical independent-woman-turned-dependent-kitten in 5 chapters. Paige stands her ground, and Andrei doesn't falter in his position either. The only issue was their marriage. I get the purpose of a wedding, but you can have a wedding without actually getting married, so the legality of their marriage wasn't really necessary, but I guess a woman is more likely to fall for a man who's her hot kidnapper hubby vs. just a hot kidnapper. I kind of wish they hadn't gotten married, at least not in this book, but that's a personal bias and preference.
There are minor grammar/editing and consistency issues (one scene they drive to a restaurant in a Rover but leave in his Lambo, another the have sex in his office but it changes to the bedroom in the next chapter), but overall pretty solid. The constant full name stating was initially annoying, but I just figured it's a cultural (Russian) thing, so I got over it by chapter 5. The ending is abrupt, although there's a sequel, so I get why; it kind of forces you to read (aka buy) it.
Good plot-based story. The romantic build-up was realistic. The 🔥 scenes were good. I enjoyed their back-and-forth throughout both sexually and otherwise.
Paige was a good FMC who truly stood on her own and is not a pushover because of a hot guy. I appreciated her internal thoughts and monologues, which showed a high level of self-awareness. Similarly, for Andrei. The minor characters were also well written. There are a lot of overlapping conflicts, major and minor, which keep the story engaging. While about their relationship, it's also about their lifestyles and adapting for each other. I like how it wasn't the typical independent-woman-turned-dependent-kitten in 5 chapters. Paige stands her ground, and Andrei doesn't falter in his position either. The only issue was their marriage. I get the purpose of a wedding, but you can have a wedding without actually getting married, so the legality of their marriage wasn't really necessary, but I guess a woman is more likely to fall for a man who's her hot kidnapper hubby vs. just a hot kidnapper. I kind of wish they hadn't gotten married, at least not in this book, but that's a personal bias and preference.
There are minor grammar/editing and consistency issues (one scene they drive to a restaurant in a Rover but leave in his Lambo, another the have sex in his office but it changes to the bedroom in the next chapter), but overall pretty solid. The constant full name stating was initially annoying, but I just figured it's a cultural (Russian) thing, so I got over it by chapter 5. The ending is abrupt, although there's a sequel, so I get why; it kind of forces you to read (aka buy) it.
July 27, 2023
Not sure about this story
This is book one and it’s basically an introduction to Paige Geraldovna, the lead female character. Paige is an okay character at first. As a reader we sympathize with her straight away because she is humiliated by her soon to be ex fiancé. Next she meets Andrei the gorgeous lead character who is also a Pahkan. Paige is attracted to him at a wedding, where she is working as a photographer, until a shoot out happens. Paige saves Andrei with a tampon (it’s a good scene). However when Andrei tries to reach out to Paige, things get messy. Neither lead character will be truthful with the other. As the chapters progress, the miscommunication gets worse. You can see the train wreck coming from a mile away. What’s frustrating for me as a reader is two things. First Andrei never really explained the absolute danger that Paige was in. She was the target of villains before Andrei even. Second, Paige acted clueless about her own safety. She was so angry with Andrei for keeping her under lock and key, she constantly took risks, with her own safety, to get back at Andrei. Unfortunately, the storyline and lead characters were more frustrating than entertaining.
This is book one and it’s basically an introduction to Paige Geraldovna, the lead female character. Paige is an okay character at first. As a reader we sympathize with her straight away because she is humiliated by her soon to be ex fiancé. Next she meets Andrei the gorgeous lead character who is also a Pahkan. Paige is attracted to him at a wedding, where she is working as a photographer, until a shoot out happens. Paige saves Andrei with a tampon (it’s a good scene). However when Andrei tries to reach out to Paige, things get messy. Neither lead character will be truthful with the other. As the chapters progress, the miscommunication gets worse. You can see the train wreck coming from a mile away. What’s frustrating for me as a reader is two things. First Andrei never really explained the absolute danger that Paige was in. She was the target of villains before Andrei even. Second, Paige acted clueless about her own safety. She was so angry with Andrei for keeping her under lock and key, she constantly took risks, with her own safety, to get back at Andrei. Unfortunately, the storyline and lead characters were more frustrating than entertaining.
November 4, 2023
Bratva Book forced marriage
Paige is a wedding photographer and doesn’t realise the wedding that day is a Bratva one and someone starts shooting and Andrei saves Paige and takes a bullet to his shoulder.
Paige saves him bleeding out and then he makes her leave the wedding and she is to tell no one.
Andrei then returns her broken camera and sees Bratva men from his enemy Igor outside her apartment and when she returns they come after her and he takes her to his mansion.
He realises from a photo in her apartment that her father knew a Bratva soldier years ago and believes she is key to finding stolen money so he forces her to marry him.
They hate each other but then fall for each other and when her father is taken to hospital again she sneaks out the house in his car but leaves all the jewellery at home which has the tracking devices so he doesn’t know where she is.
Talia the bratva woman he was supposed to marry is an absolute psychopath and wants Paige dead.
My one gripe is Paige and her back and forth with she hates him but when he looks at her wants him, makes her sound either stupid or naive.
This ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Paige is a wedding photographer and doesn’t realise the wedding that day is a Bratva one and someone starts shooting and Andrei saves Paige and takes a bullet to his shoulder.
Paige saves him bleeding out and then he makes her leave the wedding and she is to tell no one.
Andrei then returns her broken camera and sees Bratva men from his enemy Igor outside her apartment and when she returns they come after her and he takes her to his mansion.
He realises from a photo in her apartment that her father knew a Bratva soldier years ago and believes she is key to finding stolen money so he forces her to marry him.
They hate each other but then fall for each other and when her father is taken to hospital again she sneaks out the house in his car but leaves all the jewellery at home which has the tracking devices so he doesn’t know where she is.
Talia the bratva woman he was supposed to marry is an absolute psychopath and wants Paige dead.
My one gripe is Paige and her back and forth with she hates him but when he looks at her wants him, makes her sound either stupid or naive.
This ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
November 20, 2023
At first I thought it was super odd that first and last names were included constantly, however apparently that is a Russian thing, so I’ll let that go.
I’m not sure this book was edited properly. There are typo’s and some grammatical errors (verb tense issues).
Also the continuity is not there. In one scene they are having sex in an office and she throws him out. Suddenly , it’s his POV and he says he is outside his bedroom door. I thought you two were just in an office? What?
I’m led to believe these two share a bed constantly but don’t end up hooking up and instead their first two hook ups are in his office. Uh, alright.
If we are talking about characters, andrei is okay. Paige is dumb as a brick. She doesn’t communicate properly to her family, knows she’s in danger and is constantly taking risks. I mean, I just don’t get it. The story line is decent but it’s as if the author didn’t even read through her finished work.
There’s also a hook up scene where he is fully clothed, then suddenly Paige is talking about touching his bare abs. When did his shirt come off? It’s still on!!!!
I’m not sure this book was edited properly. There are typo’s and some grammatical errors (verb tense issues).
Also the continuity is not there. In one scene they are having sex in an office and she throws him out. Suddenly , it’s his POV and he says he is outside his bedroom door. I thought you two were just in an office? What?
I’m led to believe these two share a bed constantly but don’t end up hooking up and instead their first two hook ups are in his office. Uh, alright.
If we are talking about characters, andrei is okay. Paige is dumb as a brick. She doesn’t communicate properly to her family, knows she’s in danger and is constantly taking risks. I mean, I just don’t get it. The story line is decent but it’s as if the author didn’t even read through her finished work.
There’s also a hook up scene where he is fully clothed, then suddenly Paige is talking about touching his bare abs. When did his shirt come off? It’s still on!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2023
Deceitful Vows (Barinov Bratva book 1) by Brook Wilder is a 4.5 ⭐️ read.
Paige is a photographer, she’s been hired to photograph a wedding but she needs to stop by her place first and finds her fiancé in bed with another woman her day doesn’t get any better when she gets to the wedding and the place gets shot up, she’s saved by a stranger who had captured her attention, but what she wasn’t then expecting was to be kidnapped and forced to marry the same stranger.
Andrei’s father is the Don of the Barinov Bratva he’s not a nice man at all but when he’s murdered at a wedding they attend Andrei is then the new Don. The wedding photographer captures his attention and later when he goes to visit her he sees men who are his enemies waiting outside her place so he decides to kidnap her and then force her to marry him wanting to see why she was in his enemies crosshairs.
This book was a little slow to start but once I got into it I couldn’t put it down I really loved the story.
Paige is a photographer, she’s been hired to photograph a wedding but she needs to stop by her place first and finds her fiancé in bed with another woman her day doesn’t get any better when she gets to the wedding and the place gets shot up, she’s saved by a stranger who had captured her attention, but what she wasn’t then expecting was to be kidnapped and forced to marry the same stranger.
Andrei’s father is the Don of the Barinov Bratva he’s not a nice man at all but when he’s murdered at a wedding they attend Andrei is then the new Don. The wedding photographer captures his attention and later when he goes to visit her he sees men who are his enemies waiting outside her place so he decides to kidnap her and then force her to marry him wanting to see why she was in his enemies crosshairs.
This book was a little slow to start but once I got into it I couldn’t put it down I really loved the story.
October 28, 2024
Gripping Bratva love and passion
A truely gripping story. When Paige, a struggling photographer,is hired to do a wedding gig on one of the worst days ever. Three things happen: 1) she wasn't expecting it to be a Russian mob families wedding. 2, she wasn't expecting to meet a strikingly gorgeous man named Andrei. 3, She definitely wasn't expecting to be surrounded by gunfire or face down the barrel of a gun pointed right at her.
Luckily for her, Andrei came to her rescue.
But later on, when trying to return her camera, does Andrei find something that causes him to kidnap Paige. Only to force her to become his wife.
This setting off a rollercoaster ride of love,hate, and a mass off differing emotions for both Andrei and Paige . Throw in outside darker forces leads to a book you just can't put down, even when you need to!
It's 6:55 am, I just couldn't go to bed! Read though the night going to start book 2.
A truely gripping story. When Paige, a struggling photographer,is hired to do a wedding gig on one of the worst days ever. Three things happen: 1) she wasn't expecting it to be a Russian mob families wedding. 2, she wasn't expecting to meet a strikingly gorgeous man named Andrei. 3, She definitely wasn't expecting to be surrounded by gunfire or face down the barrel of a gun pointed right at her.
Luckily for her, Andrei came to her rescue.
But later on, when trying to return her camera, does Andrei find something that causes him to kidnap Paige. Only to force her to become his wife.
This setting off a rollercoaster ride of love,hate, and a mass off differing emotions for both Andrei and Paige . Throw in outside darker forces leads to a book you just can't put down, even when you need to!
It's 6:55 am, I just couldn't go to bed! Read though the night going to start book 2.
June 20, 2023
This was an exciting start to Andrei and Paige's story! There is intense sexual tension radiating between them plus add in all the suspense of a pending war between the Bratvas and you have the makings of an exquisite story.
I really liked Andrei. He had a brutal childhood but still some softness remained. He doesn't like to show it and would never admit to it but it's there.
Paige was good during the beginning and end of the book. During the middle of the story she was very hot and cold and would flip so fast, for no reason. I really didn't understand her reasons for the extreme behavior/reactions.
I like the supporting characters and the mystery underneath the story is quite interesting. I'm enjoying watching Andrei fight his feelings. I'm excited for the next book!
I really liked Andrei. He had a brutal childhood but still some softness remained. He doesn't like to show it and would never admit to it but it's there.
Paige was good during the beginning and end of the book. During the middle of the story she was very hot and cold and would flip so fast, for no reason. I really didn't understand her reasons for the extreme behavior/reactions.
I like the supporting characters and the mystery underneath the story is quite interesting. I'm enjoying watching Andrei fight his feelings. I'm excited for the next book!
July 12, 2023
Paige has a tough life. Mother walked out as a teen and she now her father has cancer she is trying to support her father and sister while holding down a job. On the day this story starts she finds the man she is planning to marry in bed with a mutual "friend", she starts her period then to cap it off the job she is working as a wedding photographer ends in a shootout! Andrei who she met at the wedding realises that her life is in danger when he goes to return her camera so decides to kidnap her for her own saftey.
This was a great read. Just didn't see all those hits coming towards the end taking us toward that cliff hanger ending. If you like over posseessive hero's, shoot outs and a bit of intigue and suspense mixed in with romance you will love this
This was a great read. Just didn't see all those hits coming towards the end taking us toward that cliff hanger ending. If you like over posseessive hero's, shoot outs and a bit of intigue and suspense mixed in with romance you will love this
July 30, 2023
UAnnoying
Ok so i'm totally annoid with this book, mostly due to Paiges character. I thought from the first few chapters that she would be a strong kick ass character. Instead she was a whiney, crying, temper tantrum throwing, drama queen. Honestly, i do not get her character at all or what the author was trying to prove with her. By the time i was 87% in, i almost called it quits to throw it in my dnf pile. I stuck it out because i like Andre and i went that far so i figured i'd see it through. That being said, I'm going to give book 2 a shot, but if by 25% through things dont change with Paiges chatacter, i'm out.
Update: after reading the reviews for book 2 in this series, i decided not to waste my time and moved on to another author and series.
Ok so i'm totally annoid with this book, mostly due to Paiges character. I thought from the first few chapters that she would be a strong kick ass character. Instead she was a whiney, crying, temper tantrum throwing, drama queen. Honestly, i do not get her character at all or what the author was trying to prove with her. By the time i was 87% in, i almost called it quits to throw it in my dnf pile. I stuck it out because i like Andre and i went that far so i figured i'd see it through. That being said, I'm going to give book 2 a shot, but if by 25% through things dont change with Paiges chatacter, i'm out.
Update: after reading the reviews for book 2 in this series, i decided not to waste my time and moved on to another author and series.
August 8, 2023
What a dreadfully written book, Paige and Andrei meet at a bratva wedding where she is the photographer; all hell breaks loose and Andrei saves her. The next thing we know her life is suddenly in danger and she has unknown connections to the Bratva and Andrei decides to imprison her to gain more knowledge into these connections; then in the next chapter he is marrying her. It is an erratic read, which does not flow; there is lots of internal dialogue from both main characters, but it is ramblings and very poorly executed. I'm not sure I have the strength to read another 2 books which will be more ranting and ravings of Andrei being a "monster", and Paige being held captive but "unable to help herself wanting him!" Absolute rubbish - give it a wide berth!
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