Claiming Roman

The Romanovsky Brothers #2

by Trevion Burns

When Roman Romanovsky overhears that Angelica Colt is a dead fish in bed, he has no qualms about offering up his sexual services, his nastiest tricks, and his beautiful, sculpted body.

Little does he know, as he sets to work seducing sweet little Angie Colt, he would succeed only in seducing himself.

When Angie uncovers a startlingly truth about his family, Roman realizes she doesn't just have the power to crush his unsuspecting heart, but also the power to destroy the entire Romanovsky family.

Forever.

This story ends in a cliffhanger.
Claiming Roman is book two in the Romanovsky Brothers four part series, and is best read in order of publication.
Interracial romance
Strong sexual content
Strong language

Genres: Interracial Romance, Romance, Humor, Contemporary

85 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 27, 2015

About the author

I'm fascinated by deeply flawed people in impossible situations, and insane people who don't know they're insane. Perfection puzzles me, so my characters are always just a little bit evil--whether they know it or not!

Reviews

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Claiming Roman (Book two in The Romanovsky Brothers series)

Roman, the eldest brother of the Romanovsky family, stumbles upon a devastating secret that shakes the foundation of his life. To help him investigate further, he enlists his sister’s bestfriend, Angie Colt; a private investigator who has never failed to solve a case. But as they move closer to the truth, Roman and Angie find themselves wrapped up in a sexual affair that soon evolves into something more. To add to the drama, Angie discovers deeper, darker secrets buried in the Romanovsky’s family history – secrets that could prove the undoing of not only her budding romance with Roman, but the entire family’s legacy.

What can I say about this book? I’m not sure. On one hand, it wasn’t bad. At three hundred and twenty-nine pages, it felt like an investment for a book in this genre. But was it one that paid off in the end? For this reader, the answer is yes and no. Although the editing is tighter with this book, and the overall arc that links each story is further explored, there was something missing from it that I cannot quite put my finger on. Outside of his looks, there is something flat about this Romanovsky brother. Outside the typical trope of the awkward, sexually naïve girl, Angie falls flat as well. I did not feel the heart. The author tries to build some everlasting romance off a one-sided crush, but it didn’t seem to hit where it mattered. Sex was in abundance, love not so much. At least not to this reader.

Pros

The copy editing - it improved by leaps in this book, and it shows

Story consistency – revelations unfold throughout, and there is great attention to continuity

Secondary Characters – Characters from the previous book feature prominently, and teases of the next tale and those characters also make an appearance. It gives the book a type of voyeuristic view into the story. As though we’re seeing it unfold as it would piece by piece. This is a double edged sword though when done to the extreme (see cons).

Cons

  Main Characters – Roman and Angie did not do it for me. I found them to be more in line with the typical romance trope and uninteresting. Strong, muscular silent type meets awkward, sexually frustrated book worm. No thanks!

Pacing – Where it seems the pacing in book one was spot on, there were too many moments that interrupted the flow of the story. Increasing the page count to no avail. Sometimes less is more.

Secondary Characters – To piggyback on my previous points about pacing and secondary characters, although I enjoyed Val and his story, I think he and Zoey featured way too much in this tale. Given it’s Roman’s story it seemed like overkill. Zoey was insufferable, didn’t come across as the same character and just slowed the narrative down to a crawl’s pace. I think featuring previous characters make sense, but having them smother the main story, no that doesn't.

The angst overfloweth – everyone cries incessantly in this book, men, women and if there were children, them too. Every other page. At a point it comes off as telenovella like. Too much!
 

The Last word

Claiming Roman moves the series forward, but also bogs it down. It would have serviced the overall arc well if significantly cut. Too many point of views, too little of substance to keep the reader engaged. But maybe that’s because the two leads were not fleshed out enough and Burns wrote herself into a corner and was under the gun. She needed four books on four brothers. The time between the release of Taming Val and Claiming Roman is the tell. It appears she had the base of the idea years in advance, wrote Val and then released it, but didn’t know where to go with the rest of the story. Based on feedback, maybe she got a second wind and got a handle on things. She ran with the story. But maybe in her effort to get the series complete, I think she ran it off the road in some places. Roman’s main dilemma was summed up in a paragraph and it felt like a huge cheat given all the angst drawn out from the first through second book. This one was just meh.

My rating: 3.9 (a lot of words with very little to say)

[Fashionista · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG...this series just keeps getting better and better. Roman is the BEST book boyfriend ever! His attention to loving woman's body is breath-stealing! Read this; you'll see what I'm talkin' bout! 😋😊🤗😘❤️💋

[Metris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed getting to Know Val Romanovsky and Zoey Black in the first book; I was so looking forward to the brother and best friend; I will say I HATE THEM BOTH. ROMAN IS A BIG CRY BABY AND ANGIE IS JUST A NOSY UNHAPPY B! I really want to know how all the secrets and lies will unfold but I don't know if I can stomach Roman & Angie (Mr & Miss Perfect). We will See

[Pam Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[M.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than the 1st

Whoa! This was far and wide, heads and tails above the 1st book. I loved it! Angie and Roman were great and so super hot! Their story was a lot better that Val and Zoey who just jumped into bed outta nowhere, this story had a lot more going on.Roman, angry and hurt by his family's betrayal,finds himself on the door step of Angie Colt,his adopted sisters best friend,certified genius and P.I., seeking her help to find his real father. Roman can't help being drawn to the quirky Angie and soon all he can think about is getting her into his bed. Angie Colt can't believe Roman Romanovsky is at her door asking for her help, and just in time to see her get dumped in a very embarrassing way. She agrees to take his case and the two soon find themselves working on each other as well. Angie has solved every case she has ever worked on,except the murder of Zoey's parents. While working Romans case ,he unknowingly helps her piece together what happened that night 10 years ago,and the truth could destroy the life's of the people they love.
This book is so worth the read. I love a good mystery,although this one is pretty easy to solve,it gives you just enough to keep you interested and waiting for what will happen next. Can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Ese · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really great in the last 30%, in the beginning I struggled to pay attention because I was bored by pacing. By 60-70% the pace picked up and it got much better. I liked Romans confession to Angie, it was so intense and romantic, his character in general is like brooding, loyal, sexy and sweet. That worked very well for me, I loved his character *sigh*. I like Angie's character as well she was always honest about her feelings, but why did she have to confess over and over? at some point I just felt bad for her (like Girl!! STAAHP!!).

This book does not deal enough with the whole Romanovsky family member being possibly responsible for Zoeys parents murder situation. I still liked it and got to the end.

[HI5O · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

For me, Angelica was unlikable and Roman deserved better. The Zoey in this book was a caricature of the Zoey in the first book. Roman was a strong character but him unable to forgive his parents even after his biological dad rejected him was stupid. And then to not even give it another thought didn't make sense. Best parts of this book are the interactions with the brothers.

[Tyneek123]

I pre ordered!!!

[Nycskpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of suspense

This is book number two of the Romanovsky's and I can't wait to get into book number three. This has to be one of the best suspense/mysteries that I've read in a long time. I have absolutely no idea where this is headed.
So far, neither couple have made it to their HEA, and I don't know if they will. Wow!
I love the Romanovsky family, every character. However there seems to be a sinister deep dark secret or, are there several big secrets.
I tell you, I can't figure it out but I can't wait to start book number three..
I highly recommend this series.

[NICOLA FORDE · Rating 4 out of 5]

ROMAN’s story

Loved getting to know Roman. Angie was quite an unconventional heroine. I loved that she was extremely well read and intelligent. Roman and Angie’ story had me enthralled towards the end. Will she find out the truth about the Romanovsky brothers and what will she do with the information? Moving onto the next brother.

[Ponce Kozak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book!!

I love bwwm titles and this one is so different and that's what I love. This story has so many facets and I would love to have it come to Audible!!

[S. Latrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roman is my favorite character, ever!

[Namgi Love · Rating 2 out of 5]

Omg I shipped in book 1 and was looking forward to their book but it is so freaking boring I couldn't bring myself to finish it

[Liz [reads books] · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay book. The plot had its ups and downs. The editing was iffy. 3½ stars

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the story plot and the characters was not such a cliche.

[Turkish · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF'd @ 30%

I found the first book okay with some problems but not enough to write off a new author. I thought I'd give the second book a go since the series is on KU anyway and I was intrigued by Roman in Taming Val. Turns out those problems I had with the first book only got more troublesome here. I won't touch on the hysterical crying pregnant woman stereotype or the heroine that let's her ex dump all over her *IN PUBLIC* and just...takes it (but she's a GENIUS and FEISTY...not.)

But what made me DNF was the character of Henry and EVERYTHING written around him! *SIGH* The characterization of this gay male character was so awful and problematic and filled with stereotypes and ugliness I couldn't stomach it. Henry is Roman's flamboyant best friend that instantly dislikes Angie because of course he must be in love with Roman and jealous of her. I thought the pool table scene could be a one off but then the scene at the gay club happened. SOOO MUCH PROBLEMATIC HERE!!!

"With a gay best friend hed learned early that the words 'I'm not gay' did nothing to dissuade a gay male that wanted him. If anything, it only encouraged them more." WHHHAAAAATTTT?!

• gay men falling all over themselves for the straight guy
• gay guy uses straight bestie to lure in guys and its their "scam"
• gay guys in gay bar hostile to heroine because JEALOUSY over straight guy
• heroine says "I've already had my tit grabbed, ass slapped and cheek pinched and that was walking from the door to the bar"! Really.....REALLY?

I just really can't believe trading in such blatantly ridiculous stereotypes still happens (for the female characters as well). It really is just a function of lazy character building and craft to think it would fly. I guess it did for some readers but not for me. It really is disappointing because I could have pushed through with the mild problems I had with Angie and Roman (and the plot) to give the author another go. But on top of those minor problems, the issues with Zoey being a bit of a doormat in the first book AND when we're 30% in and both times Henry is on page are THIS BAD, I can't trust you with the rest.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roman has definitely proven he is the strong, silent one in the family! I was so sad to learn in Book 1 that his was not the biological son of Tony and really ached for him when his discovered this information.

Now here's what I loved in Claiming Roman: Roman, Angie and the beginning stages of their relationship. I loved that although it appeared that Roman was not interested at all in Angie's wealth of useless knowledge, he not only soaked up everything she said, he took heed to it! Angie is a small spitfire. If nothing else, she is committed to everything that she does and starts - namely the unsolved case of Zoey's parents death! She was getting entirely too close for the likes of everyone - so close that her and Roman's relationship suffered because of her findings. I adored the relationships in this book, they were all unique and necessary - no matter if the particular character was liked or not. This family was and is extremely close knit and the outcome of Angie's investigation is going to rock them to their core.

Here were my not so favorite things: There were some editing errors - overuse of the same words, grammatical errors, spelling, inconsistencies, etc. I think if this book had a second look in the editing phase and these things were fixed and re-released, this could be a five star book without question. Now, although I read Book 1 - Taming Val, it's been a while so some of the details were a bit sketchy to me - the author could have done a better job of recapping certain events and relationships to either 1 - refresh the memory of those who read book one so long ago or 2 - bring those who are starting the series at book two up to speed. I will need to go back and read book to clarify some things were confusing in #2. My biggest issue with this book was Val and Zoey - they were both extremely annoying in this book and hopefully they'll get to redeem themselves in book 3.

Overall this was a 3.5 star book. Angie and Roman were crushes, then friends, then sex buddies, then lovers, then in love! Their journey was a good read!

[Avid Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

The lead male characters in this series of books are the four brothers Romanovsky who are in their mid to late 20s, white, and wealthy. The women who are their romantic interests are black and biracial. The story of Angie Colt claiming Roman Romanovsky is supposed to be a romantic suspense story rooted in Angie solving two mysteries: finding Roman's biological father, and finding the driver of the car that killed the parents of her best friend Zoey. Zoey is marrying Val Romanovsky.

The mystery line in the story is just plain weak and underdeveloped, Roman alternates between being silent and sullen and later being emotional and in tears, Angie is a nerd who has wanted Roman since high school but other than that she is a shell of a character. I never found the two interesting and didnt see/feel the sexual chemistry the author kept writing about concerning these two.

I have now read the first two books in this series and doubt that I will read the rest. There just isn't much of a romance or mystery to keep me interested. In fact, it was so dull that I found myself skipping pages only to go back to read them thinking that I had missed something great that would hold my interest. I then kicked myself because I had missed nothing and just wasted more of my time!

[P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 picks up where book 1 leaves off. Roman finds out the truth about his parentage and hires Zoey's best friend, Angie, to track down his biological father. I sympathize with Roman's feelings of being lied to and betrayed, but can get over how he just shut all of his family members out. Meeting his biological father only adds to his misery. There is definitely something shady going on with Knox. He acts as if he's always known whom Roman is. Angie is there to help Roman through the rejection. What does not ring true about her character her private investigator skills. How'd she find Knox so quick and how can she actually be tracking people with no vehicle and no weapons as a precaution. The way her character is describe she is a nerdy brainiac but there was nothing said of her street savvy. The storyline is still good and with this book there is more suspense added. Some many questions and no clear answers except one (Val's secret).

[AmiNickris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent sequel

I was excited to read the sequel to taming Val and ignored some of the previous reviews that I read. For the most part I am glad I did. I love the Romanovskys and the dynamic of their sis/ sister in law to be Zoey, who I thought was hilarious if not a bit vulgar. I started off being a fan of Angie but by the end of the book my patience had slowly eroded with her and her constantly spinning mind.the same argument with roman over and over got tedious.also Roman was written in taming Val as the strong stoic type by the end of this book he had dissolved into a simpering wimp and I hated that. Lastly this book seemed to drag on and quantity started being substituted for substance. I love a long book but would rather read less words that mean something than the same thing on repeat. Overall it was ok but not nearly as good as taming Val.

[Valerie Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I was hooked from the beginning. All the characters are likeable with our heroine wonderfully eccentric and super intelligent and our hero the quiet brooding giant besotted with Angie's personality and dress. It was lovely being re-acquainted with the others brothers and a pregnant Zoey. You need to read the stories in order as the key theme running through, it appears, all these stories will be the murder of Zoey's parents. So every book is not entirely complete as questions are left unanswered but there is always love for one of the Romanovsky brother's at the end. Loved the growing relationship between Roman and Angie. Both are incredibly honest about their feelings; the sex scenes are hot but There are some humorous yet poignant scenes also. I look forward to book 3 devoted to the Don Juan of the quartet, Leo.

[charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roman

I am rating this 5 stars. It was very good. It picked right up where Taming Val (first book in series) left off. Roman had received some devastating news. Zoey's best friend Angelica is a genius. She reads constantly and appears to be a walking encyclopedia. She also runs her own private investigations company. Roman asks for her help. Angie agreed to help him. I don't want to give away any spoilers. I hate reviews that give away too much. Or take a book apart and twist the facts.

This is my honest opinion of the novella. . You must read Taming Val first as the storyline continues and answers some of the questions we all were probably wondering. I am now onto Loving Leo. I am dying to find out what happens next as well as Leo's story.

[evette w · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tie A Rope Around This One

Well we got smoke in the first installment of the Romanovsky Brothers Series,now get the house because this is all fire.This was such a good story that you hold tight with both hands and wrap your legs around it also.This is twist and turn done so good and so sexy.This story has something for everyone .I so love the sexy alpha males can say I love you and hang out with his gay friend and still remain top dog and control. I so love the action between Roman and Angie it is so smoking hot.This is romance,action,drama and mystery done right.This is second to round and you won't be disappointed.

[evergreencrime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This kept me engaged and it was interesting. Never a dull moment. This was about 400 pages and not 85pages like I first thought. So, that was cool. I hate that all of a sudden, Roman is a cry baby but the story and dialogue make up for that. Plus he wasn't cocky, sleazy or aggressively flirtatious.I like how Roman calls Angie 'Mama.' It was weird at first but then I found it kinda cool. Legitimate plot not some story grasping at straws. I look forward to reading the next one cos this was was just as good at the first. By the way, Zoey was so annoying with her hormonal bullshit attitude. I love the cover! not the first ugly one with the girl on it though.

[Onesmartcooky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute....

I am a fan of Ms. Burns first book in this series. You really have to read the first book to follow. It is not a standalone. The story center around the Romanosky famous good looking multi-millionaire son's and their adopted/surrogate b lack sister (no relation) that one of the brothers fall in love with. The story has a lot to do with love child, missing parentage, and goofy pregnancy. This is Roman and Angie story but it about solving a murder involving Val and Zoey from the first. Everything is about this case and all the characters are directly or should I say indirectly involved. Good read.

[Kmp · Rating 3 out of 5]

UGHH I just wanna know what happens! I hate the fact that the main story line is continuing through each brothers book! Why can't it just be solved in the first one and they can have their HEA but no this series is just a big cliff hanger that continues to get more elaborate after each book ! I would stop reading the serious but I'm dying to know how the man conflict will play out in the end... If it ever does. But overall it was an okay read! Now I have to wait till The next cliff hanger in the series is released which is LEO!

[Gina Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. However, I got tired of the constant sex scenes though....good grief. I was like I wish you two would just chill out for a minute...my goodness. I loved reading about Roman and Angie just hanging out and talking. They had great conversations. I was so glad Roman quit playing games and admitted he was in love with Angie. I found myself laughing and crying throughout the book. The book was really good and I am looking forward to reading Leo's story next. I think his boo thang will be Jessica...maybe!

[TJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit disappointed. I was expecting more from this book. I knew Val killed Zoey's parents in book one. So I'm confused why this "mystery" is still dragging on. Instead of answering any questions it left me with even more questions. The story wasn't horrible, but it wasn't a page turner either. I understand Zoey is hormonal, but I hoped one of the brothers would smother her with a pillow. Hopefully the next installment will provide more clarity and be less drawn out.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claiming Roman was amazingly intense. I was intrigued with Roman from book, I like a quite guy. Just his demeanor sent me a trill. Angie was pretty cool, she fit into the story well. I was on edge the whole time. Hate cliffhanger, not a fan and never will be. Right when you get to the really good part, it ends. No idea when Loving Leo is coming but trust me it's not soon enough. Note to author: I really really need my Leo fix, please and thank you.

[sylvia corley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok

This was not as good as the first book, but it was just ok. I waited along time for this story. IT was so slow,and told to long to get to the point. Roman was a strong guy and you make him seem weak! Angie seems to crazy and doing some scary thing. It's was some unbelievable thing ,for someone her size and built. What kind of private investigator don't have a car and traveling on the subway, unbelievable. But I hope I don't have to wait a year for Leo story.