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Lying and Kissing
I am out of my depth. Yesterday, I was just a CIA languages geek, safe behind a desk. I thought I wanted a taste of the action.Then I met him. Luka. Arms dealer. Russian mafia. A man who'll kill to get what he wants. And he wants me.Now I'm on a plane to Moscow with orders to "accidentally" run into him again. Seduce him. Sleep with him.I can’t control myself when I’m near him. And if he finds out who I really am, I'm dead.Standalone romantic suspense with guaranteed HEA and no cheating
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2015
586 people are currently reading
1839 people want to read
About the author
Helena Newbury
30 books1,341 followersWant to contact me? helenanewburyauthor@gmail.com
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January 17, 2023
Lying and Kissing is book one in the Kissing series by Helena Newbury. This is a stand alone, romantic suspense, mafia romance. This is only my third book by Helena but I fall so madly in love with every book I’ve read of hers. This one is no exception. I could not put it down and especially after about the sixty percent mark, I was on the edge of my seat to see how this would all come out. Because in my mind, I just couldn’t see how this would work out! Helena Newbury is truly a master of words!
Luka Malakov is pretty much head of the Russian Mafia. His father has stepped down and Luka is now running things. He is an arms dealer. Luka is huge, gorgeous and rich. Men run from him, women run to him.
Arianna Scott is twenty two years old. She was recruited in college by the CIA to be a linguistics specialist. In reality, she sits in front of a computer and listens to tapped conversations and translates them, hour after hour. As of late, she’s been listening to the phone calls of a Russian named Luka. She only knows his voice, not what he looks like. But that voice has found it’s way into her dreams, taken over her fantasies. When her boss’s boss approaches her with a job, her first time in the field, and that the job will include actually seeing Luka for the first time, she jumps at the chance.
I’ve said this before but the way these two first meet is my very favorite. When the eyes meet across a crowded room, and the sparks are flying. Arianna has a broken past, she is innocent. But she is also smart and gifted in so many ways. Luka is her complete opposite, dark, dangerous, deadly. But it’s in his eyes that Arianna gets just a glimpse of something else, something more, and it gives her hope.
Arianna is asked to go to Russia, to make it seem like an accidental meeting, to initiate herself into Luka’s life and to gather information to put him away. She wants to succeed, to prove ot her boss that she can do this. But she never planned on falling for her target.
“What am I?”
“An innocent.”
“Why do you want an innocent?”
“To corrupt her.”
First, this was so darn steamy. These two together were like a flame to gasoline. Luka awakened something in Arianna she never knew existed. But it was those glimpses she kept seeing in his eyes that made her fall. But through it all, she wants to do her job, to do the right thing. Until she starts to wonder what the right thing really is!
This book was just amazing in so many ways. Arianna was faced with challenges every step of the way and she overcame each and every one. And yes, Luka was a criminal, but he was a criminal with a heart. My next Helena Newbury book is going to be Punching and Kissing. I can’t wait to read it.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Luka Malakov is pretty much head of the Russian Mafia. His father has stepped down and Luka is now running things. He is an arms dealer. Luka is huge, gorgeous and rich. Men run from him, women run to him.
Arianna Scott is twenty two years old. She was recruited in college by the CIA to be a linguistics specialist. In reality, she sits in front of a computer and listens to tapped conversations and translates them, hour after hour. As of late, she’s been listening to the phone calls of a Russian named Luka. She only knows his voice, not what he looks like. But that voice has found it’s way into her dreams, taken over her fantasies. When her boss’s boss approaches her with a job, her first time in the field, and that the job will include actually seeing Luka for the first time, she jumps at the chance.
I’ve said this before but the way these two first meet is my very favorite. When the eyes meet across a crowded room, and the sparks are flying. Arianna has a broken past, she is innocent. But she is also smart and gifted in so many ways. Luka is her complete opposite, dark, dangerous, deadly. But it’s in his eyes that Arianna gets just a glimpse of something else, something more, and it gives her hope.
Arianna is asked to go to Russia, to make it seem like an accidental meeting, to initiate herself into Luka’s life and to gather information to put him away. She wants to succeed, to prove ot her boss that she can do this. But she never planned on falling for her target.
“What am I?”
“An innocent.”
“Why do you want an innocent?”
“To corrupt her.”
First, this was so darn steamy. These two together were like a flame to gasoline. Luka awakened something in Arianna she never knew existed. But it was those glimpses she kept seeing in his eyes that made her fall. But through it all, she wants to do her job, to do the right thing. Until she starts to wonder what the right thing really is!
This book was just amazing in so many ways. Arianna was faced with challenges every step of the way and she overcame each and every one. And yes, Luka was a criminal, but he was a criminal with a heart. My next Helena Newbury book is going to be Punching and Kissing. I can’t wait to read it.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
August 21, 2015
5 "Myshka" stars
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
AND LOOK AT THIS COVER THOUGH, THOSE CHEEK BONES!
It's been a long time since I enjoyed a book full with violence, Mafia, rough steamy and intense scenes!
And THIS BOOK WAS A WINNER FOR ME!
Arianna was smart, introvert and shy.. until she met Luka! I loved that we saw the develoment of her character. She became stronger, sexier and kickass ! Her past was something that force her to push people away, to be closed in herself.. she needed someone to push her! To show her the good things in life again and she found that person in Luka !
She never gave up, never backed down. She wanted to protect the man she love and she was fierce and willing to risk everything even her own life!
She was so inlove and lost in Luka , in the very best way of course!
Luka , my panties are still melting! This MOUNTAIN OF MAN! He was tall, broad shouldered, controlling, dangerous and sexy! AND HIS ACCENT.. yummm! This man was raised around violence, death and control but beside everything he had a good heart ! He was totally SEX-ON-LEGS and his Alpha attitude made me like him even moreeee! He was willing to do everything in order to protect Arianna ! He was the man who make her feel like a real woman again, the man who wanted to have at least one pure thing in his life and he found it when he met her !He helped her to fought her demons and not live with fear again. Everything about him screamed respect . I couldn't get enough of him and his protectiveness. I loved his sweet and tender side but the other side.. the aroggant, cocky and sexy side.. well, shit! That was HOT!
Their steamy scenes are ones that would make you feel HOT AND BOTHERED !
Lust, love, danger, edgy..
This story was full of action, drama and a twist which you wouldn't expect! And I love EVERYTHING about it! I didn't want to end this book because every thing kept me on my toes the whole time!
Now there is one thing you need to do:
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
AND LOOK AT THIS COVER THOUGH, THOSE CHEEK BONES!
It's been a long time since I enjoyed a book full with violence, Mafia, rough steamy and intense scenes!
And THIS BOOK WAS A WINNER FOR ME!
"But there was no way on earth I was letting my man go in there alone."
Arianna was smart, introvert and shy.. until she met Luka! I loved that we saw the develoment of her character. She became stronger, sexier and kickass ! Her past was something that force her to push people away, to be closed in herself.. she needed someone to push her! To show her the good things in life again and she found that person in Luka !
She never gave up, never backed down. She wanted to protect the man she love and she was fierce and willing to risk everything even her own life!
She was so inlove and lost in Luka , in the very best way of course!
„If you are my salvation, then I will be your corruptor.“
Luka , my panties are still melting! This MOUNTAIN OF MAN! He was tall, broad shouldered, controlling, dangerous and sexy! AND HIS ACCENT.. yummm! This man was raised around violence, death and control but beside everything he had a good heart ! He was totally SEX-ON-LEGS and his Alpha attitude made me like him even moreeee! He was willing to do everything in order to protect Arianna ! He was the man who make her feel like a real woman again, the man who wanted to have at least one pure thing in his life and he found it when he met her !He helped her to fought her demons and not live with fear again. Everything about him screamed respect . I couldn't get enough of him and his protectiveness. I loved his sweet and tender side but the other side.. the aroggant, cocky and sexy side.. well, shit! That was HOT!
Their steamy scenes are ones that would make you feel HOT AND BOTHERED !
Lust, love, danger, edgy..
„And whatever happens...I love you.“
This story was full of action, drama and a twist which you wouldn't expect! And I love EVERYTHING about it! I didn't want to end this book because every thing kept me on my toes the whole time!
Now there is one thing you need to do:
November 5, 2015
Adrianna works in the drab part of the CIA, translating and documenting phone conversations from wire taps. She lives a dull life and spends her time either working or sitting at home reading. She wants a change though, and when the opportunity presents itself, she jumps at the chance of being a field agent. Adrianna is thrown into a life of high crime and secret spy's without a clue how to handle it.
Her assignment is the sexy Russian arms dealer, Luka and she is sent to seduce him. Luka is the one that ends up seducing Adrianna, though and once he turns that sexy glare on her, she has no chance of saying no to him. He isn't the guy she imagines and she never thought she would be attracted to the bad guy. Not everything is as it seems, and Adrianna has a tough decision to make, regarding her relationship with Luka.
Luka was sexy as hell, so rough and controlling and I just couldn't get enough of him. I loved how he took over in the bedroom and pushed Adrianna out of her comfort zone. I wish we had more of his story from his past and how he grew up. It was easy to tell that there was a war inside of him when it came to Adrianna and he knew he should push her away, yet he just couldn't do it. If I had his POV it would have been a lot better to understand what he was dealing with. I still really liked his character, though, and how protective he was.
Adrianna had a tough past three years and had to deal with a lot to get to where she was. She didn't have much confidence in herself but I thought she was a strong character. It was really interesting how she had a very black and white view of right and wrong, yet she has to get involved with a criminal and understand his world. The big difference between Luka and Adrianna was part of why I loved them together.
I honestly had no idea what would happen to end this and I loved the suspense of it. Near the end there were a lot of things that happened and the book could have ended in so many different ways. I kept guessing, and getting scared by some of the possibilities and it was making me so nervous. I was happy with how it ended though, I just wish it wasn't so rushed. Within the last 10% there was a lot that happened and it seemed a little too rushed.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and really liked both characters. It's not a super dark Mafia book but it had a lot of suspense and intrigue. I think anyone that likes rough Hero's that have a dark side should try this book. This was my first book by Helena Newbury and I already have plans to read more.
Her assignment is the sexy Russian arms dealer, Luka and she is sent to seduce him. Luka is the one that ends up seducing Adrianna, though and once he turns that sexy glare on her, she has no chance of saying no to him. He isn't the guy she imagines and she never thought she would be attracted to the bad guy. Not everything is as it seems, and Adrianna has a tough decision to make, regarding her relationship with Luka.
Luka was sexy as hell, so rough and controlling and I just couldn't get enough of him. I loved how he took over in the bedroom and pushed Adrianna out of her comfort zone. I wish we had more of his story from his past and how he grew up. It was easy to tell that there was a war inside of him when it came to Adrianna and he knew he should push her away, yet he just couldn't do it. If I had his POV it would have been a lot better to understand what he was dealing with. I still really liked his character, though, and how protective he was.
Adrianna had a tough past three years and had to deal with a lot to get to where she was. She didn't have much confidence in herself but I thought she was a strong character. It was really interesting how she had a very black and white view of right and wrong, yet she has to get involved with a criminal and understand his world. The big difference between Luka and Adrianna was part of why I loved them together.
I honestly had no idea what would happen to end this and I loved the suspense of it. Near the end there were a lot of things that happened and the book could have ended in so many different ways. I kept guessing, and getting scared by some of the possibilities and it was making me so nervous. I was happy with how it ended though, I just wish it wasn't so rushed. Within the last 10% there was a lot that happened and it seemed a little too rushed.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and really liked both characters. It's not a super dark Mafia book but it had a lot of suspense and intrigue. I think anyone that likes rough Hero's that have a dark side should try this book. This was my first book by Helena Newbury and I already have plans to read more.
August 20, 2015
A book about a CIA nerd and a Russian mafia boss?
Yes...you read correctly...Arianna is a CIA nerd...or better said a CIA worm that sits underground at Langley and translates phone calls that are in Russian...meanwhile Luka is the heir to a Russian mob empire and the man that fills Arianna's dreams.
She has only heard his voice but that doesn't stop her from fantasying about him...and when she's offered a shot at a real assignment and the chance to meet him she jumps at the opportunity only to find out that she bit more than she can chew.
The action takes place mostly in Russia (which I loved) and the author does not shy away from adrenaline fuelled scenes...just the way a mafia novel should be :D
What I didn't like was the fact that sometimes I felt a little to in the heroines head meanwhile I couldn't form a connection to Luka.
Also the sex scenes weren't as hot as they should have been considering the kind of rough sex they where having...I just wasn't felling them :(
But besides that this was a great novel that I totally recommend it to all you mafia sluts out there ;)
Yes...you read correctly...Arianna is a CIA nerd...or better said a CIA worm that sits underground at Langley and translates phone calls that are in Russian...meanwhile Luka is the heir to a Russian mob empire and the man that fills Arianna's dreams.
She has only heard his voice but that doesn't stop her from fantasying about him...and when she's offered a shot at a real assignment and the chance to meet him she jumps at the opportunity only to find out that she bit more than she can chew.
The action takes place mostly in Russia (which I loved) and the author does not shy away from adrenaline fuelled scenes...just the way a mafia novel should be :D
What I didn't like was the fact that sometimes I felt a little to in the heroines head meanwhile I couldn't form a connection to Luka.
Also the sex scenes weren't as hot as they should have been considering the kind of rough sex they where having...I just wasn't felling them :(
But besides that this was a great novel that I totally recommend it to all you mafia sluts out there ;)
December 17, 2015
5 awesome stars
This is the second book I have read by this author.
I liked that one, BUT I LOVED THIS ONE
There isn't anything that i didn't like...so no point in arguing there...
The plot
Ah...hell read the official blurb!
I wanna talk a different kinda tune, so if you wannahear read about it, stick around...
The characters
Arianna Scott
a young CIA languages geek, shy and introverted, plain by her own viewing, actually trapped inside her own little locked-in hell, she’s hiding from life by being safe behind a desk but secretly yearning to “live” again. She translates on an everyday basis the recorded conversations of a Russian arms dealer, hell, say it right, a mobsta Luka Malakov, she dreams of stepping foot into the field experiencing the action of the “real CIA agent” BUT she also imagines Luka, what he looks like, what he’d taste like, what he’d feel like, she is living vicariously through those translated conversations between him and his “girlfriends”…until she gets the “chance” she was secretly dreaming of…she’s about to taste the field action and her target is non the less, the dark and dangerous Russian.
I loved Arianna I loved her fragile appearance that actually turns into the strongest person ever…
I loved her inner questioning and resolutions about subjects that were so wrong and yet she tried to find some good in it, and that she just could not get away from the feelings towards this mysterious and dangerous criminal. The infatuations, turns into feelings that trespass the border of pure carnal passion and desire and finally grows into love. The love she’s willing to fight for , the love she’s willing to safe and risk her own life while doing so.
She’s torn inside between feeling loyal to her country and her mission – which is to destroy Luka by providing the evidence of his arms deal - and the turmoil of cluster emotions she is suddenly thrown into induced by Luka’s proximity…by his words, by his voice, by his touch…she’s keeping her identity hidden up till the very danger that Luka was exposed to…
„If you are my salvation, then I will be your corruptor.“
Luka thought I was his salvation but I was going to be his downfall.
And he was going to be mine.
And Luka, ah Luka, Luka, Luka…what can I say I have a thing for mobsters, I was tuned to American kind BUT now I like the Russian flavor too.
Luka Malakov – no need to describe him in details, although the black hair/blue eyes combinations should NOT be ingnored, he’s tall, broad shouldered, tattoed, hot and dangerous mobster.
To hell with everything, I like them like that.
And Luka was everything and even more, he was a bad guy doing bad things, no doubt about it BUT she brought up or awakened smth in him that was so deeply buried inside of him – a little piece of humanity. She brought the compassion into the deal and that was deadly combination that made him more mortal and expendable…cause he cared for her…he actually fell in love with her…and was prepared to do anything necessary to protect her…
„Stay behind me,“ whispered Luka. „And whatever happens...I love you.“
And other way around...
I didn't have a gun. I barely remembered my unarmed combat training. But there was no way on earth I was letting my man go in there alone.
I liked the odds against them, when actually the real shit hit the fan, his weakness (cause he loved her) made him act differently then usual, he would reconsider and weight on things...but even after betrayal, fucked up shit starts up rolling their way, neither one of them is willing to back away on each other...
In the space of few hours, he'd been transformed from the crown prince of a criminal empire to a man on the run
Damn, this book has it ALL – mistery, action, drama, crime, suspense, sex, you name it
But the thing that kept me on my toes giving me needles and pins through out my body was when they practiced this:
It was like sex always was with him: dark and dangerous and edgy...and wonderful
and this is just a prelude...
If that alone isn't a good refrence than you need to step back and read my review all over again...LOL
So, lets seal this with a kiss
This is the second book I have read by this author.
I liked that one, BUT I LOVED THIS ONE
There isn't anything that i didn't like...so no point in arguing there...
The plot
Ah...hell read the official blurb!
I wanna talk a different kinda tune, so if you wanna
The characters
Arianna Scott
a young CIA languages geek, shy and introverted, plain by her own viewing, actually trapped inside her own little locked-in hell, she’s hiding from life by being safe behind a desk but secretly yearning to “live” again. She translates on an everyday basis the recorded conversations of a Russian arms dealer, hell, say it right, a mobsta Luka Malakov, she dreams of stepping foot into the field experiencing the action of the “real CIA agent” BUT she also imagines Luka, what he looks like, what he’d taste like, what he’d feel like, she is living vicariously through those translated conversations between him and his “girlfriends”…until she gets the “chance” she was secretly dreaming of…she’s about to taste the field action and her target is non the less, the dark and dangerous Russian.
I loved Arianna I loved her fragile appearance that actually turns into the strongest person ever…
I loved her inner questioning and resolutions about subjects that were so wrong and yet she tried to find some good in it, and that she just could not get away from the feelings towards this mysterious and dangerous criminal. The infatuations, turns into feelings that trespass the border of pure carnal passion and desire and finally grows into love. The love she’s willing to fight for , the love she’s willing to safe and risk her own life while doing so.
She’s torn inside between feeling loyal to her country and her mission – which is to destroy Luka by providing the evidence of his arms deal - and the turmoil of cluster emotions she is suddenly thrown into induced by Luka’s proximity…by his words, by his voice, by his touch…she’s keeping her identity hidden up till the very danger that Luka was exposed to…
„If you are my salvation, then I will be your corruptor.“
Luka thought I was his salvation but I was going to be his downfall.
And he was going to be mine.
And Luka, ah Luka, Luka, Luka…what can I say I have a thing for mobsters, I was tuned to American kind BUT now I like the Russian flavor too.
Luka Malakov – no need to describe him in details, although the black hair/blue eyes combinations should NOT be ingnored, he’s tall, broad shouldered, tattoed, hot and dangerous mobster.
To hell with everything, I like them like that.
And Luka was everything and even more, he was a bad guy doing bad things, no doubt about it BUT she brought up or awakened smth in him that was so deeply buried inside of him – a little piece of humanity. She brought the compassion into the deal and that was deadly combination that made him more mortal and expendable…cause he cared for her…he actually fell in love with her…and was prepared to do anything necessary to protect her…
„Stay behind me,“ whispered Luka. „And whatever happens...I love you.“
And other way around...
I didn't have a gun. I barely remembered my unarmed combat training. But there was no way on earth I was letting my man go in there alone.
I liked the odds against them, when actually the real shit hit the fan, his weakness (cause he loved her) made him act differently then usual, he would reconsider and weight on things...but even after betrayal, fucked up shit starts up rolling their way, neither one of them is willing to back away on each other...
In the space of few hours, he'd been transformed from the crown prince of a criminal empire to a man on the run
Damn, this book has it ALL – mistery, action, drama, crime, suspense, sex, you name it
But the thing that kept me on my toes giving me needles and pins through out my body was when they practiced this:
It was like sex always was with him: dark and dangerous and edgy...and wonderful
and this is just a prelude...
If that alone isn't a good refrence than you need to step back and read my review all over again...LOL
So, lets seal this with a kiss
Read
August 31, 2015So I tried really hard to continue this book. It seems like it might be good. But I just can't take being in Arianna's head any longer.
I noticed the word thigh way before the first sex scene but damn I found myself starting to highlight.
Starting at page 144-158 this is what I highlighted:((
And he was staring right between my thighs.
He looked meaningfully down at my pressed-together thighs.
I ground my thighs together,
my grinding thighs held motionless.
His fingers started to explore the soft folds between my thighs
pinning me to the bed as his head—... went between my thighs.
as he knelt between my thighs,
He bore me down on the bed as his hips pushed my thighs apart. He grabbed my knees and spread them wide and then wider, so wide that my inner thighs ached.
his ass pushed hard up between my thighs,
I remembered what he’d said when his head was between my thighs,
It's a wrap at 41%!
I noticed the word thigh way before the first sex scene but damn I found myself starting to highlight.
Starting at page 144-158 this is what I highlighted:((
And he was staring right between my thighs.
He looked meaningfully down at my pressed-together thighs.
I ground my thighs together,
my grinding thighs held motionless.
His fingers started to explore the soft folds between my thighs
pinning me to the bed as his head—... went between my thighs.
as he knelt between my thighs,
He bore me down on the bed as his hips pushed my thighs apart. He grabbed my knees and spread them wide and then wider, so wide that my inner thighs ached.
his ass pushed hard up between my thighs,
I remembered what he’d said when his head was between my thighs,
It's a wrap at 41%!
November 20, 2015
I'm honestly shocked by all the rave reviews. This was one of the most ridiculous "spy" novels I've ever read! It would have been better if she just embraced the ridiculousness and went full on campy, rather than attempt something as serious as the gun trade and Russian mob. I'm just annoyed with myself that I stuck with it for as long as I did in the hopes it would get better. Waste of time.
August 16, 2016
4,75 stars ! LOVED IT ! The more I was reading and the more I was loving it !
At first, Arianna was a lonely, shy and geeky twenty two years old woman, with no family and not much of a social life. She’s been through a traumatizing event a couple of years ago that left her living a comfortable but plain life. But her encounter with Luka is going to reveal and wake her. He’s going to show her how to live and feel again, slowly erasing her fears and shyness and giving her what her body and mind have secretly been craving. Her character’s growth was very well done, towards the end we could definitely see how she had changed, she became this sexy, strong, brave and fierce woman who would do anything to protect her man !
As for Luka, dear God I loved him ! He was introduced as this merciless Russian arms dealer (that Russian accent is hot !) who takes shit from no one and that everyone fears. A monster, she’s been told. And that’s partially true, because that’s part of his job, but underneath, we’re slowly going to discover the man hiding and looking for salvation.
”If you are my salvation, then I will be you corruptor.”
I loved how one second he would be alpha male, controlling and arrogant, and the next he would flush and be a bit shy though it would only last a few seconds (he’s supposed to be a monster after all). I really liked how at first he didn’t know what to do about how he felt for Arianna, he didn’t know if he should give in for once or restrain himself, he was quite conflicted but in the end, he just couldn’t resist.
He broke the kiss. “You understood all the things I said in Russian ?” he asked in Russian.
I nodded. “Da.” Yes.
The tiniest hint of a blush as he remembered some of the things he’d said. But a deeper gleam of lust in his eyes as he realized that I’d understood them… and I’d come back for more.
He also had changed towards the end thanks to Arianna who showed him innocence and mercy and she was the first person he could trust and tell everything. Thanks to her, he slowly revealed himself as well, showing the man that deep down he’s always wanted to be, becoming more comfortable and easy with Arianna, especially in their relationship.
It was not insta love between them, though it was definitely insta attraction, but I really enjoyed how at first it would mostly be about sex, but slowly they would discover each other, and once all the lies are finally laid on the table and they can be completely themselves with each other, we could see a change in their relationship that became easier and more natural, Luka getting more cocky, and Arianna sexier and more confident about her feelings.
This book was also full of action and suspense as well. Though the little plot twist was a bit predictable, I didn’t mind that much because I really liked how the author would go into detail in the Russian mob, with conflicts between the different gangs, but without it getting confusing which was nice.
The sex scenes were also so freaking HOT ! They were steamy, intense and wild and got my panties melting and got me so worked up ! Luka was all alpha male in the bed, controlling Arianna and getting her wild, but without all the BDSM stuff which I was thankful for ^^ (though at some point some handcuffs are involved ;) ).
“I am going to take you, Arianna. I am going to end your innocence in every conceivable way. I am going to make you beg me to stop and then beg me for more.”
Luka also had a tendency to rip panties, and clothes in general ^^ !
Go read this book, it was amazing ! Action, suspense, Russian mob, CIA, romance and hotness ? Hell yeah !
”Should we have a safe word and is it wrong that I like it ? I mean, I’m not sure why I like it and MMFF !”
The last was because he’d put his hand over my mouth.
“Shut the fuck up, Arianna,” he told me.
I went stiff and quiet.
“You Americans analyse every fucking thing,” he said mildly. “You like it – yes ?”
I nodded.
“You know I would never, ever hurt you ?”
I nodded again.
“Then that is all that matters. Now shut up and kiss me while I fuck you like dirty slut.”
At first, Arianna was a lonely, shy and geeky twenty two years old woman, with no family and not much of a social life. She’s been through a traumatizing event a couple of years ago that left her living a comfortable but plain life. But her encounter with Luka is going to reveal and wake her. He’s going to show her how to live and feel again, slowly erasing her fears and shyness and giving her what her body and mind have secretly been craving. Her character’s growth was very well done, towards the end we could definitely see how she had changed, she became this sexy, strong, brave and fierce woman who would do anything to protect her man !
As for Luka, dear God I loved him ! He was introduced as this merciless Russian arms dealer (that Russian accent is hot !) who takes shit from no one and that everyone fears. A monster, she’s been told. And that’s partially true, because that’s part of his job, but underneath, we’re slowly going to discover the man hiding and looking for salvation.
”If you are my salvation, then I will be you corruptor.”
I loved how one second he would be alpha male, controlling and arrogant, and the next he would flush and be a bit shy though it would only last a few seconds (he’s supposed to be a monster after all). I really liked how at first he didn’t know what to do about how he felt for Arianna, he didn’t know if he should give in for once or restrain himself, he was quite conflicted but in the end, he just couldn’t resist.
He broke the kiss. “You understood all the things I said in Russian ?” he asked in Russian.
I nodded. “Da.” Yes.
The tiniest hint of a blush as he remembered some of the things he’d said. But a deeper gleam of lust in his eyes as he realized that I’d understood them… and I’d come back for more.
He also had changed towards the end thanks to Arianna who showed him innocence and mercy and she was the first person he could trust and tell everything. Thanks to her, he slowly revealed himself as well, showing the man that deep down he’s always wanted to be, becoming more comfortable and easy with Arianna, especially in their relationship.
It was not insta love between them, though it was definitely insta attraction, but I really enjoyed how at first it would mostly be about sex, but slowly they would discover each other, and once all the lies are finally laid on the table and they can be completely themselves with each other, we could see a change in their relationship that became easier and more natural, Luka getting more cocky, and Arianna sexier and more confident about her feelings.
This book was also full of action and suspense as well. Though the little plot twist was a bit predictable, I didn’t mind that much because I really liked how the author would go into detail in the Russian mob, with conflicts between the different gangs, but without it getting confusing which was nice.
The sex scenes were also so freaking HOT ! They were steamy, intense and wild and got my panties melting and got me so worked up ! Luka was all alpha male in the bed, controlling Arianna and getting her wild, but without all the BDSM stuff which I was thankful for ^^ (though at some point some handcuffs are involved ;) ).
“I am going to take you, Arianna. I am going to end your innocence in every conceivable way. I am going to make you beg me to stop and then beg me for more.”
Luka also had a tendency to rip panties, and clothes in general ^^ !
Go read this book, it was amazing ! Action, suspense, Russian mob, CIA, romance and hotness ? Hell yeah !
”Should we have a safe word and is it wrong that I like it ? I mean, I’m not sure why I like it and MMFF !”
The last was because he’d put his hand over my mouth.
“Shut the fuck up, Arianna,” he told me.
I went stiff and quiet.
“You Americans analyse every fucking thing,” he said mildly. “You like it – yes ?”
I nodded.
“You know I would never, ever hurt you ?”
I nodded again.
“Then that is all that matters. Now shut up and kiss me while I fuck you like dirty slut.”
Read
July 21, 2015This is what I wanted out of this story...
And, this is what I got...
The basics: Nerdy, green CIA chick lusts hard for the Russian gangster she ease drops on for months, but then is asked to come face to face with her fantasy as his lover. Will she betray him to earn her CIA cred -or- everything she's believed in all her life to really be his?
It could've been a great book, but, sadly, for me, it was like a cute little dog that you really want to pet, hold, and roll around with ... But then you notice it's overrun with fleas and ticks.
Musings On Repeat
Anyone that frequently reads my reviews knows that I hate long musings, especially when they play on a loop!
The female MC plays this in her head over and over:
' He's so bad. I want to fuck him. He's so wrong. I want to fuck him. I'm a good girl. I shouldn't want to fuck him. He's the big bad enemy. I shouldn't want to fuck him. He is gorgeous. I want to fuck him. I'm so plain. I shouldn't want to fuck him.... '
While I certainly could've lived without half of the repetitive musings in this book, I will at least admit that it was meaningful and believable. Her angst over wanting someone and something she shouldn't is palpable, understandable, and warranted.
It still gets way too repetitive for my tastes. I can get her conflicting emotions without being told 100 times. A couple of fleas are a lot different than hundreds!
The same with her constantly going back and forth in musing between condemning his 'badness' and 'evilness' vs justifying it. It's a believable, meaningful element to the plot and character, but the number of times it's gone over and over and over just transforms the point into an irritant of repetitive fluff.
Trite, Nonsensical, Repetitive, Weird Romance Lingo
Even the damn bodyguard had flickering eyes for f's sake.
Too many flickering eyes, done way too often, and that convey way too much 'meaning' without words.
The wtf black smoke...
Dark heat? Black smoke? Okay that's f'ing weird. This dark smoky thing churning within her is used multiple times, and it just gets weirder the more often it's said!
"His big hands.." was a constant throughout the book. *eyeroll*
Who & Where The Hell Are These People??
The male MC and his dad are the most trusting, naive, refined, welcoming, forgiving f'ing mobsters I've ever heard of. Are they in Russia, or did I misread and this is Oz?
She's CIA & fights like a school teacher & has the critical thinking and situational assessment skills of a two-year-old about to run out into traffic.
Yeah, okay. *eyeroll*
Did I Miss Something?
There's a lot of buildup here surrounding the male MC's dirty, bad, wrong sexual desires and it's implied she's so innocent and he's so bad that he'd like break her with his brand of rough and rowdy.
I'm thinking this...
Mixed with a scoop of this...
But, I get this...
Then...
The first sexual is typical sex 'insert object here' sex scene with the highest kink factor being he holds her wrists and won't let her move about like she wants. I was just left scratching my head as to where the kinkyfuckery that was eluded to went?
And, the vanilla that went down ^ elicits him asking if she's okay as:
Holding her wrists down is going to hurt her? Phlllease!
Did I miss something because this is fairly vanilla stuff.?!?.?!?
It stays vanilla aside from a little role playing and spanking. Nothing wrong with vanilla, it's just that he was built up to be chocolate chip cookie dough with extra sprinkles and a side of expletives, and that wasn't what was delivered by a long shot!
The End
From 75% to 99%, the pacing, flow and the action and romance finally stopped the wishy-washy/ back and forth crap. This portion of the book was actually damn good. I wished the entire book would been written like it.
Then...
At 99%, the author is tying things up for the HEA & it's just not believable. Suddenly, she's taken a complete turnabout in her morals and beliefs. Suddenly, she's a part of the "we" in shipping guns to America and has no qualms about it whatsoever. It's more than just a justification of someone has to do it... So why not the more refined and family-oriented bad guys like us type of mentality. She's an active part of it & uses "we" and "us" in describing sending guns to gangs in the USA.
^ this is just as bad as when an author takes a badboy hardass and turns him into a sappy poetic wanker overnight.
Don't feed me a character's personality, beliefs, and traits for an entire book and then moot IT ALL just so that it can end in HEA.
Bottom Line
This book was too harsh on my eyes.
And, this is what I got...
The basics: Nerdy, green CIA chick lusts hard for the Russian gangster she ease drops on for months, but then is asked to come face to face with her fantasy as his lover. Will she betray him to earn her CIA cred -or- everything she's believed in all her life to really be his?
It could've been a great book, but, sadly, for me, it was like a cute little dog that you really want to pet, hold, and roll around with ... But then you notice it's overrun with fleas and ticks.
Musings On Repeat
Anyone that frequently reads my reviews knows that I hate long musings, especially when they play on a loop!
The female MC plays this in her head over and over:
' He's so bad. I want to fuck him. He's so wrong. I want to fuck him. I'm a good girl. I shouldn't want to fuck him. He's the big bad enemy. I shouldn't want to fuck him. He is gorgeous. I want to fuck him. I'm so plain. I shouldn't want to fuck him.... '
While I certainly could've lived without half of the repetitive musings in this book, I will at least admit that it was meaningful and believable. Her angst over wanting someone and something she shouldn't is palpable, understandable, and warranted.
It still gets way too repetitive for my tastes. I can get her conflicting emotions without being told 100 times. A couple of fleas are a lot different than hundreds!
The same with her constantly going back and forth in musing between condemning his 'badness' and 'evilness' vs justifying it. It's a believable, meaningful element to the plot and character, but the number of times it's gone over and over and over just transforms the point into an irritant of repetitive fluff.
Trite, Nonsensical, Repetitive, Weird Romance Lingo
"There was something else there, just a flicker of it in his eyes."
Even the damn bodyguard had flickering eyes for f's sake.
.."Yuri looked up and stared straight into my eyes and I felt a deep, hot jolt go through me. I could feel his eyes on my squirming body, on Luka's fingers buried in me, and I saw a flicker in those normally emotionless eyes. Lust and maybe sorrow.
Too many flickering eyes, done way too often, and that convey way too much 'meaning' without words.
The wtf black smoke...
"Something deep inside me, something I hadn't even known existed until the party in New York, twisted and throbbed, releasing a dark, dark heat."
"I felt something rise and spiral inside me, black smoke shot through with sparks of pure fire, hot enough to blazing right through the ice.
Dark heat? Black smoke? Okay that's f'ing weird. This dark smoky thing churning within her is used multiple times, and it just gets weirder the more often it's said!
"His big hands.." was a constant throughout the book. *eyeroll*
Who & Where The Hell Are These People??
The male MC and his dad are the most trusting, naive, refined, welcoming, forgiving f'ing mobsters I've ever heard of. Are they in Russia, or did I misread and this is Oz?
She's CIA & fights like a school teacher & has the critical thinking and situational assessment skills of a two-year-old about to run out into traffic.
Yeah, okay. *eyeroll*
Did I Miss Something?
There's a lot of buildup here surrounding the male MC's dirty, bad, wrong sexual desires and it's implied she's so innocent and he's so bad that he'd like break her with his brand of rough and rowdy.
I'm thinking this...
Mixed with a scoop of this...
But, I get this...
"I don't know what you're used to, but you won't be used to me."
Then...
The first sexual is typical sex 'insert object here' sex scene with the highest kink factor being he holds her wrists and won't let her move about like she wants. I was just left scratching my head as to where the kinkyfuckery that was eluded to went?
And, the vanilla that went down ^ elicits him asking if she's okay as:
"He sounded... Wait, was that...was he scared? Scared that he might have hurt me?"
Holding her wrists down is going to hurt her? Phlllease!
Did I miss something because this is fairly vanilla stuff.?!?.?!?
It stays vanilla aside from a little role playing and spanking. Nothing wrong with vanilla, it's just that he was built up to be chocolate chip cookie dough with extra sprinkles and a side of expletives, and that wasn't what was delivered by a long shot!
The End
From 75% to 99%, the pacing, flow and the action and romance finally stopped the wishy-washy/ back and forth crap. This portion of the book was actually damn good. I wished the entire book would been written like it.
Then...
At 99%, the author is tying things up for the HEA & it's just not believable. Suddenly, she's taken a complete turnabout in her morals and beliefs. Suddenly, she's a part of the "we" in shipping guns to America and has no qualms about it whatsoever. It's more than just a justification of someone has to do it... So why not the more refined and family-oriented bad guys like us type of mentality. She's an active part of it & uses "we" and "us" in describing sending guns to gangs in the USA.
^ this is just as bad as when an author takes a badboy hardass and turns him into a sappy poetic wanker overnight.
Don't feed me a character's personality, beliefs, and traits for an entire book and then moot IT ALL just so that it can end in HEA.
Bottom Line
This book was too harsh on my eyes.
August 5, 2015
Book Facts:
Genre: Contemporary Suspense
Part of a Series/Installment: No
Standalone/Cliffhanger:
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc:
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex between H/h with OW/OM:
If so, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex in The Book:
Overall Steam Factor/Chemistry:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Any Triggers/Warnings:
My thoughts:
Overall Rating: 4
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes
Will I Read Again: Maybe
Will I Read More Books By This Author: Yes
I had this book on my TBR pile from its serialized form of Seduced, Conflicted and Betrayed. It's told strictly from Arianna's POV and it was very suspenseful from a psychological aspect. Does Luka know she's CIA or doesn't he? Will she get caught snooping or won't she? Arianna's uncertainty makes this a very intense read and I really got caught up in it. I also enjoyed the Russian locale and thought Ms. Newbury did an excellent job with the cultural setting and dialogue.
Luka is an alpha male who displayed a little bit of possessiveness, but no jealousy whatsoever. Arianna is an intelligent but inexperienced CIA worker who is trying to survive her first undercover operation, but she also suffers from a prior traumatic experience and can be mentally unstable on occasion. I liked both main characters, but the reason it was only a 4-star rating is The editing is well done as I did not notice any errors, and overall, I do recommend this book as a very suspenseful and engaging story.
Genre: Contemporary Suspense
Part of a Series/Installment: No
Standalone/Cliffhanger:
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc:
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex between H/h with OW/OM:
If so, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex in The Book:
Overall Steam Factor/Chemistry:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Any Triggers/Warnings:
My thoughts:
Overall Rating: 4
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes
Will I Read Again: Maybe
Will I Read More Books By This Author: Yes
I had this book on my TBR pile from its serialized form of Seduced, Conflicted and Betrayed. It's told strictly from Arianna's POV and it was very suspenseful from a psychological aspect. Does Luka know she's CIA or doesn't he? Will she get caught snooping or won't she? Arianna's uncertainty makes this a very intense read and I really got caught up in it. I also enjoyed the Russian locale and thought Ms. Newbury did an excellent job with the cultural setting and dialogue.
Luka is an alpha male who displayed a little bit of possessiveness, but no jealousy whatsoever. Arianna is an intelligent but inexperienced CIA worker who is trying to survive her first undercover operation, but she also suffers from a prior traumatic experience and can be mentally unstable on occasion. I liked both main characters, but the reason it was only a 4-star rating is The editing is well done as I did not notice any errors, and overall, I do recommend this book as a very suspenseful and engaging story.
March 1, 2016
Does this book have the most jacked-up characterizations ever? Possibly.
Is it the most moronic spy story ever written? Probably.
Did I inhale it anyway? Errr. . . yeah. (I'm so proud of that, can you tell?)
Seriously though, this book is fricken stupid. There's no way to count the number of eye rolls and WTF-ing I did while I was reading it. Example: Like oh, you know - that part where the cold, hard-ass Russian mafia dude who is feared by all decides to play footsy with the heroine under the table. She gets off as he rubs her with his shoe in a restaurant.
He reaches his leg out under the table.
And rubs her.
With. His. Shoe.
The plot is so thin it makes tissue paper look like cardboard, the 'big reveal' is totally lame, the characterizations are all over the place, and yet. . . it was somehow still compulsively readable for me. I zipped through this thing really fast. So I'm gonna give it a 3. It probably doesn't deserve that, but whatever. I've been trying to be nicer with my ratings :)
Is it the most moronic spy story ever written? Probably.
Did I inhale it anyway? Errr. . . yeah. (I'm so proud of that, can you tell?)
Seriously though, this book is fricken stupid. There's no way to count the number of eye rolls and WTF-ing I did while I was reading it. Example: Like oh, you know - that part where the cold, hard-ass Russian mafia dude who is feared by all decides to play footsy with the heroine under the table. She gets off as he rubs her with his shoe in a restaurant.
He reaches his leg out under the table.
And rubs her.
With. His. Shoe.
The plot is so thin it makes tissue paper look like cardboard, the 'big reveal' is totally lame, the characterizations are all over the place, and yet. . . it was somehow still compulsively readable for me. I zipped through this thing really fast. So I'm gonna give it a 3. It probably doesn't deserve that, but whatever. I've been trying to be nicer with my ratings :)
November 10, 2015
I was disappointed in this book. I really liked the premise: CIA language geek, Russian mobster....all this sounded promising. Where it all went wrong for me were some of the story elements which I found were poorly done. For example, her first orgasm with the H is at a restaurant when he rubs the toe of his shoe in her crotch under the table....REALLY?? this was not sensual or erotic in my opinion. If I try to picture this: cool bigger than life handsome tough mobster stretching his leg under the table to rub his foot along the h's leg up to her crotch? This just doesn't work for me.Also, Luka was probably one of the fluffiest mobsters I've read about and once the big secret was known (CIA), the mobster reaction was really lame and the ending just seemed to be thrown together at the last minute. This book is also only written from the h's perspective which I found disappointing.
August 20, 2015
RATING : A SOLID 4 STARS
MY CASTING:
Ahh this book. Was an unexpected gem basically. I saw a friends review on GR that made me think OK OK OK I clearly need to read this!!!!
Russian Mafia CHECK
Geeky but strong female CHECK
Romance CHECK
ACTION AND SUSPENSE CHECK
You have Arianna who works for the CIA and is basically one of the good guy working for the good side. And then you have Luka who is part of the Russian Mafia. The bad guy. The anti hero. Who you just can't help but swoon over!!!
Arianna's character was a real treasure I thought. She was a super geek. Photographic memory. Languages expert. I mean up in her brain she had it all going. But she had flaws and vulnerabilities which made me love her more. But she was also super funny and mega horny and it was so endearing and funny to read. What I also loved is the fact that this was all her pov it felt like she was talking to you, as if you were sitting next to her.
And Luka. Swoon to the fucking swoon like seriously. My ovaries are a mess right now. He was alpha, possessive but also so adorably sweet at times. And if you read the blurb you know that Arianna is basically undercover to get all his secrets out and yes she had a job to do but you couldn't help but feel so sad for Luka because yeah he was Mafia which I happen to love anyway so whatever lol... But with his feelings in regard to Arianna he was so honest and for that you could not fault him for. And let's just say the sex is like top notch. I mean really... And that game... Holy fuckityy crap
Okay so why a four star and not a five.
To start with I was obsessed when I read it. But I have to say the first sex scene wasn't POW enough for me, but trust me all the other ones totally made up. And I wish there was maybe a tad more dialogue and a more detailed epilogue.
But ladies listen these are minor minor details. I will most definitely be reading this authors other books.
July 24, 2015
Arianna is CIA language expert being slowly seduced by a voice that belongs to the Russian arms dealer her agency is bugging. Luka's powerful charisma has him starring in her dreams, before even knowing what he looks like. Up to this point she's been a pencil pusher, waiting for an opportunity to prove herself in the field. Her chance finally arrives in the form of an undercover assignment to spy on Luka. How can she play the spy game successfully, when she can’t control herself around the target?
I love romance and erotica books with Russian criminal elements. Luka's magnetism leaps off the page. You understand the fear, and desire the heroine is conflicted with. This serial was a fun trek through the Motherland's underbelly. Yet strangely enough sometimes found myself annoyed with the heroines work performance. Despite that, Arianna and Luka's romance was sexy, and intense.
*I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love romance and erotica books with Russian criminal elements. Luka's magnetism leaps off the page. You understand the fear, and desire the heroine is conflicted with. This serial was a fun trek through the Motherland's underbelly. Yet strangely enough sometimes found myself annoyed with the heroines work performance. Despite that, Arianna and Luka's romance was sexy, and intense.
*I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 21, 2015
3.75 stars
August 11, 2015
DNF'd early. Couldn't get into story. Not impressed the heroine had two lovers and it was lackluster experiences. Am ok with a heroine being a virgin rather than her having no orgasm with other lovers
August 14, 2015
This book has the most stupid CIA agent and even more dumber criminal ever.....
December 8, 2025
still can’t wrap my head around how a random chick from club dunked our female lead’s (who is a CIA btw🤣) head in the toilet bowl.
December 6, 2015
I hate TSTL heroines and plots that don't just ask me sweetly, but slap me in the face and insist I suspend all sense of logic and reason, just so I can pretend it could happen.
I didn't hate it as much as the last few of its brethren I read, but I can't give it more than 2 stars.
The h...there just aren't words. I guess she's exactly what she should be as a language geek. But if that's all she is, the fact she found herself assigned this op is just so fucking laughable I have to refer you to the first sentence of this review. I'll wait while you check it again, no sense in just cutting and pasting it.
The H...I wanted panty melting. Trust me ;) But...yeah. It was actually quite free of the OTT BDSM that makes my eyes want to roll, but I expected far grittier...dare I say dirtier...sex? Being told it's hot, dirty sex isn't the same as showing it ;) And, honestly, if that's all a Russian mobster brings to bed...I'll pass.
I could give you specific examples for all my issues, but it's not worth my time. And not worth the headache the eye-rolls will give you.
Now, I liked what the author was going for here. That probably explains the 2. But the delivery just left me with too many WTFs to really appreciate it.
I didn't hate it as much as the last few of its brethren I read, but I can't give it more than 2 stars.
The h...there just aren't words. I guess she's exactly what she should be as a language geek. But if that's all she is, the fact she found herself assigned this op is just so fucking laughable I have to refer you to the first sentence of this review. I'll wait while you check it again, no sense in just cutting and pasting it.
The H...I wanted panty melting. Trust me ;) But...yeah. It was actually quite free of the OTT BDSM that makes my eyes want to roll, but I expected far grittier...dare I say dirtier...sex? Being told it's hot, dirty sex isn't the same as showing it ;) And, honestly, if that's all a Russian mobster brings to bed...I'll pass.
I could give you specific examples for all my issues, but it's not worth my time. And not worth the headache the eye-rolls will give you.
Now, I liked what the author was going for here. That probably explains the 2. But the delivery just left me with too many WTFs to really appreciate it.
August 19, 2015
That was soooooo good. I’m not a fan of mafia books, but a friend recommended this and I gave it a chance… THANK GOD.
Now, I still prefered the love-story to the mafia-aspect, but the book was the perfect mix of the two. I wasn’t bored by any cliché, I wasn't rolling my eyes at the hero’s over-the-top attitude, I wasn’t disgusted by any detailed murder scene… Everything that I usually hate in this type of books was absent, and it was SO REFRESHING !
Congratulations, Helena Newbury, you managed to make me love a mafia book !
Now, I still prefered the love-story to the mafia-aspect, but the book was the perfect mix of the two. I wasn’t bored by any cliché, I wasn't rolling my eyes at the hero’s over-the-top attitude, I wasn’t disgusted by any detailed murder scene… Everything that I usually hate in this type of books was absent, and it was SO REFRESHING !
Congratulations, Helena Newbury, you managed to make me love a mafia book !
September 1, 2015
Started out great. Actually got my heart pounding...
...and then it was a steady descent into utter cheese mixed with lite-BDSM and total BS.
Luka had been built up so scary and intimidating in the beginning and then, in the end, he was just another tough man who needed a good woman to save him. Right. Insta love - not buying it.
Arianna was actually interesting in the beginning...and then she turned out to be another woman that just needed some really hot sexy times to cure her of a previous traumatic experience. Multiple orgasms just happen to be a miracle cure. Wohoo.
I know I put 3 stars but it's really 2.5 stars. Goodreads should really think of putting half stars on here. I'd say, about 30% of the book is just total tease of the possibility of a good story and then it's downhill from there. The 2.5 stars are for the 30%.
...and then it was a steady descent into utter cheese mixed with lite-BDSM and total BS.
Luka had been built up so scary and intimidating in the beginning and then, in the end, he was just another tough man who needed a good woman to save him. Right. Insta love - not buying it.
Arianna was actually interesting in the beginning...and then she turned out to be another woman that just needed some really hot sexy times to cure her of a previous traumatic experience. Multiple orgasms just happen to be a miracle cure. Wohoo.
I know I put 3 stars but it's really 2.5 stars. Goodreads should really think of putting half stars on here. I'd say, about 30% of the book is just total tease of the possibility of a good story and then it's downhill from there. The 2.5 stars are for the 30%.
January 29, 2016
WOW!!! This one was bad. From the reviews I was excited to read this book. Unfortunately I should have realized that its almost impossible to get a good mob romance. I will admit I was reading this one non stop because I couldn't wait to read the betrayal and how it was going to be handled. Arianna is so naïve and gullible, the situation she finds herself in was so ridiculous my 6 year old niece could figure out there was a problem. Then we have Luka dangerous, sexy, yummy. So with this setup I said ok I can suspend rational belief and go with it but boy was I wrong. By the second half it became even worse and so ridiculous I'm really shocked I finished. Arianna and Luka both turned into pathetic characters. So first half 2 stars and second half 1 star.
June 13, 2022
4 stars ⭐️
Don’t get me wrong, I love Helena Newbury’s style of writing, her stories are always full of suspense and action. But I just feel like this one has missed the mark, she is dealing with the Russian Bratva, but it feels like Luka and his father are not the kingpins they are portrayed being, if a rival can take them out so easily. I enjoyed the story, but it didn’t ring true, it was definitely lacking in its plot and character building.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Helena Newbury’s style of writing, her stories are always full of suspense and action. But I just feel like this one has missed the mark, she is dealing with the Russian Bratva, but it feels like Luka and his father are not the kingpins they are portrayed being, if a rival can take them out so easily. I enjoyed the story, but it didn’t ring true, it was definitely lacking in its plot and character building.
July 20, 2015
It's an okay read but I kinda skimmed the last few chapters because it's boring..
October 29, 2015
3 stars. I didnt really Feel the connection between the 2 MC'S. Plus I was SMH half the time. I hated the Female lead also(so that didn't help)
October 23, 2015
I'm not really a huge fan of reading serials, mainly because I'm terribly impatient when it comes to waiting for a new novella every few months, so I was extremely pleased when I learned Helena Newbury would release "Undercover" as a full-length novel. If you love romantic suspense novels in the vein of Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick's Hitman series or Kresley Cole's The Game Maker series, then you will absolutely enjoy Lying and Kissing!!
Arianna Scott is a Russian languages analyst working for the CIA. Ever since her parents died in a tragic accident three years ago, Arianna feels like she's only been going through the motions. She spends her days transcribing private phone calls and returns home to an empty apartment at night. Over and over again. But Arianna's life is irrevocably changed when she's given her first assignment in the field.
Luka Malakov is an arms dealer and heir to the Bratva, the Russian mob... and Arianna has just been tasked with getting close to him and learning his plans for expanding into America. The problem? Luka awakens a passion in her body she's never felt before. She feels absolutely alive in his embrace, that life isn't simply passing by anymore. Arianna knows whatever she and Luka are sharing can only be temporary, because to fall in love with him would mean betraying her country, yet she's helpless against the onslaught of emotions he makes her feel.
Luka is a feared, dangerous man—no one would ever dare cross him or his father—but he allows himself to be softer and vulnerable when he's with Arianna. But what will happen when he learns of Arianna's deception? The constant risk of discovery adds a layer of tension to the storyline; as I was reading, I was anxious and on edge, wondering what would happen next.
Helena Newbury's Lying and Kissing is an underrated romantic suspense novel that definitely deserves some more love! It was a perfect balance of thrilling and romantic, and the fast pacing always kept the plot moving forward in a new direction. I feel like I'm repeating myself, but seriously, if you like romantic suspense or mafia romance books, then move Lying and Kissing to the top of your TBR right away.
Arianna Scott is a Russian languages analyst working for the CIA. Ever since her parents died in a tragic accident three years ago, Arianna feels like she's only been going through the motions. She spends her days transcribing private phone calls and returns home to an empty apartment at night. Over and over again. But Arianna's life is irrevocably changed when she's given her first assignment in the field.
Luka Malakov is an arms dealer and heir to the Bratva, the Russian mob... and Arianna has just been tasked with getting close to him and learning his plans for expanding into America. The problem? Luka awakens a passion in her body she's never felt before. She feels absolutely alive in his embrace, that life isn't simply passing by anymore. Arianna knows whatever she and Luka are sharing can only be temporary, because to fall in love with him would mean betraying her country, yet she's helpless against the onslaught of emotions he makes her feel.
Luka is a feared, dangerous man—no one would ever dare cross him or his father—but he allows himself to be softer and vulnerable when he's with Arianna. But what will happen when he learns of Arianna's deception? The constant risk of discovery adds a layer of tension to the storyline; as I was reading, I was anxious and on edge, wondering what would happen next.
Helena Newbury's Lying and Kissing is an underrated romantic suspense novel that definitely deserves some more love! It was a perfect balance of thrilling and romantic, and the fast pacing always kept the plot moving forward in a new direction. I feel like I'm repeating myself, but seriously, if you like romantic suspense or mafia romance books, then move Lying and Kissing to the top of your TBR right away.
September 22, 2015
What happens when you mix business with uncontrollable pleasure?
You get a whole lot of "hot damn" from Arianna and Luka!!!
This book BLEW my expectations out the window. I had no clue what I was getting into but I am SO FREAKING happy I did!!
And give herself did she ever!!! Arianna is a language geek who works for the CIA, transcribing phone taps, so to speak. She falls in lust with Luka Malakov, the man the CIA is after for selling guns in Russia and US, while spying on his phone calls.
When Arianna is assigned to take him down, she reluctantly goes in for her first job as an agent, unbeknownst to her what was about to go down.
She seduces Luka and Luka makes no hesitation in taking what he wants as his - Arianna.
The dynamic of their relationship is amazing. Built on a lie (on Arianna's part), you can't help but root for them. Your heart will beat with every turn of the page, waiting for the ball to drop. Waiting for the secret to be revealed. Will she turn him in, or are their feelings for each other so much more than a game of cat and mouse?
I loved, loved, loved this story! I love adding a new book boyfriend to the list, bad boy or not, and wanting to high five a heroine for just being so bad ass!!!
I'm hoping, some day, that we can at least get a novella to see if they ever made it to Wisconsin...if Arianna ever got a ring on her finger...if they are truly, 100% getting their HEA!!!
You get a whole lot of "hot damn" from Arianna and Luka!!!
This book BLEW my expectations out the window. I had no clue what I was getting into but I am SO FREAKING happy I did!!
He was the literal enemy, the sort of man I'd sworn to protect the US from. And I was going to give myself him?
And give herself did she ever!!! Arianna is a language geek who works for the CIA, transcribing phone taps, so to speak. She falls in lust with Luka Malakov, the man the CIA is after for selling guns in Russia and US, while spying on his phone calls.
When Arianna is assigned to take him down, she reluctantly goes in for her first job as an agent, unbeknownst to her what was about to go down.
She seduces Luka and Luka makes no hesitation in taking what he wants as his - Arianna.
I was sent to Moscow to take down a monster and instead, I was trying to tame him.
The dynamic of their relationship is amazing. Built on a lie (on Arianna's part), you can't help but root for them. Your heart will beat with every turn of the page, waiting for the ball to drop. Waiting for the secret to be revealed. Will she turn him in, or are their feelings for each other so much more than a game of cat and mouse?
I loved, loved, loved this story! I love adding a new book boyfriend to the list, bad boy or not, and wanting to high five a heroine for just being so bad ass!!!
I'm hoping, some day, that we can at least get a novella to see if they ever made it to Wisconsin...if Arianna ever got a ring on her finger...if they are truly, 100% getting their HEA!!!
Read
January 9, 2016Stopped reading at 40%
So, when I started this book it was an instant turn-off for me that the main character was already in-lust with the hero and that their connection was instant. However, the plot had so much potential and I'm so partial to a bit of action with my romance that I persevered. The author's writing style is engaging and I was more than willing to give it a chance.
However, I ended up getting bored. The main plotline was lacking in my opinion and whilst I maybe didn't give it enough of a chance, I started to get bored of the main characters. The lack of subplots is what really did it for me - every single scene was between the h and the H and this was a big turn-off for me.
So, when I started this book it was an instant turn-off for me that the main character was already in-lust with the hero and that their connection was instant. However, the plot had so much potential and I'm so partial to a bit of action with my romance that I persevered. The author's writing style is engaging and I was more than willing to give it a chance.
However, I ended up getting bored. The main plotline was lacking in my opinion and whilst I maybe didn't give it enough of a chance, I started to get bored of the main characters. The lack of subplots is what really did it for me - every single scene was between the h and the H and this was a big turn-off for me.
August 24, 2015
I LOVED IT! :) it was packed full with action, heartbreak, love, violence, trills & chills. And did i mention the action?! -it was crazy! This is one hell of a fun read! This is my first book by this author and it wont be my last. :) i felt like i reading a great mafia book, mixed with a romantic love story of two people from different worlds, mixed with a book of horror and gore. 5 amazing-stars! And the SEX was beyond hot! It was freaking sexy and rough! :) just perfect. Even though i don't fancy Russian guys, Luka was f#%king perfect! :)
not-for-me
November 15, 2015Self note:
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