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Of Ruin and Royalty #1
Conquest
Of Ruin and Royalty: Book 1
ebook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
December 11, 2025
This book made me want to scream and tear my hair out in frustration! It was one of those books that I finished reading out of sheer determination to find out what happened to these two irritating characters and then it has the nerve to end on a cliffhanger??? WTAF!!!
I really didn't want to even finish reading this book but I pushed through that overwhelming urge to DNF, and now I find out that I have to read yet another book to get the rest of their story?! To say I'm unimpressed is an understatement!
Honestly this book sucked massively until the last 5-10% and then it got really interesting. Nothing happened until well past the halfway point of this book, and even then 99% of this book was just toxic masculinity, posturing, cliche's and inner monologues that just kept repeating the same thing over and over and over and over.... I learnt barely anything about these characters - I don't even know how old they're supposed to be - and their chemistry was completely non-existent, but damn this stupid book because I somehow still want to know what happens to these two.
The way the book ends was infuriating because the amnesia trope was deployed, so essentially everything that happened in this book may as well not have happened! I hate the amnesia trope with a passion, it's rare that it's well written and from reading the rest of this book I highly doubt it's going to be excellent in the next book.
I'm mad at myself for finishing this book and I'm even more mad at myself because I already know I'm going to read the next book even though this one irritated me so much. Ughhhhhhhhhhh
I really didn't want to even finish reading this book but I pushed through that overwhelming urge to DNF, and now I find out that I have to read yet another book to get the rest of their story?! To say I'm unimpressed is an understatement!
Honestly this book sucked massively until the last 5-10% and then it got really interesting. Nothing happened until well past the halfway point of this book, and even then 99% of this book was just toxic masculinity, posturing, cliche's and inner monologues that just kept repeating the same thing over and over and over and over.... I learnt barely anything about these characters - I don't even know how old they're supposed to be - and their chemistry was completely non-existent, but damn this stupid book because I somehow still want to know what happens to these two.
The way the book ends was infuriating because the amnesia trope was deployed, so essentially everything that happened in this book may as well not have happened! I hate the amnesia trope with a passion, it's rare that it's well written and from reading the rest of this book I highly doubt it's going to be excellent in the next book.
I'm mad at myself for finishing this book and I'm even more mad at myself because I already know I'm going to read the next book even though this one irritated me so much. Ughhhhhhhhhhh
November 19, 2025
Conquest is a fantastic enemies-to-lovers romance between Vincenzo, the Cosa Nostra prince, and Nikolaj, the Bratva heir. Their families are enemies, they cannot stand one another, but underneath all of that anger, resentment, and angst is a long-simmering tension that demands attention.
Together, these two have incredible chemistry, and waiting for them to either kill or kiss each other creates many steamy moments that are just waiting to bubble over. Another great aspect of this story is the overall environment and aesthetic of the school—its rivalries, the danger lurking around every corner as revenge and justice take their turns.
Overall, I loved this story. It’s filled with surprises and shocking moments that leave me wanting more. I'm excited for where the story will go, and anxiously hoping these two can find their way back to each other for their HEA because my goodness, that ending really leaves me wondering how.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Together, these two have incredible chemistry, and waiting for them to either kill or kiss each other creates many steamy moments that are just waiting to bubble over. Another great aspect of this story is the overall environment and aesthetic of the school—its rivalries, the danger lurking around every corner as revenge and justice take their turns.
Overall, I loved this story. It’s filled with surprises and shocking moments that leave me wanting more. I'm excited for where the story will go, and anxiously hoping these two can find their way back to each other for their HEA because my goodness, that ending really leaves me wondering how.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
June 5, 2026
"Teeth. Tongue. Bruised breath and swallowed curses. He tastes like smoke and blood and fury, and I drink it in like oxygen, like I've been suffocating for weeks and only now remembered what breathing is. His fingers curl in my hair, and I arch up into him, grinding hard, and he gasps against my mouth like he forgot who he was supposed to be."
Oh my, I loved this one! Conquest by new-to-me author Avery Collins is a dark-themed, MM mafia romance set in Vintermoor Academy, which is basically a violent training ground for all the mafia heirs and assassins.
This is Vincenzo and Nikolaj's story but be warned - it's the first book in the Of Ruin and Royalty duet and the cliffhanger is brutal! Oh well, I will just have to keep re-reading and savour every deliciously dark drop over and over again until book 2 is released....
(Update: Reign is now released and it’s also a 5 star read!)
What To Expect:
🖤MM dark romance
⚔️Enemies to lovers
🖤Mine
⚔️Forced proximity
🖤Rival mafia heirs
⚔️Forbidden
🖤All the steam
⚔️All the angst
🖤Cliffhanger
5 stars ⭐️
Oh my, I loved this one! Conquest by new-to-me author Avery Collins is a dark-themed, MM mafia romance set in Vintermoor Academy, which is basically a violent training ground for all the mafia heirs and assassins.
This is Vincenzo and Nikolaj's story but be warned - it's the first book in the Of Ruin and Royalty duet and the cliffhanger is brutal! Oh well, I will just have to keep re-reading and savour every deliciously dark drop over and over again until book 2 is released....
(Update: Reign is now released and it’s also a 5 star read!)
What To Expect:
🖤MM dark romance
⚔️Enemies to lovers
🖤Mine
⚔️Forced proximity
🖤Rival mafia heirs
⚔️Forbidden
🖤All the steam
⚔️All the angst
🖤Cliffhanger
5 stars ⭐️
June 2, 2026
2.3 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: ebook
0 character development, 0 buildup, 0 chemistry. just no.
also too many plot holes to get into. literally nothing made sense. i have no idea why these two started fucking and i have even less of an idea how they fell for each other. they didn’t talk unless it was in dramatic cliches.
and holy inner monologuing. holy REPEATED inner monologuing.
reading the next book only because i think it’ll piss me off more to not know what happens with them.
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: ebook
0 character development, 0 buildup, 0 chemistry. just no.
also too many plot holes to get into. literally nothing made sense. i have no idea why these two started fucking and i have even less of an idea how they fell for each other. they didn’t talk unless it was in dramatic cliches.
and holy inner monologuing. holy REPEATED inner monologuing.
reading the next book only because i think it’ll piss me off more to not know what happens with them.
May 16, 2026
This was a very tricky book to rate. I’d say it was a 2.5-3.
This is for three reasons. The first reason is because the beginning of the book was written in a very bizarre way. There were endless amounts of dialogue that were full of metaphors and quippy phrases. It genuinely made me question if this was written by AI. And that’s a serious wonder. But I’d read another book by Collins, and I didn’t think they’d used AI at all. Regardless, the overindulgence in the use of pretentious dialogue, made me unable to gain a true understanding of what exactly was going on in the story, as well as having a clear idea of who the characters were. Aside from the fact they aren’t fans of each other. My doubts had lessened at the midpoint of the book, because the dialogue had been diluted to normal and I found myself enjoying it. Nikolaj is a chaotic mess but that’s exactly who Vincenzo wants to be, and that’s the main foundation of the tension between them.
When Vincenzo finally relents, my rating of the book moved from a sold 2, to perhaps a 3. It was the only time that I felt the story was written well. Perhaps this is intentionally done, because Vincenzo was a hollow of a person before and Nikolai’s determination had changed that. But this doesn’t mean that it was done well. I was seeing two entirely different versions of Vincenzo. AI Vincenzo (potentially) and Collins’ Vincenzo. I wanted to see more of Collins’ version.
I hate postering. I thought it was because in MLM books it usually means that the love interest is usually passive in contrast, but I actually just don’t like it, period. Both Nikolaj and Vincenzo have a serious case of postering, but rather than it coming off as a reinforced personality from their respective mafias, it comes off as toxic masculinity. Yes, this is normal for mafia books, but writing in a way that you defy stereotypes (which is being done by way of the MLM relationship) sends out a healthier message. And wouldn’t make them difficult characters to love.
Lastly, the ending of the book was completely unnecessary. Oh god, if I hate postering, I hate amnesia tropes more. In book 1 the relationship is established. In book 2 we build from where the relationship was left off. With a book ending in amnesia, you essentially read book 1 twice with overwhelmingly high levels of angst. When you write such a duet, it’s simply a case of bad writing. Now, if the book was written by Collins, and Collins only, I know that they aren’t a bad writer. But the plot was ruined the moment amnesia was added. There was already a good starter point for book 2 — the war that Nikolaj and Vincenzo would create by being in a relationship. I’d have liked to read that. I do not want to read a cheesy amnesia story shrouded in more toxic masculinity, and more cheesy dialogue. I know I will. (Sigh) but I do hope that Collins is able to recover the story in book 2. Maybe so that the amnesia doesn’t last long?
I’ve been trying to ween myself back into mafia stories. I don’t think it’s working very well.
This is for three reasons. The first reason is because the beginning of the book was written in a very bizarre way. There were endless amounts of dialogue that were full of metaphors and quippy phrases. It genuinely made me question if this was written by AI. And that’s a serious wonder. But I’d read another book by Collins, and I didn’t think they’d used AI at all. Regardless, the overindulgence in the use of pretentious dialogue, made me unable to gain a true understanding of what exactly was going on in the story, as well as having a clear idea of who the characters were. Aside from the fact they aren’t fans of each other. My doubts had lessened at the midpoint of the book, because the dialogue had been diluted to normal and I found myself enjoying it. Nikolaj is a chaotic mess but that’s exactly who Vincenzo wants to be, and that’s the main foundation of the tension between them.
When Vincenzo finally relents, my rating of the book moved from a sold 2, to perhaps a 3. It was the only time that I felt the story was written well. Perhaps this is intentionally done, because Vincenzo was a hollow of a person before and Nikolai’s determination had changed that. But this doesn’t mean that it was done well. I was seeing two entirely different versions of Vincenzo. AI Vincenzo (potentially) and Collins’ Vincenzo. I wanted to see more of Collins’ version.
I hate postering. I thought it was because in MLM books it usually means that the love interest is usually passive in contrast, but I actually just don’t like it, period. Both Nikolaj and Vincenzo have a serious case of postering, but rather than it coming off as a reinforced personality from their respective mafias, it comes off as toxic masculinity. Yes, this is normal for mafia books, but writing in a way that you defy stereotypes (which is being done by way of the MLM relationship) sends out a healthier message. And wouldn’t make them difficult characters to love.
Lastly, the ending of the book was completely unnecessary. Oh god, if I hate postering, I hate amnesia tropes more. In book 1 the relationship is established. In book 2 we build from where the relationship was left off. With a book ending in amnesia, you essentially read book 1 twice with overwhelmingly high levels of angst. When you write such a duet, it’s simply a case of bad writing. Now, if the book was written by Collins, and Collins only, I know that they aren’t a bad writer. But the plot was ruined the moment amnesia was added. There was already a good starter point for book 2 — the war that Nikolaj and Vincenzo would create by being in a relationship. I’d have liked to read that. I do not want to read a cheesy amnesia story shrouded in more toxic masculinity, and more cheesy dialogue. I know I will. (Sigh) but I do hope that Collins is able to recover the story in book 2. Maybe so that the amnesia doesn’t last long?
I’ve been trying to ween myself back into mafia stories. I don’t think it’s working very well.
December 11, 2025
I’m a bit late with my ARC review because I ended up reading it twice—partly because of the cliffhanger, and partly because I’m dyslexic and read best with both sight and sound. I knew there’d be a cliffhanger, but I didn’t expect to be this eager for the next book. Usually, when a show or story ends on a cliffhanger, I either skip it or wait until the next season is out, and now I wish I’d done that here because I’ll be obsessing over it until release day. I love the honesty in this book—they’re being trained to be killers, not scientists or lawyers. I liked the branding idea for when they’re in trouble, and I really enjoyed the dynamic between Nikolaj and Vincenzo, both thinking they had the upper hand until they proved each other wrong and realised they were in the same boat. Normally, the first POV I read helps me decide who I like more—this time it started with Vincenzo, but by chapter six, it was Nikolaj.
December 16, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I’m speechless That ending…
This was such a good book! I love a good enemies to lovers/hate to love and this hit the spot. I adored the relationship between Niko and Enzo. Their struggles, the battles. The war between the Bratva and Cosa Nostra. I loved it all. I loved the chaos and I’m anxiously waiting for book 2. That cliffhanger was cruel!!!
I’m speechless That ending…
This was such a good book! I love a good enemies to lovers/hate to love and this hit the spot. I adored the relationship between Niko and Enzo. Their struggles, the battles. The war between the Bratva and Cosa Nostra. I loved it all. I loved the chaos and I’m anxiously waiting for book 2. That cliffhanger was cruel!!!
May 26, 2026
* Reread before Reign drops. *
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/6.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5.
F-king hell! Upon reread I still ended up feeling the same way. Just drifting in the middle of the ocean without knowing how to swim and save myself...
I took a crazy amount of annotations and I have so many questions that i don't know what to do with myself.
This story just hurts more and more as you approach the end. It's a cruel world they live and life also had to give its 2 cents because they didn't have enough on their plate already...
I loved Nikolaj and Vincenzo even more and I'm heartbroken for them once again.
I also once again have mixed feelings towards Arseniy. Sometimes I hate them but sometimes I can see what this world made him and I feel for him. I wonder what was on his mind when he had to reprogram Nikolaj. I guess I still have hope for him.
After my read of Empire I understand more of the past and I have mixed feelings towards Ruslan & Salvatore. I wonder if they meant for their sons to "happen" and repeat history again or if this "scheme" so to speak was their way of coming back to each other again in a very chaotic way.
It's just so sad and cruel knowing that 20+ years went by them but also everything they did to their sons... At the moment I hate what they did to them but I want them to be happy.
I noticed a lot of parallels between Vincenzo & Nikolaj relationship and Ruslan & Salvatore's. It's eerie and it made the whole story even more sadder.
I f-king can't wait for Reign to destroy me and put me back together.
——
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/6
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5.
I finished this book almost 4 hours ago and I’m still thinking about it because what do you mean it’s this type of cliffhanger and what do you mean the next book comes out in June?! I truly feel like I need the next one for yesterday!
I read this in one sitting and I was so into it that when it was over, I stared at the wall and thought “surely the next book will come out soon and for sure the circumstances at the end of this story won’t take long until it changes”. Don’t even ask me how wrong I was about it. 😩
Vincenzo and Nikolaj… where do I even start with these two…
The start of the story held my attention from the very beginning because Vincenzo & Nikolaj are both heirs to their respective thrones and they go to Vintermoor to become worthy of their thrones but to do that each of them has a mission to complete.
Vincenzo knows as soon as he sees Niko that he’s there for his head and so the push and pull begins.
I was riveted and also invested in them. Their comebacks to each other are amazing and smart and at some point felt like foreplay.
I loved the way they messed with each other’s minds but in the end they knew what the end goal was but they still let it happen because the pull they feel towards one another is bigger than whatever they were trying to do to each other.
Vincenzo battles with himself through the majority of this because he never let himself have whatever he wanted until Niko pushed and pushed so much that he ended up giving in to his wants. It was kinda beautiful to watch and bit bl00dy. 😅 these two definitely like to be brutal.
It becomes hard for him to reconcile with what was drilled into him since he was a child, what he wanted and what he needed to do to get his throne.
Niko exists for one end only and that unfortunately is to take Vincenzo’s head. He also never did nor had anything he wanted because duty rules all in his family.
The fact that he was reprogrammed multiple times actually left me speechless and I started right then and there seeing another side to him. One where he lost all hope in truly being himself because in the end duty and family must come first.
Niko can be openly with men whereas Vincenzo could never which is an interesting and sad contrast between the two.
The fact that Niko had training in seducing is horrible to say the least.
This cliffhanger tho… it’s mean! What do you mean it’s back to hate? My heart can’t take it 😩
Heading towards the cliffy I was living in delulu land and thinking “they will find a way to get what they want” then at a certain point I went from that to “ Vincenzo is gonna come out and play to avenge Niko. I was all giddy about it” and then my bubble bursted and I was left floating in the middle of the ocean without knowing how to swim and save myself.
What’s up with Niko’s brother tho? I have such mixed feelings, one minute i hate him and the next one I’m kinda, sort of, liking him? I wonder tho what his story is.
This is my first book by this author and I have high hopes now for the next book but I’m also scared because the tropes for the next one have a 50% chances of landing or not with me.
I just hope the next book is Vincenzo finally becoming worthy of his crown while also maintaining some sort of hope Niko isn’t lost forever or at least that he doesn’t lose sight of his true self. I want him ruthless and unforgiving but also maintaining the part of him he gained but having this time with Niko before everything blew up in his face.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/6.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5.
F-king hell! Upon reread I still ended up feeling the same way. Just drifting in the middle of the ocean without knowing how to swim and save myself...
I took a crazy amount of annotations and I have so many questions that i don't know what to do with myself.
This story just hurts more and more as you approach the end. It's a cruel world they live and life also had to give its 2 cents because they didn't have enough on their plate already...
I loved Nikolaj and Vincenzo even more and I'm heartbroken for them once again.
I also once again have mixed feelings towards Arseniy. Sometimes I hate them but sometimes I can see what this world made him and I feel for him. I wonder what was on his mind when he had to reprogram Nikolaj. I guess I still have hope for him.
After my read of Empire I understand more of the past and I have mixed feelings towards Ruslan & Salvatore. I wonder if they meant for their sons to "happen" and repeat history again or if this "scheme" so to speak was their way of coming back to each other again in a very chaotic way.
It's just so sad and cruel knowing that 20+ years went by them but also everything they did to their sons... At the moment I hate what they did to them but I want them to be happy.
I noticed a lot of parallels between Vincenzo & Nikolaj relationship and Ruslan & Salvatore's. It's eerie and it made the whole story even more sadder.
I f-king can't wait for Reign to destroy me and put me back together.
——
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/6
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5.
I finished this book almost 4 hours ago and I’m still thinking about it because what do you mean it’s this type of cliffhanger and what do you mean the next book comes out in June?! I truly feel like I need the next one for yesterday!
I read this in one sitting and I was so into it that when it was over, I stared at the wall and thought “surely the next book will come out soon and for sure the circumstances at the end of this story won’t take long until it changes”. Don’t even ask me how wrong I was about it. 😩
Vincenzo and Nikolaj… where do I even start with these two…
The start of the story held my attention from the very beginning because Vincenzo & Nikolaj are both heirs to their respective thrones and they go to Vintermoor to become worthy of their thrones but to do that each of them has a mission to complete.
Vincenzo knows as soon as he sees Niko that he’s there for his head and so the push and pull begins.
I was riveted and also invested in them. Their comebacks to each other are amazing and smart and at some point felt like foreplay.
I loved the way they messed with each other’s minds but in the end they knew what the end goal was but they still let it happen because the pull they feel towards one another is bigger than whatever they were trying to do to each other.
Vincenzo battles with himself through the majority of this because he never let himself have whatever he wanted until Niko pushed and pushed so much that he ended up giving in to his wants. It was kinda beautiful to watch and bit bl00dy. 😅 these two definitely like to be brutal.
It becomes hard for him to reconcile with what was drilled into him since he was a child, what he wanted and what he needed to do to get his throne.
Niko exists for one end only and that unfortunately is to take Vincenzo’s head. He also never did nor had anything he wanted because duty rules all in his family.
The fact that he was reprogrammed multiple times actually left me speechless and I started right then and there seeing another side to him. One where he lost all hope in truly being himself because in the end duty and family must come first.
Niko can be openly with men whereas Vincenzo could never which is an interesting and sad contrast between the two.
The fact that Niko had training in seducing is horrible to say the least.
This cliffhanger tho… it’s mean! What do you mean it’s back to hate? My heart can’t take it 😩
Heading towards the cliffy I was living in delulu land and thinking “they will find a way to get what they want” then at a certain point I went from that to “ Vincenzo is gonna come out and play to avenge Niko. I was all giddy about it” and then my bubble bursted and I was left floating in the middle of the ocean without knowing how to swim and save myself.
What’s up with Niko’s brother tho? I have such mixed feelings, one minute i hate him and the next one I’m kinda, sort of, liking him? I wonder tho what his story is.
This is my first book by this author and I have high hopes now for the next book but I’m also scared because the tropes for the next one have a 50% chances of landing or not with me.
I just hope the next book is Vincenzo finally becoming worthy of his crown while also maintaining some sort of hope Niko isn’t lost forever or at least that he doesn’t lose sight of his true self. I want him ruthless and unforgiving but also maintaining the part of him he gained but having this time with Niko before everything blew up in his face.
November 13, 2025
I’m truly lost for words for this one for the best possible reasons.
This had it all! Suspense, enemies to lovers, possessive MCs, pinning, all the violence and literally so much more.
These two boys literally born to kill and not survive the world they are raised in. Born to hate each other, but they can’t seem to stay away. Vincenzo is the heir and born to run his family’s empire while Nikolaj was born to kill him.
The tension and banter between these two are crazy intense every freaking time, you never know who’s going to come out on top, my heart was racing this whole book not knowing when things would hit the fan. When they finally get together and decide to choose themselves over family over death it was purely bittersweet, because you know these families will not take it lightly. True meaning of no one will touch there men.
The ending of course shattered me to pieces but that is the whole point and Avery does heartbreak like no one else. I can’t wait for book two so I can be at peace with this couple deserve every happy thing they’ve been fighting for.
*this ends in a cliffhanger*
This had it all! Suspense, enemies to lovers, possessive MCs, pinning, all the violence and literally so much more.
These two boys literally born to kill and not survive the world they are raised in. Born to hate each other, but they can’t seem to stay away. Vincenzo is the heir and born to run his family’s empire while Nikolaj was born to kill him.
The tension and banter between these two are crazy intense every freaking time, you never know who’s going to come out on top, my heart was racing this whole book not knowing when things would hit the fan. When they finally get together and decide to choose themselves over family over death it was purely bittersweet, because you know these families will not take it lightly. True meaning of no one will touch there men.
The ending of course shattered me to pieces but that is the whole point and Avery does heartbreak like no one else. I can’t wait for book two so I can be at peace with this couple deserve every happy thing they’ve been fighting for.
*this ends in a cliffhanger*
February 15, 2026
I want to read this so badly but dont want to get stuck with the cliffhanger. Anyone know when the 2nd book is coming out?
================================================
I read my fave parts again and they just grew on me and the smut is chefs kiss. So, I am upping my rating now that I have reset some of the expectations. But I still wish Vincenzo buckles up and gets more than just talking in the next book. But Nikolaj did grow on me during the second time I read and he deserved a better rating than I gave him initially for the backbone he showed.
=====================================
Finally gave into the temptation and read the book. My first feeling after reading the book is disappointment. In other words, I was expecting more from the MCs but they fell flat most of the time. Their interactions were repetitive, their monologues and feelings were repetitive. Push and pull was a bit tiring. I wish Ms Collins had written their interactions more balanced with more revenge conversations.
Nikolaj just smirks and Vincenzo just stays as statue with all the bells and whistles (Jaw tightening, face as a stone, hands twitching minutely etc etc). This happens for more than half of a book.
I expected more from Vincenzo with the way he was portrayed / introduced but he turned out to be all bark, no bite mafia heir. We atleast see few scenes where Nikolaj kills people, taking revenge and he even saves Vincenzo from getting killed LOL. Vincenzo's character was a big let down for me. He postured a lot but no action.
I am really sad that I have to give this rating to Ms Collins book (she is one of my favourite authors, love her Blackthorne series) and I am sorry for it but smut can only get so much ratings when you have to consider whole story.
TW: there is also a pretty detailed scene where Nikolaj gets a BJ from another character. It came out of nowhere and I just skimmed it as I am not a fan of reading MCs having on page sex with others. This is before MCs get together but they were already orbiting around each other.
================================================
I read my fave parts again and they just grew on me and the smut is chefs kiss. So, I am upping my rating now that I have reset some of the expectations. But I still wish Vincenzo buckles up and gets more than just talking in the next book. But Nikolaj did grow on me during the second time I read and he deserved a better rating than I gave him initially for the backbone he showed.
=====================================
Finally gave into the temptation and read the book. My first feeling after reading the book is disappointment. In other words, I was expecting more from the MCs but they fell flat most of the time. Their interactions were repetitive, their monologues and feelings were repetitive. Push and pull was a bit tiring. I wish Ms Collins had written their interactions more balanced with more revenge conversations.
Nikolaj just smirks and Vincenzo just stays as statue with all the bells and whistles (Jaw tightening, face as a stone, hands twitching minutely etc etc). This happens for more than half of a book.
I expected more from Vincenzo with the way he was portrayed / introduced but he turned out to be all bark, no bite mafia heir. We atleast see few scenes where Nikolaj kills people, taking revenge and he even saves Vincenzo from getting killed LOL. Vincenzo's character was a big let down for me. He postured a lot but no action.
I am really sad that I have to give this rating to Ms Collins book (she is one of my favourite authors, love her Blackthorne series) and I am sorry for it but smut can only get so much ratings when you have to consider whole story.
TW: there is also a pretty detailed scene where Nikolaj gets a BJ from another character. It came out of nowhere and I just skimmed it as I am not a fan of reading MCs having on page sex with others. This is before MCs get together but they were already orbiting around each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2026
Is it wrong for a grown woman to chuck a temper tantrum? Probably, but I don’t care because that’s what I want to do.Conquest was so good that I need the second book now. I was screaming/crying NO!!!, while reading.I went into this book knowing full well it ended with a cliffhanger, but I didn’t think it would affect me so deeply. It’s devastatingly beautiful. Conquest had me in a chokehold right from the start, and I couldn’t stop reading. It has everything—enemies to lovers, violence, possessiveness, spice, an edge of your seat storyline, and tears.
It’s very rare that a story can make me feel so many emotions all at once and make me feel like I’ve personally gone through heartbreak, but this book grabbed my heart, broke me, and left me in tears. And as mad as I am at Avery Collins right now, it just proves once again what a talented writer she is.
It’s very rare that a story can make me feel so many emotions all at once and make me feel like I’ve personally gone through heartbreak, but this book grabbed my heart, broke me, and left me in tears. And as mad as I am at Avery Collins right now, it just proves once again what a talented writer she is.
April 19, 2026
DESTROYED
I am not ok😫😫😫
I should have read the blurb cus the ending ruined me even more, my heart is shattered
This book broke me and its everything I love but now I can't function 😭😩
I am not ok😫😫😫
I should have read the blurb cus the ending ruined me even more, my heart is shattered
This book broke me and its everything I love but now I can't function 😭😩
December 10, 2025
Gosh, this book. It's something else.
Hatred. Obsession. Temptation. Seduction. Control.
Vincenzo and Nikolaj are fire together. Combustible. Explosive. Mutual destruction guaranteed. But they can't keep away from each other. It's like an intensely complicated dance between them, but neither of them really knows the right moves. Their feelings are all-consuming, and I felt that every step of the way with these two.
These characters, the situation, the whole book screams intensity. And it's definitely not quiet intensity. It's loud. Deafening. Like a foghorn going off, causing ringing in your ears. A constant buzzing under your skin.
Outside expectations weigh on them both. Family duty and sacrifice should precede all else. They’re being pulled in two directions while trying to navigate their overwhelming feelings towards each other. Complicated doesn't even cover it.
And that ending. Not at all expected. Heart shattering. Things didn't seem the right way up for me after I'd finished that last page, and I needed time to adjust back to the real world. I'm not sure if I'll be whole again until part 2 comes and hopefully mends the deep fracture in my heart.
This is one of those books that gets under your skin, and you can't shake it. I didn't truly understand how much it had affected me until I'd finished it.
Vincenzo and Nikolaj. It's not the end of their story yet, but it feels as though they're already etched deep into my soul.
----
Some of my fave quotes:
“This is what we are. Poison in a shared glass.”
“You always were more poetry than power. You wear defiance like a costume, but your body? Your body was made to surrender to me.”
Every kiss tastes like revenge, every touch a threat. If this were love, it would be soft. If this were hate, it would be distant. But this is obsession, and obsession doesn’t care if it ends in blood.
“You don’t get to shut me out. You don’t get to walk away when I’m still bleeding for you.”
“You are the only one I ever wanted to keep. I promised myself I’d never be soft, but you make me forget the rehearsal.”
“I never do anything without protection. You’re my only risk.”
“I never asked you to bleed for me. I never wanted that.”
“No. You just made it impossible not to.”
“You look at me like you’re waiting for the world to end. Why do you always look like that?”
“I’m not waiting. I’m just watching the only thing in the world that doesn’t made me feel like I’m rotting inside.”
“Don’t make me choose between loving you and surviving you.”
Hatred. Obsession. Temptation. Seduction. Control.
Vincenzo and Nikolaj are fire together. Combustible. Explosive. Mutual destruction guaranteed. But they can't keep away from each other. It's like an intensely complicated dance between them, but neither of them really knows the right moves. Their feelings are all-consuming, and I felt that every step of the way with these two.
These characters, the situation, the whole book screams intensity. And it's definitely not quiet intensity. It's loud. Deafening. Like a foghorn going off, causing ringing in your ears. A constant buzzing under your skin.
Outside expectations weigh on them both. Family duty and sacrifice should precede all else. They’re being pulled in two directions while trying to navigate their overwhelming feelings towards each other. Complicated doesn't even cover it.
And that ending. Not at all expected. Heart shattering. Things didn't seem the right way up for me after I'd finished that last page, and I needed time to adjust back to the real world. I'm not sure if I'll be whole again until part 2 comes and hopefully mends the deep fracture in my heart.
This is one of those books that gets under your skin, and you can't shake it. I didn't truly understand how much it had affected me until I'd finished it.
Vincenzo and Nikolaj. It's not the end of their story yet, but it feels as though they're already etched deep into my soul.
----
Some of my fave quotes:
“This is what we are. Poison in a shared glass.”
“You always were more poetry than power. You wear defiance like a costume, but your body? Your body was made to surrender to me.”
Every kiss tastes like revenge, every touch a threat. If this were love, it would be soft. If this were hate, it would be distant. But this is obsession, and obsession doesn’t care if it ends in blood.
“You don’t get to shut me out. You don’t get to walk away when I’m still bleeding for you.”
“You are the only one I ever wanted to keep. I promised myself I’d never be soft, but you make me forget the rehearsal.”
“I never do anything without protection. You’re my only risk.”
“I never asked you to bleed for me. I never wanted that.”
“No. You just made it impossible not to.”
“You look at me like you’re waiting for the world to end. Why do you always look like that?”
“I’m not waiting. I’m just watching the only thing in the world that doesn’t made me feel like I’m rotting inside.”
“Don’t make me choose between loving you and surviving you.”
December 9, 2025
This is a fantastic book between MMC Vincenzo and Nikolaj. Both are born into family heirs that demand loyalty to the family and what the family represents only. Nothing else matters. They are suppose to hate each other. Sent to find each other’s weaknesses then kill the other one. They both had perfectly laid out plans or so they thought.
Vincenzo was raised to walk tall. Raised to be the King. Never to show any weakness or any response from his opponents. He has all the answers and plans laid out on how he does things. That is until Nikolaj starts driving him crazy.
Nikolaj is a wild card. His dad raised him to be a weapon. He knows how to get inside a persons head and use that against them. He reads people very well. And he has his sights on Vincenzo. He starts pushing all Vincenzo buttons and examines all of his micro-expressions.
What he doesn’t understand is that while he is carefully watching Vincenzo, he is slowly seeing him differently than how he is suppose to see him. He thinks he is just getting under Vincenzo skin and that he will be able to play him and that’s it. Boy was he wrong.
Once the boys truly start to see each other for who they are outside of their families, they fall hard for each other. They know they have the weight of their families on them but they can’t help it. They are drawn to each other. They end up finding comfort in each other when they shouldn’t. They truly end up fully trusting the other. They would do anything for the other.
They know that their relationship is going to be the death of them. It will ruin everything that they have worked their entire lives for.
Vincenzo may have to show Nikolaj just how far he is willing to go, and willing to go at it alone.
Vincenzo was raised to walk tall. Raised to be the King. Never to show any weakness or any response from his opponents. He has all the answers and plans laid out on how he does things. That is until Nikolaj starts driving him crazy.
Nikolaj is a wild card. His dad raised him to be a weapon. He knows how to get inside a persons head and use that against them. He reads people very well. And he has his sights on Vincenzo. He starts pushing all Vincenzo buttons and examines all of his micro-expressions.
What he doesn’t understand is that while he is carefully watching Vincenzo, he is slowly seeing him differently than how he is suppose to see him. He thinks he is just getting under Vincenzo skin and that he will be able to play him and that’s it. Boy was he wrong.
Once the boys truly start to see each other for who they are outside of their families, they fall hard for each other. They know they have the weight of their families on them but they can’t help it. They are drawn to each other. They end up finding comfort in each other when they shouldn’t. They truly end up fully trusting the other. They would do anything for the other.
They know that their relationship is going to be the death of them. It will ruin everything that they have worked their entire lives for.
Vincenzo may have to show Nikolaj just how far he is willing to go, and willing to go at it alone.
May 30, 2026
”You’re not losing me.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I do…I’m not going anywhere until I’m forced to. And even then, I’ll find my way back to you.”
If the second book wasn’t coming out in a couple days I think this book would have pissed me off more 😅 I would have been very mad about the cliffhanger. That doesn’t mean I still didn’t want to metaphorically jump through my screen and strange Avery… with LOVE for course!
I love him in the quiet way a storm builds—silent, invisible, until the first crack splits the sky. I love him in the way I shouldn’t, in the way that makes no sense and makes all the sense in the world. In the way that terrifies me because it feels like fate, even though I’ve never believed in anything except power, control, and the weight of a gun in my hand.
Other than that cliffhanger, I enjoyed this read. I’ll admit it’s a little slow in the beginning. It’s a lot of push and pull that makes you so frustrated with the characters. Both have a lot of flaws throughout the book. You then get to the part where they are sort of together, though it always feels like both of them have one foot already out the door. Then they finally realize how much they do actually love each other, all for the ending to smack you across the face. It’s sad, it’s beautiful, it’s gritty. The book is well done, had me in my feelings.
”My beautiful Prince is just dying to be filled by his Bratva stray.”
If the second book wasn’t coming out soon, I would have not recommend anyone read this book. I myself could never have lived with this ending for too long. It would have made me too sad. Vincenzo and Nikolaj deserve the world and I hope we get to see that in Reign.
This is what happens when you fall in love with your enemy and think love will be enough.
“You don’t know that.”
“I do…I’m not going anywhere until I’m forced to. And even then, I’ll find my way back to you.”
If the second book wasn’t coming out in a couple days I think this book would have pissed me off more 😅 I would have been very mad about the cliffhanger. That doesn’t mean I still didn’t want to metaphorically jump through my screen and strange Avery… with LOVE for course!
I love him in the quiet way a storm builds—silent, invisible, until the first crack splits the sky. I love him in the way I shouldn’t, in the way that makes no sense and makes all the sense in the world. In the way that terrifies me because it feels like fate, even though I’ve never believed in anything except power, control, and the weight of a gun in my hand.
Other than that cliffhanger, I enjoyed this read. I’ll admit it’s a little slow in the beginning. It’s a lot of push and pull that makes you so frustrated with the characters. Both have a lot of flaws throughout the book. You then get to the part where they are sort of together, though it always feels like both of them have one foot already out the door. Then they finally realize how much they do actually love each other, all for the ending to smack you across the face. It’s sad, it’s beautiful, it’s gritty. The book is well done, had me in my feelings.
”My beautiful Prince is just dying to be filled by his Bratva stray.”
If the second book wasn’t coming out soon, I would have not recommend anyone read this book. I myself could never have lived with this ending for too long. It would have made me too sad. Vincenzo and Nikolaj deserve the world and I hope we get to see that in Reign.
This is what happens when you fall in love with your enemy and think love will be enough.
November 18, 2025
“I never f*cking wanted mercy...” Good, because mercy was never on the table, only conquest. Only us.
.
.
Vincenzo Vieri. A man of many titles, and the crown of the Cosa Nostra. Heir to Sicily’s last empire, and groomed from an early age to take the throne. Only one thing stands between him and his coronation.
Nikolaj Dragovich, the bloody prince of the bratva. The Rogue Heir. Sent by the Pakhan to eliminate the Vieri heir. One last mission, one last target, one more opportunity to earn his stars.
The setting… Vintermoor, an academy for children of the underworld’s elite. Here you won’t get a traditional education, but rather a masterclass in legacy and lethality. A perfect backdrop for the game of cat and mouse/seduction that’s about to unfold.
What starts as two princes assuming the roles they’ve been assigned slowly morphs into a palpable attraction. Through hand-to-hand combat, moments of jealousy, and even assassination attempts, the pull between Vieri and Niko soon blossoms into more than they bargained for. However, falling for your enemy does negate their respective missions. Love can only have one result: death.
In true Avery Collins fashion, Conquest is dark, hot, and a masterclass in morally grey men. Her ability to craft characters who put you through a spectrum of emotions is ever apparent in “Of Ruin and Royalty”. For example, Niko is ever the chameleon. One moment, he’s a ruthless machine, and the next, he is whispering sweet nothings in his enemy’s ear. Another factor I’d like to highlight is Collin’s descriptive writing. From chapter one, you are dropped into Vintermoor. From the frostbitten chapel to classrooms that resemble situation rooms, there is no shortage of immersive writing in Conquest.
With lines like, “A requiem for two boys who weren’t allowed to want”, Conquest is the literary definition of a forbidden relationship done right. So if you require a read chalked full of temptation, power, suspense, and salacious moments behind closed doors, look no further. Conquest is the book you didn’t know you needed to read.
December 4, 2025
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Conquest is a true enemies to lovers slow burn, and it truly couldn’t have been done any different. The emotions, tension, and angst between Vincenzo and Nikolaj just radiates off the pages. They’re supposed to hate each other, loathe each other, but there’s this pull that neither can deny. You’re never sure whether they’re gonna kill or kiss each other when they’re in the same vicinity together. Their families are enemies, Vincenzo being the Cosa Nostra Prince, born to rule, and Nikolaj the Bratva Heir, sent to kill him. If I had to pick one word to describe what I felt reading this book it would be CHOKEHOLD.
Right from the start of the book we’re transported to Vintermoor Academy where empires fall, bloodlines are politics, and one wrong move could be your end. This is not a normal school, it’s for the heirs, the next generation of leaders, and you either rise or fall. I was hooked right from the moment Vincenzo got out of the car and laid eyes on Nikolaj. These boys are morally grey wrapped in trauma, risking everything for the one thing they should have never wanted … each other.
Avery Collins has become one of my favourite authors. The way she uses words to describe emotions, people, places is … indescribable. I literally get chills when I read her books. The highlights are in the hundreds, I mean I may as well have just highlighted the entire book. Honestly Avery can do no wrong … except maybe the ending cause that fucking hurt!!! Yes I knew going in that it ended on a cliffhanger but why did it have to hurt so much?!?
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Conquest is a true enemies to lovers slow burn, and it truly couldn’t have been done any different. The emotions, tension, and angst between Vincenzo and Nikolaj just radiates off the pages. They’re supposed to hate each other, loathe each other, but there’s this pull that neither can deny. You’re never sure whether they’re gonna kill or kiss each other when they’re in the same vicinity together. Their families are enemies, Vincenzo being the Cosa Nostra Prince, born to rule, and Nikolaj the Bratva Heir, sent to kill him. If I had to pick one word to describe what I felt reading this book it would be CHOKEHOLD.
Right from the start of the book we’re transported to Vintermoor Academy where empires fall, bloodlines are politics, and one wrong move could be your end. This is not a normal school, it’s for the heirs, the next generation of leaders, and you either rise or fall. I was hooked right from the moment Vincenzo got out of the car and laid eyes on Nikolaj. These boys are morally grey wrapped in trauma, risking everything for the one thing they should have never wanted … each other.
Avery Collins has become one of my favourite authors. The way she uses words to describe emotions, people, places is … indescribable. I literally get chills when I read her books. The highlights are in the hundreds, I mean I may as well have just highlighted the entire book. Honestly Avery can do no wrong … except maybe the ending cause that fucking hurt!!! Yes I knew going in that it ended on a cliffhanger but why did it have to hurt so much?!?
December 5, 2025
When rival families find that their enemy is the one to truly see them
O....M....G..... I am not okay..... I've had terrible cliffhangers that make me rage but never before have I ended a book this angry and sad at the same time.
In this story we follow the Cosa Nostra Prince, Vincenzo and the Bratva heir, Nikolaj. Their families are enemies and always trying to kill each other. Unfortunately these two also have a scorching hot tension between them. These two balance on the tension line between hate and passion but once they fall its dark, brutal and so hot.
What do you do when you are supposed to kill someone but find you would rather take them apart in an entirely different way? The tension and angst found between will the kiss or kill each other is absolutely delicious. The chemistry is an inferno and not even family rivalry can stop this.
What do you do when the only person to ever truly see you is meant to kill you? What if there are other forces at play that also have a stake in weather you both live or die?
The entire school setting filled with rival families but calling it neutral is a powder keg just waiting to blow.
Do you want two men destined to kill each other but decide to kiss instead. Do you like secrets, lies, and unknown rivalry. Do you like when the tension is so thick they finally say F it? Do you want a cliffhanger that will leave you absolutely shattered and wondering how they can possibly fix it?
Well you've found it.
O....M....G..... I am not okay..... I've had terrible cliffhangers that make me rage but never before have I ended a book this angry and sad at the same time.
In this story we follow the Cosa Nostra Prince, Vincenzo and the Bratva heir, Nikolaj. Their families are enemies and always trying to kill each other. Unfortunately these two also have a scorching hot tension between them. These two balance on the tension line between hate and passion but once they fall its dark, brutal and so hot.
What do you do when you are supposed to kill someone but find you would rather take them apart in an entirely different way? The tension and angst found between will the kiss or kill each other is absolutely delicious. The chemistry is an inferno and not even family rivalry can stop this.
What do you do when the only person to ever truly see you is meant to kill you? What if there are other forces at play that also have a stake in weather you both live or die?
The entire school setting filled with rival families but calling it neutral is a powder keg just waiting to blow.
Do you want two men destined to kill each other but decide to kiss instead. Do you like secrets, lies, and unknown rivalry. Do you like when the tension is so thick they finally say F it? Do you want a cliffhanger that will leave you absolutely shattered and wondering how they can possibly fix it?
Well you've found it.
December 7, 2025
I’m honestly speechless — in the best, most unhinged way.
This book has EVERYTHING:
• enemies to lovers
• mafia heirs destined to kill each other
• obsession + possessiveness
• vicious banter
• pining disguised as hate
• violence, spice, and heartbreak
• ✨CLIFFHANGER FROM HELL✨
Vincenzo is born to inherit the Cosa Nostra empire.
Nikolaj is born to kill him.
They’re raised to hate each other…but they can’t stay away. Every time they’re on the page together, the tension is lethal — you genuinely don’t know if they’ll throw a punch or kiss until someone breaks.
The push-pull between them is feral — cruelty layered over longing, hatred fueled by attraction, obsession disguised as loyalty to their families. And when they choose each other over the crown? It’s beautiful and brutal all at once, because you just KNOW the fallout is coming.
The ending absolutely destroyed me. The moment I realised the story ends there, I unraveled. Waiting for book two feels like torture. Avery Collins shapes heartbreak into something violent and beautiful, like a bruise you can’t stop touching.
I’m completely feral for book two.
These boys deserve their happy ending and I’ll be here screaming until they get it.
💣 Yes, there’s a cliffhanger. No, you’re absolutely not prepared… consider this your warning.
And would I put myself through it again? In a heartbeat.
This book has EVERYTHING:
• enemies to lovers
• mafia heirs destined to kill each other
• obsession + possessiveness
• vicious banter
• pining disguised as hate
• violence, spice, and heartbreak
• ✨CLIFFHANGER FROM HELL✨
Vincenzo is born to inherit the Cosa Nostra empire.
Nikolaj is born to kill him.
They’re raised to hate each other…but they can’t stay away. Every time they’re on the page together, the tension is lethal — you genuinely don’t know if they’ll throw a punch or kiss until someone breaks.
The push-pull between them is feral — cruelty layered over longing, hatred fueled by attraction, obsession disguised as loyalty to their families. And when they choose each other over the crown? It’s beautiful and brutal all at once, because you just KNOW the fallout is coming.
The ending absolutely destroyed me. The moment I realised the story ends there, I unraveled. Waiting for book two feels like torture. Avery Collins shapes heartbreak into something violent and beautiful, like a bruise you can’t stop touching.
I’m completely feral for book two.
These boys deserve their happy ending and I’ll be here screaming until they get it.
💣 Yes, there’s a cliffhanger. No, you’re absolutely not prepared… consider this your warning.
And would I put myself through it again? In a heartbeat.
November 26, 2025
If you crave a dark, enemies-to-lovers story that truly delivers on its promise of hatred and heat, let Conquest be your next obsession.
Told through the dual perspectives of mafia heirs Vincenzo Vieri and Nikolaj Dragovich, this book is a masterclass in tension. Vincenzo, burdened by legacy, is all controlled precision. Nikolaj, forged by exile and revenge, is pure, dangerous chaos. From their first intense encounter, every interaction is a razor-sharp game of psychological warfare.
The genius of this story is the exquisite push and pull. They are trained to destroy each other, yet cannot look away. The taunts are laced with unspoken fascination, the threats simmer with undeniable attraction. You will feel every bit of their searing sexual tension and the brutal internal battles they fight against their desires and their duties.
This is not a simple enemies-to-lovers tale; it's a beautifully brutal dance between two people who are each other's perfect match and greatest threat. It will have you giggling one moment and your heart aching the next. Prepare to be completely consumed
Told through the dual perspectives of mafia heirs Vincenzo Vieri and Nikolaj Dragovich, this book is a masterclass in tension. Vincenzo, burdened by legacy, is all controlled precision. Nikolaj, forged by exile and revenge, is pure, dangerous chaos. From their first intense encounter, every interaction is a razor-sharp game of psychological warfare.
The genius of this story is the exquisite push and pull. They are trained to destroy each other, yet cannot look away. The taunts are laced with unspoken fascination, the threats simmer with undeniable attraction. You will feel every bit of their searing sexual tension and the brutal internal battles they fight against their desires and their duties.
This is not a simple enemies-to-lovers tale; it's a beautifully brutal dance between two people who are each other's perfect match and greatest threat. It will have you giggling one moment and your heart aching the next. Prepare to be completely consumed
May 30, 2026
Story 4🌟
Steam 3.5❤️🔥
Swoon 5🫠
…………………………..
Oh my freaking goodness! I hated, loved and had some other emotions towards this book and this is a sign that it’s special.
Unfinished stories specifically when the series is not completed aren’t my thing! Since the enemies to lovers trope is my favourite I decided to give it a try and girl it didn’t disappoint 🤓
I literally disliked the book through half of it. The pining was unnecessary long and repetitive. The mmcs were enemies and stayed enemies so long, it made me angry and irritated about where the author was going with the whole mafia prince vs. Bratva heir hating each other’s guts every second of every day! Then the first kiss happened (150. Page..ish) and that was it. I loved and swallowed the story afterwards.
Everything was top notch after they stopped trying to kill each other! Nikolai and Enzo join my favourite couples club. 💯🔥
The ❤️🔥 was wow 🤩
The side characters were okish!
I am now curious about their Dads love story (please write their book with a HEA) as well
Their chemistry was 👌⚡️
I cannot wait to read the second book and get the promised HEA.
Steam 3.5❤️🔥
Swoon 5🫠
…………………………..
Oh my freaking goodness! I hated, loved and had some other emotions towards this book and this is a sign that it’s special.
Unfinished stories specifically when the series is not completed aren’t my thing! Since the enemies to lovers trope is my favourite I decided to give it a try and girl it didn’t disappoint 🤓
I literally disliked the book through half of it. The pining was unnecessary long and repetitive. The mmcs were enemies and stayed enemies so long, it made me angry and irritated about where the author was going with the whole mafia prince vs. Bratva heir hating each other’s guts every second of every day! Then the first kiss happened (150. Page..ish) and that was it. I loved and swallowed the story afterwards.
Everything was top notch after they stopped trying to kill each other! Nikolai and Enzo join my favourite couples club. 💯🔥
The ❤️🔥 was wow 🤩
The side characters were okish!
I am now curious about their Dads love story (please write their book with a HEA) as well
Their chemistry was 👌⚡️
I cannot wait to read the second book and get the promised HEA.
June 3, 2026
Just as the authors acknowledgements state, I am planning fictional murder. Like what the actual hell. I wasn’t aware I was going to be sobbing over this damn book. There’s honestly crack in these pages because I wasn’t able to stop highlighting everything. The way the author describes worship, devotion, and the hatred for loving someone you aren’t allowed to have but can’t help but need with your entire being. My heart has seriously been ripped to shreds and I don’t know how I’m supposed to read the prequel before their second book. Like the way these two utterly ruined each other makes me ILL. The way their souls interwove so thoroughly that they didn’t belong to themselves anymore, but to each other is actually sick. And for Nikolaj to forget all of that (predictably bc of the injury)??Even more sick. Like the way he woke up and spewed pure hatred onto Enzo?? My heart is BROKEN for that man.
I am TRULY holding onto these words because I know the journey Nikolaj is going to take to make these words true are going to HURT😭 “I’m not going anywhere until I’m forced to. And even then, I’ll find my way back to you.”
— quotes tba (i have 170 like ugh)
I am TRULY holding onto these words because I know the journey Nikolaj is going to take to make these words true are going to HURT😭 “I’m not going anywhere until I’m forced to. And even then, I’ll find my way back to you.”
— quotes tba (i have 170 like ugh)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2025
This book grabbed me by the throat and YEETED me off a cliff. Literally. >.>
Avery Collins......… why would you do this to me??? Like genuinely, what did I do to deserve that ending. Because WOW!!!!!!!
Conquest is one of those books that sinks its claws in from page one and does not let go. Vincenzo and Nikolaj? Good lord the TENSION!!! These two hate each other so deeply, so violently, so beautifully, that every time they shared a scene I had to physically put my phone down and walk around like I was cooling off after a workout.
Vintermoor Academy is such an insane, cutthroat setting it’s like if Hogwarts, the Mafia, and a survival show had a baby. Every hallway feels like someone is about to die (or make out). Sometimes both and I'm not mad about it.
And the boys… lord help me. Vincenzo is the cold, controlled heir every inch the perfect weapon.
Nikolaj is the chaotic, deadly sunshine gremlin literally sent to kill the love of his life. When they finally start choosing each other over the blood feud, I melted.
And then that ending.....Avery really said, “Merry Cliffhanger, babe 😘,” and vanished.
The angst, the violence, the longing, the possessiveness, the absolute delusion that their families won’t burn the world down around them, I loved every second. I am obsessed and mildly traumatized.
*I received this arc from the author all thoughts are my own*
Avery Collins......… why would you do this to me??? Like genuinely, what did I do to deserve that ending. Because WOW!!!!!!!
Conquest is one of those books that sinks its claws in from page one and does not let go. Vincenzo and Nikolaj? Good lord the TENSION!!! These two hate each other so deeply, so violently, so beautifully, that every time they shared a scene I had to physically put my phone down and walk around like I was cooling off after a workout.
Vintermoor Academy is such an insane, cutthroat setting it’s like if Hogwarts, the Mafia, and a survival show had a baby. Every hallway feels like someone is about to die (or make out). Sometimes both and I'm not mad about it.
And the boys… lord help me. Vincenzo is the cold, controlled heir every inch the perfect weapon.
Nikolaj is the chaotic, deadly sunshine gremlin literally sent to kill the love of his life. When they finally start choosing each other over the blood feud, I melted.
And then that ending.....Avery really said, “Merry Cliffhanger, babe 😘,” and vanished.
The angst, the violence, the longing, the possessiveness, the absolute delusion that their families won’t burn the world down around them, I loved every second. I am obsessed and mildly traumatized.
*I received this arc from the author all thoughts are my own*
December 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don’t know if I have a sufficient amount of words to say how phenomenal this story was. I need book two, immediately! I’m gutted!
From the moment this story started the dialogue between Vincenzo and Nikolaj caught my attention. It was descriptive and pulled me right in. I bookmarked so many parts of the book, it’s crazy. The way the tension just rolled off the pages between these two characters had me clutching my pearls and pacing the house. The anger, frustration, attraction, and internal conflict that these two MCs go through takes you on a journey the entire story. I didn’t want to put it down, and I want to go back through and highlight all the dialogue because it was so well done. Arseniy, I’ve got my eyes on him. He’s more than just one dimensional and I’m intrigued. I would love a book about him too. I’m left with so many questions that I want answers to and tears that are streaming down my face. The cliffhanger was brutal! Well freaking done Avery!
I don’t know if I have a sufficient amount of words to say how phenomenal this story was. I need book two, immediately! I’m gutted!
From the moment this story started the dialogue between Vincenzo and Nikolaj caught my attention. It was descriptive and pulled me right in. I bookmarked so many parts of the book, it’s crazy. The way the tension just rolled off the pages between these two characters had me clutching my pearls and pacing the house. The anger, frustration, attraction, and internal conflict that these two MCs go through takes you on a journey the entire story. I didn’t want to put it down, and I want to go back through and highlight all the dialogue because it was so well done. Arseniy, I’ve got my eyes on him. He’s more than just one dimensional and I’m intrigued. I would love a book about him too. I’m left with so many questions that I want answers to and tears that are streaming down my face. The cliffhanger was brutal! Well freaking done Avery!
December 10, 2025
Holy moly! That was so visceral and intense!
This story sees two rival mafia heirs Vincenzo and Nikolaj battle against each other, against the crowns they are set to inherit, and what is expected of them. They should be going to war against each others families, but end up battling their feelings for each other instead, and boy do they put up a good fight, oh the angst and pining!
This story is a true enemies to lovers, and written so brilliantly! Avery is such an emotive writer, the way she writes the story and the character’s feelings just draws you in and drowns you in the emotions of it all! The anger, hatred, denial, desperation, lust are so intense, and the love creeps up on you, but you feel it all(!), and that ending is a harsh heartbreaking punch to the gut! You don’t see it coming at all, it is devastating, and leaves you demanding vengeance and wanting to hunt down fictional characters to dish it out.
It has been a long time since I’ve had a book leave me reeling for all the right reasons, this is a MUST read with extra exclamation marks!!!
This story sees two rival mafia heirs Vincenzo and Nikolaj battle against each other, against the crowns they are set to inherit, and what is expected of them. They should be going to war against each others families, but end up battling their feelings for each other instead, and boy do they put up a good fight, oh the angst and pining!
This story is a true enemies to lovers, and written so brilliantly! Avery is such an emotive writer, the way she writes the story and the character’s feelings just draws you in and drowns you in the emotions of it all! The anger, hatred, denial, desperation, lust are so intense, and the love creeps up on you, but you feel it all(!), and that ending is a harsh heartbreaking punch to the gut! You don’t see it coming at all, it is devastating, and leaves you demanding vengeance and wanting to hunt down fictional characters to dish it out.
It has been a long time since I’ve had a book leave me reeling for all the right reasons, this is a MUST read with extra exclamation marks!!!
December 10, 2025
THE CLIFFHANGER😭😭 Good Lord, the cliffhanger. Every time I say a book devoured me, I pick up a new book and the word devoured is completely redefined. This book chewed me up and spit me out, and I’ll just be here in pieces waiting for book two. 😩
This book felt like a thriller with all the suspense and TENSION! Like somebody get me a knife to cut some of this tension with😮💨 I was on the edge of my seat, giggling, then back in tears, then back to my heart racing. Vincenzo and Nikolaj are the absolute definition of enemies to lovers and Avery wrote them so incredibly well! The chemistry and heat were just the icing on the cake for this one, I was enthralled with the suspense. Mafia romance will forever be one of my favorite sub-genres and this book gave me exactly what I needed. Minus the cliffhanger because WTF🤯
I thought the pace and timeline was perfect and the storyline kept me hooked and flipping the pages. These characters had spectacular depth while still growing throughout the book. Avery is a new to me author and I’m impressed and excited to read more. ❤️
This book felt like a thriller with all the suspense and TENSION! Like somebody get me a knife to cut some of this tension with😮💨 I was on the edge of my seat, giggling, then back in tears, then back to my heart racing. Vincenzo and Nikolaj are the absolute definition of enemies to lovers and Avery wrote them so incredibly well! The chemistry and heat were just the icing on the cake for this one, I was enthralled with the suspense. Mafia romance will forever be one of my favorite sub-genres and this book gave me exactly what I needed. Minus the cliffhanger because WTF🤯
I thought the pace and timeline was perfect and the storyline kept me hooked and flipping the pages. These characters had spectacular depth while still growing throughout the book. Avery is a new to me author and I’m impressed and excited to read more. ❤️
November 14, 2025
Avery does it again!!! This was just as amazing as I expected it to be! I loved the banter and the push-pull between these two. You could felt the chemistry between Vincenzo and Nikolaj from the moment Vincenzo stepped out of the car and onto school grounds. The tension between the two of them was so good! I really enjoyed the dynamic between Vincenzo and Nikolaj, them fight so hard to hate each other simply because it’s what they were born to do all the while falling for one another. Their cruelty towards each other came from passion, obsession, a bit of possessiveness, a lot want and them attempting to make their circumstances about the families and the crown meanwhile it only solidified their attraction to one another which was fun to see! The way their love hurt hurt me! I loved their walls cracking and them letting each other in the best they knew how. I’m impatiently patiently waiting for book two!
❤️ARC REVIEW🖤
☑️ Trigger Warnings.
❤️ARC REVIEW🖤
☑️ Trigger Warnings.
November 24, 2025
Dark, savage, and unbearably romantic, Avery writes like no one else, and Conquest delivered everything I wanted and then some.
It's morally grey men, forbidden love, and the cost of choosing self over blood. Suspenseful, possessive, and relentless, with a push-pull between legacy and longing that keeps you breathless and wanting more.
Set at Vintermoor Academy, where legacy is taught alongside lethality, the story follows Vincenzo Vieri, heir to the Cosa Nostra, and Nikolaj Dragovich, the rogue prince of the Bratva. Raised to hate and destroy one another, they're pulled into a brutal, magnetic dance of violence, biting banter, and forbidden desire that slowly becomes an impossible love. When they finally choose each other over family and duty, their victory feels both triumphant and heartbreakingly perilous.
Avery, you left me emotionally spent but satisfied. I can't wait to continue their story!
It's morally grey men, forbidden love, and the cost of choosing self over blood. Suspenseful, possessive, and relentless, with a push-pull between legacy and longing that keeps you breathless and wanting more.
Set at Vintermoor Academy, where legacy is taught alongside lethality, the story follows Vincenzo Vieri, heir to the Cosa Nostra, and Nikolaj Dragovich, the rogue prince of the Bratva. Raised to hate and destroy one another, they're pulled into a brutal, magnetic dance of violence, biting banter, and forbidden desire that slowly becomes an impossible love. When they finally choose each other over family and duty, their victory feels both triumphant and heartbreakingly perilous.
Avery, you left me emotionally spent but satisfied. I can't wait to continue their story!
November 16, 2025
HOLY CRAP!!!!!
I don't even know what the crap just happened. That was the type of book that will suck you in and destroy your heart.
Vincenzo and Nikolaj are just perfection. Both of the mafia bad a$$es just knocked me on my a$$.
I love me a mafia romance and this book did not disappoint. Avery rocked the heck out of this book.
I can not wait to see what for the next book... THIS ONE ENDS IN A CLIFFHANGER
IF YOU LOVE:
- 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀
- 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘆
- 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗳𝗶𝗮 𝗛𝗲𝗶𝗿𝘀
- 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴
- 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
- 𝗠𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗢𝗯𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
- 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲
- 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀
- 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀
- 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲
- 𝗛𝗲’𝗱 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝗺
- “𝗢𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗜 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗛𝗶𝗺”
- 𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲
- 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗛𝗶𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗!𝗲
- 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
- 𝗛𝘂𝗿𝘁/𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁, 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗜𝘁 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝟬𝗱𝘆
THEN THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!!!!!!
I don't even know what the crap just happened. That was the type of book that will suck you in and destroy your heart.
Vincenzo and Nikolaj are just perfection. Both of the mafia bad a$$es just knocked me on my a$$.
I love me a mafia romance and this book did not disappoint. Avery rocked the heck out of this book.
I can not wait to see what for the next book... THIS ONE ENDS IN A CLIFFHANGER
IF YOU LOVE:
- 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀
- 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘆
- 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗳𝗶𝗮 𝗛𝗲𝗶𝗿𝘀
- 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴
- 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
- 𝗠𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗢𝗯𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
- 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲
- 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀
- 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀
- 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲
- 𝗛𝗲’𝗱 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝗺
- “𝗢𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗜 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗛𝗶𝗺”
- 𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲
- 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗛𝗶𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗!𝗲
- 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
- 𝗛𝘂𝗿𝘁/𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁, 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗜𝘁 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝟬𝗱𝘆
THEN THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!!!!!!
November 25, 2025
“You’re my goddamn ruin. And I can’t stop wanting you.”
These two have my whole fucking heart! I alpha read this book, and let me tell you, reading the final product broke my heart all over again... and I knew what was coming. So, brace yourselves.
Avery did such an amazing job with the enemies to lovers trope in this story. I absolutely loved every minute of tension between Nikolaj and Vincenzo. Their hate to love relationship made for some really fantastic one-liners.
All the twists had me screaming and throwing things. And that ending, gods that ending was so painful. But it was also so good! I can't wait to read the ending of this duet.
Quote: “My sin. My salvation. My end. Loving Vincenzo Vieri isn’t just treason—it’s a death sentence. And I’ve already signed it with every kiss.”
These two have my whole fucking heart! I alpha read this book, and let me tell you, reading the final product broke my heart all over again... and I knew what was coming. So, brace yourselves.
Avery did such an amazing job with the enemies to lovers trope in this story. I absolutely loved every minute of tension between Nikolaj and Vincenzo. Their hate to love relationship made for some really fantastic one-liners.
All the twists had me screaming and throwing things. And that ending, gods that ending was so painful. But it was also so good! I can't wait to read the ending of this duet.
Quote: “My sin. My salvation. My end. Loving Vincenzo Vieri isn’t just treason—it’s a death sentence. And I’ve already signed it with every kiss.”
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