Nine Months to Bear

Safonov Bratva #1

by Nicole Fox

Nine months.
My body.
His rules.

It started as a business deal.
My fertility clinic needed one high-profile client to survive.
I approached Stefan Safonov—billionaire, recluse, arrogant, gorgeous.

He agreed...
Way, way too easily.
That should’ve been my first warning.

Then the potential surrogate backed out.
But the contract didn’t.
And suddenly, the only option left was...

Me.

I walked in to end the deal.
I walked out pregnant with his baby.

NINE MONTHS TO BEAR is Book 1 of the Safonov Bratva duet. Stefan and Olivia’s story continues in Book 2, NINE MONTHS TO LOVE.

Genres: Mafia Romance, Romance, Dark Romance, Contemporary

559 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 30, 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.

Sign up to her mailing list and get a free book!

Sign Up Here

Reviews

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delicious story with a roller coaster of emotions!!!
It’s worth reading

[Sally Jask-eh · Rating 4 out of 5]

exaggerated drama, bratva dude and lady doctor. Fmc had almost zero common sense. That was annoying, then the story dragged towards the end. Otherwise engaging story with suspense moments.

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gahhh!!

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: deception, coerced pregnancy
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥1\2

Everything you expect with a Nicole Fox book: witty banter, pregnancy, and a cliffy that will have you saying "whaaa"?!?! Such a great storyteller - I can't wait to dive into the next one!

[A · Rating 1 out of 5]

This duet needed an editor so badly. I'm not sure if this was a first draft or if several writers submitted chapters without working from a detailed outline, but it is riddled with inconsistencies. If this was a case of a few small plot details, it wouldn't bother me too much, but it was major plot points that changed the flow of the story. The MMC's backstory is a total mess.

SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!


Here are some of the major plotholes from the full duet: at first his father was in love with another woman, then he was hopelessly in love with his wife; the MMC found out his mother was having an affair so he waited a few years and sold out his mom to the rest of the Bratva, then he says he killed his mom and uncle right after finding out; the mom poisoned the MMC's dad, but wait, no, he actually killed himself, or no, there was a fight over a gun, but maybe it was a brain tumor that lead him to kill himself; the mom was killed in a cabin, wait, no, it was a car and she was shot; Mikayla was killed, or was it Mila; Mila was told about Mikayla's death, oh no, she just found out at the farmhouse! It is the sloppiest book I've ever read, which is a shame because this story could have been good. Although it definitely didn't need two books to tell this story. I won't be reading more from the author(s?).

[Rachel Santillan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joint Review: Nine Months to Bear & Nine Months to Love
I read these back to back, so in my brain it’s basically one long, chaotic, emotional ride—and honestly? It works.

I really enjoyed this duology. Both MCs are complicated in their own ways, and their messiness feels intentional.

Olivia is a fertility doctor, while Stefan is the head of a Brava just trying to secure an heir without the baggage of a relationship, arranged or otherwise.
Naturally, Olivia ends up being Stefan’s donor and surrogate… and naturally, the feelings start creeping in until the contract might as well be confetti.

Olivia is desperately trying to keep her “normal” life afloat while Brava chaos is happening all around her, mostly tied to Stefan’s mom. Meanwhile, Stefan is jaded as hell, he fully believes love clouded his father’s judgment and got him killed, so he is NOT here for romance… except he absolutely is.

There’s a lot happening (like… a LOT), with secrets, danger, and both of them trying to “protect” each other by not communicating—aka everyone’s favorite relationship landmine. Predictably, that lack of communication spins everything into wild chaos.

Olivia’s parents are also doctors, and her mom is manipulative and controlling, which adds another layer of stress on our girl. I struggled with Olivia at times, I wanted her to be a little stronger, a little more decisive, but overall she’s fine.

We do get a happily ever after, and technically there’s no third-act breakup, just a quick little less than 24-hours confusion before they get it together.

Overall? A solid, dramatic, emotional duology with plenty of tension, chaos, and heart.

[Anushka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh mammamiaaaaa🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽✨✨✨✨
WHAT A BOOK! WHAT A BLOODY BOOK! The sex, the chemistry, the push and pull, the thrill!!! I live for stories like this. LOVED IT! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟5 STARS!!!!

[Canadianmombooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved! Great plot, good spice and tension!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first part of a new duet, and this is Stefan and Olivia’s journey.
Olivia is a fertility doctor, who need a major investor for her clinic to survive, and reclusive billionaire, bratva Pakhan, Stefan is the answer to her prayers. When a protection surrogate backs out, Olivia has to take her place.
This story ends in a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to read the conclusion of this impressive duet.
This is a well written easy to read, action packed story, with family dynamics, friendships, lies, betrayal, danger, suspense, intrigue, jealousy, and intense chemistry, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, and unpredictable, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Kara Daigle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time Nicole Fox drops a new book, I immediately do a happy dance and prepare myself for another sleepless night—because there’s no stopping once I start! 😅📖

Olivia is a hardworking fertility doctor fighting to keep her clinic afloat. Stefan? A ruthless boss with a plan… and unfortunately, her clinic is part of it. What he doesn’t plan for is her—the smart, fiery doctor who flips his world upside down.

Just when it seems like they’ve finally figured each other out—BOOM 💥—everything falls apart.

Do they find their way back? Do they fix what’s broken? Do they finally fall in love?
Guess what… we’ll all be impatiently waiting for Book 2 to find out! 😩

Nicole Fox is the queen of cliffhangers—and this one? It’s royal-level torture

[Bound By Books And Pages - Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nine Months to Bear is a solid 4 star read. The angst, tension and yearning in this story is top tier. Olivia is a fertility doctor that’s clinic is tanking due to her rival slash ex mentor poaching her patients and her ideas. Stefan is a billionaire slash head of the Bratva. Stefan wants to invest in Olivia’s clinic if he does something for him. This story if full of secrets, lies, and betrayal and leaves off on a cliffhanger that will have you screaming for the next book. A must read

[Caroline Storc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undeniably amazing. Im obsessed and loved it ALL.

[connie · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book was so absurd and also morally and ethically wrong I am almost to embarrassed to have it on my account but that reading goal ain’t gonna complete itself. no one look at me

[Bookslover09 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no enough words to say how much I love this book, Olivia & Stefan are everything! So much intrigue and secrets and I’m here for all that!
Love this first book very much

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not biased when I say that Nicole writes the best mafia romance novels. The fact that each book is different is phenomenal! Nine months to bear is another one that is just amazing! It’s a quick and great read with great banter!

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

[Chandra Quimby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole, can you just NOT!! I'm dying for the second book, and just a few chapters in I knew I was going to be screaming by the last page! And yes, I was, my teen was a little confused lol. I love everything Nicole writes, so I knew this would be no different. Spicy, sexy, dramatic, emotional, etc. All the things you'd expect, then throw in the bratva and I'm hooked! I had an inkling about who was working in the background and I'm not even upset that I ended up being right. But I'm upset about having to wait through another cliffhanger! Olivia and Stefan are amazing together, and their characters grew so well through each chapter. They grew separately as well as together. I don't want to give anything away, so if you love Nicole, her writing, Russian Mafia and lots of spice then you will want to read this!.

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

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nine Months to Bear is book one of the Safonov Bratva duet which ends on a mind-blowing cliffhanger. Stefan and Olivia’s story continues in book two Nine Months to Love. Oozing and dripping with romance, suspense and heat that makes this read not only extremely hard to stop reading. I love a good mafia romance and this is another good one to add to the collection. A smoldering and illicit love story. The sexual tension and intrigue were palpable. A scorching hot romance that is guaranteed to leave you sweaty, breathless and satisfying. Experience the undeniable chemistry and sizzling tension between these captivating characters. A fast paced story which started with a business arrangement, manipulation, dominance, hate, submission, secrets, danger, twists and turns, panty-melting passion, love, spice, greed, revenge, and so much more. Two broken, damaged and flawed individuals with major lasting problems.
Dr. Olivia Aster is fertility specialist and owner of Aster Fertility Solutions a failing fertility clinic and looking for investors and all she needs is one big high profile and influential client to help boost her business in order to survive. Because her Dr. Walsh her mentor turn nemesis as been poaching and stealing all her clientele which is subsequently killing her business. Olivia approached arrogant, gorgeous, billionaire recluse Stefan Safonov. He's a the pakhan of the Safonov Bratva. Stefan needs a heir to carry on his legacy in comes Olivia and her clinic. She set up a surrogate for him but the surrogate backed out however the contract didn't so she must break the news to him. And the only option left was her. But when the two came face-to-face sparks was flying. He proposed that they did it the conventional way with him on her. But Olivia wasn't happy with that suggested and let him have a piece of her mind.
She was beautiful, fiesty, sassy, and fiery and Stefan was even more intrigued by her. Stefan wanted Olivia and wanted Stefan wants he always gets whether it's business or a woman. He's a very persistent man and he wants his heir and now wants it with her and all her financial problems will be gone if she agrees to his proposition. She walked in to end the deal and walked out pregnant with his baby. The two started a business relationship turn into something more when the lines gets blurred and they fall for each other. Sometimes our best laid plans doesn't always work out the way that we want. Stefan has some nefarious plans for Olivia’s clinic even though he's telling her that he wants to invest in her business. You see he wants to takeover her clinic and use it for his money laundering illegal businesses.
But all types of hell broke loose with both of them having the same type of horrible mother. Someone doesn't want them to be together with backstabbing, double-cross chalk loads of betrayals, hidden agendas, drama and so much more. Will Olivia and Stefan get what they want?

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

[Kim Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nine months…for Dr. Olivia Aster, helping patients get started in their nine month journey to a baby is her biggest priority. But when funds fall short and her clinic ends up losing patients left and right, it’s clear that something has to be done. Or…someone. When Stefan Safonov, pakhan and overall charming man proposes for her to help him with surrogacy in order to secure his lineage, the last thing she expects is that she’d be the one carrying his heir. Helping make a baby is one thing, but being at the centre of the baby making is a whole other beast that leaves them yearning for each other in the sweetest way possible.

“What are we doing Stefan?”
“I don’t know. But we’re doing it together.”

The entire premise of the book was really unique and felt fresh. I loved how passionate Olivia really was about her job and why she’s in the fertility business in the first place. It was nice to read about an FMC who really felt like she had agency, like she had something that she really centred herself around. She was very no nonsense which I appreciated and really held her own with Stefan but she was also reasonable and real.

Stefan on the other hand was a really well written MMC. He’s complex, scared of falling into the same cycles of toxic love as his father, he really tries to safeguard his own sense of self preservation. But Olivia is just so darn amazing that of course he can’t resist her. Man, he was a dirty talker and the things that came out of his mouth? Whew, it got hot sometimes.

“You’re playing with fire, little fox.”

“Then burn me away, Mr. Safonov.”

One thing I really appreciated was how open and honest this couple was, especially once the moment of truth truly came. Whenever Nicole releases a duet, I just know it’s going to be amazing and of course this one really blew my expectations out of the park. Really well paced, with the usual bratva hijinks and politics, and yet no moment felt boring. Mafia romances often follow a pattern but the way Nicole writes, the concepts that she comes up with and the real and grounded characters that she creates really make her book set THE standard for the genre.

This one ends on a cliffhanger, leaving me no option but to pull another all nighter and start Nine Months to Love but I just know it’ll be worth it in the end.

[Laura Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole Fox knocked it out of the park again! I love this lady! She is such an amazing author! If you’ve never given her a read please grab a copy of literally anything she’s written. I promise you won’t regret it!

Please read the trigger warnings. There is murder, torture, shootings, mafia rivals, etc.

This is book 1 in the Safonov Bratva series. It does end on a cliff hanger which I typically hate but I love her books so much I don’t mind waiting for the next one.

Stefan Safonov is the Pakhan of the Bratva and not a man to be trifled with. He gets what he wants when he wants it. Only when he sets his sights on Olivia Aster, she decides she doesn’t want what he is offering. And nothing infuriates the Russian mobster more than someone who isn’t afraid to say no to his face.

Olivia Aster is a fertility doctor who is trying to get her clinic back in the black. However, he once mentor and friend has been poaching her clients and spreading rumors about her practice that have had detrimental impact. When Stefan propositions her to find him a surrogate in exchange for triple her normal fees she has to really look hard at her pride.

This is a true touch her and die, I can’t want love because it’s a weakness, mafia romance. Ugh I was here for all of it. Stefan made me want to simultaneously punch him and kiss his stupidly handsome face!

The push and pull between these two was crazy hot! And the office and kitchen scene are still something I’m day dreaming about.

I need to know what happens next so I will be getting book 2 of this duet and I highly recommend it if you love a good mafia romance as well!.

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

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Nine Months to Bear” is the first book in “Safonov Bratva Duet.” Stefan Safonov is a reclusive billionaire and Pakhan of the Safonov Bratva. Doctor Olivia Aster is a fertility specialist and runs her own clinic. Unfortunately, due to trusting the wrong person, Dr. Rebecca Walsh, her former mentor-turned-nemesis, her clinic is losing clients and weeks from closure. Without investments, her dream to help people, will be gone! Stefan offers to help, but not the way she thought. He wants a surrogate, but not anyone, he wants her to carry his heir, his blood, his legacy….and for it to be conceived the traditional way!

As per standard for Nicole’s Bratva Mafia Romance stories, it is dark in places, violent and dark at times, passion, secrets, loyalty and let’s not forget the heat 🔥🔥between Stefan and Olivia. The chemistry between these two is off the page!

“The climax crashes through me like a tidal wave, obliterating thought and reason and, embarrassingly, causing me to stutter so hard that drool pools on my lips. I’m dimly aware of crying out, of my body arching against his, of his grip tightening almost painfully on my hips as he follows me into oblivion.”

You will fall in love with Stefan and Olivia, hoping that everything with work out for them and if they have a future together. There is never a dull moment - you will be hooked! I know I was - just love these two! 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 😊

[Shelley G · Rating 5 out of 5]

New author for me this was an enjoyable read. It had a unique plot, multitudes of plot twists, drama, complications, emotions highs/lows, danger, intrigue, betrayal, secrets, lies and tons more. Stefan is a bratva pakhan who doesn’t care about anyone. Business, power and control are everything until he meets Olivia a fertility dr with a failing business he wants to launder money. He comes up with a plan to use her to get an heir, break her down, buy out her clinic and basically destroy her life just because he can’t. Olivia has cold distance parents and an emotionally abusive mom she keeps trying to please. Her failing clinic is her dream and she won’t let go. Stefan forces her to become his surrogate but they end up having sex because there is chemistry between them and she gets pregnant. But there are so many lies, secrets, and complications that they fight constantly. Event after event push them apart and pull them back together. Other ppl get involved and cause chaos making neither able to trust leading to more harm yet both seem to be falling for the other.
I found Olivia to be very weak and stupid in her relationship with her mom. At 32 she should have been able to cut her mother out of her life or at least stand up to her and stop tolerating her abuse. For a highly educated experienced woman she acted childish and silly completely unable to stand up for herself which was frustrating. It’s not like she was 20.
Book holds u on edge of your seat but ends with cliffhanger which I hate. Luckily I read both with KU so got second bk right away.
Excellently written details were fabulous.

[De_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You're so close but still a world away. What I'm dying to say, is that I'm crazy for you"*

It would truly be nice to check reviews PRIOR to choosing a book to read. It's impossible when the absolutely-not-bright individuals -- you know who you are -- write a synopsis that tells the entire story. Except not like the author. So it's ruined for others merely seeking referral reviews. But enough about the non-genius' ruination club.

Moving forward. The book blurb tells you all you need to know about the workaround of the story. Stefan, MMC, and Olivia, MFC, meet, and the plot is, for me, engaging and has some amusing parts I enjoyed. Stefan's right-hand man is annoying as all get-out, as is Olivia's mother. The most well-liked - the grandmother.
Olivia. This is a grown a$$ woman still crying over spilt milk on luggage that should've long ago been packed away. Her mental issues get old and never-ending.
Stefan. He's supposed to be the ultimate baddie pakhan. His inner dialogue proves he is as insecure as she is.
Birds of a feather.
Of course, there is spice. Oftentimes with a Fox novel almost too much, could be considered as page fillers. Get back to the plot, please! There are only so many ways someone can moan, moisten, grunt, groan, and "fall apart".
I'll finish out the duet as well. I like Ms Fox's writing, just sometimes I have to pick my rolling eyes off the floor!
Ok, so beyond that, I'll call it readable and sometimes cringeworthy, but I'll be back for more!



*Crazy for you. Madonna

[Eva ˖๋ ࣭ ⭑ ㅤㅤㅤㅤ ‌ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5⭐️/5
Small details can really make or break a book, and unfortunately it did the later for me 🫩

I truly loved the beginning of the book, but it started losing me when details weren’t coherent anymore. What truly lost me, was when it was told that the FMC was given 24h to make a decision. But in a same chapter we’re given 4 different timelines about what’s currently happening. In 1 line we’re told that it’s been more than 24h since a discussion about that decision happened, then a few line down we’re told that it happened that same day (so not 24h). Then the FMC turn around and say that it’s been more than 24h again, and again we’re told that it happened that same day ?? Make it make sense 🫩

It can feel like I’m nitpicking but, unlike other form of art, the only way we can judge books is through the author’s writing. And how can a book be considered good if it seems that no one re-read it to make sure that we’re not given 4 different timelines about the same exact event ?

The love story was good and everything had a lot of potential but because of what I previously stated, the rest of the story just fell flat afterwards. I unfortunately won’t continue my journey with this duet by reading the second book. If you’re not big on details this story might be the one for you though

[Han · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole Fox does it again! When I tell you that every single one of her books are absolute perfection, just know that I am not lying. Nicole’s writing is not only packed full of suspense, action, and drama but blazing hot passion. I think this may be my favorite book that she’s wrote. The characters were perfect, the mafia storyline was full of grit and drama and the connection between Olivia and Stefan was intense. The ending had my jaw on the floor!

Being a pakhan to the Russian Bratva, Stefan is possessive, controlling, and dangerous. From the first encounter with Olivia, he loses his sense of control. He falls hard for her but at the risk of jeopardizing his entire empire. His grapple with his feelings, his past, and his lifestyle tied together wonderfully. The passion and love between Stefan and Olivia could be felt though every encounter.

Olivia is by no means a weak woman - a doctor and owner of a fertility clinic. She’s independent, fiesty, and stubborn . Being the polar opposite of Stefan, the banter and tension between these two was so hot. Those f**k it moments were so good that I reread multiple scenes. When everything she’s ever loved is threatened, she puts her faith in Stefan without realizing the danger that lurks. The fight for their relationship, the struggle to find normalcy, and the strength in both of their characters was phenomenal!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book of the Safonov Bratva Duo and what an electrifying and captivating storyline it is. Olivia is a fertility doctor and her clinic is struggling financially. Her ex-mentor who she trusted with all of her business plans, models, patient protocol set up a business and has poached so many of her patients and all of her investors. Olivia needs one really high profile client and has decided it's time to approach billionaire Stefan Safonov, he is also Pahkan of Bratva and an incredibly dangerous man. Stefan signs on as a client but the surrogate backs out, the only choice that her client is happy with is Olivia being the surrogate. What comes next is a gripping, unputdownable story where Stefan and Olivia are faced with danger, betrayal, jealousy, lies, insane chemistry, sizzling hot steamy scenes,beautiful interactions with Elena Stefan's Babushka (grandmother), they are finally getting to a place where they can almost start to relax together and think about the future when another twist hits, on top of that they are faced with more danger and the biggest twist of them all.
I cannot wait for the second book!!.

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

[Carina Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nine Months to Bear kicks off the Safonov Bratva series with an intoxicating mix of love, manipulation, loss, and fear all wrapped in a high-stakes romance that ends on a gripping cliffhanger.

This story follows Stefan and Olivia, whose connection ignites under unexpected circumstances. Olivia, a fertility doctor struggling to save her failing practice, crosses paths with Stefan at a gala while searching for investors. Their professional meeting quickly turns personal when Stefan presents her with a morally questionable favor that leaves Olivia torn between her ethics and her instincts.

What begins as a business arrangement spirals into something deeper as the two fall fast and hard, though neither is ready to admit it. Just as they start to let their guards down, a shocking revelation threatens to destroy everything they’ve built.

Nicole Fox masterfully balances emotional intensity with suspense, creating a story that keeps readers hooked from the first page to the heart-stopping end. I can’t wait to see how Stefan and Olivia’s story continues in Nine Months to Love.

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

[Kristen (IG: books.n.snakes) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🤰🏻 ℕ𝕚𝕟𝕖 𝕄𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕙𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝔹𝕖𝕒𝕣 🤰🏻

“𝙉𝙤𝙬, 𝙄’𝙢 𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙖𝙮 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙢𝙚—𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚—𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙧𝙪𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙄 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙, 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙.”

📖 𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗿
✍🏼 𝗡𝗶𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝘅
#️⃣ 𝟱𝟱𝟵 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀

“𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡.”

𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: 𝘋𝘶𝘦𝘵
🪆 ɴɪɴᴇ ᴍᴏɴᴛʜꜱ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇᴀʀ
🪆 ɴɪɴᴇ ᴍᴏɴᴛʜꜱ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇ

𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦
🩺 ʀᴜꜱꜱɪᴀɴ ᴍᴀꜰɪᴀ
🩺 ᴄᴏᴇʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴇɢɴᴀɴᴄʏ
🩺 ᴅᴏᴄᴛᴏʀ x ᴍᴏʙꜱᴛᴇʀ
🩺 ᴏʙꜱᴇꜱꜱᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʜᴇʀ

📖𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story was an odd one. Not in a bad way. It is about a Russian mobster (Stefan) who wants an heir so he results to having Olivia be the surrogate. Olivia is a fertility doctor who runs her own clinic, that is not doing well. Stefan has decided to invest in her clinic, but to use it for money laundering. This was his intent at first, until he began to fall for Olivia.

And as a shock to none, as these books go, he fights tooth and nail to deny his feelings for her. This one is full of twists and turns but nothing too crazy as far as the realm of mafia books go. But I did enjoy this story a lot. Im excited to continue on to book 2!

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗠𝗢𝗗𝗘
📖 ᴘʜʏꜱɪᴄᴀʟ
🎧 ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏ
📱 ᴇʀᴇᴀᴅ ✔️

[Katie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest I will always devour a mafia romance written by Nicole🤭

Nine months to bear follows Olivia and Stefan. Olivia owns a fertility clinic and she has built her clinic from the ground up. She cares for each and every woman who steps through her doors and is determined to help them. But there’s one issue- Olivia’s rival is determined to destroy her business and now that her resources/options are becoming scarce she needs to do something fast.

Now Stefan is much like a lot of Nicole’s MMC’s he is the Pakhan of the Safonov bratva and he is a man with an agenda. He offers Olivia a business deal in which if she can find someone who will carry his heir he will save her business but the catch here is Stefan isn’t just looking for any woman oh no, he wants Olivia herself.

This book was a great start to the duet with a lot of twists and turns and as it is a duet yes there is a cliffhanger. I cannot wait to jump into book two for the conclusion of Stefan and Olivia’s story.

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

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nine Months to Bear and another trip the light fantastic through a Mafia world of brutal souls and HAF chemistry.
Olivia Aster is seeking investors for her failing fertility business while also failing to interest any when Russian billionaire Stefan Safonov steps into her life with a solution to her problems.
His specialty may be distressed investments but this gorgeous recluse sees a lot more in Olivia and he wants all of it!
As usual with this author you get all the complexities, emotions, drama, thrills, enemies, intrigue, steam, danger, and betrayal, setting off at warp factor ten into a well crafted, excellently written first book that becomes an entertaining tug of war between the perfectly crafted characters as they draw the reader in and don’t let go without causing massive edge of the seat delight.
Looking forward to the second half of their story which as always can’t come soon enough after the liquid gold of this entree.
Highly Recommended!.

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

[Nikol Duque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dios mío, este libro me encantó demasiado. Desde las primeras páginas me tuvo completamente atrapada. La forma en que Nicole Fox mezcla el romance, la tensión y todo ese toque de peligro me dejó con el corazón a mil. Me encanta cómo los personajes están tan bien construidos, especialmente el protagonista —esa mezcla entre lo dominante y lo protector me tuvo suspirando todo el tiempo.

La protagonista también me encantó porque no es la típica chica débil; tiene carácter, fuerza y sentimientos muy reales. Todo lo que vive, todo lo que siente… lo transmití como si me pasara a mí. Y la química entre ellos dos… 🔥 uff, increíble.

Lo que más me gustó es que no se queda solo en lo romántico, sino que también tiene drama, acción y momentos que te hacen pensar “¿qué va a pasar ahora?”. Literalmente no podía soltar el libro.

En resumen, Nine Months to bear me pareció una historia intensa, adictiva y llena de emociones. Me hizo sentir de todo: rabia, ternura, deseo y hasta ganas de llorar. Sin duda, uno de esos libros que terminas y te deja con una resaca literaria tremenda. 💔✨

[Clare Cam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mind numbing and predictable

For once I would like to read a mfc that isn't a total pushover, who doesn't have a spine like cooked spaghetti, who actually holds on to her principles rather than forget them at the first sight of some abs.
This is supposed to be a grown woman with a business instead, she let's everyone around her push her around and bully her. It's pathetic. Not to mention the plot is moved along based on her inability to say no to the oh so sexy Stefano, that just tells me you don't know how to write a convincing story, if the only way to have the characters connect and progress in their relationship is through the horizontal tango than character development then it's just a load of crap.
I'm tired of these fully grown women being written like they are teens ruled by their hormones, it's ridiculous and embarrassing and I have zero respect for such characters
Give the fmc a backbone and some actual dignity! Have some actual character development instead of having the mmc sh@g his way out of every corner he finds himself in. Urgh, waste of time