Sucias Mentiras (La Bratva Akopov nº 2)

Akopov Bratva #2

by Nicole Fox

Me casé con mi jefe.
Quedé embarazada de mi jefe.
...Las cosas se complicaron.

Vince y yo siempre hemos hecho las cosas de una forma... poco convencional.
La mayoría de los encuentros románticos no implican sorprender a tu jefe mientras está en plena acción.
Luego quedarte embarazada de ese jefe...
...cuando se supone que va a casarse con otra persona.

Resulta que eso solo fue el principio.

Porque casarse con el jefe de la mafia cambia las cosas.
El Vince del que me enamoré era todo órdenes dominantes y promesas obscenas.
Ahora es sobreprotector. Paranoico.
Me trata como si estuviera hecha de azúcar y flores.

Pero yo ya no soy esa pequeña asistente inocente.

¿La sala de juntas en la que solía inclinarme sobre su escritorio?
Ahora es donde me siento a su lado.
¿El ático donde me susurraba cosas obscenas al oído?
Ahora es donde yo le susurro cosas… y él me escucha.

Pero, cuando los enemigos apuntan a nuestra bebé por nacer, Vincent vuelve a sus viejas costumbres.
Así que hago lo que haría cualquier esposa de la mafia que se
Le recuerdo exactamente con quién se casó.

Y ¿cuando nuestros enemigos cometen el error de secuestrarme mientras estoy de parto?
También lo van a descubrir.

SUCIAS MENTIRAS es el segundo libro del Dúo de la Bratva Akopov. La historia de Vince y Rowan comienza en el primer libro, SUCIAS PROMESAS .

Genres: Mafia Romance, Romance, Audiobook, Dark Romance, Dark, Surprise Pregnancy, Suspense

554 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2025

About the author

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

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Reviews

[AnneMarie · Rating 1 out of 5]

bummer - I struggled to finish it

I LOVE Nicole Fox. She’s a GOAT. But this series was…weird. It seemed more word salad than plot development. There’s angst but this was drawn out. Facts got mixed up, things didn’t make sense, etc .. but as a reader of hers for so long…it didn’t fit. It didn’t have her normal finesse. I’ll still always read what she puts out though!

[Jayde · Rating 1 out of 5]

0/10

you know it's serious when i have to bring out the bring guns (my laptop) to write my review. all i have to say is this book is very much giving "this could've been an email." there is no reason why the author couldn't shorten the first book to accommodate for the second book since the majority of this book is word vomit.

i truly do not have a review to give; only notes to share as i was reading. enjoy! *spoilers*

the FMC tells the MMC she doesn't want him to kill. the MMC meets with his dad (who orchestrated the MMC wife's and child's kidnapping) and doesn't kill him. the FMC is pissed that the MMC did not kill his father and starts questioning him. She finally relents and says "you did the right thing." WHAT WAS THE POINT IN STARTING THE ARGUMENT THEN?!?!

i feel like the MMC is doing everything in his power to be a "good" man and the FMC is a brat who refuses to recognize his efforts and she also makes him question every single decision he makes as if he hasn't been a part of this life longer than she's been alive. -- i hate that she is making seem like i am anti-feminist, but NO character has ever pissed me off more than her.

the FMC father -- the head of a mafia crime family is surrounding her husband's property that no one "knows" about and she had the audacity to bitch to the MMC about armed security going with her to see her very sick mother?????????? PLEASE MAKE IT MAKE SENSE.

A NOTE TO ROMANCE AUTHORS EVERYWHERE: we do not want you to write sex scenes while the FMC and MMC are fighting!!!!!! important dialogue needs to happen before they fuck. writing sex scenes in lieu of this is fucking lazy and annoying.

the FMC insisting on living life normally while people are actively trying to kill them is NUTS. let us not forget, she was a lowly marketing employee at a big company up to her neck in debt and did not have time to date and also had no friends. what are you actually missing out on? your debt is paid, your mother (was) recovering, and you are married to the man of your dreams. but ok!

a newborn sleeping throughout the night is NOT a thing. it's as if the baby is an afterthought and only used during arguments as a "i am taking the baby" veiled threat or "i am doing this to protect you and our child" shitty reasoning.

ANOTHER pregnancy trope??!?!?!?!? ok whew. thank fuck. also false positive pregnancy tests happen to less than 1% of the population due to outlying factors. none of which the FMC had, but okay. (the FMC ends up being pregnant again, but the author doesn't make us suffer through that pregnancy too. thank fuck.)

HOW MANY MISCOMMUNICATION TROPES DO WE NEED?!?!?! the FMC always acts out of emotion and it annoys the actual fuck out of me.

the FMC is insufferable. she thinks that if she "knows everything" and her husband shares it all with her, then they would not be in the position they're in, but that is literally not the case at all. the plot holes are annoying. the author did not once indicate that if the FMC was brought into the loop things would've been different.

the plot holes. the plot holes. the plot holes. call them plot craters because they're hugeeeeeeeee.

the FMC swears the MMC is treating her as a "possession," but she is not locked in a tower far far away. she is literally in her home with her family. i do not understand what she expected when she willingly got involved with a mafia boss. this storyline does not make any fucking sense.

she claims "i am not the woman you married anymore," but then puts up a fight at every fucking turn. NEWSFLASH you're still the same woman, but even more annoying!!!!!!

how come daniil and the FMC being brother and sister isn't a major storyline? this fell flat for me; unless the author is making another book about this man which i will not read because i have suffered enough!!!!!!!!

also, the MMC is lowkey a little bitch and does not read as someone in the mafia; it’s very much giving brad in finance whose gotten into a few bar fights because he has daddy issues. i am glad the MMC decided to go clean bc i truly cannot see him running a mafia empire.

lastly, in book 1 the FMC's best friend was like 8 months pregnant (by whom, we do not know). how come the baby is not mentioned in any of their conversations? the FMC went over to her best friend's house (very tiny apartment) and there was no baby to be found. i am confused. and now she wants to fuck on the MMC'S best friend and right hand man. WHERE IS YOUR BABY?!?!?!?!?!?!? Is this man secretly the father?!?!?!?!?!?! If there is a book on this please spoil it.

[Neapolitan670 📚🖤 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows straight on from Filthy Promises.

Our FMC Rowan, gives birth on a dirty mattress in captivity. However, Vincent ever the saviour is already on his way. From here on out Nicole leads us through some intriguing twists, turns and betrayals. We learn more than we anticipate, their lives become one big boat cast into a stormy sea of mafia influences, v!0lence, secrets and lies. Family is found and lost, lives smashed to smithereens, a new empires’ foundation laid but will they be built to last? Not giving you anymore you will have to read the duet, you’re welcome 😉

Love Nicole’s writing, this one drags you through the story by your hair (pun intended), it flows well with effective visuals and emotions. Love the way Rowan, has built herself into a formidable woman in her own right.

[Thai ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love this couple but this book draggggggged but the PLOT was there

i will miss vincent and ro forever

[Krystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even though most of these books are formulaic and you could essentially plant any one of the couples from a Nicole Fox book into another because they’re basically the same story only slightly tweaked, I never turn down an opportunity to read her books. They’re always guaranteed to have high stakes, excitement, decent side characters, and quality romance.

The Filthy duet was actually kind of a let down. And to be fair, it was mostly the second book that was a let down. It felt way too long to be basically saying the same thing, having the same fight over and over and over again. At one point I thought I lost my place in the book somehow (despite reading on kindle) because I was pretty sure I had just read the same incident/fight/thought process in the previous few chapters. Another problem for me was the FMC, Rowan. She’s presented as being this queen of the bratva, a warrior, but she runs away an awful lot when a queen or warrior would not. And her inner monologue dealing with who she was and who she became could give some e whiplash. I did admire her tenacity though.

And the plot holes? So many of them. For example, a main-ish side character is surprisingly eight months pregnant towards the end of the first book, but it was never mentioned before then. And then in the second? Not a single mention of her delivering her baby, the baby itself, not a single word until the epilogue and barely at that. It was as if someone mentioned it during the editing process and instead of fixing it, it was written as a little “oops, my bad, here ya go” kind of fix.

I don’t think this will discourage me from reading another Fox duet, but I don’t believe I would read this one again.

[Bound By Books And Pages - Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Filthy Lies was the perfect conclusion to the Akopov Bratva series. I was on the edge of my seat the entire book. The Lies, secrets, and betrayals had me in a chokehold. This series is a page-turner that you can’t put down. It features an FMC who goes from a meek girl to a powerful lioness, a strong and independent woman who takes charge. I love that aspect of the story, and I love that she serves as the anchor to Vince’s powerful narrative. I would give this series a solid 6 stars if it would allow me to. Bravo!.

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

[Tamarra Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two picks up where book one ends

Rowan is in labour. Vincent moves heaven and earth, utilising every resource to locate his wife and child, and he does, when he sets his sights on her, the scene before him paints a picture of what she endured to bring their child into this world. He is in awe of Rowan’s strength, the way she fought, it is a true testament to the lengths she’ll go to protect her child. Walking out of that room, Rowan is not the same person when she went in, her experience changing her on every level.

Vincent knows that his wife went through something life changing, he can see it her eyes, her body language. Sofiya and Rowan are his heart, and he will move heaven and earth to keep them safe. Even with their enemies all around them, it only heightens Vincent’s fear, no one dare to challenge his ruthlessness and control .

To move forward there needs to be systematic changes, Alexei, Vincent’s father doesn’t agree, causing untold discord, but Vincent has no compunction with standing up to his father, assuming control and putting him in his place, it’s time for a new rein, a new way of life.

However Vincent’s control, starts to cause fissures in their marriage, the crack’s subtle. Rowan has had to tolerate a lot, when she pushes, he shoves, twice as hard. There are things that Vincent is keeping from her, he is of the belief that she is better off not knowing, but knowing is what makes them stronger, united, and in the end the lies even by omission tip Rowan to her breaking point.

Because all Rowan wants to do is build a relationship with her father, Grigori Petrov, but Vincent is firm in his decision, and when his decision forces Rowan to flee with Sofiya, everything inside him shatters, because everything he taught her, she used against him, and he has no one to blame but himself.

With the FBI circling, Vincent is left with very little choice, everything hangs in the balance, even when Rowan and Sofiya return home, the distance between them is painful, being in close proximity with each other as they strategically plan to counteract what lays ahead, to coexist, tests everything they believe in.

Having experienced joy with Sofiya’s christening, Rowan experiences the raw pain of having watched her mother succumb to her death. Everything thus far has changed Rowan on a fundamental level, hardened the shell of the woman that she was, to the woman that she is, she won’t stand idly by and allow everything that she’s gone through, destroy her family.

Sofiya carries two bloodlines Akopov and Petrov. To save her future, Rowan bridges the gap and brings together her husband and father. Between the three of them they find common ground. Uniting two families in strength and solidarity. Yet, as they celebrate their friends engagement, everything comes to a head, Alexei’s betrayal discovered, truths emerge, all the blood, pain, loss and sacrifice comes down to this one choice, one that breaks Vincent, but resets him anew, his retribution bringing his family the peace they finally deserve.

Despite the lingering threat, Vincent and Rowan found their way back to each other, solidifying their relationship, their faith and trust that much stronger, united together. Until Rowan, Vincent abhorred love, and now Vincent epitomises everything that Rowan is as his wife and mother to their children. Rowan broke down his defences, made him a better man, changed his way of thinking and to see things in a different perspective, because that one moment, in the beginning changed everything for them, it bought Rowan into his life when he needed her most, their destiny was written in the stars, as fate would have it, their love for each other burning stronger than ever, because we can definitely say that they bring out the best and worst in each, and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Their happily ever after, was beautiful, the bonus epilogues giving us insight into their future, on point. Those sexy scenes put the spice in spicy. They were hot, steamy, sinfully wicked, filthy, dirty, and delicious depraved. Because not only was their love carnal, it was primal and they owned every moment they were together. These two couldn’t have been more perfect for each other if the author tried.

Highly recommend both the author and the book. Can’t wait to read what this author writes next!

I received an ARC. Therefore I am submitting a voluntary review.

[Sonia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!

This book was so good but of course I enjoyed the first one more. There is Bratva wars and secrets revealed. Lots of action and unfortunately bloodshed.
But I didn’t think Rowan is as assertive and aggressive as I thought she would be. But Vince could be my new book boyfriend!
So the Epilogues made me so happy for them and I look forward to reading more by this author.

[Karen Goodenough · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much happening in the conclusion. Loved every second of it. The growth between Rowen and Vince was incredible. An amazing roller coaster that kept me winded throughout.

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

[Bookslover09 · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfection ❤️🙌

Filthy Lies by @nicolefoxromance is the second book in the duet!

This book was an exhilarating journey that kept me on the edge of my seat—and I love it so much. Mrs. Fox has created an extraordinary couple in Vince and Rowan, whose chemistry is mesmerizing. The storyline unfolds with a thrilling mix of intense action, shocking betrayals, and heart-pounding violence. I found myself utterly captivated, thrill after thrill, as the twists and turns of their journey kept my adrenaline pumping and my heart racing!

I recommend it 100%

Nicole Fox has once again showcased her talent for creating compelling narratives and complex characters. This book is a must-read if you’re a fan of mafia romance filled with suspense and passion.

[Kiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

trully enjoy it when the shy/reserved fmc turns into a full-blown empire queen!!

[Divyanshi Bajaj · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐⭐ 2 Stars – A chaotic mess disguised as a Bratva duet

Where do I even start?
This duet had potential: mafia world, enemies at the gate, emotional intensity, a protective MMC... but what I got was a 1000-page fever dream of plot holes, inconsistent writing, and a heroine who could gaslight a mirror.


❌ Natalie—The Betrayer BFF with a Baby Who Vanished

Rowan’s best friend Natalie was 8 months pregnant in Book 1. She was paid by Vincent to spy on Rowan, they reconciled (kind of), and later Natalie even helped secure Sofiya’s future. But… her entire motherhood arc disappeared.

Rowan visits her apartment—no baby in sight.
No one mentions the child again... until the epilogue.
And even then, it’s just: “Oh, she has a kid and a crush on Arkady now. Moving on.”
Um, excuse me??? What??

🧬 Danill = Half-Brother = Never Brought Up Again

Rowan and Danill share a father. Literally blood siblings. Did they ever actually acknowledge this? NOPE.
Even when Rowan researched Grigor, Irina (his daughter from earlier) was suddenly erased. Like poof—two sons and a wife only.

Where did Irina go?
Why was she introduced for one cold dinner scene only to vanish like a ghost?
Why does no one in this family remember their own damn family tree?? 💀

🤦‍♀️ Rowan, The Strategist™ – Somehow?

She started as a broke marketing assistant. Then out of nowhere, she’s fabricating evidence, forging paper trails, and becoming a Bratva-level mastermind.

No training. No buildup. No logic.
Just vibes and “I do this for my family” speeches while emotionally blackmailing Vincent every two chapters.

Also: every argument was the SAME.

“You lied to me.”

“You kept secrets too.”

“We’re partners!”

repeat until exhausted


She made unilateral decisions, then scolded him when he did the same. The hypocrisy was strong.

🧍‍♂️ Vincent: Worships Her, But Bends Like a Straw

He was supposed to be a Bratva heir… but felt more like a finance bro with trauma.
Yes, he loved her. Yes, he worshipped her.
But there was zero conviction. He folded in every argument, lost his edge, and honestly didn’t feel like a man capable of running a criminal empire.

Calla lilies were the only thing he truly fought for. 💐

👶 Sofiya: Mafia Baby or Robot?

She never cried.
Never woke anyone up.
Never spit up, pooped at the wrong moment, or acted like an actual newborn.
They didn’t even hire a nanny until later, yet somehow seamless parenting? Sorry, no.


🧨 Plot? What Plot?

Everything happened at once, all the time, with zero pacing.
There were repeated arguments, rushed developments, and loose ends hanging all over the place.

By the end, I was emotionally drained—but not in the good way.


Final thoughts:

I usually enjoy Nicole Fox’s work. It’s fast-paced and bingeable. But this?
This was a disappointment wrapped in chaos wrapped in a flower arrangement Vince probably hated.

If you’re reading for emotional mafia moments and don’t mind inconsistencies, go for it.
But if you need logic, continuity, or a solid plot? You’re gonna need a stiff drink and a Bratva support group.

[Veronica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure what happened here. I really liked the first book, but this one felt entirely too slow. Vince has major daddy issues and compared to other pakhans he didn’t seem very resourceful in handling his own problems. Rowan for someone who has known about Vince ties to the Bratva continues to be surprised and disgusted by the way their world works. In this book I didn’t feel like Vince and Rowan were MTB. Not sure what else to say just that I was disappointed and it felt like this series lost steam.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filthy Lies is the second and final book in the Akopov Bratva duet. Vince and Rowan’s story began in book one, Filthy Promises. A brilliantly written story with complex individuals and a twisty and fascinating storyline that captures the audience attention from the start and keeps you riveted and on the edge of your seat and turning the pages. An unputdownable and absorbing addictive read. Hang on to your kindle and brace yourself for this tantalizing rollercoaster ride filled with high-octane adventures, non-stop action, revenge, retaliation, resilience, violence and blood. A fast paced, twisted, dark and gripping story.
A dark mafia romance, organize crime story, romantic suspense story, touch-her-and-die romance, protective alpha hero story, secret baby romance, billionaires & millionaires romance, Russian Bratva romance, women's crime fiction story, action & adventure romance, general romance, fake marriage romance with lies, fear, drama, threats, attacks, acceptance, betrayal, deception, darkness, madness, chaos, bloodshed, dominance, submission, survival, enemies, passion, consensual intense rough sex, kidnapping, acceptance, mayhem, murder, retaliation, mayhem, gore, hatred, lost/found family, rivalry, anger, love, tension, emotions, family issues, FBI investigation, captivity, mob war and so much more.
The story picks up where it left off from that mind-blowing cliffhanger in Filthy Promises with Vince compound getting attack. Rowan was one number away from punching in the last number into Vince panic room when she was abducted by six armed men on Andrei Akopov orders. She's also in active labor, while enroute to Andrei the van carrying Rowan was intercepted by the Solovyovs a rival of Vince who he had been at war with for them trying to encroach on the Akopov territory. When Vince heard of this he was beside himself and wanted blood for whomever took his family. The Solovyovs wanted to use the baby as leverage to get Vince to do whatever they want. Vince is on a murderous rage and he will burn the world down for taking his family. He as tried to hide the monster who he was brought up to be but they gave him no choice but to unleashed the monster.
Rowan tried to hold off having their baby while in captivity until Vince finds them but their daughter was hell-bent and making her appearance. She was forced to give birth in a warehouse on a nasty mattress by the Solovyovs doctors. But she wasn't going to let them hurt her baby and motherhood brought out a different side of her. She was a mama bear who would do anything for her baby this gave her a better understanding of Vince and how he would tear the world apart for his family. No one was extinct from Vince wrath and rage not even his own dad who made the mistake of kidnapping his wife in the first place. They two fought long and hard to get their HEA through adversaries, violence, enemies, bloodshed and pain.

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

[Ashley Steele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usually this author is my guilty pleasure (the accidental pregnancy trope is not one I read anywhere else), but for this book (which is both books, because these are never complete stories as just 1 book, you have to read both), this is my least favorite story yet. I read the first book, but then switched to the audiobook for the second, just to speed up the story while doing housework and see if it ever improved (while also frustratingly folding laundry and scrubbing sinks). The FMC (in my opinion) is so frustrating to the point of toxic. Saying “I don’t think I’ll ever love you”, “We can never get be happy together”, “I can never trust you again”, gets irritating when the MMC (who is the leader of a mafia empire, FCOL) keeps bowing down, adapting, apologizing, showing his love and support, for her to keep being so whining, suspicious, and untrustworthy. “I can’t ever trust you”, “we need to be completely honest” and then “I talked to the FBI on my own” and “I’m running away before talking to you” are all her. She has ONE FRIEND, who was originally “hired” to befriend her, but the fact that she has no other friends at all should say something about this. I have no idea why I’m so upset, but this is probably the first time that the GROVEL of the romance story feels like it should have been from the FMC. Actually, yes, that’s exactly it. The FMC owes me an apology for spending so long trying to find some reason she should be cheered on. (Oh yeah, and if your mother is dying of cancer and the doctor right there says she has “days”, you don’t argue when she wants to see your child. You don’t yell at her that she’s given up because you apparently know better. You don’t argue about anything. You don’t get upset when your husband asks “How are you doing?” with love in his eyes.) By the end, yeah, I’m upset with the MMC too. There’s no reason he should have given up a lifetime of reason and consequences to believe this virginal, inexperienced, over-exasperated female for running and changing his empire. Why did he have to keep saying things like “she changes everything I’ve ever known” which hits like “I never knew anything of beauty before I looked in her eyes”. I mean, really? I’m not one of the guys who is supposed take a bullet for you but even I don’t trust your mentality here.
Don’t get me wrong, the story (when these two aren’t speaking or thinking) is still great! I still like this author. Not every story can be your favorite. But this one doesn’t have characters I would even want to know – maybe Anastasia, she should have been the one spending the time saying “this is how you face your father” to Vince instead of Rowan (raised by a single mom, not in the mafia, and with no experience with men). (Oh yeah, and if you run a mafia empire and want to turn them legit, do you really think your top men want to watch a powerpoint presentation from the marketing girl you just hooked up with in the last couple months?)
Maybe what I’m trying to say is, if you like this author, or want to get started on this trope, don’t start here.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I married my boss.
Got pregnant by my boss.
… Things have gotten complicated.

Vince and I, we've always done things slightly... unconventionally.
Most meet-cutes don't involve walking in on your boss while he's getting frisky.
Then getting pregnant by said boss...
... when he's supposed to be marrying someone else.

Turns out, that was just the warm-up.

Because marriage to the mob boss has changed things.
The Vince I fell for was all dominant commands and filthy promises.
Now, he's overprotective. Paranoid.
Treating me like I'm made of sugar and spice and everything nice.

But I'm not that innocent little assistant anymore.

The boardroom where he used to bend me over his desk?
Now, it's where I sit beside him.
The penthouse where he whispered dirty things in my ear?
Now, it's where I whisper back—and he listens.

But when enemies target our unborn baby, Vincent reverts to his old ways.
So I do what any self-respecting mafia wife would
I remind him exactly who he married.

And when our enemies make the mistake of kidnapping me while I'm in labor?
They're about to find out, too.

This contemporary dark mafia mob women's crime fiction romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is engulfed by darkness, violence, danger, and grit, and characters that are alpha, mob boss exuding power/wealth, ruthless, paranoid, obsessive, possessive, captivating, a sassy female, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with filthy lies, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, romantic suspense, a fake marriage, a secret baby, married her boss, got pregnant by her boss and things got complicated, Vince is supposed to be marrying someone else, the mob boss who dominates commands and filthy promises, drama, deception, suspense that will leave readers on the edge of their seats when the enemies target our unborn baby and Vince must revert to his old ways, enemies make the mistake of kidnapping Rowan while she's in labor, heartfelt emotions, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with filthy lies and an explicit dark mafia romance that is sure to transport readers into a world where danger and lust collide, making for a journey that is unforgettable.

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

[Jinane Abou Hassan zahran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filthy Lies picks up immediately after the explosive events of Book 1, throwing us straight into chaos as Rowan is kidnapped and forced to give birth in horrifying conditions. This traumatic experience changes her forever. She’s no longer the timid assistant we met in the beginning; she’s transformed into a woman willing to do anything to protect her child.
Vince remains a strong, constant force; he’s loyal, intense, and driven by love and fear for his family’s safety. His protectiveness borders on obsession, but it never feels fake or exaggerated. He made promises to change, and while the world they live in doesn’t make that easy, his intentions were always clear. I genuinely admired his consistency and dedication throughout this book.
Rowan, however, was much harder for me to connect with in this installment. I struggled with her repeated doubts and lack of trust in Vince, especially when he had done nothing to deserve it. Her internal conflict dragged on at times, making the pacing feel uneven. I found myself frustrated especially considering how far they’d come in Book 1. That said, there’s a compelling contrast in her character: while she doubted him, she also helped him, schemed alongside him, made moves behind his back. It created a contradiction that made her feel both powerful and yet emotionally distant from the man she claimed to love.
Despite my struggles with Rowan, the heat and chemistry between her and Vince remained electric. And by the end, when they both admitted who they really were “monsters who found each other in the dark”. I understood her more. That moment, when she said “I’m a monster just like you,” brought it all full circle. It wasn’t about redemption or innocence anymore; it was about acceptance.
I loved Book 1 and had been waiting patiently for this sequel. While Book 2 didn’t resonate with me as deeply, largely because of how Rowan’s arc was handled, I’m still a fan of Nicole Fox’s intense, high-stakes mafia worlds. Even when I don’t connect with a character, her storytelling always keeps me turning the pages. I’m definitely looking forward to what she writes next.

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

[Brianna Griffin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a DNF around 30%. The first book was 3 stars due to the FMC. And this was a DNF because of her. I really don’t know why I picked it up. Maybe because it was free through Kindle Unlimited and I liked the MMC well enough to see what he does in the next book. But she was INSUFFERABLE. How can you be all for your husband protecting you at all costs in one chapter then denouncing the family name in the next? And this happens multiple times within the first 30% of the book. I couldn’t keep reading without the threat of throwing my phone across the room. Either you’re about that life or not. And it sounds like you’re not about that life.

The second part that made me actually angry with the FMC is her reaction to her best friend giving information about her to her husband. I thought she was over that when she ignored her and, I don’t know, MARRIED the man who was in charge of the whole thing. But no. She stated she doesn’t know if she could ever trust her best friend. Even though she walks away with the man who literally ORCHESTRATED it all. Wtf is this bullshit? In that section she proceeds to think about all the ways Natalie has been there for her and says.. na. I don’t trust her. She hears that Natalie actually went out of her way to try to protect her without getting herself killed. Natalie says she did it all because of the same excuse FMC gave for why she continued to work for the MMC in the last book. But NO. It’s only an appropriate excuse for her. Not for others. Insufferable. I wouldn’t even try further, Natalie. Rowan is NOT your friend. Period.

Lastly, I read dark mafia romances for the dark aspect. I’m tired of authors trying to make these mafia stories into legitimate businesses. I want killings. I was illegal activity, damn it! I don’t need the MMC having ethical dilemmas about what he’s doing. I can pick up any other romance novels for that. But maybe that’s just me.

[Alicia Rocha · Rating 2 out of 5]

En este segundo libro esperaba ver un crecimiento en Rowan, pero me encontré con un personaje más quejumbroso de lo que pensé. Aunque entiendo que Vince tiene problemas con el control y comete errores, la mayoría de sus acciones son por la seguridad de ella y de su hija. Sin embargo, Rowan lo acusa rápidamente de controlador o traidor, sin detenerse a preguntar o investigar antes. Me frustró que hiciera berrinches y huyera a la menor dificultad, cuando ya sabía de dónde venía Vince y lo quería cambiar de la noche a la mañana.

Es cierto que Vince iba a matar a su padre y que Rowan tiene derecho a enojarse por eso, pero también hay que considerar que Vince y su padre siempre fueron enemigos, mientras que ella apenas lo conocía desde hacía unos meses y a Vince lo conocía desde hace años. Además, Rowan actuó a espaldas de él con alguien que quería atacar a Vince, y después se alió con una amiga que la traicionó para poder huir de él. Sinceramente, sus acusaciones hacia Vince no concuerdan con las acciones que ella misma toma.

También es cierto que Vince le dio un collar para rastrearla y le ocultó cosas, pero siempre fue con la intención de protegerla. Ella, en cambio, lo interpretaba solo como control sin detenerse a ver el panorama completo. Vince realmente se estaba esforzando por ella, incluso llegando al punto de querer hacer todo legal.

Debo admitir que me gustó cuando Rowan ideó los planes para legalizar todo; en ese momento sentí que podía ser un gran personaje con liderazgo. Sin embargo, después volvió a quedarse solo con lo que veía en la superficie, sin analizar bien las acciones de Vince ni hablar directamente con él. Muchas cosas salieron mal porque Vince se obligó a hacerlas como ella quería, y lo hizo por amor a ella, pero al final eso le costó mucho daño a él, solo para que luego Rowan le reclamara sus errores a la menor oportunidad.

En lo personal, esperaba una protagonista más fuerte y decidida, no tan impulsiva ni quejumbrosa.

[Jordan Mackey · Rating 2 out of 5]

So Nicole, I usually love all your books. But this one started with an employee accidentally walking in on her boss having sex, and because he was drawn to her and learned about her financial troubles, he decided to keep her close by hiring her as his personal assistant. Fast forward to them already being in love, and then it comes out that he has been keeping her under surveillance because he found out she was the daughter of an enemy. I just feel like this twist was unnecessary and made things confusing. If he already knew who she was, why write that he searched her in the work database? That didn’t make sense to me. I was enjoying it until everything started to fall apart.

I really enjoyed the dialogue between them, and I loved that even though it was a mafia story, they still felt like real people. The back and forth between them kept things interesting at first, but after a while the constant arguments and her ultimatums started to feel repetitive. It seemed a little redundant at times and took away from the emotional connection they had early on.

Rowan ruined it for me, and I think she came across as such a hypocrite. She had no problem taking money, sleeping with her boss, and secretly crushing on him when she thought he was more than just a CEO. Then when she confirmed he wasn’t just a CEO, she suddenly decided to leave, and then left again while taking the baby.

I was so mad at her for him.

Her mother also frustrated me. It took her forever to finally tell Rowan the truth about her real father. I did like the interactions between Rowan and Grigor though. His stories about her mother had real emotion behind them. You could feel both the love and the pain in the way he spoke about her.

I was ready for his father to die, and the back and forth with the FBI agent Carson added even more drama. This book had a lot going on.

The attempt to go legitimate, the baby, all of it. But now all I can think about is that I just didn’t like the female character.

[Nicoletta Tompros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rowan has spent five years climbing the ladder in her marketing career, but everything changes the moment she stumbles upon her boss in a compromising situation. Expecting the worst—a pink slip—she’s shocked to find herself rewarded with a promotion instead. That’s when the real chaos begins. What starts as undeniable attraction quickly spirals into an all-consuming, no-limits affair. But her boss isn’t just any man—he’s a Bratva prince. Secrets, betrayal, and broken trust threaten to tear them apart, leaving us to wonder: can love survive in a world built on lies?

I absolutely loved this story—it pulls you right into Rowan and her boss’s intoxicating world, their passion, and their love…right up until that wicked cliffhanger ending 🤭

And then comes Book 2—Filthy Lies—the perfect conclusion to the Akopov Bratva series. This book had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Lies, secrets, and betrayals had me in a chokehold, and I could not put it down. Rowan’s journey from a quiet, almost meek woman into a fierce lioness was breathtaking—she steps into her power in a way that makes you cheer. I loved that she became the anchor to Vince’s powerful and dangerous world, balancing his intensity with her strength.

If I could give this series 6 stars, I would. Mrs. Fox has created an extraordinary couple in Vince and Rowan, whose chemistry is absolutely magnetic. The final book unfolds with pulse-pounding action, shocking twists, and raw emotion that will leave you breathless. Every page had my adrenaline spiking, and I was completely captivated by their story.

Nicole Fox has once again delivered a mafia romance filled with passion, suspense, and unforgettable characters. This series is a must-read for anyone who craves dark, dangerous, and deeply romantic stories. I recommend it 100%!

[Alexis Blume · Rating 3 out of 5]

The boardroom where he used to bend me over his desk? Now, it's where I sit behind him. The penthouse where he whispered dirty things in my ear? Now, it's where I whisper back - and he listens.
Nicole Fox wraps up the Akopov duo with Filthy Lies.. and boy oh boy are there lies aplenty.
TW/CW: traumatic birth in captivity, violence, extreme betrayal from all levels, death of a parent (on page), pregnancy scare
This book starts off right where Filthy Promises ended with Rowan in captivity in active labor. Nicole drops us right into the action with this one. I love the way that she writes the suspense into the novel where you are holding your breath until Vincent can hopefully save the day.
In this book we learn a lot more about the Bratva world, its history, and its ties... As the story begins to unravel so does Rowan's and Vincent's life. Rowan's life is turned upside down and at this point she doesn't have anyone that she can trust, except the most unlikely person...
Vincent continues in this book to be the change that he wants to see in the Bratva world. While mirroring his sentiments that you touch Rowan and you die.
Filthy Lies wraps up the Akopov Bratva duo with a bang.
Downsides: (slight spoilers) | listed this book as 3 stars because there is one section of the plot that was completely unnecessary and really didn't add anything to the plot and was not realistic. Nicole wrote in a plot point of Rowan having a false positive pregnancy test and uses Rowan's feelings about the hope of a second child to excuse some of the behavior of Vincent. It just wasn't my cup of tea personally.

[Carina Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filthy Lies delivers a high-octane, emotionally charged conclusion to the Akopov Bratva Duet — and trust me, you’ll want to read Filthy Promises first. This isn’t a standalone; the story continues directly from the jaw-dropping cliffhanger of Book 1, where Rowan, in labor and mid-code-entry into a safe room, is kidnapped. It’s the kind of “No way!” moment that hooks you in hard.

This sequel wastes no time, plunging us right back into the chaos. All the familiar faces return, including Vincent Akopov, the commanding Russian Pakhan, and Rowan St. Clair — now Rowan Akopov — whose hidden lineage as the daughter of Grigor Petrov (a rival mob boss) adds even more intensity to an already volatile world.

Filthy Lies is rich with the staples of dark mafia romance: violence, betrayal, shifting loyalties, abductions, FBI entanglements, and the tension between found and lost family. There’s plenty of spice, but it’s beautifully balanced with moments of tenderness and fierce devotion. And yes — there’s a hard-earned happy ending.

While the book is a bit long, you don’t notice, the payoff is worth it. Every twist adds another layer to the characters and the high-stakes plot. And by the end, you’ll be completely in love with the two tiny additions to the Akopov world that this book brings.

Highly recommended for fans of dark romance, mafia drama, and emotionally complex love stories. Just make sure to start with Book 1 — this duet deserves to be experienced in full.

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

[Annissa Ferranti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book but this one def didn’t need to be this long. We start this one after the cliffhanger of Rowan being kidnapped while LITERALLY in labor! I was going through guesses as to who kidnapped her but discovering that it was Andrei’s men who kidnapped her but the Solovyov’s took her from them was insane! It’s like pass the plate with a human being! I can’t believe the trauma Rowan went through delivering her baby while in captivity she is literally such a strong woman! Baby Sofiya born strong while her mom was fighting for them both against the Solovyovs. Ofc my man Vince found them cuz he would literally burn the world down for them! Then it was a lot of empty space of drama with the FBI and with their enemies all while trying to figure out how to deal with Grigor who is Rowan’s dad but an enemy to Vince. Now I’m team Grigor because he actually made me emotional. I know to Vince he’s the enemy but he’s just a man who wants to protect his daughter and granddaughter. After reading his letter to Rowan’s mother and seeing him at the funeral he really just seems lonely and I want him to have a chance to be apart of the family. I’m so glad everything was solved and they got to figure their shit out and come up with a peaceful alliance. And thank god Vince killed his dad cuz he was pissing me off. How many chances can this dude get! Overall good duology. Love a happy ending ofc!

[Han · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of the Akopov Bratva series.

Vincent and Rowan are fighting for love but at what cost…

“A queen making bold moves on a chessboard occupied by kings.”

When an FBI raid threatens to upend everything that Vincent has fought for, emotions begin to soar. Rowan starts to wonder if she made the right choice staying with Vincent and becoming a mob wife. Everything begins to unravel as limits are pushed and decisions are made.

Despite the hard decisions and stressful situations, Vincent’s love for Rowan never wavers. He ensures that every decision that he makes protects his family at all costs. In book 2, their love grows stronger. Vincent begins to wear his heart on his sleeve as he realizes that he could lose everything.

I enjoyed Filthy Lies more than Filthy Promises because Rowan and Vincent’s relationship grew so strong by the end of the book. I don’t think any force was great enough to separate them. Vincent started to cherish his wife more in book 2 and appreciate everything that he had including his daughter. Their marriage was a testament to the connection and strength that they found in each other. Vincent held so much love for his wife in book 2 and it showed through the sacrifices that he made.

Rowan has grown into a strong, independent woman since first meeting Vincent in book 1. She isn’t afraid of anyone, including her husband and fights like hell for the life she now has with Vincent.

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Filthy Lies” is the second book in the “Akopov Bratva Duet.” Vincent Akopov is gorgeous, ruthless, and completely out of her league. Rowan St. Clair is a Marketing Associate. The relationship between Vincent and Rowan has always been a little unconventional. Whilst he is unofficially engaged to a suitable Bratva bride to keep his father happy, Rowan is pregnant with his child. The heir to the Akopov Bratva. Vincent is threatening war or worse when Rowan is kidnapped whilst in the midst of labor.

“She’s in labor,” I continue, quieter now. “My child is coming, and if Rowan delivers in captivity—if anything happens to either of them—there won’t be enough bullets on the goddamn planet to protect whoever’s responsible.”

Vincent and Rowan’s relationship is like a roller coaster ride - with its up and downs, peaks and valleys. This book is action packed from start to finish with so many questions. Will Vincent and Rowan’s relationship survive? Will the Bratva survive all the turmoil on numerous fronts? The big question being, is the Bratva more important that their family group? Big decisions to be made …. What will happen?

Nicole is the Queen of “dark mafia romance” and once again she has excelled with this series. A thoroughly enjoyable read from page to page, one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊

[De_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You are my entire heart". Filthy Lies. (Book 2)

The writing itself was good. The plot, fairly good. It's Nicole Fox. The MFC ran her course early in the book. I get it's great she changed, but she went from mousy to a supposed highly intelligent, businesswoman/monster in no time flat. Monsters? Yes, she refers to them as that quite often. But most annoying of all? She single-handedly has convinced a pakhan, and therein the Bratva, to change generations of family "business". Spice? Myself, and again my opinion, I prefer angst. I'm no stranger to it, but there are only so many ways to describe 🌶, so may be best to stretch out the attraction and build up rather than jump into it every chapter inciting boredom and the page skip!
There are several pockets of error. Better editing may be necessary.
One particular incident that made me go hmm? An incident where someone was allegedly shot in the chest, but when found, the dialogue says throat cut. What? It makes me question if a ghostwriter is coming into play at times.
Just my opinion. Always, and you should be, taking a chance at making your own opinion.
I read it fully, and will read and follow Nicole Fox again. I appreciate the consistency with which she releases her novels, even if there are a few I would consider dnf, I keep coming back for those that I do enjoy, which are more than I fault.

[Calypso✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨This book was a wild ride from start to finish. From the first book, forbidden office fling to mafia marriage and surprise pregnancy? Chefs kiss.🤌🏽 Then this book, kidnapping during labor, and all the craziness in between? Chaos.🔥

❤️‍🔥The chemistry between Vince and his assistant-turned-wife is undeniable. Rowan’s transition from assistant to mob wife had its moments like were some empowering, some a little too dramatic.🤭I liked seeing her stand her ground, especially Vince’s shift from dominant boss to overprotective husband added a nice emotional layer… even if it got a little repetitive at times..

I read a lot from Nicole Fox and love her books🫶🏽. I enjoyed reading this book, seeing where plot leads the characters and how they will overcome the challenges they had together.🥹That said, some of the plot twists felt way over the top. The drama kept coming, and while it was entertaining, it also made parts of the story feel rushed or unbelievable. So I would get confused often lol. 😂

🙌🏽Still, if you love fast-paced mafia romance with steam, sass, and a FMC who eventually takes charge, this one might be your thing. Just go in expecting a whole lot of drama.🫠

Thank you to the Author Nicole Fox for opportunity to read this ARC! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.🖤

[Pat Stanton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vincent and Rowan's Story

This is a love/hate duet for me. At times, I really enjoyed the saga between the powerful, violent Vincent Akopov and his sweet, turned deadly monster assistant/wife Rowan. Other times, the discrepancies as well as the personality of Rowan were a complete turnoff.
One major issue was the kidnapping of Rowan at the end of book one while she was in labor. The compound had extraordinary security. Where was everyone when brutal men stormed in and dragged her away? No one was killed protecting her - there was just no one around in the huge mansion.
Equally confusing is the supposed love story between Grigor and Rowan's mother., Margaret. Rowan is 27. He allegedly wanted to marry her. Yet he has at least 2 sons, one Daniel/Daniil, who is an experienced trauma surgeon at Mt Sinai, and he is the younger son. Also, why didn't he provide anonymous funding for her health care rather than let Rowan live in poverty while trying to cover her cancer treatments?
Perhaps the biggest red flag is Rowan and her attitude towards Vincent. She knew who and what he was. Yet she acts like a brat for much of the book when he acts true to nature. Unbelievably, she transforms from a shy mouse to a ruthless, brilliant strategist, willing to lie and conceal evidence.
A long saga and not highly recommended

[Laura Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing mafia story by Nicole Fox! She is an amazing author and I love, love, love her stories. This one was no different. It’s everything a good mafia romance should have.

War, familia disputes, betrayal, deceit, lust, lies and of course love.

Vince and Rowan’s story is no different. I loved watching Rowan grow into her own bada** self. This book is a continuation of book one so read Filthy Promises first or the beginning of this book won’t make sense.

Book one was left on a major cliffhanger and this jumped right back into the thick of things where book one left off.

This book was another crazy ride from start to finish and I can’t say much because I don’t want to give anything away. But holy cow it kept me on the edge of my seat and up all hours of the night to read it.

You really feel immersed in her stories when you read them. The characters feel real, the emotions I went through and the struggles ugh it was so overwhelming at times I had to put it down and walk away.

I cannot recommend her enough. Go get Filthy Promises and get on the Nicole Fox train! I promise you won’t regret it!.

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