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Ruthless Russians #2

A Virgin for His Prize

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Her San Francisco heiress Romi Grayson has only had a taste of Maxwell Black's addictive brand of seduction, and she knows she should stay away...especially having discovered just how determined he is to possess her!

His Max prides himself on always being in control, yet somehow Romi sneaked under his cast-iron defences then walked away. Now he is driven to finish what they started...

The ultimate prize! This Russian tycoon will stop at nothing, even blackmail, to have Romi warm and willing in his bed. And her innocence will make his long-awaited possession all the sweeter...

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

58 people are currently reading
210 people want to read

About the author

Lucy Monroe

609 books1,573 followers
I write spicy romance books that end in an HEA. Contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance…I write it all. The two things my books all have in common is lots of emotion and spice. Last year, I fell in love with a new subgenre: mafia romance. Since I write what I love to read, I started a new standalone series, Syndicate Rules where you’ll meet over the top alpha heroes in the Italian and Greek mafias as well as the Irish mob. There are arranged marriages, forced marriages, enemies to lovers, stalkers, forced proximity and lots of mafia intrigue. Morally gray is my new favorite color.

Follow me on BookBub for alerts on my next release: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lucy-...

I’ve been published a while and most of my 90+ books have hit the Nielson Bookscan bestseller list, a few ended up on the USA Today bestseller list and some even hit national bestseller lists in the UK and Australia. My books have been translated into numerous languages and are for sale in dozens of countries around the world. I’ve won awards and been published with most of the big houses in New York, but my greatest achievement is touching readers’ hearts. When I hear from a reader who got caught up in one of my books, I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.

I love writing emotionally deep stories with snappy dialogue and solid plots. I’m more grateful than I’ll ever be able to express that so many readers have taken my stories into their hearts and put my books on their reread and keeper shelves.

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5 stars
79 (19%)
4 stars
126 (30%)
3 stars
136 (33%)
2 stars
51 (12%)
1 star
15 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for  Danielle The Book Huntress .
2,756 reviews6,630 followers
June 24, 2016
I was surprised how much I liked this one. I had been disappointed with the other book in this duology, An Heiress for His Empire. This book, it hit all the right notes.

I really liked the discussions that Romi and Maxwell had. It was clear that they were actually friends in addition to lovers. I am 1000% over playboy/womanizer heroes, but I think this worked for me because Maxwell did have some vulnerability. He may have seemed like he was holding all the cards, but Romi was someone he really wanted and needed in his life, despite his fear of falling in love and his belief that love didn't exist. Romi is nicely independent and straightforward.

I did think the whole, "I'm tired of being a twenty-four year old virgin" comment was a bit eye-rolling. That really is not that old to be a virgin. If you're a virgin, it's probably for a reason. Just be honest and admit that you really want to be with Maxwell, no qualifications on it. The way that writers play virginity is either like it's a burden or some kind of special status. It's neither. It's just a state of identity that a person has or doesn't have. Yes, losing one's virginity is a momentous occasion, so treat it that way and move on.

I really liked Maxwell's Russianness (big surprise). Even though he had lived in America most of his life, it was clear this an important part of his culture. He reflects many of the values that Russian men value highly. He felt more Russian to me than Viktor in the first book. I liked him better as a person, other than his slamhound tendencies. I don't think I would have been as sanguine as Romi was about staying in his apartment where he brought all his conquests, even if they didn't share his bed (he used the guestroom).

This feels like more of a modern romance than some HPs, with a heroine who is very millennial (Not in a bad way though), and that did appeal. The wedding was really sweet and how devoted and adoring Maxwell becomes towards the end of the book really worked for me. I like that they do understand each other and accept each other as they are. The marriage between this couple feels strong, like it will last for many years.

The love scenes are steamy and descriptive, but Monroe is a bit coy about the BDSM, with Maxwell having dominant tendencies and Romi being somewhat sexually submissive. I did like that she wasn't willing to be tied up until she felt like she could trust him again. That made a lot of sense to me.

The strong bond of friendship between Romi and Madison (from the other book) is a prominent aspect of this book, which I also liked. Romi and Madison both feel like women I might have known or interacted with in my real life. It's cute that SBC (sisters-by-choice) married friends/business rivals.

So, I was pretty satisfied with this book.
Profile Image for Alex is The Romance Fox.
1,461 reviews1,240 followers
October 29, 2014
This was a real drag to get to the end.

Heiress & russian millionaire.....the fight, they like each other, they don't.....so boring.................

I felt no connection between the hero and heroine...no sparks...no nothing.

Also secondary characters were uninteresting.

Not for me...even if I have liked some books by this author...this was one of those I didn't...like.
Profile Image for *CJ*.
5,109 reviews628 followers
December 15, 2019
"A Virgin for His Prize" is the story of Romi and Maxwell.

In this cat and mouse chase, our h is an heiress and H is a tycoon. They dated a while ago, when his lack of commitment led to their breakup. Now he's back to pursuing her, this time promising a ring in exchange for her body. But she demands love and loyalty, and he promises to give only the latter. As passion enters their lives and they finally consummate their relationship, can the h make the H fall for her?

Interesting read with likable MCs. We see them arguing back and forth, addressing their issues from the start and being honest with one another. I think my favorite scene is when the h refuses to be tied down during sex as the H has lost her trust. She makes her work for her love, enchanting him with her honestly and giving nature. Ends in a sweet HEA.

Safe
3.5/5
Profile Image for Penny Watson.
Author 12 books511 followers
September 25, 2017
5 stars--I'm changing the rating after a re-read!

I'm changing the review, too. I LOVE this book. This little mini series by Lucy Monroe has absolutely delicious Russian heroes.

Ruthless Russians =

1. An Heiress for His Empire

2. A Virgin for His Prize

I highly recommend both of these books if you like sexy Russian heroes. I liked both of the heroines, too. They had a lot of integrity and backbone and were the perfect mates for these alpha Russian tycoons.

Favorite re-reads!

Profile Image for Aou .
2,049 reviews215 followers
July 9, 2023
I was bored this time so reduced a star!
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,817 reviews633 followers
October 6, 2014
The bigger the ego, the harder they fall. Business mogul Max, has had his eye on Romi for a while, likewise, for Romi, who knows it would take little to fall madly in love with this distant and black & white businessman. Max has no basis to truly understand love, so a marriage is strictly the proper business deal to create a proper heir. Perhaps if he saw beyond his own reflection, he would see what a blessing love is. Romi is a devilishly funny romantic, determined to find her happily ever after with Max, all without saying yes to his proposal.

There is chemistry, heat and more heat in Lucy Monroe’s A Virgin for His Prize. It does move along well, and there are some humorous moments, some sizzling moments and lots of interaction. Nothing goes too deep, and there are rare scenes of over-the-top, gripping tension. If you’re looking for a quick romantic read, this should work for the busy Holiday season. 3.5 Stars

Publication Date: November 1, 2014
ISBN: 9780373132881
Genre: Holiday Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 192 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
http://tometender.blogspot.com/
Profile Image for Denyse Bridger.
Author 71 books115 followers
March 22, 2015
Another winner that will have you smiling long after you turn the last page!

After reading the first book in Lucy Monroe’s Ruthless Russians set, I was more than a little curious to learn more about the mysterious Maxwell Black. I loved Viktor and Maddie from An Heiress For His Empire, so falling for Max and Romi seemed unlikely. How wrong I was on that one! Lucy has an absolute gift for creating alpha heroes who on the surface can appear ruthless, cold even, and decidedly forceful in their presence and their expectation of obedience. What makes them so special though is that inside each of these alpha males beats a passionate heart that is often very much in love long before they ever realize it within themselves, and it’s always wonderful to see how she brings the truth to the surface for them and makes them see what her readers already know by then. A Virgin For His Prize is no exception to this style, and Max has more than met his match in the idealistic, innocent, and trusting Romi. The story flows beautifully, making the reader both smile and want to occasionally smack Max for being obtuse. Romi’s a delightful heroine, smart, pragmatic, sweet, and focused on making herself an intimate part of Max’s world, outside the bedroom as well as in. The banter between them is natural and sexy, the chemistry hot and insatiable.

All in all, this is another winner that will have you smiling long after you turn the last page and set is aside. That, in my opinion, is the magic of any Lucy Monroe magic, and she never fails to deliver!
Profile Image for Jonel.
1,717 reviews311 followers
June 13, 2015
This is definitely a different type of romance. Sure, Monroe works in the will they-won’t they aspect that keeps you wondering, along with a plethora of issues that could keep the characters apart, but it is in those issues that we find the differences. Monroe captures emotions very well throughout this novel. She also mixes in heat, sass, and a great deal of reality to create a story that left me intrigued.

Monroe’s characters in this one may be from the top 1% of society and living the lives that the rest of us don’t even dare to dream of, but that doesn’t mean that readers can’t connect with them. The author’s in depth development make them seem very real and human. Once you understand where they come from, their stories are easy to get in to. Now, that’s not to say that they’re just like you and I. Readers can definitely see and feel the fortunes rolling off of these characters, making our everyday worries infinitely different from theirs.

As a whole, this was an intriguing novel that I enjoyed. It was a quick, sassy read great for when you want something light.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jenny.
3,162 reviews558 followers
October 5, 2014
Bland story, lame characters, awful epilogue. 2 stars because I enjoy steamy scenes.
Profile Image for Tory Michaels.
Author 4 books79 followers
November 6, 2014
Really REALLY got sick of the phrase "sister-by-choice" and/or SBC. I get they're close, but ugh.......
Profile Image for Cheryl.
9 reviews4 followers
November 12, 2014
Such a disappointment. I was looking forward to Maxwell but the characterization was so bland.
Profile Image for Alima Livzletlivz.
767 reviews2 followers
November 3, 2014
It’s not like I’m not familiar with Lucy Monroe’s books. In fact I enjoy her stories and have been reading her on and off for a while.

Unfortunately Virgin For His Prize, second book in her Ruthless Russians Series, just did not stimulate my juices as much as her earlier books. Maxwell Black is a wealthy Russian, hell bent on possessing the society heiress Romi Grayson. Not believing in happily ever-after, love or long term relationships, he goes about trying the get Romi via blackmail. Romi is extremely attracted to Black and has already made up her mind to accept the proposal despite, Black not declaring his love for her.

There is too much dialogue and less substance in the story. It’s not like I’m averse to dialogue, but they have to be witty, interesting and hold attention to make it a good read. The characters lacked depth, as well as chemistry. Lots of time it felt like I was reading a monologue. Sorry! The premise of the story had great potential; unfortunately it lacked the conviction to harness that story line.

I haven’t read the first book An Heiress For His Empire, which I plan on giving it a shot anyways despite this book not making it happen for me, because Monroe is a good writer and I will go back to her books.

Received an ARC from the publisher vie Netgalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Reads by Starburst.
321 reviews17 followers
January 5, 2015
A Virgin for His Prize is a well written romance with a well executed plot and story-line. I was waiting to read Max and Romi’s story because they both left an impression on me in A Heiress For His Empire by Lucy Monroe.

Max is an alpha Russian hero who does not do commitment and does not believe in love. His past is somewhat responsible for his cynical views regarding life. He also gets what he wants and he has probably never heard the word ‘No’ from anyone. So it comes rather as a shock when Romi Grayson says No to him but Max being Max does not back down and begins his campaign to get Romi to say ‘Yes’. Romi is an innocent heroine who represents the opposite of everything Max represents. I found her rather standard and there was nothing special to add about her. Same goes with Max, who according to me is like the many alpha heroes I have already read. There was nothing to set the characters apart from the ones I have previously read.

The romance was steamy and there were some very good moments between Romi and Max. But as compared to the previous book, it all felt a little bland to me.
Profile Image for Monique.
925 reviews69 followers
September 4, 2016
I received this book as an e-ARC free from Netgalley. Below is my review.

After reading An Heiress for His Empire, the first book in this duology, I was curious about Romi and Max but a little nervous about how the book would turn out. After all, blackmail was the name of the game in the first and it wasn't pleasant.

Romi and Max definitely have the blackmail covered since apparently Max is too stupid to figure out that it's not the best way to get someone to want to be with you. Like Viktor, he's not much for figuring out how to act with a lady. Max's mother isn't exactly any better. Thank goodness Romi and her father actually have a loving relationship, even with his alcoholism. Because the folks in these stories just don't seem to do love.

Romi figures she loves Max and is willing to give it a go since there's no required timetable for ending things with the prenup. Max eventually gets his act together and realizes he wants to make Romi happy.

It's not as bad as the first one, but only because we get out from under all the toxic relationships and can see the tenderness between Max and Romi from the start.
Profile Image for Janie.
1,530 reviews15 followers
November 9, 2014
A Virgin For His Prize by Lucy Monroe is the follow up book to A Heiress For His Empire. Romi Grayson and Maxwell Black's story. They met and the spark between them was there but Romi realized Maxwell did not want to have a happily ever after he was just looking for fun and she was in it for the long hall. Maxwell Black wants Romi in his bed, but there are things in his past that has made him leery of falling in love. When they meet again he still has a strong yen for Romy and makes her an offer she can't refuse.

Quick, romantic, slightly erotic read.
Profile Image for Melinda.
650 reviews11 followers
September 6, 2020
This was awful and so boring. I'm sorry but I would totally give this book a hard pass as it was so boring and the sparks were non-existent between Romi and Maxwell. Honestly, I kept wondering where the author got the idea that people talked this way! I found the conversations between the 2 main characters to be severely lacking and extremely cold. They just seem like a cold couple and Romi doesn't even put up a worthy fight.

Plus the whole Sisters By Choice (SBC) thing got old really quickly when it is constantly brought up over and over again (using the abbreviations). Like give it a rest!

Too much unnecessary stuff that really dragged this book down. The steam scenes were nice but that didn't save this book from the disaster it was.
Profile Image for Liba.
456 reviews9 followers
October 11, 2018
I wonder how a person who was less than two years old upon leaving Russia for America , could keep the language fluent. Talking to mother isn't enough. Yet, Max uses Russian endearments (which is ok) and swears in Russian (which I doubt). I ,myself, am Russian-speaking and know enough people who emigrated to other countries as children and can't speak good Russian.
There is no such surname in Russian as Blokov. There is Blok (as in the poet Alexander Blok) or Volkov ,which is a common Russian surname.
A nickname for Maxwell / Max would be Maxik , not Maxika .
Profile Image for Kiran Mascarenhas.
248 reviews5 followers
July 10, 2022
This novel is riven with dangling modifiers and other examples of poor writing and substandard editing, e.g.
"Terrifying for its intensity, Romi had had no doubt that she wouldn't survive a breakup down the road with her heart intact."
"Tonight's gala was dedicated to raising funds for and awareness of the plight of hunger among school-age children."
"Borderline petite at five foot five, with a personality that more than made up for her smaller stature, Maxwell had found Ramona Grayson intriguing from their first meeting."

Still, it's readable. The relationship psychology is sound, wholesome and empowering. In fact, this couple is almost boringly self-aware.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
2,372 reviews28 followers
November 30, 2018
Romo and Maxwell

I was so looking forward to read Romi's story after reading An heiress for his empire. I really love the deep love and friendship betwee those two, and how deep they bounded and supported each other throughout their challenging childhood. Just like Viktor, Maxwell is ruthless especially when they want something and Maxwell wanted Romi back. The story flows naturally and you feel you are right there with them. Really enjoyable read and I highly recommend it
Profile Image for Lori Meehan.
1,134 reviews
September 9, 2021
Not my favorite book but it was nice to see Romi get her HEA.
I do have to say I looked up the meaning to more words in this series then any other book. I was also surprised how many editor mistakes the Harlequin let pass.
1,206 reviews
March 27, 2019
Enjoyed this couples continued journey after meeting them in previous book
Profile Image for c.kingreads.
207 reviews9 followers
August 1, 2025
3.5 ☆.

i had high expectations and i didn't like it as i expected.

mmc gave me cute vibes. i mean he is called "mishka" by his mom and fmc 🤣
Profile Image for Sharon Moritz-rosenthal.
2,272 reviews29 followers
October 2, 2014
I am a Lucy Monroe fan, not always but depending on her story and I fell in love with Romi who is the h in this story in the first book about her sister by choice Madison and the H is Max, friends with Viktor who in this book is happily in love with Madison.

I could not wait for this story and I even bought it a month early form the Harlequinn website and honestly I thought the first 50% was slow. I thought it could have been fine tuned a little. Not much because the truth is there was a lot of wrangling between Romi and Max with no real romance and if I hadn't loved the characters from the first book I would not have kept reading.

But once they get together, it was crazy good. It was wonderful and I loved every second. I was only sad it ended. Even as I finished the book I almost cried because I was so sorry to say good bye to these very romantic and fun characters.

The one thing that annoyed me about this book is how many times the initials SBC is given for Madison meaning sister by choice. I would not be surprised if it was 50 timed. Way too much, I totally get it. But that said the story and characters were absolutely wonderful.

That said here is the storyline for those who are wanting a little spoilers. Don't read on if you don't want to know.

The book opens up with Max and Romi and Romi is mad at Max because he proposed to Madison when dating her was too much of a commitment for him a year ago. The issue with these two are that they have pined and been friends for a year and not found anyone they like as much as each other. But Max doesn't believe in love because his mother made him feel that love was a myth. Soulmates yes, love nah. So when he dated Romi a year ago he wanted an end date and she refused and so they broke up.

Max now has decided he wants Romi enough to marry her but he is going to manipulate her and blackmail her, thought she turns that against him and it was fun to see that and thats really where the story gets fun and exciting. He wants to marry her but refuses to call it love and sets 10 years as the end date.

Romi leads him on a marry chase and I loved where she finally agrees to marry him but doesn't tell Madison and he demands she does. She tries to make the marriage a business deal and he wants to make it romantic.

It was so fun watching this guy who refuses to love, fall so hard and not even know it. I loved it all and the getting there made it more worthwhile and this book was just so fun. A perfect end to the whole Madison/Viktor/Max/Romi story.
Profile Image for Les Romantiques.
575 reviews21 followers
November 2, 2014
Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from the Publisher

A Virgin for his prize is the second and last installment in Ruthless Russians. The first volume was published in September 2014 and is titled An heiress for his empire.

When I started to read this novel, I found it very muddled and I didn’t understand the action. I didn’t expect that with Lucy Monroe. Later, I realized that the novel was taking place at the same time as An heiress for his empire. But I haven’t read the book at the time. So once I have finished with A Virgin for his prize, I bought the first one and read it. I confirm and highly recommend that readers must start with the first volume.

There are not any repetitions in the situations in the books. For that, I can thank Lucy Monroe because the two books could have been reunited in an only one with two couples.

The heroes of A Virgin for his prize met one year ago and they went out with each other. However Romi and Max didn’t have the same idea of a relationship and Romi decided to end their affair. They stayed in touch during the separation. And then an event brings Max to want to reconquer her and Romi can’t hide her true feelings anymore. However Max has been raised by a pragmatic mother who doesn’t believe in love. So the book focuses more on the hero and his acceptance of his feelings for Romi. The bet is won especially because we know thanks to his attentions and his determination that he’s already in love with our heroine.

The novel contains hot scenes well brought and well described and also some sexual tension between our heroes.

So I must say that A Virgin for his prize is a very good romance novel and I recommend it to all of you who love short stories, whether you are a fan of the author or not.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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