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The Kozlov Bodyguards #3
Your Hate, My Claim
Simon
I HATE Carlos Silva.
He’s arrogant, bossy and does everything he can to get under my skin whenever he’s around me.
But, it appears I’m about to find out that the line between love and hate fades after a while.
However, that’s not the only problem. What do you do when your past stops you from being you?
Will I survive when the past and present collide?
Carlos
I love how he hates me.
Simon. My Simon.
My new hobby is to rile him up. His feistiness makes my body feel alive. But his stubbornness needs taming.
I just need to deal with some family issues first.
Then…
It’s time to claim him—my little lion.
*This book is only intended for readers 18+ due to graphic nature. Always read the trigger warnings before reading. For more information see my IG account. This is a dark MM romance.
I HATE Carlos Silva.
He’s arrogant, bossy and does everything he can to get under my skin whenever he’s around me.
But, it appears I’m about to find out that the line between love and hate fades after a while.
However, that’s not the only problem. What do you do when your past stops you from being you?
Will I survive when the past and present collide?
Carlos
I love how he hates me.
Simon. My Simon.
My new hobby is to rile him up. His feistiness makes my body feel alive. But his stubbornness needs taming.
I just need to deal with some family issues first.
Then…
It’s time to claim him—my little lion.
*This book is only intended for readers 18+ due to graphic nature. Always read the trigger warnings before reading. For more information see my IG account. This is a dark MM romance.
427 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2025
116 people are currently reading
631 people want to read
About the author
Syn Blackrose
8 books501 followersHi my lovelies,
I'm afraid I am not active on Goodreads; therefore, I will not respond to messages or requests on here.
If you would like to reach out to me, please check out my Instagram account.
Thanks! Syn xx
I'm afraid I am not active on Goodreads; therefore, I will not respond to messages or requests on here.
If you would like to reach out to me, please check out my Instagram account.
Thanks! Syn xx
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
October 11, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
...their deaths are my gift to you.”
My favorite couple, but not their best story.
Carlos and Simon have always been my favorite couple in this series. I fell for them back in Dima’s book, and ever since, I’ve been dying to finally get their story. So when this book dropped, I was beyond excited ... and while I did enjoy it, I can’t help but feel it didn’t quite do them justice.
The writing in the earlier books was never perfect, but it had a certain charm that made it easy to overlook the flaws. This time, though, it honestly felt like I was reading a draft — like the author was still planning out what should happen rather than fully diving in. It lacked depth in moments that needed it most, which was really frustrating because these characters deserved SO SO SOOO much more.
That said, I LOVE Carlos and Simon so much that I powered through anyway. Their chemistry, their connection, their possessive energy — everything that makes this universe so addictive — it’s all still there. And the storyline itself was FABULOUS. I loved how much was going on, how the focus wasn’t just on the smut, and how we got to see more layers of this wild, loving, crazy family.
This book definitely felt a bit different from the others, and even with its flaws, I’m still obsessed with this world. I seriously hope this isn’t the last book in the series because I am not ready to let go of these characters ... or their perfectly possessive men.
...their deaths are my gift to you.”
My favorite couple, but not their best story.
Carlos and Simon have always been my favorite couple in this series. I fell for them back in Dima’s book, and ever since, I’ve been dying to finally get their story. So when this book dropped, I was beyond excited ... and while I did enjoy it, I can’t help but feel it didn’t quite do them justice.
The writing in the earlier books was never perfect, but it had a certain charm that made it easy to overlook the flaws. This time, though, it honestly felt like I was reading a draft — like the author was still planning out what should happen rather than fully diving in. It lacked depth in moments that needed it most, which was really frustrating because these characters deserved SO SO SOOO much more.
That said, I LOVE Carlos and Simon so much that I powered through anyway. Their chemistry, their connection, their possessive energy — everything that makes this universe so addictive — it’s all still there. And the storyline itself was FABULOUS. I loved how much was going on, how the focus wasn’t just on the smut, and how we got to see more layers of this wild, loving, crazy family.
This book definitely felt a bit different from the others, and even with its flaws, I’m still obsessed with this world. I seriously hope this isn’t the last book in the series because I am not ready to let go of these characters ... or their perfectly possessive men.
October 21, 2025
Tropes: hate to love, forced proximity
Feels: 2/5
Steam*: 2.5/5
Kinks: hate sex, mile high club
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: violence, murder, past foster care experiences, homophobia, past child abuse / neglect
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: they know each other for a couple months before they get together, and they have sexual tension with each other from the beginning. There are no on page references to either of them hooking up with anyone else from when they meet onwards, so it's kind of up to the reader to decide if they think they were with others. They did get pretty busy with work, so it would be believable that they weren't with others. Once they start hooking up, there's no one else for sure.
3 stars
Carlos is 29, openly gay. He's the son of a wealthy Brazilian Mafia family. His father is homophobic, and he didn't want to be under his influence, controlled by him, so he went to another country and started his own business. He's doing well and he works occasionally with the Koslovs. He's been attracted to one of the Koslov guards since he met him... Simon, 26, bisexual leaning towards men mostly, but very much in the closet despite working for the Koslovs who are all paired up with men. Simon had a traumatic childhood in foster care with a homophobic Foster father and he's not willing or ready to be out.
Carlos doggedly pursues Simon, flirting with him any chance he gets. Simon is bristly and bitchy with Carlos, but very much attracted, and fighting himself. Eventually he hits his limit and gives in to the attraction and they start secretly hooking up. Not that anyone around them believes they aren't into each other! Carlos has family drama that he has to deal with, and he pulls Simon in to help him, and Simon gets hurt in the process and blames Carlos for not trying harder to help him.
I thought this book had a good premise. I liked the tension between the characters, their dynamic. Carlos being so confident and pursuing Simon so doggedly and being all in made him an attractive/endearing mmc. And there were some really funny interactions with the side characters. Especially loved Ivan when he popped up. He was a s*** disturber and funny.
But I was really disappointed in Simon. He did not carry his weight as a romantic lead. Simon truly didn't care about Carlos as a person until the very last pages of the book. Simon was attracted to Carlos but he made zero effort in liking/appreciating Carlos as a person. Yeah he's jealous at times, but he legitimately wants out and he has no understanding of the realities of what Carlos has dealt with. To me, Simon needed to put in a lot more work to earn his happily ever after with Carlos, and he never did, he just all of a sudden was all in at the end. For the first 90% of the book, Carlos is the only one I'm convinced has feelings. And Simon leaving while Carlos is fighting the battle of his life did not sit right with me. When a character is going through their biggest moment, their love interest should be battling with them, in their corner. Simon is no shrinking violet, he's a guard, he's a warrior. Yes, he's been beaten, he was whipped. He has injuries. But if he really loved Carlos, that wouldn't hold him back from fighting alongside him, he wouldn't willingly leave Carlos to fight the wolves alone. Simon never earned Carlos's love. He never stood up for Carlos.
This is a minor complaint. But the book is really unrealistic about how handling an estate goes. The legal stuff takes a lot longer. Especially when you keep in mind that proof of death needs to happen, and he murdered his father, this would be extremely suspicious and would get the authorities' attention.
And another minor complaint, I don't like when an author has the character talk to the readers like they did in this book. It takes me out of the book. And it comes off cheesy.
Some notable moments:
I like Carlos's pursuit of Simon. "Simon and Jules arrived five minutes ago, but I’ve been hanging back. Purposefully, of course. I want to annoy Simon as much as I can, and with his lack of patience and inability to be anything but bitchy, I will take any chance to get a rise out of him. Anything that will get him to notice me and keep his eyes on me."
Ivan wanting to be besties with Noah is just so funny. "“I’m doing it. I’m the one who flew you here. Consider it payment,” Noah says, walking forward in stealth mode. The guy is so quiet and hidden, I forgot that he was here. “That was your decision, fuckface. Simon is one of us, so it should be us,” Lev snarls at Noah. “I wasn’t asking,” Noah says flatly. The guy is like a robot. A hot, tall, tattooed and sexy robot. “Ooh, I vote for Noah to do it,” Ivan says. “This isn’t a fucking democracy that you get to vote on, Ivan. And stop sucking up to him, he will never be your bestie so give it a fucking rest,” Lev says. “Hey! We are besties, aren’t we Noah?” “I’ve told you not to talk to me,” Noah says"
Ivan being hilarious again. "“Hey what's going on? You’re not playing without me are you?” Ivan says as he strolls inside and straight away sees the head. “Cool. Who is that?” “A gift from Noah to Si,” Jules says. “What! I thought I was his friend. Why doesn’t he send gifts to us?” Ivan says, and I’m positive he is sulking. “Shut up, Ivan. Why would he send us all gifts of dead people?” Dima says. “I don’t know. But it would be nice. Do we know who the head guy is?” Ivan says."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 2/5
Steam*: 2.5/5
Kinks: hate sex, mile high club
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: violence, murder, past foster care experiences, homophobia, past child abuse / neglect
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: they know each other for a couple months before they get together, and they have sexual tension with each other from the beginning. There are no on page references to either of them hooking up with anyone else from when they meet onwards, so it's kind of up to the reader to decide if they think they were with others. They did get pretty busy with work, so it would be believable that they weren't with others. Once they start hooking up, there's no one else for sure.
3 stars
Carlos is 29, openly gay. He's the son of a wealthy Brazilian Mafia family. His father is homophobic, and he didn't want to be under his influence, controlled by him, so he went to another country and started his own business. He's doing well and he works occasionally with the Koslovs. He's been attracted to one of the Koslov guards since he met him... Simon, 26, bisexual leaning towards men mostly, but very much in the closet despite working for the Koslovs who are all paired up with men. Simon had a traumatic childhood in foster care with a homophobic Foster father and he's not willing or ready to be out.
Carlos doggedly pursues Simon, flirting with him any chance he gets. Simon is bristly and bitchy with Carlos, but very much attracted, and fighting himself. Eventually he hits his limit and gives in to the attraction and they start secretly hooking up. Not that anyone around them believes they aren't into each other! Carlos has family drama that he has to deal with, and he pulls Simon in to help him, and Simon gets hurt in the process and blames Carlos for not trying harder to help him.
I thought this book had a good premise. I liked the tension between the characters, their dynamic. Carlos being so confident and pursuing Simon so doggedly and being all in made him an attractive/endearing mmc. And there were some really funny interactions with the side characters. Especially loved Ivan when he popped up. He was a s*** disturber and funny.
But I was really disappointed in Simon. He did not carry his weight as a romantic lead. Simon truly didn't care about Carlos as a person until the very last pages of the book. Simon was attracted to Carlos but he made zero effort in liking/appreciating Carlos as a person. Yeah he's jealous at times, but he legitimately wants out and he has no understanding of the realities of what Carlos has dealt with. To me, Simon needed to put in a lot more work to earn his happily ever after with Carlos, and he never did, he just all of a sudden was all in at the end. For the first 90% of the book, Carlos is the only one I'm convinced has feelings. And Simon leaving while Carlos is fighting the battle of his life did not sit right with me. When a character is going through their biggest moment, their love interest should be battling with them, in their corner. Simon is no shrinking violet, he's a guard, he's a warrior. Yes, he's been beaten, he was whipped. He has injuries. But if he really loved Carlos, that wouldn't hold him back from fighting alongside him, he wouldn't willingly leave Carlos to fight the wolves alone. Simon never earned Carlos's love. He never stood up for Carlos.
This is a minor complaint. But the book is really unrealistic about how handling an estate goes. The legal stuff takes a lot longer. Especially when you keep in mind that proof of death needs to happen, and he murdered his father, this would be extremely suspicious and would get the authorities' attention.
And another minor complaint, I don't like when an author has the character talk to the readers like they did in this book. It takes me out of the book. And it comes off cheesy.
Some notable moments:
I like Carlos's pursuit of Simon. "Simon and Jules arrived five minutes ago, but I’ve been hanging back. Purposefully, of course. I want to annoy Simon as much as I can, and with his lack of patience and inability to be anything but bitchy, I will take any chance to get a rise out of him. Anything that will get him to notice me and keep his eyes on me."
Ivan wanting to be besties with Noah is just so funny. "“I’m doing it. I’m the one who flew you here. Consider it payment,” Noah says, walking forward in stealth mode. The guy is so quiet and hidden, I forgot that he was here. “That was your decision, fuckface. Simon is one of us, so it should be us,” Lev snarls at Noah. “I wasn’t asking,” Noah says flatly. The guy is like a robot. A hot, tall, tattooed and sexy robot. “Ooh, I vote for Noah to do it,” Ivan says. “This isn’t a fucking democracy that you get to vote on, Ivan. And stop sucking up to him, he will never be your bestie so give it a fucking rest,” Lev says. “Hey! We are besties, aren’t we Noah?” “I’ve told you not to talk to me,” Noah says"
Ivan being hilarious again. "“Hey what's going on? You’re not playing without me are you?” Ivan says as he strolls inside and straight away sees the head. “Cool. Who is that?” “A gift from Noah to Si,” Jules says. “What! I thought I was his friend. Why doesn’t he send gifts to us?” Ivan says, and I’m positive he is sulking. “Shut up, Ivan. Why would he send us all gifts of dead people?” Dima says. “I don’t know. But it would be nice. Do we know who the head guy is?” Ivan says."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2025
3.5 🌟
Carlos and Simon 🖤
Oh, Simon 😭😭 he was like a feral little kitten, but deep down he was carrying so much pain. And Carlos was immediately just like “mine” 😏
I’m having trouble with my review for this one, because going in I thought Carlos and Simon would hands down be my favorite couple. All that possessiveness and toxicity? Give it to me. However, I felt like this one focused on outside factors way more than the previous books, and it left me feeling a bit lacking in their romance. Now these two had some intensity, infatuation and lust, but I did feel a little lacking in their romantic feelings.
I enjoyed going back to the start with them, and getting to see the backstory to all the little crumbs we’ve seen of them in other books. Simon made a valiant effort to resist Carlos, but it was pointless. That man was going to wear him down no matter what.
I’m going to miss this entire group of psycho men. I hope more comes in the future. I loved how we got to see everyone in this one all together, including Noah and Chase. Lev and Aaron are still my babies though 🖤 I would read forever about those two maniacs.
.
.
.
.
‼️⚠️ Potential spoilers ⚠️‼️
Dynamic: MM — vers
Sharing? No
Cheating? No
Breakup? Yes, although I wouldn’t say they were really “together” since Simon was so resistant to them being together.
Sex scene with OM or OW In the prologue Simon kisses his foster brother, but their foster dad catches them almost immediately.
‼️⚠️ Content ⚠️‼️
— possessive / obsessive MMCs
— psycho behavior
— forced proximity
— jealousy
— hurt / comfort
— hidden sexuality
— “little lion”
— rough foreplay
— slapping / choking
— nipple clamps
— rimming
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Carlos and Simon 🖤
Oh, Simon 😭😭 he was like a feral little kitten, but deep down he was carrying so much pain. And Carlos was immediately just like “mine” 😏
I’m having trouble with my review for this one, because going in I thought Carlos and Simon would hands down be my favorite couple. All that possessiveness and toxicity? Give it to me. However, I felt like this one focused on outside factors way more than the previous books, and it left me feeling a bit lacking in their romance. Now these two had some intensity, infatuation and lust, but I did feel a little lacking in their romantic feelings.
I enjoyed going back to the start with them, and getting to see the backstory to all the little crumbs we’ve seen of them in other books. Simon made a valiant effort to resist Carlos, but it was pointless. That man was going to wear him down no matter what.
I’m going to miss this entire group of psycho men. I hope more comes in the future. I loved how we got to see everyone in this one all together, including Noah and Chase. Lev and Aaron are still my babies though 🖤 I would read forever about those two maniacs.
.
.
.
.
‼️⚠️ Potential spoilers ⚠️‼️
Dynamic: MM — vers
Sharing? No
Cheating? No
Breakup? Yes, although I wouldn’t say they were really “together” since Simon was so resistant to them being together.
Sex scene with OM or OW In the prologue Simon kisses his foster brother, but their foster dad catches them almost immediately.
‼️⚠️ Content ⚠️‼️
— possessive / obsessive MMCs
— psycho behavior
— forced proximity
— jealousy
— hurt / comfort
— hidden sexuality
— “little lion”
— rough foreplay
— slapping / choking
— nipple clamps
— rimming
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
October 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC Review
This is exactly why I love Syn, another absolute banger, and so worth the wait! I’d been dying to see what would happen with Carlos and his Little Lion, and now that I’ve finished, I already miss them.
One of my favorite things about Syn’s books is how the main characters are always fiercely loyal and so obsessed with the one who catches their attention. Carlos is no exception once Simon piqued his interest, it was game over. It was Simon and only Simon.
Simon’s rough past led him into the Kozlov brothers’ world, where he now works as a guard. When Carlos partners with them in a new venture, Simon is right there. The pull between them is immediate, but Simon’s past keeps him from acting on it. Carlos, though, doesn’t back down from something or someone he wants.
Carlos and Simon are such opposites, yet so alike at the same time. Their chemistry crackles, their banter is addictive, and I loved how possessive they both are of each other.
And can we talk about the found family? I was so happy to see Noah and Chase again my favorite savage boys 🥹
It made me want even more of this world! I highly recommend Start with Kozlov brother's story first for better reading experience 🥰
ARC Review
This is exactly why I love Syn, another absolute banger, and so worth the wait! I’d been dying to see what would happen with Carlos and his Little Lion, and now that I’ve finished, I already miss them.
One of my favorite things about Syn’s books is how the main characters are always fiercely loyal and so obsessed with the one who catches their attention. Carlos is no exception once Simon piqued his interest, it was game over. It was Simon and only Simon.
Simon’s rough past led him into the Kozlov brothers’ world, where he now works as a guard. When Carlos partners with them in a new venture, Simon is right there. The pull between them is immediate, but Simon’s past keeps him from acting on it. Carlos, though, doesn’t back down from something or someone he wants.
Carlos and Simon are such opposites, yet so alike at the same time. Their chemistry crackles, their banter is addictive, and I loved how possessive they both are of each other.
And can we talk about the found family? I was so happy to see Noah and Chase again my favorite savage boys 🥹
It made me want even more of this world! I highly recommend Start with Kozlov brother's story first for better reading experience 🥰
October 3, 2025
~* ARC Review Time*~
Hate to love-- Constant fighting and bickering as foreplay-- it gets hot and heavy when the dam breaks-- both had horrid pasts -- ghosts come back to play
Like any Syn Blackrose story, shit is dark AF. Please read triggers before reading because this book is particularly violent and bloody. Did that stop me, absolutely not. Blackrose is an instant buyer author for me and this book lives up to her reputation of her men fighting for control amongst themselves and finally breaking down.
This book in particular was more emotionally driven the previous books. While we've seen Simon as quiet, bitchy and stoic- we finally get to see him breakdown. Struggling when his past meets his presence and constant pest driving him to submit.
Throughout the Kozlov + Bodyguard stories Simon and Carlos constantly bicker. Their attraction is alive and well, although Simon refuses to admit it.
Though closeted in the gayest mafia around (LUL), Simon yearns for Carlos and fights every single step of the way.
Carlos is driven to take what he wants, and like any Blackrose book... he gets it. The plot twists hit hard with flights to another country, in family betrayal and fighting and dismantling of power.
This is a plot thick story, focusing on Carlos a lot of the time as he fights for control of his life and business & Simon fighting with his past and what his future with Carlos is.
This is dark, gritty, bloody, horrifying and yet the bond between Carlos and Simon find a sweet and soft vibe along the way. This isn't an easily fought battle for them and it shows in each scene they are apart and together.
Hate to love-- Constant fighting and bickering as foreplay-- it gets hot and heavy when the dam breaks-- both had horrid pasts -- ghosts come back to play
Like any Syn Blackrose story, shit is dark AF. Please read triggers before reading because this book is particularly violent and bloody. Did that stop me, absolutely not. Blackrose is an instant buyer author for me and this book lives up to her reputation of her men fighting for control amongst themselves and finally breaking down.
This book in particular was more emotionally driven the previous books. While we've seen Simon as quiet, bitchy and stoic- we finally get to see him breakdown. Struggling when his past meets his presence and constant pest driving him to submit.
Throughout the Kozlov + Bodyguard stories Simon and Carlos constantly bicker. Their attraction is alive and well, although Simon refuses to admit it.
Though closeted in the gayest mafia around (LUL), Simon yearns for Carlos and fights every single step of the way.
Carlos is driven to take what he wants, and like any Blackrose book... he gets it. The plot twists hit hard with flights to another country, in family betrayal and fighting and dismantling of power.
This is a plot thick story, focusing on Carlos a lot of the time as he fights for control of his life and business & Simon fighting with his past and what his future with Carlos is.
This is dark, gritty, bloody, horrifying and yet the bond between Carlos and Simon find a sweet and soft vibe along the way. This isn't an easily fought battle for them and it shows in each scene they are apart and together.
March 20, 2026
I’m speechless. I’m in awe. I’m sad that this was the last book and Syn has done an amazing job with Si and Carlos story.
Simon - little lion, broken, scared and killer bodyguard.
Carlos - just wanted to escape his family and life in Brazil, making a name for himself away from them… until Carlos had a weekness.
Of course in true Syn style, we get EVERYONE in this book and when I tell Noah has my whole damn heart! (Brb going to re read craving the chase)
Simon - little lion, broken, scared and killer bodyguard.
Carlos - just wanted to escape his family and life in Brazil, making a name for himself away from them… until Carlos had a weekness.
Of course in true Syn style, we get EVERYONE in this book and when I tell Noah has my whole damn heart! (Brb going to re read craving the chase)
September 24, 2025
I’ve been excitedly waiting for Simon and Carlos to get their story, and I’m so glad I finally got to read it. I love that we got to go back to the very beginning of their story and see it from the start. This was definitely my favorite of the series.
May 3, 2026
I was so excited to read Si's and Carlos's story and it didn't disappoint. I love how Chase and Noah were mentioned in this book ahhh
September 28, 2025
I loved this book. I pretty much have said that with all the books in the series and I have loved them all for all their own reasons but this one just hit a little more.
Throughout all the books we have seen the chemistry between Carlos & Simon and I was really looking forward to how it was gonna end up playing out.
I really liked getting to know the 2 of them better and them navigating what their life could be like. In previous books I just thought that Simon was a bit of a brat but it makes a whole lot more sense now. I like that Carlos was man enough to just tell him what was what.
Normally with Syn’s books all my tears are happy giggly ones but this one did have the odd sad one for me.
I really hope that this isn’t the end of these guys. Here’s hoping they cross over into someone else’s universe just like Chase and Noah crossed into the Kozlov’s world.
Throughout all the books we have seen the chemistry between Carlos & Simon and I was really looking forward to how it was gonna end up playing out.
I really liked getting to know the 2 of them better and them navigating what their life could be like. In previous books I just thought that Simon was a bit of a brat but it makes a whole lot more sense now. I like that Carlos was man enough to just tell him what was what.
Normally with Syn’s books all my tears are happy giggly ones but this one did have the odd sad one for me.
I really hope that this isn’t the end of these guys. Here’s hoping they cross over into someone else’s universe just like Chase and Noah crossed into the Kozlov’s world.
October 1, 2025
These two are toxic and incredible together.
From the beginning I was enthralled by the characters of Carlos and Simon and just knew their story would be powerful and Syn did not leave any crumbs. They both have so much character and their chemistry together just makes sense. They burn the world.
From the beginning I was enthralled by the characters of Carlos and Simon and just knew their story would be powerful and Syn did not leave any crumbs. They both have so much character and their chemistry together just makes sense. They burn the world.
March 17, 2026
“You’re too precious. That was hot.” “You’re a fucking psycho.” Taking him off guard, I fly toward him and grab him by the throat and pin him to the wall. “I’ll let you have that hit for free. But next time, I’ll fight back and it will only guarantee one thing. You. Bent over for me.” - Carlos
A bodyguard who needs someone to show him what love is and how to accept it and a distributor who is just the one to do it. It’s a hard won battle filled with yelling, fighting, self hate, denial, and pain both physical and emotional. The pain is palpable and the spice leaves you feeling the heat. These MCs deserved the HEA they made.
🤔Quick Thoughts:🤔
⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 3.5/5
💭 So, I liked this WAY more than I thought I would. My baby Ivan is back in this one, as chaotic and brilliant as always, his desire to be Noah’s best friend and his stuck paddle just made my day. My recent reads go against it, but I usually like the softer, lovey dovey type stories and I was a little scared to read this one. This is technically a standalone, but reading the others in the series as well as the two Kozlov Brothers books and Craving the Chase will give you a good foundation with all of the characters that are introduced. I am sad it’s over, can we get a story for Lucas?? I had and still have a harder time loving Simon compared to Carlos, but I did enjoy them both. Carlos is just perfect to me.
💁♂️Main Characters:💁♂️
Simon Marino:
29, 6”, Bodyguard for the Kozlov brothers, “little lion”, Brown eyes
“You’re not weak. You're just bleeding in places no one can see.” - Carlos
Carlos Silva:
29, 6”, Owns shipping company, Distributor for the Kozlov brothers, Heir to Father’s empire, Black hair and brown eyes
The little fucker slapped me. God, I wanna groan at how turned on I am right now. - Carlos
🔥🌶️Intimate/Spicy Moments Include:🌶️🔥
🛑⚠️Trigger/Content Warnings: ⚠️🛑
😰😓My Limits:😓😰
Sharing: No
Cheating: No,
OW/OM: No, the Prologue
Break Up:
HEA/HFN?: Yes
Emetophobia: Some related wording but nothing happens.
❤️Tropes/Themes:❤️
📚Read Their Stories: 📚
Aaron: Lev’s little nutjob, Kill for You (The Kozlov Brothers #2)
Chase: Tyler’s little brother, Noah’s husband, Psychologist, Craving The Chase
Dima: Head of the Family, Seb’s Husband, Kozlov brother, Tied to You (The Kozlov Brothers #1)
Ivan: Bodyguard and Cousin for/to the Kozlov brothers, Tyler’s Husband, My Hunger, Your Soul (The Kozlov Bodyguards #2)
Jules: Kai’s husband and step-uncle, Bodyguard for the Kozlov brothers, Our Blood, Our Pain (The Kozlov Bodyguards #1)
Kai: , Jules’ husband and step-nephew, Works for the Kozlov brothers, Our Blood, Our Pain (The Kozlov Bodyguards #1)
Lev: Aaron’s man, Kozlov brother, Kill for You (The Kozlov Brothers #2)
Noah: Psychopath, Chase’s husband, Craving The Chase
Seb: Dima’s Husband and ex-captive, Bartender at Starlight, Tied to You (The Kozlov Brothers #1)
Tyler: Architect, Ivan’s Husband, My Hunger, Your Soul (The Kozlov Bodyguards #2)
📝Memorable Quotes:📝
“Get your fucking hands off me, before I hurt you,” he says. Ahh, there he is. Sassy boy. But I don’t remove my finger, instead I move it toward his pink, plump lips that are calling out to me. “I do love some rough play. You wanna play, little lion?” - Carlos
“I don’t care what you do now, Carlos. Who you kill, who you betray. You don’t get to fix this. You don’t get absolution.” - Simon
The way he whispered while fucking the life out of me, “You’ll never want anyone the way you want me.” The terrifying thing? He was right. - Simon
Simon: “I don’t know how to forgive you.”
Carlos: “Then don’t. I don’t need your forgiveness, Simon. Just your understanding.”
“They’ve just realized the truth. Power isn’t taken by force anymore. It’s offered by those strong enough to hold it,” - Carlos
“This isn’t a fucking democracy that you get to vote on, Ivan. And stop sucking up to him, he will never be your bestie so give it a fucking rest,” Lev says. “Hey! We are besties, aren’t we Noah?” “I’ve told you not to talk to me,” Noah says, and he casually approaches.
“Can I come watch?” Ivan asks, and I chuckle. “Of course. You can actually help. Want to test your new weapon out?” “Don’t flirt with me, Carlos. Tyler gets very possessive.”
“Kill your demons before they kill you,” - Noah
Simon: “How long have you suspected, as I only told Dima?”
Lev: “Since you arrived. I have a knack for sniffing out cock lovers.”
Wow. I’ve never held someone's hand before. It's like something from a super hero movie, where he is transferring his power and support into me by just holding my hand. - Simon
Simon: “What now?”
Carlos: “We’re engaged.”
Simon: “You need to stop that.”
Carlos: “Stop what?”
Simon: “Saying things that were never said in the first place. You did it when you wanted me to move in and you’ve done it just now. Not once did I hear you ask me to marry you.”
Carlos: “Actions are better than words.”
Simon: “Actions. It’s a bracelet not an engagement ring.”
Carlos: “You want an engagement ring? I thought you’d prefer the bracelet.”
Simon: “Carlos stop being difficult before I hit you over the head with a frying pan.”
“You’re never gonna escape me, little lion.” “Its a good thing I love my cage then, isn’t it?” “I love my lion back.
💤The Boring Stuff: 💤
Book #: 3 (Series: The Kozlov Bodyguards)
Published 01 Oct 2025 at 427 Pages per Goodreads
Read 2 Mar 2026 via KU
1st Person, Dual POV
Reviewer Note: I think I give stars away way too easily but I can’t help myself. It can be safely assumed all of my reviews are from books that the animal lives, are 1st Person, have a HEA, and have no intimate or spicy scenes with anyone/thing other than MC(s) unless otherwise detailed. I try to rate books objectively if they have something I don’t typically like (i.e. Break Ups, SA, 3rd Person, Single POV, Sharing Partners). If it’s still written well the author deserves the praise but I will make note to avoid for myself in the future. I do my best to mark different triggers/warnings as well as the intimate acts performed in case anything listed/done might not be something you would want to read. If M/M, Age Play, Interspecies, Insta Love, Erotica, MPreg, or Incest are something you actively avoid, you are probably better off avoiding most of the books I review.
October 9, 2025
ARC
Loooooved them. This is book 3 in the Kozlov Bodyguards series and after watching Simon and Carlos circle each other for what felt like an eternity, this story is exactly what we were all begging for, and it DELIVERSSSS with the biggest tensions and the endless pining. We finally get the explosion of and crash that proves the wait for these two was definitely worth it.
Carlos was obsessed, but he’s more of a “constantly arrogantand bossy menace who pushes every one of Simon's buttons", kind of obsession thingy. Their huuuuge pining for each other is the absolute core of the story. It’s toxic, no doubt, but it’s perfect for them, they use fighting as foreplay and every remark just proves how much they feel for each other. Carlos knows exactly that his little lion is his and refuses to stop until Simon finally gives in.
So basically the story is the slow and agonizing destruction of Simon’s defenses, with a heavy load of past trauma and internalized struggles with his sexuality, trying desperately to bury his feelings deep down. But all of this just makes Carlos’s obsession and persistence all the more powerful. Carlos never lets Simon deny what's between them. He keeps pushing, claiming, and challenging Simon until he can only face himself and accept what’s between them.
This story is all about emotional wounds, exploding chemistry, and the relentless haunting that it takes to break down walls that were supposed to be unbreakable.
Loooooved them. This is book 3 in the Kozlov Bodyguards series and after watching Simon and Carlos circle each other for what felt like an eternity, this story is exactly what we were all begging for, and it DELIVERSSSS with the biggest tensions and the endless pining. We finally get the explosion of and crash that proves the wait for these two was definitely worth it.
Carlos was obsessed, but he’s more of a “constantly arrogantand bossy menace who pushes every one of Simon's buttons", kind of obsession thingy. Their huuuuge pining for each other is the absolute core of the story. It’s toxic, no doubt, but it’s perfect for them, they use fighting as foreplay and every remark just proves how much they feel for each other. Carlos knows exactly that his little lion is his and refuses to stop until Simon finally gives in.
So basically the story is the slow and agonizing destruction of Simon’s defenses, with a heavy load of past trauma and internalized struggles with his sexuality, trying desperately to bury his feelings deep down. But all of this just makes Carlos’s obsession and persistence all the more powerful. Carlos never lets Simon deny what's between them. He keeps pushing, claiming, and challenging Simon until he can only face himself and accept what’s between them.
This story is all about emotional wounds, exploding chemistry, and the relentless haunting that it takes to break down walls that were supposed to be unbreakable.
October 21, 2025
The way I DEVOURED this book in one sitting.
Like actually couldn’t put it down.
From start to finish this was literal perfection.
Syn I love you and I don’t know how you wrote this book babe.
This book started during Tied to You bro.
Like the OG.
And then it started slowly incorporating each books plot lines in the background of Carlos and Simon’s story.
EXCUSE ME WHAT??
Queen shit.
AND SIMON AND CARLOS.
MY SHAYLAS.
I love them like an unhealthy amount.
Simon’s story is so raw and painful and watching Carlos just embrace it all had me sobbing.
Carlos being sold from the jump and Simon is just running around pissed and throwing lamps.
Amazing.
And yes everyone making cameos had me giggling and kicking my feet.
I picked those vibe emojis for a REASON.
Ugh, I just had such a great time revisiting this wacked up family again.
I miss them already.
Like actually couldn’t put it down.
From start to finish this was literal perfection.
Syn I love you and I don’t know how you wrote this book babe.
This book started during Tied to You bro.
Like the OG.
And then it started slowly incorporating each books plot lines in the background of Carlos and Simon’s story.
EXCUSE ME WHAT??
Queen shit.
AND SIMON AND CARLOS.
MY SHAYLAS.
I love them like an unhealthy amount.
Simon’s story is so raw and painful and watching Carlos just embrace it all had me sobbing.
Carlos being sold from the jump and Simon is just running around pissed and throwing lamps.
Amazing.
And yes everyone making cameos had me giggling and kicking my feet.
I picked those vibe emojis for a REASON.
Ugh, I just had such a great time revisiting this wacked up family again.
I miss them already.
October 12, 2025
4.7 stars
October 14, 2025
I’d been waiting for Carlos and Simon’s story since the very first book of The Kozlov Bodyguards series. That hate, that constant push and pull between them was already promising an explosive book and Syn did not disappoint.
From page one I was hooked, especially with Simon’s backstory, which really helps you understand his current personality. And the moment Carlos sets his eyes on Simon, he doesn’t stop pushing him to the limit just to get every single reaction out of him.
The attraction between them is almost instant. They want each other, they resist, they burn, but of course, it’s not that easy. I loved the plot, the twists, and the way it kept me turning pages nonstop. And the cameos... OMG! I live for those interactions when all the characters get together, they’re honestly some of my favorite parts.
The romance between Simon and Carlos is developed so well, slowburn yet inevitable, with a mix of everything, action, unexpected twists, humor, and some really good spicy scenes. Of course, it follows the same line as the rest of the Kozlov series. It's toxic, dark, dominant, unhinged relationships... So I’d definitely recommend checking the TWs before jumping in, because this is not a soft read.
I absolutely loved it, and I’m really going to miss this crazy family I’ve been following from the very beginning.
PS: still a huge Noah fan 😂
From page one I was hooked, especially with Simon’s backstory, which really helps you understand his current personality. And the moment Carlos sets his eyes on Simon, he doesn’t stop pushing him to the limit just to get every single reaction out of him.
The attraction between them is almost instant. They want each other, they resist, they burn, but of course, it’s not that easy. I loved the plot, the twists, and the way it kept me turning pages nonstop. And the cameos... OMG! I live for those interactions when all the characters get together, they’re honestly some of my favorite parts.
The romance between Simon and Carlos is developed so well, slowburn yet inevitable, with a mix of everything, action, unexpected twists, humor, and some really good spicy scenes. Of course, it follows the same line as the rest of the Kozlov series. It's toxic, dark, dominant, unhinged relationships... So I’d definitely recommend checking the TWs before jumping in, because this is not a soft read.
I absolutely loved it, and I’m really going to miss this crazy family I’ve been following from the very beginning.
PS: still a huge Noah fan 😂
November 2, 2025
Is it just me or Carlos and Simon never said anything about loving each other? How can this end like that? 😭 this would’ve been a solid 5-star read for me but i got no love declaration! They obviously love each other but i needed them to say that…OUT. LOUD. BUT I loved it so much so it still gets 5 stars or whatever 😒
Carlos sees Simon for the first time in the Kozlov club and decides he’s his. And Simon? hates his guts. Thinks he’s cocky, too confident and worst of all? A flirt. Nothing pissed him off more than the flirting. 😭😭🤣
And did Carlos back down from that? Absolutely not.
All he did was antagonise the guy till he got a reaction. Half the time, he didn’t even have to do anything, his existence alone was enough to send Carlos into a meltdown 🤣
It was just hilarious and I ate it up!
Simon: I don’t want you get away from me
Also Simon when Carlos laughs with another guy: destroys his room, his phone, knocks out his guard and throws a massive tantrum 😭
I loved his jealous outbursts
In fact I looked forward to them
Big bad Simon refuses to get emotional so his jealous outbursts just proved to Carlos that he actually felt so much more for him that he was letting on.
One of my favourite unhinged moments was Simon on his balcony THROWING LAMPS at Carlos like a Victorian Widow when he sees him talking to Pedro.
“You motherfucker, didn’t take you long to move on is your dick that bored?” 🤣🤣🤣😭
“Oh fuck off, Carlos. Go be with your whore.”
“Pedro is no whore and I explained who he is. You need to control this jealousy.”
“I’m not jealous. I’m pissed. Because of you I’m like this, then you parade that…that…that harlot under my window!”
“Harlot?” I can’t help but laugh. “Have you been reading a lot, Simon?”
“Fuck. You. Just get out.”
“No. You want me here.”
“I don’t.”
“You do. You can’t be jealous and say you don’t want me.”
Getting reactions like this from Simon was everything!😭 And i loved every bit of it. I loved them together, they were toxic as hell but i loved it. The possessiveness was just ugh 😩 Listen, it was toxic but I loved it, SUE ME! 🤣🤷🏾♀️
Now let me complain about Carlos. Before I start, I really love him but he deserves this 😭 I just wanted to scream at him!
So, get this, Simon is one of the Kozlov bodyguards, he gets shipment assignments among other things. Now Carlos is a major supplier who had just started working with the Kozlovs.
Simon hates his guts 😭 and the thing about Simon is, he doesn’t even try to hide the fact that he hates Carlos and he constantly yaps about how insufferable he is so they all know this. During one of their meetings, Simon punches Carlos in front of everyone! 😭
Dima, the oldest Kozlov brother loses it 🤣 because why are you hitting a client? Then Carlos sees that as an opportunity to get what he wants. He tells Dima that Simon owes him and that he will collect that one day and Dima agrees.
Now that debt comes in the form of a favour. Carlos asks Simon to go to Brazil with him to settle an issue with his dad. Enrico, Carlos brother, was a liability to him so he decided to send him back to Brazil to be with his dad.
Carlos invited Simon to join him on this trip because he was a member of a different cartel and in a different country hence if anything is to happen, the Kozlovs will deal with it. So he takes Simon, the love of his life (he didn’t realise how much he cared for him before their trip but who cares? i’ll still criticise) to the lion’s den.
Carlos is the eldest son of the Silva family, he’s supposed to inherit and take over everything from his father but he didn’t want it so he’d left Brazil to make it all on his own in the US. But his dad hated it! he wanted his oldest to take over the family business and would do literally anything to force his hand.
And it’s not like Carlos didn’t know this, he fucking did! He knows his dad is the most cunning man alive yet he takes the one person he cares about more than anything to his house? Now why would you do that? And as expected his father knew how much Simon meant to him.
You’d think after his dad tells him he’s aware of his relationship with Simon he’d call Dim or Lev and get him out of that house but no! he leaves Simon barely guarded in his room and his dad takes him captive. Enrico, the stupid brother, whipped Simon’s back in front of everyone and all Carlos could do was sit and watch it all happen. They were outnumbered.
Like why tf did he believe his dad would keep his promise?
On top of that, you come into his turf, his home, with no guards but just 2? no extra guards? no backup?
how do you make such a rookie mistake ?
Did years of betrayal from your own people not teach you anything? no lesson? 😭 This move was so sloppy and stupid and very out of character for a supposedly smart man like Carlos. I’m still livid about that.
Whew that was a lot, i’m done venting. Ha anyway, i still loved them 🤣 that shit pissed me off but i still really loved this book. Hehe, I loved Ivan even more here. And I can’t wait to read Noah and Chase’s book, as well as Lev and Aaron. Maybe i will read Dim’s book later in life.
The revenge though??? PERFECTION! The way they handled Gabriel and Enrico… chef’s kiss. These men are insane and I love it.
Final thoughts:
Chaotic, violent, jealous, deranged love. No “I love you”s but vibes carried.
I was ENTERTAINED and UNWELL the entire time 😌
This was great! but i’m still mad i got no love declarations 😒 i was expecting something dramatic, an angry love confession ugh 😒
One more thing, why did the POV’s switch like that? and it was within the chapters too, no signs, no warning, i had to figure out whose POV i was reading 😭 i was so fucking confused! How do you make such a mistake? And it was more than once too 🤦🏾♀️
Carlos sees Simon for the first time in the Kozlov club and decides he’s his. And Simon? hates his guts. Thinks he’s cocky, too confident and worst of all? A flirt. Nothing pissed him off more than the flirting. 😭😭🤣
And did Carlos back down from that? Absolutely not.
All he did was antagonise the guy till he got a reaction. Half the time, he didn’t even have to do anything, his existence alone was enough to send Carlos into a meltdown 🤣
It was just hilarious and I ate it up!
Simon: I don’t want you get away from me
Also Simon when Carlos laughs with another guy: destroys his room, his phone, knocks out his guard and throws a massive tantrum 😭
I loved his jealous outbursts
In fact I looked forward to them
Big bad Simon refuses to get emotional so his jealous outbursts just proved to Carlos that he actually felt so much more for him that he was letting on.
One of my favourite unhinged moments was Simon on his balcony THROWING LAMPS at Carlos like a Victorian Widow when he sees him talking to Pedro.
“You motherfucker, didn’t take you long to move on is your dick that bored?” 🤣🤣🤣😭
“Oh fuck off, Carlos. Go be with your whore.”
“Pedro is no whore and I explained who he is. You need to control this jealousy.”
“I’m not jealous. I’m pissed. Because of you I’m like this, then you parade that…that…that harlot under my window!”
“Harlot?” I can’t help but laugh. “Have you been reading a lot, Simon?”
“Fuck. You. Just get out.”
“No. You want me here.”
“I don’t.”
“You do. You can’t be jealous and say you don’t want me.”
Getting reactions like this from Simon was everything!😭 And i loved every bit of it. I loved them together, they were toxic as hell but i loved it. The possessiveness was just ugh 😩 Listen, it was toxic but I loved it, SUE ME! 🤣🤷🏾♀️
Now let me complain about Carlos. Before I start, I really love him but he deserves this 😭 I just wanted to scream at him!
So, get this, Simon is one of the Kozlov bodyguards, he gets shipment assignments among other things. Now Carlos is a major supplier who had just started working with the Kozlovs.
Simon hates his guts 😭 and the thing about Simon is, he doesn’t even try to hide the fact that he hates Carlos and he constantly yaps about how insufferable he is so they all know this. During one of their meetings, Simon punches Carlos in front of everyone! 😭
Dima, the oldest Kozlov brother loses it 🤣 because why are you hitting a client? Then Carlos sees that as an opportunity to get what he wants. He tells Dima that Simon owes him and that he will collect that one day and Dima agrees.
Now that debt comes in the form of a favour. Carlos asks Simon to go to Brazil with him to settle an issue with his dad. Enrico, Carlos brother, was a liability to him so he decided to send him back to Brazil to be with his dad.
Carlos invited Simon to join him on this trip because he was a member of a different cartel and in a different country hence if anything is to happen, the Kozlovs will deal with it. So he takes Simon, the love of his life (he didn’t realise how much he cared for him before their trip but who cares? i’ll still criticise) to the lion’s den.
Carlos is the eldest son of the Silva family, he’s supposed to inherit and take over everything from his father but he didn’t want it so he’d left Brazil to make it all on his own in the US. But his dad hated it! he wanted his oldest to take over the family business and would do literally anything to force his hand.
And it’s not like Carlos didn’t know this, he fucking did! He knows his dad is the most cunning man alive yet he takes the one person he cares about more than anything to his house? Now why would you do that? And as expected his father knew how much Simon meant to him.
You’d think after his dad tells him he’s aware of his relationship with Simon he’d call Dim or Lev and get him out of that house but no! he leaves Simon barely guarded in his room and his dad takes him captive. Enrico, the stupid brother, whipped Simon’s back in front of everyone and all Carlos could do was sit and watch it all happen. They were outnumbered.
Like why tf did he believe his dad would keep his promise?
On top of that, you come into his turf, his home, with no guards but just 2? no extra guards? no backup?
how do you make such a rookie mistake ?
Did years of betrayal from your own people not teach you anything? no lesson? 😭 This move was so sloppy and stupid and very out of character for a supposedly smart man like Carlos. I’m still livid about that.
Whew that was a lot, i’m done venting. Ha anyway, i still loved them 🤣 that shit pissed me off but i still really loved this book. Hehe, I loved Ivan even more here. And I can’t wait to read Noah and Chase’s book, as well as Lev and Aaron. Maybe i will read Dim’s book later in life.
The revenge though??? PERFECTION! The way they handled Gabriel and Enrico… chef’s kiss. These men are insane and I love it.
Final thoughts:
Chaotic, violent, jealous, deranged love. No “I love you”s but vibes carried.
I was ENTERTAINED and UNWELL the entire time 😌
This was great! but i’m still mad i got no love declarations 😒 i was expecting something dramatic, an angry love confession ugh 😒
One more thing, why did the POV’s switch like that? and it was within the chapters too, no signs, no warning, i had to figure out whose POV i was reading 😭 i was so fucking confused! How do you make such a mistake? And it was more than once too 🤦🏾♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2025
My Hate, Your Claim by Syn Blackrose is book 3 in the Kozlov Bodyguards series. I loved seeing the continued cross over with the Kozlov Brothers universe and the MCs from Craving the Chase (Chase and Noah).
« MM dark mafia romance »
« hate to love »
« hurt x comfort »
« family of psychos »
« “you’re mine” »
« forced proximity »
« possessiveness & jealousy »
« touch him & die »
« impact & breath play »
« found family »
Syn Blackrose is an auto-buy author for me where reading the blurb is completely unnecessary – I will devour whatever she writes and love every dark and twisty second of it! I am physically unable to put any of Syn’s books down once I have started reading – 6 for 6 so far! This book is no exception.
I have been salivating for Carlos and Simon’s story and Syn sure did deliver!
Carlos and Simon’s story was captivating in the mix of brutality and the desire and need for each other that burns through SImon’s hate. Your Hate, My Claim was hatefully seductive. The relentless push and pull of fury and temptation and pure need for each other gripped me in my own metaphorical hand necklace.
This book had the elements that I have become to expect and love from Syn – completely unhinged men, touch him & die vibes, obsessive and possessiveness, and lots of torture and unaliving. This story has an additional layer of brutality and stronger hurt/comfort elements, making it a little darker than what we have seen from Syn so far.
Simon is a storm cloud of anger, especially when it comes to Carlos. Simon has spent his adulthood hiding parts of himself and running from the trauma of his childhood. Carlos makes it nearly impossible for Simon to continue to lie to himself and those around him. Simon’s hate is fueled by his need to protect himself. What happens to Simon is honestly so horrific, between that and the aftermath, it had me in tears. Simon has been added to my list of favorite broken boys.
Carlos becomes completely obsessed with Simon the second he lays eyes on him. It doesn’t take long for the obsession to turn into a claiming of “you’re mine.” Carlos doesn’t let Simon’s anger and hatred deter him in the slightest. In fact, he likes the fight between him and his little lion. Carlos always gets what he wants, and what he wants is Simon. I loved seeing the moments where Carlos was sweet, loving, and supportive with Simon, creating a place of stability and safety for him.
Carlos and Simon is HOT HOT HOT together 🔥. Simon hates Carlos. He hates that he wants him. Hates that he craves his attention and touch. You could cut the sexual tension between Carlos and Simon with a knife. Chemistry between Carlos and Simon was inferno level hot, where fighting and banter is foreplay. Simon’s jealousy and Carlos’ delight in it added a playfulness to their dynamic without softening the edges of their fighting dynamic.
This story was honestly exceptional in the way Syn was able to weave together such complex themes and complex characters with strong character development without overshadowing them or the overall plot. I am not ready to say goodbye to the Kozlov universe, but I cannot wait to what Syn comes out with next.
[I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review]
« MM dark mafia romance »
« hate to love »
« hurt x comfort »
« family of psychos »
« “you’re mine” »
« forced proximity »
« possessiveness & jealousy »
« touch him & die »
« impact & breath play »
« found family »
Syn Blackrose is an auto-buy author for me where reading the blurb is completely unnecessary – I will devour whatever she writes and love every dark and twisty second of it! I am physically unable to put any of Syn’s books down once I have started reading – 6 for 6 so far! This book is no exception.
I have been salivating for Carlos and Simon’s story and Syn sure did deliver!
Carlos and Simon’s story was captivating in the mix of brutality and the desire and need for each other that burns through SImon’s hate. Your Hate, My Claim was hatefully seductive. The relentless push and pull of fury and temptation and pure need for each other gripped me in my own metaphorical hand necklace.
This book had the elements that I have become to expect and love from Syn – completely unhinged men, touch him & die vibes, obsessive and possessiveness, and lots of torture and unaliving. This story has an additional layer of brutality and stronger hurt/comfort elements, making it a little darker than what we have seen from Syn so far.
Simon is a storm cloud of anger, especially when it comes to Carlos. Simon has spent his adulthood hiding parts of himself and running from the trauma of his childhood. Carlos makes it nearly impossible for Simon to continue to lie to himself and those around him. Simon’s hate is fueled by his need to protect himself. What happens to Simon is honestly so horrific, between that and the aftermath, it had me in tears. Simon has been added to my list of favorite broken boys.
Carlos becomes completely obsessed with Simon the second he lays eyes on him. It doesn’t take long for the obsession to turn into a claiming of “you’re mine.” Carlos doesn’t let Simon’s anger and hatred deter him in the slightest. In fact, he likes the fight between him and his little lion. Carlos always gets what he wants, and what he wants is Simon. I loved seeing the moments where Carlos was sweet, loving, and supportive with Simon, creating a place of stability and safety for him.
Carlos and Simon is HOT HOT HOT together 🔥. Simon hates Carlos. He hates that he wants him. Hates that he craves his attention and touch. You could cut the sexual tension between Carlos and Simon with a knife. Chemistry between Carlos and Simon was inferno level hot, where fighting and banter is foreplay. Simon’s jealousy and Carlos’ delight in it added a playfulness to their dynamic without softening the edges of their fighting dynamic.
This story was honestly exceptional in the way Syn was able to weave together such complex themes and complex characters with strong character development without overshadowing them or the overall plot. I am not ready to say goodbye to the Kozlov universe, but I cannot wait to what Syn comes out with next.
[I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review]
October 5, 2025
🖤🩸I'm too broken to fight. Too angry to forgive. And far too alone to ever believe in love again🩸🖤
"I can feel it again, that connection when we lock eyes. Like someone from a past life has found me."
"You gonna kiss me, Simon? Or are you just going to keep pretending that you hate me enough to stay away?"
"His hate will be my claim. Claim over his soul and body. He can lie as much as he wants but I can read him like a book."
"I wonder if this is how it ends--not with death, but with disappearance. Piece by piece until there's nothing left of who you are."
"The man I trusted the most here became another ghost in my life, standing on the edge, doing nothing."
OMG this book was everything!!!!! What a phenomenal ending to a perfect series. I honestly feel so sad that this series ended 😭😭. I hope she continues to brach out in this world, but I would read anything by this author. This author did such a fantastic job with the various types of tension in this story. I was engaged from the first page and couldn't put it down. The plot in this one was amazing and action-packed. I love all these alpha psychos so much. I have been waiting for Carlos and Simon's story. I feel like I have been edged and teased so much, lol.
This story follows Simon and Carlos. We have seen glimpses of them fighting, flirting, and being violent with each other in the previous books. Simon is bi sexual but keeps it hidden due to trauma in his past. He is locked up like fort knox when it comes to his past and trauma. Carlos sees past all of Simon's masks and continues to taunt him. These two have a push and pull relationship. The chemistry is off the charts holy moly 🥵🥵. The spice scenes were done to perfection 🔥🔥🔥🔥. These two were feral for each other. Both of them were super possessive, protective, and extremely jealous. Simon had me laughing at his jealous antics 😂😂. My heart broke for Simon and the demons that haunted him. When he finally broke, I felt that in my soul 😫.
I loved how violent yet sweet this couple was. They contradicted each other but meshed so perfectly. Seeing everything that Carlos did to protect Simon had me swooning. Ofcourse Carlos had to join the alpha club like the others 😆.
One of the best things in this series is the found family. The banter, bickering, gossip, and love they all have for each other was unmatched. Seeing relationships form and deepen made me happy. Noah will always be one of my fav characters next to Aaron. Noah is so complex and I loved he was in this book a bit more. Ivan was too funny trying to be his bestie 😅. I hope we get more from this world. I don't want to say goodbye. I highly recommend this series if you're looking for a dark mafia, hurt/comfort, kinky spicy, found family, and hilarious read. 🩸🔪🖤❤️😈👿☠️
"I can feel it again, that connection when we lock eyes. Like someone from a past life has found me."
"You gonna kiss me, Simon? Or are you just going to keep pretending that you hate me enough to stay away?"
"His hate will be my claim. Claim over his soul and body. He can lie as much as he wants but I can read him like a book."
"I wonder if this is how it ends--not with death, but with disappearance. Piece by piece until there's nothing left of who you are."
"The man I trusted the most here became another ghost in my life, standing on the edge, doing nothing."
OMG this book was everything!!!!! What a phenomenal ending to a perfect series. I honestly feel so sad that this series ended 😭😭. I hope she continues to brach out in this world, but I would read anything by this author. This author did such a fantastic job with the various types of tension in this story. I was engaged from the first page and couldn't put it down. The plot in this one was amazing and action-packed. I love all these alpha psychos so much. I have been waiting for Carlos and Simon's story. I feel like I have been edged and teased so much, lol.
This story follows Simon and Carlos. We have seen glimpses of them fighting, flirting, and being violent with each other in the previous books. Simon is bi sexual but keeps it hidden due to trauma in his past. He is locked up like fort knox when it comes to his past and trauma. Carlos sees past all of Simon's masks and continues to taunt him. These two have a push and pull relationship. The chemistry is off the charts holy moly 🥵🥵. The spice scenes were done to perfection 🔥🔥🔥🔥. These two were feral for each other. Both of them were super possessive, protective, and extremely jealous. Simon had me laughing at his jealous antics 😂😂. My heart broke for Simon and the demons that haunted him. When he finally broke, I felt that in my soul 😫.
I loved how violent yet sweet this couple was. They contradicted each other but meshed so perfectly. Seeing everything that Carlos did to protect Simon had me swooning. Ofcourse Carlos had to join the alpha club like the others 😆.
One of the best things in this series is the found family. The banter, bickering, gossip, and love they all have for each other was unmatched. Seeing relationships form and deepen made me happy. Noah will always be one of my fav characters next to Aaron. Noah is so complex and I loved he was in this book a bit more. Ivan was too funny trying to be his bestie 😅. I hope we get more from this world. I don't want to say goodbye. I highly recommend this series if you're looking for a dark mafia, hurt/comfort, kinky spicy, found family, and hilarious read. 🩸🔪🖤❤️😈👿☠️
September 30, 2025
Your Hate, My Claim
Man oh man will I miss this crazy, psychotic family. Knowing this was the last in the series was bittersweet. Syn has created such a fun and absolutely crazy group that is the Kozlovs.
Simon and Carlos have literally been teased since THE BEGINNING. I think I can speak for all us readers when I say that this was a long time coming. The second we heard these two argue in the first books, we alllllll knew they were going to get a heartfelt hea.
My baby boy, Simon. You went through so much as a child and I’m so sorry you ever felt the need to hide who u are. No one should ever be forced to conceal a part of themselves bc society doesn’t agree. I’m so glad Simon was able to finally admit to himself and those he cares about that’s he’s gay. Though it took an arrogant, persistent, and sexy Brazilian man to finally get him to come out- I wouldn’t have it another other way.
My sexy, Carlos. Living his life, away from his father, and doing whatever he wants. Carlos’s carefree attitude was absolutely hilarious when it came to him flirting with Simon. No matter how many times he was denied or shunned, Carlos always found a way to get under Simon’s skin. They truly met their match with each other. Carlos knew from the moment he meant Simon that he was going to find a way to capture his little lion.
As much as Simon tried to deny his sexuality, he could never deny his attraction towards Carlos. Simon tried his best but was never able to resist Carlos’s attempts. Their chemistry was absolutely scorching. The tension, the push and pull, the POSSESSIVENESS. Gimme gimme gimme.
Once Carlos finally got his little lion in his grasp, he never let go. He even dragged him all the way to his home city in Brazil.
This is where their story truly took off because Carlos had to fight for Simon and his love, and Simon had to fight the love Carlos was giving.
Lemme just give a big FUCK YOU to Carlos’s dad and brother. FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU
thank you:)
Their test after Brazil was a hard one. I could tell they both wanted things to go back to before- it was the simplest, but at the same time- their relationship had changed entirely since then. I’m so grateful they had their found family to help and comfort them through that hard time. Though crazy, the Kozlovs are such a loving and supportive family that anyone would be lucky to have.
I’m sad to see it end, but I’m glad it happened. Hopefully we get some little snid bits of these crazy guys in the future.
Thank you so much to Syn for letting me review an ARC of this book💙💀
Man oh man will I miss this crazy, psychotic family. Knowing this was the last in the series was bittersweet. Syn has created such a fun and absolutely crazy group that is the Kozlovs.
Simon and Carlos have literally been teased since THE BEGINNING. I think I can speak for all us readers when I say that this was a long time coming. The second we heard these two argue in the first books, we alllllll knew they were going to get a heartfelt hea.
My baby boy, Simon. You went through so much as a child and I’m so sorry you ever felt the need to hide who u are. No one should ever be forced to conceal a part of themselves bc society doesn’t agree. I’m so glad Simon was able to finally admit to himself and those he cares about that’s he’s gay. Though it took an arrogant, persistent, and sexy Brazilian man to finally get him to come out- I wouldn’t have it another other way.
My sexy, Carlos. Living his life, away from his father, and doing whatever he wants. Carlos’s carefree attitude was absolutely hilarious when it came to him flirting with Simon. No matter how many times he was denied or shunned, Carlos always found a way to get under Simon’s skin. They truly met their match with each other. Carlos knew from the moment he meant Simon that he was going to find a way to capture his little lion.
As much as Simon tried to deny his sexuality, he could never deny his attraction towards Carlos. Simon tried his best but was never able to resist Carlos’s attempts. Their chemistry was absolutely scorching. The tension, the push and pull, the POSSESSIVENESS. Gimme gimme gimme.
Once Carlos finally got his little lion in his grasp, he never let go. He even dragged him all the way to his home city in Brazil.
This is where their story truly took off because Carlos had to fight for Simon and his love, and Simon had to fight the love Carlos was giving.
Lemme just give a big FUCK YOU to Carlos’s dad and brother. FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU
thank you:)
Their test after Brazil was a hard one. I could tell they both wanted things to go back to before- it was the simplest, but at the same time- their relationship had changed entirely since then. I’m so grateful they had their found family to help and comfort them through that hard time. Though crazy, the Kozlovs are such a loving and supportive family that anyone would be lucky to have.
I’m sad to see it end, but I’m glad it happened. Hopefully we get some little snid bits of these crazy guys in the future.
Thank you so much to Syn for letting me review an ARC of this book💙💀
October 1, 2025
I love book series where the family keeps growing and growing. 😍
Carlos has appeared repeatedly in the last few books, and the tension between him and Simon was already palpable. I highly recommend reading the books in order to get the best emotional effect. 🙏
I thought it was great how the author managed to combine the events of the other books with Simon and Carlo's story at the beginning. It was simply flawlessly intertwined.
The book is a little more emotional again, in terms of the pain of one of our protagonists. I would compare it a little to Aaron Kill for You, but Simon has handled and processed everything that has happened to him differently so far, or rather, he has shut it all away.
Forced to travel to Brazil because of his outburst against Carlos, the two are brought even closer together, leading to Simon's total breakdown. God, I felt so sorry for him, I just wanted to give him a hug and love him. 😭❤️
The book is definitely not for the faint of heart, as some torture methods and violence in general are described more explicitly than in previous parts. But I thought it was okay, since both Carlos and Simon are in the business and neither has to sugarcoat the world for the other.
I found Noah and Chase's little appearance exciting, especially Noah's gift at the end. 😂😅
The image I had of Simon up until now has been turned on its head by this book. His behavior suddenly makes much more sense, and I love Carlos. Yes, they both deserve a slap on the back of the head for one or two stupid things they've done 😒, but he has decided that Simon belongs to him and he won't let anything come between them. I just love it when they're super possessive.
What to expect:
- torture and unaliving
- Rough Foreplay
- Angst
- Homophobia
- Heavy Mental torment
- Trauma of MC (graphic)
- possesive / obsessive MC
- Family of psychos
Carlos has appeared repeatedly in the last few books, and the tension between him and Simon was already palpable. I highly recommend reading the books in order to get the best emotional effect. 🙏
I thought it was great how the author managed to combine the events of the other books with Simon and Carlo's story at the beginning. It was simply flawlessly intertwined.
The book is a little more emotional again, in terms of the pain of one of our protagonists. I would compare it a little to Aaron Kill for You, but Simon has handled and processed everything that has happened to him differently so far, or rather, he has shut it all away.
Forced to travel to Brazil because of his outburst against Carlos, the two are brought even closer together, leading to Simon's total breakdown. God, I felt so sorry for him, I just wanted to give him a hug and love him. 😭❤️
The book is definitely not for the faint of heart, as some torture methods and violence in general are described more explicitly than in previous parts. But I thought it was okay, since both Carlos and Simon are in the business and neither has to sugarcoat the world for the other.
I found Noah and Chase's little appearance exciting, especially Noah's gift at the end. 😂😅
The image I had of Simon up until now has been turned on its head by this book. His behavior suddenly makes much more sense, and I love Carlos. Yes, they both deserve a slap on the back of the head for one or two stupid things they've done 😒, but he has decided that Simon belongs to him and he won't let anything come between them. I just love it when they're super possessive.
What to expect:
- torture and unaliving
- Rough Foreplay
- Angst
- Homophobia
- Heavy Mental torment
- Trauma of MC (graphic)
- possesive / obsessive MC
- Family of psychos
November 28, 2025
Here's Syn Blackrose's "Your Hate, My Claim." It's the third novel in the Kozlov Bodyguards series (a Kozlov Brothers spin-off).
["Simon
I HATE Carlos Silva.
He’s arrogant, bossy and does everything he can to get under my skin whenever he’s around me.
But, it appears I’m about to find out that the line between love and hate fades after a while.
However, that’s not the only problem. What do you do when your past stops you from being you?
Will I survive when the past and present collide?
Carlos
I love how he hates me.
Simon. My Simon.
My new hobby is to rile him up. His feistiness makes my body feel alive. But his stubbornness needs taming.
I just need to deal with some family issues first.
Then…
It’s time to claim him—my little lion."]
Another book I wanted desperately for so long and then avoided because of the perceived angst. I was right about the angst. And the hate. And the rehashing all of their previous spats to up the angst and the hate. The hate was strong in this one. Not just the hate Simon feels for Carlos, the hate Simon feels for himself. It was rough and hard to read, but Carlos was there to pick him up.
Annnd then it got worse. And worse. And worse. And I was sobbing and Simon was sobbing and we were all sobbing, okay? It was bad.
Luckily, no matter how bad it gets, these men fight back harder and pull their HEA back from the clutches of truly evil men.
Trigger Warnings: murder, torture, homophobia/homophobic language, mental torment, graphic trauma of a MC, brief mention of a suicide in the past, physical abuse, violence, and more.
#ourbloodourpain #myhungeryoursoul #yourhatemyclaim #synblackrose #kozlovbodyguards #kozlovbodyguardsseries #kozlovbrothers #kozlovbrothersseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Simon
I HATE Carlos Silva.
He’s arrogant, bossy and does everything he can to get under my skin whenever he’s around me.
But, it appears I’m about to find out that the line between love and hate fades after a while.
However, that’s not the only problem. What do you do when your past stops you from being you?
Will I survive when the past and present collide?
Carlos
I love how he hates me.
Simon. My Simon.
My new hobby is to rile him up. His feistiness makes my body feel alive. But his stubbornness needs taming.
I just need to deal with some family issues first.
Then…
It’s time to claim him—my little lion."]
Another book I wanted desperately for so long and then avoided because of the perceived angst. I was right about the angst. And the hate. And the rehashing all of their previous spats to up the angst and the hate. The hate was strong in this one. Not just the hate Simon feels for Carlos, the hate Simon feels for himself. It was rough and hard to read, but Carlos was there to pick him up.
Annnd then it got worse. And worse. And worse. And I was sobbing and Simon was sobbing and we were all sobbing, okay? It was bad.
Luckily, no matter how bad it gets, these men fight back harder and pull their HEA back from the clutches of truly evil men.
Trigger Warnings: murder, torture, homophobia/homophobic language, mental torment, graphic trauma of a MC, brief mention of a suicide in the past, physical abuse, violence, and more.
#ourbloodourpain #myhungeryoursoul #yourhatemyclaim #synblackrose #kozlovbodyguards #kozlovbodyguardsseries #kozlovbrothers #kozlovbrothersseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
January 1, 2026
Simon hates Carlos Silva with a capital H, and Carlos enjoys rubbing that hatred in like it’s foreplay.
But here’s the thing: it’s NOT actually enemies to lovers!
Simon and Carlos already work for the same mafia family, and there’s no real animosity between them to grow from. What we get instead is a prickly dynamic where Simon doesn’t like that Carlos instantly clocked him as gay, and Carlos finds it hilarious. I AM TIRED of people wrongly tagging such FAUX enemies to lovers stories.
Alright, moving on.
They’re sleeping together well before the 30 % mark and from there the book tries to lean into "hate fading into love". But because there wasn’t genuine hate in the first place, the emotional arc never truly lands. Carlos falls for Simon almost immediately, and Simon’s prickliness feels less like depth and more like inconsistent characterization. Techincally, he is a Tsundere. A basic one at that.
In a series where each installment has built tension, backstory, and complex heat, Your Hate, My Claim almost feels emotionally stilted.
Where this book could have been the best of the Kozlov Bodyguards series, it becomes deeply disappointing instead. Simon’s inner world feels oddly underdeveloped; motivations that should feel intense come off as far-fetched or thinly justified. Carlos’s feelings don’t deepen slowly, but are immediate, and that’s fine in some romances, but not when the narrative wants you to believe there was real conflict to overcome.
The drama around closeting and family ties is fine, and the book highlighted once again what a tight-knit family the Kozlovs are. Honestly, I was just always clapping like a happy seal whenever my babes Aaron and Lev were on page.
Overall: a promising setup that ends up feeling flat and rushed. For a series with stronger installments before it, that makes this one harder to forgive.
But here’s the thing: it’s NOT actually enemies to lovers!
Simon and Carlos already work for the same mafia family, and there’s no real animosity between them to grow from. What we get instead is a prickly dynamic where Simon doesn’t like that Carlos instantly clocked him as gay, and Carlos finds it hilarious. I AM TIRED of people wrongly tagging such FAUX enemies to lovers stories.
Alright, moving on.
They’re sleeping together well before the 30 % mark and from there the book tries to lean into "hate fading into love". But because there wasn’t genuine hate in the first place, the emotional arc never truly lands. Carlos falls for Simon almost immediately, and Simon’s prickliness feels less like depth and more like inconsistent characterization. Techincally, he is a Tsundere. A basic one at that.
In a series where each installment has built tension, backstory, and complex heat, Your Hate, My Claim almost feels emotionally stilted.
Where this book could have been the best of the Kozlov Bodyguards series, it becomes deeply disappointing instead. Simon’s inner world feels oddly underdeveloped; motivations that should feel intense come off as far-fetched or thinly justified. Carlos’s feelings don’t deepen slowly, but are immediate, and that’s fine in some romances, but not when the narrative wants you to believe there was real conflict to overcome.
The drama around closeting and family ties is fine, and the book highlighted once again what a tight-knit family the Kozlovs are. Honestly, I was just always clapping like a happy seal whenever my babes Aaron and Lev were on page.
Overall: a promising setup that ends up feeling flat and rushed. For a series with stronger installments before it, that makes this one harder to forgive.
October 8, 2025
"Your not weak . Your just bleeding in places no one can see"
Your Hate, My Claim by Syn Blackrose
OMG!!! We are back in the Kozlov world with the guards, and honestly, at this point, after devouring book after book since the very first Kozlov story, I’ve just come to accept and adore that these men are equal parts bloodthirsty and secretly soft. It’s their signature, and I love it.
Carlos calling Simone his “little lion” one moment and then absolutely tearing someone apart the next for daring to hurt him? SWOON. That balance of savage protector and hopeless romantic gets me every time.
If you’ve been following this series, then you already know Simone and Carlos’s history. And if you haven’t? Stop right here, go back, start at the beginning, and then come back. You’ll thank me. Their dynamic has always been explosive, Simone with his burning hatred, Carlos with his obsessive devotion. But this book takes it to an entirely new level.
We finally see why Simone built such massive walls around himself, and the truth broke my heart. His past is full of pain and trauma, and yet, Carlos is the one who, in his own dark, twisted, but unwavering way, shows Simone that he’s not just lovable, he’s worth keeping. That scene where Simone breaks down and finally confesses his pain? Gut-wrenching. My heart ached for him.
But what made it even more powerful was the found family around him. Sweet, earnest Chase reminding everyone to honor Simone’s feelings? Perfection. It’s those little moments that prove these ruthless men are, deep down, softies. They not only protected Simone but also acknowledged his pain, helping him realize that he could finally love openly, that he could hold the hand of the man he loved without fear.
And Carlos… oh, Carlos. His devotion was everything. With his own deep rooted issues from childhood, he stood by Simone through it all, including Simone's jealousy and insecurities and what he did in this book as the MC for Simone? I swear, I’ve never read anything like it before. It completely floored me.
All in all, this book was an incredible continuation of the Kozlov world. Seeing all the characters from the previous books rally together, protect one another, and stand as a family was everything I could have hoped for. Dark, brutal, emotional, and tender all at once, this story gave me everything.
Your Hate, My Claim by Syn Blackrose
OMG!!! We are back in the Kozlov world with the guards, and honestly, at this point, after devouring book after book since the very first Kozlov story, I’ve just come to accept and adore that these men are equal parts bloodthirsty and secretly soft. It’s their signature, and I love it.
Carlos calling Simone his “little lion” one moment and then absolutely tearing someone apart the next for daring to hurt him? SWOON. That balance of savage protector and hopeless romantic gets me every time.
If you’ve been following this series, then you already know Simone and Carlos’s history. And if you haven’t? Stop right here, go back, start at the beginning, and then come back. You’ll thank me. Their dynamic has always been explosive, Simone with his burning hatred, Carlos with his obsessive devotion. But this book takes it to an entirely new level.
We finally see why Simone built such massive walls around himself, and the truth broke my heart. His past is full of pain and trauma, and yet, Carlos is the one who, in his own dark, twisted, but unwavering way, shows Simone that he’s not just lovable, he’s worth keeping. That scene where Simone breaks down and finally confesses his pain? Gut-wrenching. My heart ached for him.
But what made it even more powerful was the found family around him. Sweet, earnest Chase reminding everyone to honor Simone’s feelings? Perfection. It’s those little moments that prove these ruthless men are, deep down, softies. They not only protected Simone but also acknowledged his pain, helping him realize that he could finally love openly, that he could hold the hand of the man he loved without fear.
And Carlos… oh, Carlos. His devotion was everything. With his own deep rooted issues from childhood, he stood by Simone through it all, including Simone's jealousy and insecurities and what he did in this book as the MC for Simone? I swear, I’ve never read anything like it before. It completely floored me.
All in all, this book was an incredible continuation of the Kozlov world. Seeing all the characters from the previous books rally together, protect one another, and stand as a family was everything I could have hoped for. Dark, brutal, emotional, and tender all at once, this story gave me everything.
October 10, 2025
Carlos
From the moment he laid eyes on Simon he knew that was his man. Simon’s denial only makes the defeat more delicious, the desire more worthy of a man like Carlos. Everything is a battle of wills with Simon, every conversation laced with arsenic covered words and Carlos couldn’t think of a sweeter way to die. But hiding beneath the surface is a man who needs his possession, his pain, his passion…. A man who needs to know that Carlos won’t throw his away like everyone else has.
Simon
The armour he dons in the form of sanctimonious silences and spiteful speeches are all directed at beautifully flawed man whose only goal in life seems to be getting under Simon’s skin. He tries to fight the want, fight the comfort that Carlos offers so freely but he’s… inevitable as is the heartbreak he knows will come along with it. The trauma of being left behind buries its self so deep that Indiana Jones himself couldn’t dig it up, so how will Carlos fix what was shattered many years ago and how will Simon let him.
“Hmm stop talking dirty to me and get the hell outta here before I claim that little ass of yours.”
“I’ll let you have that hit for free. But next time, I’ll fight back and it will only guarantee one thing. You. Bent over for me.”
“You’re too precious. That was hot.” “You’re a fucking psycho.”
“You gunna kiss me, Simon?” He whispers, dark delight dancing in his voice. “Or are you just going to keep pretending that you hate me enough to stay away?”
I wanted to erase the feel of Carlos’ breath against my throat, the rough grip of his hands. The way he whispered while f**king the life out of me, “You’ll never want anyone the way you want me.”
.Immense. .Pain. .Pleasure. .Fireworks. .Tight. .Alert. .Traitorous.
From the moment he laid eyes on Simon he knew that was his man. Simon’s denial only makes the defeat more delicious, the desire more worthy of a man like Carlos. Everything is a battle of wills with Simon, every conversation laced with arsenic covered words and Carlos couldn’t think of a sweeter way to die. But hiding beneath the surface is a man who needs his possession, his pain, his passion…. A man who needs to know that Carlos won’t throw his away like everyone else has.
Simon
The armour he dons in the form of sanctimonious silences and spiteful speeches are all directed at beautifully flawed man whose only goal in life seems to be getting under Simon’s skin. He tries to fight the want, fight the comfort that Carlos offers so freely but he’s… inevitable as is the heartbreak he knows will come along with it. The trauma of being left behind buries its self so deep that Indiana Jones himself couldn’t dig it up, so how will Carlos fix what was shattered many years ago and how will Simon let him.
“Hmm stop talking dirty to me and get the hell outta here before I claim that little ass of yours.”
“I’ll let you have that hit for free. But next time, I’ll fight back and it will only guarantee one thing. You. Bent over for me.”
“You’re too precious. That was hot.” “You’re a fucking psycho.”
“You gunna kiss me, Simon?” He whispers, dark delight dancing in his voice. “Or are you just going to keep pretending that you hate me enough to stay away?”
I wanted to erase the feel of Carlos’ breath against my throat, the rough grip of his hands. The way he whispered while f**king the life out of me, “You’ll never want anyone the way you want me.”
.Immense. .Pain. .Pleasure. .Fireworks. .Tight. .Alert. .Traitorous.
October 11, 2025
Two Hearts One Purpose
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2025
Format: Kindle
Simon and Carlos a beautiful couple. I enjoyed the instant chemistry of Simon and Carlos. The initial scene of their first meeting was beautifully written. I could see Carlos walking towards Dima in slow motion his eyes meeting Simon's. Besides their first meeting I liked that they understood each other without speaking. Each encounter felt like they already knew each other. At the club, Carlos' office on the docks, after they found Carlos's brother. I felt like they were two puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together but hadn't connected yet. I loved Carlos' persistence and patience. He was drawn to Simon instantly and pursued him at a calm pace. It was like there was a tug of war between the two that Carlos allowed Simon to make his way to him in due time. I loved Simon's constant self reflection throughout the book. I liked that Carlos allowed Simon to have the war within himself but also provided reassurance and balance. I knew Carlos would avenge Simon and wait for him. Simon's emotional breakdown was nicely written. I could see him yell and fall to the ground with Carlos and Dima both perplexed. I loved Carlos giving himself to Simon without hesitation. And the end showing Carlos' possessiveness was hilarious. What I loved the most was that both wouldn't allow each other to give up on one another. Carlos' character was complex. I liked that we learned more about his upbringing once he went to his home country. And throughout the book we learned of Simon's upbringing. These two were raised on opposite ends of the spectrum but found their ways to one another. This was a love story about 2 broken men who fit perfectly together and mended each other's mind, body and soul.
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2025
Format: Kindle
Simon and Carlos a beautiful couple. I enjoyed the instant chemistry of Simon and Carlos. The initial scene of their first meeting was beautifully written. I could see Carlos walking towards Dima in slow motion his eyes meeting Simon's. Besides their first meeting I liked that they understood each other without speaking. Each encounter felt like they already knew each other. At the club, Carlos' office on the docks, after they found Carlos's brother. I felt like they were two puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together but hadn't connected yet. I loved Carlos' persistence and patience. He was drawn to Simon instantly and pursued him at a calm pace. It was like there was a tug of war between the two that Carlos allowed Simon to make his way to him in due time. I loved Simon's constant self reflection throughout the book. I liked that Carlos allowed Simon to have the war within himself but also provided reassurance and balance. I knew Carlos would avenge Simon and wait for him. Simon's emotional breakdown was nicely written. I could see him yell and fall to the ground with Carlos and Dima both perplexed. I loved Carlos giving himself to Simon without hesitation. And the end showing Carlos' possessiveness was hilarious. What I loved the most was that both wouldn't allow each other to give up on one another. Carlos' character was complex. I liked that we learned more about his upbringing once he went to his home country. And throughout the book we learned of Simon's upbringing. These two were raised on opposite ends of the spectrum but found their ways to one another. This was a love story about 2 broken men who fit perfectly together and mended each other's mind, body and soul.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2025
4.5 stars. Simon is as closed off as possible. His traumatic past made him who he is now.
Being part of and working for the Kozlov family gives him a place in life. They all have life partners, while they have their men, Simon will never show he’s just like them, no way, those feelings are shoved down, as deep as possible!
When a beautiful enigmatic man shows up at the club Simon is mesmerized. But oh oh Carlos seems to be an arrogant prick, and thinks he can take what he wants (Ha! he wants Simon!)
That’s where the hate starts. Let the fight begin!
Carlos left Brazil and his father’s business to start his own. His manipulative father tries hard to make Carlos’ business fail.
But Carlos is clever and as headstrong as his father. Doing business with the Kozlov family will be the right move. His attraction to Simon is strong, it’s mutual but the guy is hostile to him.
Not that it changes anything, Simon will be his!
Believe me, it’s not that easy, Simon’s past is in the way, he’s stuck there, and also Carlos’ younger brother and his father are complications.
The course is raw, painful, and quite hurtful. Carlos’ determined mind to set Simon free and make him his, and Simon who tries (but fails) to resist him, is the big storyline here, the business and the families are certainly important but secondary.
All together it was an eventful story, super captivating, there’s violence, manipulation, possessiveness, jealousy, and yes, there are even some ‘sweet’ moments. The characters are morally grey, they don’t hesitate to torture and kill, but are one when it’s about family.
I received an arc
Being part of and working for the Kozlov family gives him a place in life. They all have life partners, while they have their men, Simon will never show he’s just like them, no way, those feelings are shoved down, as deep as possible!
When a beautiful enigmatic man shows up at the club Simon is mesmerized. But oh oh Carlos seems to be an arrogant prick, and thinks he can take what he wants (Ha! he wants Simon!)
That’s where the hate starts. Let the fight begin!
Carlos left Brazil and his father’s business to start his own. His manipulative father tries hard to make Carlos’ business fail.
But Carlos is clever and as headstrong as his father. Doing business with the Kozlov family will be the right move. His attraction to Simon is strong, it’s mutual but the guy is hostile to him.
Not that it changes anything, Simon will be his!
Believe me, it’s not that easy, Simon’s past is in the way, he’s stuck there, and also Carlos’ younger brother and his father are complications.
The course is raw, painful, and quite hurtful. Carlos’ determined mind to set Simon free and make him his, and Simon who tries (but fails) to resist him, is the big storyline here, the business and the families are certainly important but secondary.
All together it was an eventful story, super captivating, there’s violence, manipulation, possessiveness, jealousy, and yes, there are even some ‘sweet’ moments. The characters are morally grey, they don’t hesitate to torture and kill, but are one when it’s about family.
I received an arc
September 25, 2025
You Hate, My Claim – Book 3 (Kozlov Bodyguards)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐,5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️,5
I had been waiting (im)patiently for Simon and Carlos’s story, and Syn truly delivered—it did not disappoint. The tension, chemistry, and dynamic between them were absolutely on point.
Simon, Carlos’s “little lion,” grew up in foster care. His tough childhood and the scars of his past eventually led him to the Kozlov brothers, where he became their bodyguard. When Carlos and the Kozlovs cross paths for a new business venture, the attraction between Simon and Carlos is immediate. But Simon’s trauma makes him hesitant to give in, while Carlos is determined not to give up. What follows is a gripping push-and-pull between them.
Carlos, meanwhile, wants nothing to do with his family in Brazil—he’s focused on building his own name in the US, which brings him closer to the Kozlovs. But when his father calls him back to Brazil, Carlos is blindsided by his father’s real intentions. What happens when even your own father refuses to understand who you are?
Simon has built walls around his heart to protect himself, and I loved how Carlos pushed him—gently but persistently—to be his true self without fear of being left alone. The scenes where Carlos apologizes to Simon after what happened in Brazil were so emotional I had tears in my eyes. The vulnerability between them was raw and beautifully written.
And of course, the appearance of the whole Kozlov crew was the cherry on top—the way they’d do anything for family made the story even more powerful.
Absolutely brilliant!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐,5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️,5
I had been waiting (im)patiently for Simon and Carlos’s story, and Syn truly delivered—it did not disappoint. The tension, chemistry, and dynamic between them were absolutely on point.
Simon, Carlos’s “little lion,” grew up in foster care. His tough childhood and the scars of his past eventually led him to the Kozlov brothers, where he became their bodyguard. When Carlos and the Kozlovs cross paths for a new business venture, the attraction between Simon and Carlos is immediate. But Simon’s trauma makes him hesitant to give in, while Carlos is determined not to give up. What follows is a gripping push-and-pull between them.
Carlos, meanwhile, wants nothing to do with his family in Brazil—he’s focused on building his own name in the US, which brings him closer to the Kozlovs. But when his father calls him back to Brazil, Carlos is blindsided by his father’s real intentions. What happens when even your own father refuses to understand who you are?
Simon has built walls around his heart to protect himself, and I loved how Carlos pushed him—gently but persistently—to be his true self without fear of being left alone. The scenes where Carlos apologizes to Simon after what happened in Brazil were so emotional I had tears in my eyes. The vulnerability between them was raw and beautifully written.
And of course, the appearance of the whole Kozlov crew was the cherry on top—the way they’d do anything for family made the story even more powerful.
Absolutely brilliant!
October 1, 2025
**Content Warning**: Please read the warning before proceeding to read these books. After you do, it’s not the author's responsibility if you find yourself triggered.
These books delve into dark themes—really dark—and they were exactly what I needed. I’m a very moody reader with no personal triggers, and I found myself enjoying something I wouldn’t have liked five months ago. Remember my review of ‘Craving the Chase’, a book by the same author? At that time, I rated it three stars, but I’m now bumping it up to four, as I wasn’t ready for it back then. However, my mood has changed, and so have my preferences.
The book ‘Kill For You’ came recommended to me on social media, and I do not regret reading it. It masterfully blends dark themes with mental health nuances, and in a way, it was healing for me, though it’s hard to put into words. The main characters' actions are often questionable, as is typical in a dark romance, but I thoroughly enjoyed indulging in such a beautifully crafted story.
After finishing ‘Kill For You’, I wanted more from this author, so I started with the first book in the Kozlov Brothers series, ‘Tied To You’. My craving didn’t stop there, leading me to the Kozlov Bodyguard Series, and today I finished the second book, ‘My Hunger, Your Soul’.
While I love the themes and the journeys of each main character, I still find myself wanting more chapters filled with angst that would tear me apart, lol.
In any case, I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys dark MM romance featuring unhinged villains. Trust me, they are indeed villains, but you’ll love them regardless. Expect morally questionable actions and characters, as well as nuanced mental health representation and complex protagonists. Dive right in!
October 2, 2025
I don’t recall the last time I devoured a book almost in one sitting! This story is so enticing and compelling I literally couldn’t put it down. I even forced myself to save the last 10% for the next day. I was surprised—and yet somehow, I knew that would happen. I love every single book written by Syn Blackrose, and *Your Hate, My Claim* is no exception. The whole Kozlov universe feels like a playground to me—I get excited instantly at the thought of it, smiling like a maniac. At this point, it’s almost a Pavlovian reflex.
I won’t dive too deeply into the story, since the blurb gives all the essential info, and I want to avoid spoilers.
**TL;DR:** Simon hates Carlos, and Carlos revels in it. This story explores that razor-thin line between love and hate—the possessiveness, jealousy, and toxicity transforming into something more. Simon’s story stands out from all the others; it’s exceptional, and one of the reasons I love it so much. And the ending? Oh boy… I couldn’t imagine a more perfect one.
Most importantly: I highly recommend following the reading order of the series to get the best experience. It’s not strictly necessary, but it makes navigating this world and its characters so much richer, taking the journey to a whole new level.
The hardest part is saying goodbye—acknowledging the end of such a long, exciting journey. I still hold hope, of course, but when something ends, something else begins. I still remember the debut, *Tied to Me*—it was love at first page. Perhaps that’s why I’m not crying myself to sleep, because all six books were amazing. And now, I can’t wait to see what Syn has in store for us next.
I won’t dive too deeply into the story, since the blurb gives all the essential info, and I want to avoid spoilers.
**TL;DR:** Simon hates Carlos, and Carlos revels in it. This story explores that razor-thin line between love and hate—the possessiveness, jealousy, and toxicity transforming into something more. Simon’s story stands out from all the others; it’s exceptional, and one of the reasons I love it so much. And the ending? Oh boy… I couldn’t imagine a more perfect one.
Most importantly: I highly recommend following the reading order of the series to get the best experience. It’s not strictly necessary, but it makes navigating this world and its characters so much richer, taking the journey to a whole new level.
The hardest part is saying goodbye—acknowledging the end of such a long, exciting journey. I still hold hope, of course, but when something ends, something else begins. I still remember the debut, *Tied to Me*—it was love at first page. Perhaps that’s why I’m not crying myself to sleep, because all six books were amazing. And now, I can’t wait to see what Syn has in store for us next.
September 24, 2025
Your Hate, My Claim is the 3rd book in the Kozlov Bodyguard series! This one covers the Kozlov Bodyguard, Simon, and Carlos, who is working with the Kozlov’s through shipments. We met Carlos in other books and this book was a long time coming, since it was clear that he and Simon were crazy for each other.
Simon had some trauma in the past which causes him to keep part of himself a secret- his sexuality. After meeting Carlos, he instantly hates him, because he brings out a side of himself that he’d rather ignore. They fighting back and forth and the constant battles between the two, make it obvious AF that they like each other.
In a moment of anger, Simon gets himself in trouble and owes Carlos a debt. Carlos decides to take him back to Brazil to help take his stupid brother home to their controlling father.
The book had fun, hilarious moments, but also sad, hurt/comfort moments. I loved the reappearance of Noah and Chase from Craving the Chase! Noah is so fricken disturbed, you have to love him! Also, loved the ongoing (one sided) bromance between him and Ivan! 🤣
Dima being so supportive was nice, but I also loved how she Carlos claimed Simon, he didn’t bat an eye and said that’s how it goes. 😂
I am so happy to delve back into this world!! Thanks Syn for letting me read this!! 😘😘😘😘
Simon had some trauma in the past which causes him to keep part of himself a secret- his sexuality. After meeting Carlos, he instantly hates him, because he brings out a side of himself that he’d rather ignore. They fighting back and forth and the constant battles between the two, make it obvious AF that they like each other.
In a moment of anger, Simon gets himself in trouble and owes Carlos a debt. Carlos decides to take him back to Brazil to help take his stupid brother home to their controlling father.
The book had fun, hilarious moments, but also sad, hurt/comfort moments. I loved the reappearance of Noah and Chase from Craving the Chase! Noah is so fricken disturbed, you have to love him! Also, loved the ongoing (one sided) bromance between him and Ivan! 🤣
Dima being so supportive was nice, but I also loved how she Carlos claimed Simon, he didn’t bat an eye and said that’s how it goes. 😂
I am so happy to delve back into this world!! Thanks Syn for letting me read this!! 😘😘😘😘
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