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Safonov Bratva #2
Nine Months to Love
It started with a plastic cup.
Simple. Clinical. Totally innocent.
It's not so innocent anymore.
Because I married the mob boss.
He got me pregnant.
Now, his past is coming to kill us both.
I thought we were done with the hard part.
Stefan is mine and I'm his, in every way that matters.
This baby of ours is going to have the happy family we never got.
... or so I thought.
But the mother that Stefan thought he killed?
Turns out she's very much alive.
The secrets he thought he buried?
They're very much above ground.
And the happily-ever-after we thought we were so close to grasping?
It's never felt so far away.
All of which begs the question...
How well do I really know the father of my child?
And once I learn the truth... can I really afford to stay?
NINE MONTHS TO LOVE is Book 2 of the Safonov Bratva duet. Stefan and Olivia’s story begins in Book 1, NINE MONTHS TO BEAR.
Simple. Clinical. Totally innocent.
It's not so innocent anymore.
Because I married the mob boss.
He got me pregnant.
Now, his past is coming to kill us both.
I thought we were done with the hard part.
Stefan is mine and I'm his, in every way that matters.
This baby of ours is going to have the happy family we never got.
... or so I thought.
But the mother that Stefan thought he killed?
Turns out she's very much alive.
The secrets he thought he buried?
They're very much above ground.
And the happily-ever-after we thought we were so close to grasping?
It's never felt so far away.
All of which begs the question...
How well do I really know the father of my child?
And once I learn the truth... can I really afford to stay?
NINE MONTHS TO LOVE is Book 2 of the Safonov Bratva duet. Stefan and Olivia’s story begins in Book 1, NINE MONTHS TO BEAR.
- GenresRomance
533 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2025
970 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Fox
199 books4,833 followersNicole Fox writes smart, sexy mafia romance novels. She is a crazy cat lady in her late 30s with a coffee addiction, an overactive imagination, and a husband who somehow puts up with her impulsive need to keep buying new plants for their house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
November 8, 2025
DNF
2.5 at best. Don’t get me wrong it’s a good plot: intriguing, spicy, emotional. But the mistakes are ridiculous. It’s not the grammatical errors that are the problem. It’s the whole story line. One minute people died in a cabin. The next they’re in a car. In the car was someone’s sister who was identified by the police. But then Wait a minute, the sister was buried as someone’s mother who was the actual killer. Nonsense! I saw some of this in the first book. I read that book till the end. But I just can’t finish this one, and it’s a shame. Good potential, failure as is.
2.5 at best. Don’t get me wrong it’s a good plot: intriguing, spicy, emotional. But the mistakes are ridiculous. It’s not the grammatical errors that are the problem. It’s the whole story line. One minute people died in a cabin. The next they’re in a car. In the car was someone’s sister who was identified by the police. But then Wait a minute, the sister was buried as someone’s mother who was the actual killer. Nonsense! I saw some of this in the first book. I read that book till the end. But I just can’t finish this one, and it’s a shame. Good potential, failure as is.
November 14, 2025
Who even wrote this???
Maaaaan, this sucks. The first book was great. The story was fleshed out. The plot was plotting. I was excited to read the second book and then I did. And I constantly thought about DNF'ing it multiple times. It doesn't even feel like the same author wrote it. Or maybe she did. But she was drunk. And high. And on medication. And half asleep. And rushed. Soooo many inconsistencies and mixed up story lines and grammatical errors. For instance, the FMC has her phone taken away at one point, then a few pages later, she's holding her phone and then another few pages she's upset that her phone was taken away. Or my "favorite" is where the main characters have dinner at the FMC's parents house at like 3 in the morning. Huh????
I'm just flabbergasted at how terrible this was compared to how good book 1 is.
Maaaaan, this sucks. The first book was great. The story was fleshed out. The plot was plotting. I was excited to read the second book and then I did. And I constantly thought about DNF'ing it multiple times. It doesn't even feel like the same author wrote it. Or maybe she did. But she was drunk. And high. And on medication. And half asleep. And rushed. Soooo many inconsistencies and mixed up story lines and grammatical errors. For instance, the FMC has her phone taken away at one point, then a few pages later, she's holding her phone and then another few pages she's upset that her phone was taken away. Or my "favorite" is where the main characters have dinner at the FMC's parents house at like 3 in the morning. Huh????
I'm just flabbergasted at how terrible this was compared to how good book 1 is.
November 8, 2025
Good plot but so many things that don’t add up or timelines/things that happen are described differently in the next chapter. Ie - Olivia asks Stefan if he bugged her phone while waving the phone at him, in the next chapter, Natalia still has her phone so he has to get Olivia a new one. Will have to read more of the Authors books to see if this is a reoccurrence or a once off.
November 13, 2025
Fantastic conclusion!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1\2
Trope: deception
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Really enjoyed the conclusion overall. My one complaint was that the really smart FMC started doing really stupid things by the end of the book, lol. But it was still a fantastic read that was fast-paced and super entertaining.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1\2
Trope: deception
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Really enjoyed the conclusion overall. My one complaint was that the really smart FMC started doing really stupid things by the end of the book, lol. But it was still a fantastic read that was fast-paced and super entertaining.
November 16, 2025
This book had so much potential. There was just too many plot holes. MFC was naive beyond belief. First off - how did she know the journal was authentic? The mother faked her death, do you really think she could have the journal faked. How do you just believe someone who has kidnapped you?? You don’t question their motives. The mother has been gone for yrs and all of the sudden she comes out the woodwork and you think something is wrong. Why didn’t the MFC confirm stuff info with the grandmother? How did the MFC go from standing at the front gate with NO shoes on - arrive at her parents house and no one questioned where her shoes are? You go from people in a house to car. You have clinic - on the brink of bankruptcy but you’re never at work. Even once you have investors you still aren’t at work? How the head of the Bravta just let witness live? I get people change - but these are potential witnesses who can go the FBI. Lots of story holes - part 1 was better than. Part 2
November 12, 2025
Book one is engaging, has drama, a bit of action, an easy to follow story.
Book two is written by three rats jumping around on a keyboard.
WTF is going on here?
Plot holes, confusing timelines (chicken dinner at 5am?), confusing side stories (how exactly did his mom supposedly die?)
I'm so confused.
This isn't the first time I get amped in book one and then feel like a crazy person in book two.
Like it's a professor who writes book one and leaves book two to the students as an assignment or something, with no story/development editing. Just published it as is.
Book two is written by three rats jumping around on a keyboard.
WTF is going on here?
Plot holes, confusing timelines (chicken dinner at 5am?), confusing side stories (how exactly did his mom supposedly die?)
I'm so confused.
This isn't the first time I get amped in book one and then feel like a crazy person in book two.
Like it's a professor who writes book one and leaves book two to the students as an assignment or something, with no story/development editing. Just published it as is.
November 14, 2025
Utterly Disappointing
I am not one to leave written reviews but this one calls for it. Idea behind the storyline is great. Tons of potential. Tons of drama. Unfortunately, the author could not keep her story straight. None of it made sense. One minute the sister died in the house fire the next minute she died in a car accident. One minute the FMC is having a conversation with the mother about the baby. The next minute she’s acting like she just found out the mother knows she’s pregnant. And about 100 other instances. There had to have been like zero proofreading/editing of this book.
I am not one to leave written reviews but this one calls for it. Idea behind the storyline is great. Tons of potential. Tons of drama. Unfortunately, the author could not keep her story straight. None of it made sense. One minute the sister died in the house fire the next minute she died in a car accident. One minute the FMC is having a conversation with the mother about the baby. The next minute she’s acting like she just found out the mother knows she’s pregnant. And about 100 other instances. There had to have been like zero proofreading/editing of this book.
November 2, 2025
This is the second book and the conclusion of this amazing duet.
Olivia is married to bratva Pakhan Stefan and is pregnant. When Stefan’s past come back to haunt him, and deception and lies are revealed, who can be trusted?
This is a well written easy to read, action packed story, with family dynamics, friendships, emotions, lies, betrayal, insecurities, danger, suspense, intrigue, angst, drama, retribution, secrets, tension, trust issues, revelations, romance, combustible chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, unpredictable, and thrilling addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Olivia is married to bratva Pakhan Stefan and is pregnant. When Stefan’s past come back to haunt him, and deception and lies are revealed, who can be trusted?
This is a well written easy to read, action packed story, with family dynamics, friendships, emotions, lies, betrayal, insecurities, danger, suspense, intrigue, angst, drama, retribution, secrets, tension, trust issues, revelations, romance, combustible chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, unpredictable, and thrilling addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
November 14, 2025
ugh, I had to force myself to finish this many times. the conversations were excruciating, the extensive inner monologues were excruciating. it was just so boring and drawn out. this did not feel like a typical nicole Fox book. there were so many errors, and the storyline was confusing. Natalia was supposedly killed in a fire but then it said it was a car accident. also the fact that both brothers dads committed suicide, that's just confusing. this was book was just an all around painful read
November 29, 2025
3.5 ⭐️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.
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.
November 28, 2025
That was one of the worst books I have read in a long time. There was barely any actual mafia work being done. There is nothing romantic about this book or with this couple.
For a medical Doctor, Olivia has to be one of the dumbest b****** alive. This was not an adult woman with a functioning mature brain. Every chance Olivia got, she WILLINGLY threw herself into danger.
Stefan told Olivia he killed Natalia, and you would think any NORMAL person would want to stay away from someone who evokes that kind of hatred in their child. But no, Olivia knows better, Ms Big Brains over here!!! She believes Natalia’s version of the story (that’s plausible to believe, as a woman myself) and instead of communicating and talking to her boyfriend about this situation and the journal. She never owns up to her part in anything. She lies the journal, she’s in contact with Natalia, she basically aided in the assault of Babushka. Never once does she deign to take accountability!!! All she had to do was blurt it out!! As an adult, we have to have hard conversations in relationships.
For example, when they were on the yacht, she had every opportunity to get everything out in the open and get answers to all the secrets he is hiding. She is beyond dangerous, not just to herself but to the detriment of Stefan and her unborn child.
I was frustrated with Olivia, from the beginning till the end.
I’m genuinely annoyed that I wasted hours reading this series and specifically THIS book!!! 0/5 - Do not recommend.
For a medical Doctor, Olivia has to be one of the dumbest b****** alive. This was not an adult woman with a functioning mature brain. Every chance Olivia got, she WILLINGLY threw herself into danger.
Stefan told Olivia he killed Natalia, and you would think any NORMAL person would want to stay away from someone who evokes that kind of hatred in their child. But no, Olivia knows better, Ms Big Brains over here!!! She believes Natalia’s version of the story (that’s plausible to believe, as a woman myself) and instead of communicating and talking to her boyfriend about this situation and the journal. She never owns up to her part in anything. She lies the journal, she’s in contact with Natalia, she basically aided in the assault of Babushka. Never once does she deign to take accountability!!! All she had to do was blurt it out!! As an adult, we have to have hard conversations in relationships.
For example, when they were on the yacht, she had every opportunity to get everything out in the open and get answers to all the secrets he is hiding. She is beyond dangerous, not just to herself but to the detriment of Stefan and her unborn child.
I was frustrated with Olivia, from the beginning till the end.
I’m genuinely annoyed that I wasted hours reading this series and specifically THIS book!!! 0/5 - Do not recommend.
December 18, 2025
I'm officially annoyed with the FMC Olivia. for someone whos supposed to be an intelligent doctor, shes extremely naive and not so intelligent. She gets easily manipulated, doesn't understand Bravta is not some type of none violence environment, betrays Stefan's trust one million and one times because "she wants to force him to forgive and have a relationship with his evil mother"? comeon! this is extremely frustrating. what's next a tea party with everyone who means harm to them because she thinks everyone is redeemable without them trying to be? If I was Stefan I wouldn't have pursued a relationship with her because she would literally put the child in jeopardy with this type of mentality.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2026
Really?! Here’s your typical back & forth “mafia” romance w/ both characters have so much past trauma that they take it out on each other & it’s annoying.
Also, wtf Olivia?! Everything Stefan said to her when he lashes out on her for the 8th time is all true!! She’s stupid & weak! She lets her mom walk alllll over her! Doesn’t stand up for herself, nothing! Blahhhh! I hate weak FMC’s.
Lastly, the extended epilogue was NOT about Stefan & Olivia so that was weird…
Also, wtf Olivia?! Everything Stefan said to her when he lashes out on her for the 8th time is all true!! She’s stupid & weak! She lets her mom walk alllll over her! Doesn’t stand up for herself, nothing! Blahhhh! I hate weak FMC’s.
Lastly, the extended epilogue was NOT about Stefan & Olivia so that was weird…
November 1, 2025
I really liked the book and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it first.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2025
A great conclusion to Stefan and Olivia’s duet. My head was absolutely spinning throughout this book- there was so many twists and turns and I found myself exactly in Olivia’s position as I didn’t know which was the truth and which was the lie.
We see an even more softer side of Stefan in this book when it came to Olivia and his baby and I loved every moment of it🥹
Overall I enjoyed this duet - it is definitely a favourite of mine.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We see an even more softer side of Stefan in this book when it came to Olivia and his baby and I loved every moment of it🥹
Overall I enjoyed this duet - it is definitely a favourite of mine.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 19, 2025
Stefan and Olivia are trying to make their marriage work. They want to give their child love from both parents. His past coming back to bring trouble. Olivia is kidnapped by the last person expected. Will Stefan and Olivia get their happy ending?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 23, 2025
Really good storyline & plot, chemistry etc but this could have been one book.
December 5, 2025
The way I wanted to bash the FMC's head against the wall...UGHH MY BLOOD WAS BOILING . I WANTED TO SLAP THE SHIT OUTTA THE TOO PIOUS TOO SOFT SWEET CARING FMC. Motherfucker was just bloody dumb and stupidly .
Okay calm down Anushka 🧘♀️
The story was good, The spicey scenes were otherworldly, NICOLE FOX SURE KNOWS WHAT SHE IS DOING.
Okay calm down Anushka 🧘♀️
The story was good, The spicey scenes were otherworldly, NICOLE FOX SURE KNOWS WHAT SHE IS DOING.
November 16, 2025
I really was hoping for this to turn around. Olivia was very disappointing for me. She had a clinic and then all of sudden it’s not top priority. And she was weak, and Stefan said some harsh thing several times and she kept taking his ass back. And the story line had some inconsistencies that made no sense.
November 9, 2025
HUH??…
Stefan is not wrong about her.. stupid and naive.. how can this girl be a DOCTOR and have such limited critical thinking skills???????? I get it - It’s fiction but so much of this was outlandish and nonsense. And why is it that the time he says the worst things he could to her, she makes up with him the fastest of all the fights they get into???? So much of this book could have been cut. Like .. what??? By the 3rd “he’s been lying to me this whole time” fight blow up, I was rolling my eyes and skipping pages. The first one was great! This was such a let down and really terribly written. I love her other books so much so I really have no idea what happened here….
Stefan is not wrong about her.. stupid and naive.. how can this girl be a DOCTOR and have such limited critical thinking skills???????? I get it - It’s fiction but so much of this was outlandish and nonsense. And why is it that the time he says the worst things he could to her, she makes up with him the fastest of all the fights they get into???? So much of this book could have been cut. Like .. what??? By the 3rd “he’s been lying to me this whole time” fight blow up, I was rolling my eyes and skipping pages. The first one was great! This was such a let down and really terribly written. I love her other books so much so I really have no idea what happened here….
December 3, 2025
OKKKAAYYY...What happened???
I was so excited to read book two after how much I enjoyed book one.
Book one had a quite a few plot holes and mistakes, however I was hoping this would be cleared up in book two...but...book two was a mess of contradictions and plot holes.
This is my first time reading this author, is she always this way? Was she writing two books at once and mixed them up at times?
I have never in over 300 books in this genre read such a contradictory book, with so many mistakes and plot holes.
I'm scratching my head as to how this book got past the author, proof reader and editor.
So here's my thoughts...
What I liked...
* I really did like the story, it was well written and had so much potential, this author does have a real talent, its clearly her memory that's the issue.
* I love Taras and Camille, I would've loved more of these two!
* Some good spice!
* A HEA!
* An extended epilogue 10 years later (if you give your email address it will be sent to you)
What I didn't like as much... (here goes, get comfy)
* So so so many plot holes and contradictory storylines
- Olivia doesn't have her mobile phone after being kidnapped, then in the car with Stefan she shows him her phone and accuses him of bugging it, then the next minute she doesn't have a phone as Natalia broke it???
- Oliver tells Stefan not to be too hard on himself for killing his mum and uncle as he was only 16 years old, we are later told he was 24!!!
- First of his mum and uncle die in a cabin fire, then a car accident, then a cabin fire.
- Mikayla (Mila) is told (by police) her sister has died in a car accident, then her sister died in the cabin fire and was mistaken for Natalia!? How was the sister buried as both Mila and Natalia?
- Olivia's mother makes her and Stefan a chicken dinner at 2-3am??? with Olivia wearing no shoes (as she snuck out of the house with no shoes on, was picked up by Stefan and never regained her shoes) and no one questioned her lack of shoes, or eating a full dinner in the early hours of the morning.
- Olivia runs a fertility clinic and according to Stefan works 16 hour days, when??? she's rarely at work!
- Stefan's father stated that Natalia was pregnant before he died, what happened to that child (Stefan was 16 at this point)
- I read the extended epilogue (10 years later) don't get me wrong it was a sweet epilogue and reading about the love and family they had created 10 years later was wonderful.
HOWEVER...even this had inconsistencies. We are told that they now have 4 children (we are not told their ages or gender) then toward the end, while Camille and Taras are babysitting (are they a couple?) Oliver says that all 6 (yes 6) children are asleep, so where did the extra 2 kiddos come from?
There are way to many mistakes for me to mention them all, this would be a novella if I carried on, but you get the point.
* Olivia...oh sweet Olivia, I'm so conflicted. She really is a sweetie, who grew up with an absence of real love and care. However she is infuriating at times. She puts people in danger, over and over again. She was so naive and easily led by the likes of Natalia and Mikayla. She was the cause of Babushkas attack. She was the reason they all ended up at the farm house, and Mikayla got shot.
She never once trusted Stefan, a man she said she loved, but so easily believed Natalia and Mikayla.
I really didn't get it, the author made a mistake with this.
So as I said I could go on for days about the mistakes in this book and that would be sad, Because if you overlook all the terrible plot holes, it was a great story.
I beg the author to go back and re-edit these books, as they would be amazing!
I was so excited to read book two after how much I enjoyed book one.
Book one had a quite a few plot holes and mistakes, however I was hoping this would be cleared up in book two...but...book two was a mess of contradictions and plot holes.
This is my first time reading this author, is she always this way? Was she writing two books at once and mixed them up at times?
I have never in over 300 books in this genre read such a contradictory book, with so many mistakes and plot holes.
I'm scratching my head as to how this book got past the author, proof reader and editor.
So here's my thoughts...
What I liked...
* I really did like the story, it was well written and had so much potential, this author does have a real talent, its clearly her memory that's the issue.
* I love Taras and Camille, I would've loved more of these two!
* Some good spice!
* A HEA!
* An extended epilogue 10 years later (if you give your email address it will be sent to you)
What I didn't like as much... (here goes, get comfy)
* So so so many plot holes and contradictory storylines
- Olivia doesn't have her mobile phone after being kidnapped, then in the car with Stefan she shows him her phone and accuses him of bugging it, then the next minute she doesn't have a phone as Natalia broke it???
- Oliver tells Stefan not to be too hard on himself for killing his mum and uncle as he was only 16 years old, we are later told he was 24!!!
- First of his mum and uncle die in a cabin fire, then a car accident, then a cabin fire.
- Mikayla (Mila) is told (by police) her sister has died in a car accident, then her sister died in the cabin fire and was mistaken for Natalia!? How was the sister buried as both Mila and Natalia?
- Olivia's mother makes her and Stefan a chicken dinner at 2-3am??? with Olivia wearing no shoes (as she snuck out of the house with no shoes on, was picked up by Stefan and never regained her shoes) and no one questioned her lack of shoes, or eating a full dinner in the early hours of the morning.
- Olivia runs a fertility clinic and according to Stefan works 16 hour days, when??? she's rarely at work!
- Stefan's father stated that Natalia was pregnant before he died, what happened to that child (Stefan was 16 at this point)
- I read the extended epilogue (10 years later) don't get me wrong it was a sweet epilogue and reading about the love and family they had created 10 years later was wonderful.
HOWEVER...even this had inconsistencies. We are told that they now have 4 children (we are not told their ages or gender) then toward the end, while Camille and Taras are babysitting (are they a couple?) Oliver says that all 6 (yes 6) children are asleep, so where did the extra 2 kiddos come from?
There are way to many mistakes for me to mention them all, this would be a novella if I carried on, but you get the point.
* Olivia...oh sweet Olivia, I'm so conflicted. She really is a sweetie, who grew up with an absence of real love and care. However she is infuriating at times. She puts people in danger, over and over again. She was so naive and easily led by the likes of Natalia and Mikayla. She was the cause of Babushkas attack. She was the reason they all ended up at the farm house, and Mikayla got shot.
She never once trusted Stefan, a man she said she loved, but so easily believed Natalia and Mikayla.
I really didn't get it, the author made a mistake with this.
So as I said I could go on for days about the mistakes in this book and that would be sad, Because if you overlook all the terrible plot holes, it was a great story.
I beg the author to go back and re-edit these books, as they would be amazing!
November 17, 2025
I really enjoyed the way Stefan and Olivia got together. Her being the fertility doctor, him wanting to take over her businesses, and the whole surrogacy plot was intriguing. I actually enjoyed their banter and the sexual tension. But the book started to lose me when Olivia thought she knew best. She accepted Stefan being a monster, being a pahkan, but couldn’t stand by his side when it mattered most.
I wanted to love this book, and honestly, I did enjoy parts of it. But I’m sorry, I cannot deal with these kinds of women in fiction anymore. Olivia had me wanting to punch a wall. How dare she insert herself into family drama that had nothing to do with her? How dare she lie to and betray the man she claimed to love? She literally chose everyone over him every single time. He was right to call her weak and naive.
And the fact that she had the audacity to ask Stefan not to kill Natalia after everything that happened in that shed? I’m sorry, I just can’t. I’m exhausted by her choices. At this point, I honestly just want Stefan to finally check her, because I am sick of her nonsense.
In the end, when Olivia found out the truth about Natalia, we also learn about the other son and how Natalia manipulated everyone to hate Stefan so she could become the leader of the Bratva. All the apologies that came from Stefan—I hate Olivia right now. He didn’t need to apologize for anything. She did.
I couldn’t care less about Natali’s storyline. The only story that truly mattered was Stefan’s, and Olivia just could not help herself from meddling and making everything worse. I’m on page 475 and genuinely fighting the urge to throw this book, but there were some satisfying moments.
Finally, Natalia got to die, which was satisfying. Stefan finding out Iakov was his brother and him and Camille attending the wedding felt right. I’m glad Stefan got to experience some good family besides Elena. The month later, their wedding was nice. I’m glad Grandma Elena recovered from her shooting and was able to walk Olivia down the aisle. I’m happy Olivia had some kind of backbone and didn’t invite her parents to the wedding—they didn’t need to be there or really be in her life. It’s crazy she had no confidence to deal with her own parents, but had it with Stefan’s mother (sorry, just had to throw that in).
I wanted to love this book, and honestly, I did enjoy parts of it. But I’m sorry, I cannot deal with these kinds of women in fiction anymore. Olivia had me wanting to punch a wall. How dare she insert herself into family drama that had nothing to do with her? How dare she lie to and betray the man she claimed to love? She literally chose everyone over him every single time. He was right to call her weak and naive.
And the fact that she had the audacity to ask Stefan not to kill Natalia after everything that happened in that shed? I’m sorry, I just can’t. I’m exhausted by her choices. At this point, I honestly just want Stefan to finally check her, because I am sick of her nonsense.
In the end, when Olivia found out the truth about Natalia, we also learn about the other son and how Natalia manipulated everyone to hate Stefan so she could become the leader of the Bratva. All the apologies that came from Stefan—I hate Olivia right now. He didn’t need to apologize for anything. She did.
I couldn’t care less about Natali’s storyline. The only story that truly mattered was Stefan’s, and Olivia just could not help herself from meddling and making everything worse. I’m on page 475 and genuinely fighting the urge to throw this book, but there were some satisfying moments.
Finally, Natalia got to die, which was satisfying. Stefan finding out Iakov was his brother and him and Camille attending the wedding felt right. I’m glad Stefan got to experience some good family besides Elena. The month later, their wedding was nice. I’m glad Grandma Elena recovered from her shooting and was able to walk Olivia down the aisle. I’m happy Olivia had some kind of backbone and didn’t invite her parents to the wedding—they didn’t need to be there or really be in her life. It’s crazy she had no confidence to deal with her own parents, but had it with Stefan’s mother (sorry, just had to throw that in).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2025
Nine Months To Love is book two and the final book of the Safonov Bratva duet. Stefan and Olivia’s story begins in book one Nine Months To Bear. A beautifully written story with complex, scarred and broken individuals and a twisty and fascinating storyline that grabs the reader attention from the start and keeps you hooked and on the edge of your seat with it's pulse-pounding suspense, high-octane adventures, non-stop twists and turns, mystery, surprises, action, power play, hidden secrets and agendas. A fast paced, thrilling and twisted story. An unputdownable absorbing addictive read. Immerse yourself in this tantalizing rollercoaster ride filled with heart-stopping danger, violence, hatred, secrets, old and enemies.
The story picks up where it left off with Olivia and Stefan is now married and she's pregnant with his heir but she was kidnap and in captivity by Stefan's crazy unhinged mother Natalie, someone who he taught that he had kill but now came back like a bat out of hell. And all his lies, secrets, deception come back to haunt him but the stake is much higher now with a pregnant Olivia in the mix. Everything seems to be coming from sides trying to tear them apart and people working to prevent them from having the family that they want. They will have to fight hard to stop everyone in order to get that happily-ever-after that they crave. It seems that everyone in his life are in danger because of his past and he must take care of it was and for all. Natalie tries to sow discord of lies in her head against Stefan which is confusing to her because she doesn't know who she should trust with two version of a story.
His mom is hell bent of destroying and getting rid of him at all cost. She fills Olivia heads with lies because she wants to team up with her in her plans against Stefan. This book as so much more intensity, drama from both sides families, threats, attacks, twists and turns, chalk loads of spice, ally, fear, angst, loyalty, possessiveness, revelations, power struggle, dysfunctional families, anger, madness, darkness, obsession, revenge, love, retaliation, bloodshed, misunderstandings, spice, greed and so much more.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story picks up where it left off with Olivia and Stefan is now married and she's pregnant with his heir but she was kidnap and in captivity by Stefan's crazy unhinged mother Natalie, someone who he taught that he had kill but now came back like a bat out of hell. And all his lies, secrets, deception come back to haunt him but the stake is much higher now with a pregnant Olivia in the mix. Everything seems to be coming from sides trying to tear them apart and people working to prevent them from having the family that they want. They will have to fight hard to stop everyone in order to get that happily-ever-after that they crave. It seems that everyone in his life are in danger because of his past and he must take care of it was and for all. Natalie tries to sow discord of lies in her head against Stefan which is confusing to her because she doesn't know who she should trust with two version of a story.
His mom is hell bent of destroying and getting rid of him at all cost. She fills Olivia heads with lies because she wants to team up with her in her plans against Stefan. This book as so much more intensity, drama from both sides families, threats, attacks, twists and turns, chalk loads of spice, ally, fear, angst, loyalty, possessiveness, revelations, power struggle, dysfunctional families, anger, madness, darkness, obsession, revenge, love, retaliation, bloodshed, misunderstandings, spice, greed and so much more.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2025
“Nine Months to Love” is the second/final instalment in the “Safonov Bratva Duet” and has been thoroughly enjoyable read. I love her books and this one is no exception! Nicole is the Queen of “dark mafia romance” and once again she has excelled with this series. Olivia and Stefan’s are planning on getting married, and expecting their first child. With Stefan’s past coming back to haunt him, she is finding it hard to live in his world, but can she walk away from the man that she loves and the father of her child?
Stefan and Olivia’s relationship is tumultuous - with many twists and turns around each corner. Slowly the barriers come down ….. will Olivia trust him? Will Stefan finally open up to Olivia? Will he explain to her why he is the way that he is, feels the way that he does? Will they be able to save their relationship and possibly become more? Will their relationship survive? Will their pasts destroy any chance of a future together? Will parenthood bring them closer to each other? So many questions …. you will be hooked!
“She must hear my thoughts, because she stirs awake. Her lashes flutter against her cheeks before her eyes open. Amber with flecks of gold. The first thing I see every morning now, the first thing I’ll see every morning for the rest of my life. And somehow, it never gets old.”
This book is action packed from start to finish with so many questions. This book is a standard Mafia Romance stories, it is dark in places, violent at times, passionate in places, full of secrets, loyalties tested and let’s not forget the heat between Stefan and Olivia. Will their relationship survive the trauma’s inflicted by their pasts and their individual families? So many questions …. you will be hooked! 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 😊
Stefan and Olivia’s relationship is tumultuous - with many twists and turns around each corner. Slowly the barriers come down ….. will Olivia trust him? Will Stefan finally open up to Olivia? Will he explain to her why he is the way that he is, feels the way that he does? Will they be able to save their relationship and possibly become more? Will their relationship survive? Will their pasts destroy any chance of a future together? Will parenthood bring them closer to each other? So many questions …. you will be hooked!
“She must hear my thoughts, because she stirs awake. Her lashes flutter against her cheeks before her eyes open. Amber with flecks of gold. The first thing I see every morning now, the first thing I’ll see every morning for the rest of my life. And somehow, it never gets old.”
This book is action packed from start to finish with so many questions. This book is a standard Mafia Romance stories, it is dark in places, violent at times, passionate in places, full of secrets, loyalties tested and let’s not forget the heat between Stefan and Olivia. Will their relationship survive the trauma’s inflicted by their pasts and their individual families? So many questions …. you will be hooked! 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 😊
November 5, 2025
Nine Months to Love is a thrilling, emotional continuation of a love story that began in chaos and passion — and only deepens under fire. What starts as a simple, clinical act — a plastic cup and a fertility deal — spirals into a dark, dangerous, and unexpectedly tender journey between a woman who wants to save her clinic and a man who’s spent his life hiding from his past.
This time, the stakes are even higher. Olivia, now married and pregnant by the man she once thought she barely knew, finds herself fighting not just for love, but for survival. Stefan Safonov, the brooding mob boss who’s both protector and threat, carries a past that refuses to stay buried. Just when it seems they’ve earned their happily-ever-after, old enemies rise, long-dead secrets resurface, and the woman he believed gone forever steps out of the shadows — ready to destroy everything they’ve built.
The story beautifully blends passion and peril. The chemistry between Stefan and Olivia is electric — raw, possessive, and achingly vulnerable. Yet, beneath the intensity lies a question that gives this book its emotional core: How well can you ever truly know the person you love?
Author Nicole Fox balances danger, devotion, and heartbreak in a way that keeps you glued to every page. The twists hit hard, the emotions run deep, and the ending leaves you breathless — desperate for more.
If you love dark romance with grit, redemption, and a love that refuses to die, Nine Months to Love is an unforgettable ride.
This time, the stakes are even higher. Olivia, now married and pregnant by the man she once thought she barely knew, finds herself fighting not just for love, but for survival. Stefan Safonov, the brooding mob boss who’s both protector and threat, carries a past that refuses to stay buried. Just when it seems they’ve earned their happily-ever-after, old enemies rise, long-dead secrets resurface, and the woman he believed gone forever steps out of the shadows — ready to destroy everything they’ve built.
The story beautifully blends passion and peril. The chemistry between Stefan and Olivia is electric — raw, possessive, and achingly vulnerable. Yet, beneath the intensity lies a question that gives this book its emotional core: How well can you ever truly know the person you love?
Author Nicole Fox balances danger, devotion, and heartbreak in a way that keeps you glued to every page. The twists hit hard, the emotions run deep, and the ending leaves you breathless — desperate for more.
If you love dark romance with grit, redemption, and a love that refuses to die, Nine Months to Love is an unforgettable ride.
November 10, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★ (10/10)
Nicole Fox delivers another intense, emotionally charged installment in the Safonov Bratva duet. This second book picks up right where the first left off, so it’s essential to read them in order to fully appreciate the journey of Olivia, a headstrong fertility doctor, and Stefen, a powerful CEO and Bratva Pakhan torn between two worlds.
Both characters continue to wrestle with secrets some born of love, others of necessity. Olivia’s determination to save everyone around her forces her to face the painful truth that not everyone can be saved, while Stefen’s focus remains on protecting Olivia and their unborn child at all costs. The stakes are higher than ever, with family betrayals, unexpected twists, and buried truths that come to light in explosive ways.
Fox masterfully blends romance, danger, and redemption, creating a story that’s as thrilling as it is heartfelt. The family dynamics are messy and real, the betrayals sting deeply, and the revelations toward the end bring a satisfying sense of growth and closure for the characters.
While some moments may feel a bit over the top, that’s part of the ride a wild, passionate roller coaster filled with suspense, emotion, and heat. Fans of dark romance and mafia intrigue will find themselves completely captivated.
A gripping conclusion with a well-earned HEA highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nicole Fox delivers another intense, emotionally charged installment in the Safonov Bratva duet. This second book picks up right where the first left off, so it’s essential to read them in order to fully appreciate the journey of Olivia, a headstrong fertility doctor, and Stefen, a powerful CEO and Bratva Pakhan torn between two worlds.
Both characters continue to wrestle with secrets some born of love, others of necessity. Olivia’s determination to save everyone around her forces her to face the painful truth that not everyone can be saved, while Stefen’s focus remains on protecting Olivia and their unborn child at all costs. The stakes are higher than ever, with family betrayals, unexpected twists, and buried truths that come to light in explosive ways.
Fox masterfully blends romance, danger, and redemption, creating a story that’s as thrilling as it is heartfelt. The family dynamics are messy and real, the betrayals sting deeply, and the revelations toward the end bring a satisfying sense of growth and closure for the characters.
While some moments may feel a bit over the top, that’s part of the ride a wild, passionate roller coaster filled with suspense, emotion, and heat. Fans of dark romance and mafia intrigue will find themselves completely captivated.
A gripping conclusion with a well-earned HEA highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2025
Wow. Again Nicole Fox has literally taken me through every emotion possible with this book. Ugh. I want to go back and start this series over. I’m not ready for it to be done.
This is book 2 in the Safonov series so please read book 1 first otherwise you won’t get what’s happening.
Please also keep in mind that this is a mafia romance and it’s dark and twisty and may trigger you in certain parts.
This story continues with Olivia being taken only we find out it’s by Stefan’s mother, Natalia. Crazy b that she is. This lady could convince you to jump off a bridge and everything would be ok. I wasn’t sure where her loyalties lie until the end.
Nicole Fox keeps you on the edge of your seat begging for more. I had to put it down a couple times and walk away and then come back after a breather. It was so amazingly torturous.
I love these characters. Olivia is so sunshine and rainbows and insecure. Stefan is cold and ruthless and powerful but boneheaded. They are magic together once they figure things out.
And then there is the besties, Taras and Camille. I can’t wait to see if Nicole brings them to life. Ugh I want more!
If you’ve never read anything by Nicole Fox please run don’t walk and go grab book 1 of this series. I promise you will love it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book 2 in the Safonov series so please read book 1 first otherwise you won’t get what’s happening.
Please also keep in mind that this is a mafia romance and it’s dark and twisty and may trigger you in certain parts.
This story continues with Olivia being taken only we find out it’s by Stefan’s mother, Natalia. Crazy b that she is. This lady could convince you to jump off a bridge and everything would be ok. I wasn’t sure where her loyalties lie until the end.
Nicole Fox keeps you on the edge of your seat begging for more. I had to put it down a couple times and walk away and then come back after a breather. It was so amazingly torturous.
I love these characters. Olivia is so sunshine and rainbows and insecure. Stefan is cold and ruthless and powerful but boneheaded. They are magic together once they figure things out.
And then there is the besties, Taras and Camille. I can’t wait to see if Nicole brings them to life. Ugh I want more!
If you’ve never read anything by Nicole Fox please run don’t walk and go grab book 1 of this series. I promise you will love it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2025
The conclusion of the Safonov Bratva series took my emotions through mountains and valleys! Gosh dang! The internal back and forth need and want that Olivia had to fix everything for Stefan with his family…I understood what she was trying to do but she was pissing me off! She had everything she could ever want with Stefan but she kept asking herself “what if”. I knew the answer to that question was coming but in no way did I expect it to come the way it did.
Stefan bared his heart and soul to Olivia throughout this story. There were truths he kept hidden thinking he was doing the right thing but we all know men never do! 🤭 And it ended up blowing up in his face. The attraction and sexual need these two had for one another was FIRE!!! 🔥 So much passion in these pages! Stefan was ready to give Olivia not only his soul but his heart. She just had to finally accept it and let herself be loved the way she deserved.
“Every broken piece of me was shaped to fit your broken pieces.”
“I think a soulmate is whoever you keep choosing. Over and over again. Every day. Even when it’s hard. Even when you want to run.”
The Safanov Bratva series is available now on KU! The series starts with Nine Months to Bear followed by Nine Months to Love.
Many thanks to Nicole Fox and Booksprout for this ARC. 🖤
Stefan bared his heart and soul to Olivia throughout this story. There were truths he kept hidden thinking he was doing the right thing but we all know men never do! 🤭 And it ended up blowing up in his face. The attraction and sexual need these two had for one another was FIRE!!! 🔥 So much passion in these pages! Stefan was ready to give Olivia not only his soul but his heart. She just had to finally accept it and let herself be loved the way she deserved.
“Every broken piece of me was shaped to fit your broken pieces.”
“I think a soulmate is whoever you keep choosing. Over and over again. Every day. Even when it’s hard. Even when you want to run.”
The Safanov Bratva series is available now on KU! The series starts with Nine Months to Bear followed by Nine Months to Love.
Many thanks to Nicole Fox and Booksprout for this ARC. 🖤
November 8, 2025
Book two in the Duet : Safonov Bratva
You need to read Book 1 None Months to Bear first.
I binged them, one after the other.
My review was short and sweet for book one since I needed to get to book 2!!!
So here goes: You need to read them if you love Mafia/ Bratva Dark romance.
With an emotionally complex and unavailable Alpha seeing her as his and his right to use her as he needs also just a fact which should not be questioned…
The fact that he is Hot and Broody and will un/alive anyone that speaks foul of her is a given… It's Stefan after all… All Alpha All the Time.
He cares very deeply for some in his life and his Babushka owns the bigger chunk of his heart. I love her. Her honesty and grit endeared her to me even more.
There is so much betrayal happening in this book you need to hold on… it's a little nerve wracking at times but so worth it!!
Dr and over All Very loveable person , Oliva is NOT a pushover But she is an optimist and an Empath and it gets her in deep waters.
She needs saving and as much as she denies that it's true. Though some of her love is needed to soften a very hard Man's edges.
“Every broken piece of me was shaped to fit your broken pieces.”
November 15, 2025
3/5 ⭐
2.5/5 🌶️
I usually ADORE Nicole Fox, almost always a 4.5 - 5 ⭐ read. I enjoyed the first book in this new duology, but I found it kind of hard to read at times, some things seemed a bit off here and there. This book 2 was just... Not it. I feel like I'm being generous with a 3 ⭐
I don't know if I just got an unedited version, or if it was ever edited or alpha/beta read at all, but, man, it was a MESS. Did they die in a fire or a car? Her phone was taken, then she had it in the car waving it in his face, then she can't make a call because her phone was taken? She knew she was pregnant, then she wasn't sure she was pregnant, then she knows she's pregnant, then she's feeling nauseous and has to take a test to see if she's pregnant? Then somehow his mother has a secret child but wouldn't he have remembered his mother being pregnant? And I thought his dad was poisoned but then it was a botched self in living with him finishing it?
I dunno. So many errors, plot and otherwise. The storyline in the first book had me ignoring the bad grammar and a few plot devices that were a bit skewed, but this second book was a mess. I wish there would have been a little more oversight, and this would have been another home run.
2.5/5 🌶️
I usually ADORE Nicole Fox, almost always a 4.5 - 5 ⭐ read. I enjoyed the first book in this new duology, but I found it kind of hard to read at times, some things seemed a bit off here and there. This book 2 was just... Not it. I feel like I'm being generous with a 3 ⭐
I don't know if I just got an unedited version, or if it was ever edited or alpha/beta read at all, but, man, it was a MESS. Did they die in a fire or a car? Her phone was taken, then she had it in the car waving it in his face, then she can't make a call because her phone was taken? She knew she was pregnant, then she wasn't sure she was pregnant, then she knows she's pregnant, then she's feeling nauseous and has to take a test to see if she's pregnant? Then somehow his mother has a secret child but wouldn't he have remembered his mother being pregnant? And I thought his dad was poisoned but then it was a botched self in living with him finishing it?
I dunno. So many errors, plot and otherwise. The storyline in the first book had me ignoring the bad grammar and a few plot devices that were a bit skewed, but this second book was a mess. I wish there would have been a little more oversight, and this would have been another home run.
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