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Russian Bratva #1
Owned by the Badman
Haleigh knows nothing of love. Raised to be no more than the ballerina her mother could never be, she eats, sleeps, and breathes dance. Then, when she is blindsided by the news that her parents have arranged for her to be married, she does as she has always done—exactly as she is told. However, despite the fact that the man she is to call her husband is a complete stranger, Haleigh cannot help but hope that maybe, just maybe, she will finally get the chance to know love.Maxim is not a good man. His strength is foreboding and his handsome features are merely a distraction for the dangerous person that lies beneath. When he collects a debt by way of a beautiful, ballerina bride, he relishes in the fact that he owns something so pure, so innocent—so undeniably his. Yet, Haleigh is better than he ever expected, and it is not long before his ownership begins to turn into something much, much more.But when the darkness of Maxim’s past comes back to haunt him, the illusion of love’s safety is shattered. Maxim’s demons seek to destroy everything he holds dear. Suddenly, being owned by the badman is worse than Haleigh imagined. In order to protect her, Maxim has to decide just how bad he can be, and if letting go is the best choice.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2016
585 people are currently reading
2378 people want to read
About the author
Hayley Faiman
117 books1,801 followersHayley Faiman was born and raised in the Central Valley of California. She and her husband met when they were still in High School. They were married a few years later. They lived in Oregon while her husband was in the US Coast Guard. After living in Hill Country, Texas, for eight years and three years in East Texas, they now call North Carolina home and spend their time with their two teenage sons at all their events, screaming from the stands as they swim their hearts out!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews
October 4, 2019
Please, tell me that I'm not the only one who thought this was called "Owned by the BaTman". :D
Yeah, so, me being me, I had to read this one. And I sort of wish I did not. Or I wish it was about Batman instead of a Badman.
I don't even know where this book went wrong for me. I do not have many triggers points, this book definitely has a lot of those, but those were not an issue for me, except that I found the plot really annoying. Here is a little run down for you if you are interested. I don't know where exactly to go with this. But the thing is, while I know many people who would hate those things and would consider them a deal-breaker in a book, it's not the point where the book went for me.
But the things that killed me were:
- Maxim's English was perfect but then suddenly turning into a caveman with broken English and don't start with me that he is Russian and speaking in a different language can be hard sometimes. It is hard, but you do not go from a speaking flawlessly to pre-school sentences. That's insulting and rather annoying even to read.
- Sorry, was this supposed to be a breading fantasy?
- I love a good mafia book/series, but please let the characters be really evil and not have the whole Bratva caring whether he's treating his wife right.
- And I do not really know what else to say. Just that sometimes I had problems not to laugh aloud at a somewhat serious situation.
I almost forgot the most important thing. My Russian is not the best; I'm nowhere near fluent. But even I know that the author managed to butcher the bit of Russian that was included! And that made my blood boil! If you want a character speaking a different language in your book and it is a language you do not know then go and find someone who does speak said language. Because as far as I'm concerned the Russian was plucked straight out of Google Translator, and that is disappointing, to say the least.
Yeah, so, me being me, I had to read this one. And I sort of wish I did not. Or I wish it was about Batman instead of a Badman.
I don't even know where this book went wrong for me. I do not have many triggers points, this book definitely has a lot of those, but those were not an issue for me, except that I found the plot really annoying. Here is a little run down for you if you are interested. I don't know where exactly to go with this. But the thing is, while I know many people who would hate those things and would consider them a deal-breaker in a book, it's not the point where the book went for me.
But the things that killed me were:
- Maxim's English was perfect but then suddenly turning into a caveman with broken English and don't start with me that he is Russian and speaking in a different language can be hard sometimes. It is hard, but you do not go from a speaking flawlessly to pre-school sentences. That's insulting and rather annoying even to read.
- Sorry, was this supposed to be a breading fantasy?
- I love a good mafia book/series, but please let the characters be really evil and not have the whole Bratva caring whether he's treating his wife right.
- And I do not really know what else to say. Just that sometimes I had problems not to laugh aloud at a somewhat serious situation.
I almost forgot the most important thing. My Russian is not the best; I'm nowhere near fluent. But even I know that the author managed to butcher the bit of Russian that was included! And that made my blood boil! If you want a character speaking a different language in your book and it is a language you do not know then go and find someone who does speak said language. Because as far as I'm concerned the Russian was plucked straight out of Google Translator, and that is disappointing, to say the least.
March 5, 2017
Hailll to the no. Nope. One of the worst books I've ever read, ever. Rat bastard Maxim RUINED this potentially good story for me. Never, in my entire reading existence, have I encountered a more selfish, undeserving, pantie-waste of a human being who claims to be the hero of the book. I can't put into words how much I was disgusted with him, but I'm sure as shit gonna try. So here goes. *Some spoilers may be ahead.*
Let me start by saying I liked how Maxim didn't immediately become pussy whipped with Haliegh. He kept up his bad boy image for longer than is usual, and I liked that. That being said, I DID NOT like how he went and slept with the whore Catia because he was afraid his goddamn WIFE couldn't handle what he had to offer. My god, dude. Pull your head out of your ass! ARGH. Like, are you for real?
So after I got over the initial disgust of him sleeping around on his WIFE, I thought, "Ok, maybe he redeems himself. Everyone makes mistakes, right? I'll give him a second chance." Boy, was I wrong. I should have cut and run when I could. The hits just kept on coming. Maxim, tell me this: your PREGNANT wife gets taken because you're an idiot, but you no doubt have knowledge of what's going to happen to her while being in captivity. I'm talking about rape here, buddy, but in case you don't know what that is, look it up. Because that's exactly what your PREGNANT wife went through. Rape. And when you get her back, through absolutely no effort on your part, you have the BALLS to call her a whore? For being raped. How does that make sense? To anyone? YOU'RE THE WHORE FOR KNOWINGLY AND WITTINGLY CHEATING ON YOUR WIFE. For God's sake. My disgust levels know no bounds with you. Why, Miss Faiman, did you have to write such a man-whore/baby for a hero?
Ok, so after the disastrous rape and reconciliation of husband and wife, I thought, again, "Maybe, just maybe they can work it out. I'll consider this Second Chance 2.5." I shouldn't have had faith. Like the coward he is, Maxim runs off to Russia to "deal" with his PREGNANT wife's captors, though at this point I have zero faith in his abilities, so I don't hold my breath. Anyway, we see Maxim in Russia, surprise surprise, getting his dick sucked by some Russian whore in some Russian whore house. I can honestly say at this point, I wasn't surprised - just disgusted. This goes on for a while - so long in fact he misses the birth of his child. Nothing surprising here, right?
It keeps going. Maxim suddenly remembers he has a sister, so he searches her out in Russia between his whoring, and eventually finds her, brings her home to America, dumps her off with Haleigh and Dmitri, then scurries off back to Russia. Did I mention his son is born and at said house? Sigh. I just can't. After he leaves again (COWARD), and Haleigh... don't even get me started on her. MAXIM HIT YOU, AND YET YOU STILL KEEP HOPING HE COMES BACK. Why? Your desperation baffles. Anyway, after Haleigh decides to grow the balls in the relationship, I called it quits. I was done. No more. My loathing for Maxim at this point was through the roof, and I was afraid I would pop a vein in my eye or something.
Needless to say, I wouldn't wish this book on my worst enemy. I'd rather step on a lego than read this again. I hope Maxim gets eaten alive by ants. I hope Haleigh opens her eyes and accepts Dmitri. That's what I'm going to believe, because it's the only acceptable scenario to me. There were actually way more issues I had with this book, like Maxim killing Haleigh's parents? Is nobody going to talk about that? I know, they're heinous people, but did you have to kill them in the house where your wife sleeps? Have some respect, asshole.
SAVE YOUR SANITY AND DON'T READ THIS DISASTER OF A BOOK.
Let me start by saying I liked how Maxim didn't immediately become pussy whipped with Haliegh. He kept up his bad boy image for longer than is usual, and I liked that. That being said, I DID NOT like how he went and slept with the whore Catia because he was afraid his goddamn WIFE couldn't handle what he had to offer. My god, dude. Pull your head out of your ass! ARGH. Like, are you for real?
So after I got over the initial disgust of him sleeping around on his WIFE, I thought, "Ok, maybe he redeems himself. Everyone makes mistakes, right? I'll give him a second chance." Boy, was I wrong. I should have cut and run when I could. The hits just kept on coming. Maxim, tell me this: your PREGNANT wife gets taken because you're an idiot, but you no doubt have knowledge of what's going to happen to her while being in captivity. I'm talking about rape here, buddy, but in case you don't know what that is, look it up. Because that's exactly what your PREGNANT wife went through. Rape. And when you get her back, through absolutely no effort on your part, you have the BALLS to call her a whore? For being raped. How does that make sense? To anyone? YOU'RE THE WHORE FOR KNOWINGLY AND WITTINGLY CHEATING ON YOUR WIFE. For God's sake. My disgust levels know no bounds with you. Why, Miss Faiman, did you have to write such a man-whore/baby for a hero?
Ok, so after the disastrous rape and reconciliation of husband and wife, I thought, again, "Maybe, just maybe they can work it out. I'll consider this Second Chance 2.5." I shouldn't have had faith. Like the coward he is, Maxim runs off to Russia to "deal" with his PREGNANT wife's captors, though at this point I have zero faith in his abilities, so I don't hold my breath. Anyway, we see Maxim in Russia, surprise surprise, getting his dick sucked by some Russian whore in some Russian whore house. I can honestly say at this point, I wasn't surprised - just disgusted. This goes on for a while - so long in fact he misses the birth of his child. Nothing surprising here, right?
It keeps going. Maxim suddenly remembers he has a sister, so he searches her out in Russia between his whoring, and eventually finds her, brings her home to America, dumps her off with Haleigh and Dmitri, then scurries off back to Russia. Did I mention his son is born and at said house? Sigh. I just can't. After he leaves again (COWARD), and Haleigh... don't even get me started on her. MAXIM HIT YOU, AND YET YOU STILL KEEP HOPING HE COMES BACK. Why? Your desperation baffles. Anyway, after Haleigh decides to grow the balls in the relationship, I called it quits. I was done. No more. My loathing for Maxim at this point was through the roof, and I was afraid I would pop a vein in my eye or something.
Needless to say, I wouldn't wish this book on my worst enemy. I'd rather step on a lego than read this again. I hope Maxim gets eaten alive by ants. I hope Haleigh opens her eyes and accepts Dmitri. That's what I'm going to believe, because it's the only acceptable scenario to me. There were actually way more issues I had with this book, like Maxim killing Haleigh's parents? Is nobody going to talk about that? I know, they're heinous people, but did you have to kill them in the house where your wife sleeps? Have some respect, asshole.
SAVE YOUR SANITY AND DON'T READ THIS DISASTER OF A BOOK.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2016
1 Star..... Started off good and then took a serious plunge soon after, what a disaster:( Spoilers Ahead
For all of my Safety Gang People, OMG, this isn't close to being safe. It was actually repulsive and although I have my hard limits, I also can be flexible to a point but this.....this.....was just a big fat NO for me personally! ! OMG...this was bad and if this is the type of "romance" this author writes, for me, unfortunately I won't be reading her books. Since this is my first read by her, I will give a second chance but this was just......wow, I am speechless!
For all of my Safety Gang People, OMG, this isn't close to being safe. It was actually repulsive and although I have my hard limits, I also can be flexible to a point but this.....this.....was just a big fat NO for me personally! ! OMG...this was bad and if this is the type of "romance" this author writes, for me, unfortunately I won't be reading her books. Since this is my first read by her, I will give a second chance but this was just......wow, I am speechless!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2016
3.5 Stars
Mafia Check List:
1. Scary men √
2. Kidnapping √
3. Horrible trauma for heroine √
4. Hero needs a kick to the head √
5. Steam √
6. Some violence √
7. Control √
A young ballerina, who is used to being controlled her whole life, is now being traded to a new person who wants to own her— but in a much different way. It's a life-for-a-life kind of debt, one which she got the better end of the deal than the ones who traded her.
A Russian mafia man, whom has wanted her for so long, but needed a way to be in her presence—one where she will actually know he's around. The perfect deal falls into his lap. Who is he to resist this temptation of owning his perfect woman?
Life is messy. There are secrets. Certain things are hidden from the past. There will be revenge. There will be pain, sadness, trauma, regret, and finally a way to forgiveness and redemption.
Will it all be worth it in the end, for these two to get to their HEA? Take a ride through the ups and downs of two lonely people who only desire happiness and love—with each other. If they can help it.
Favorite things in regards to art:
1. Cover
2. The script on the cover
3. Pictures next to the H/h's names
Mafia Check List:
1. Scary men √
2. Kidnapping √
3. Horrible trauma for heroine √
4. Hero needs a kick to the head √
5. Steam √
6. Some violence √
7. Control √
A young ballerina, who is used to being controlled her whole life, is now being traded to a new person who wants to own her— but in a much different way. It's a life-for-a-life kind of debt, one which she got the better end of the deal than the ones who traded her.
A Russian mafia man, whom has wanted her for so long, but needed a way to be in her presence—one where she will actually know he's around. The perfect deal falls into his lap. Who is he to resist this temptation of owning his perfect woman?
Life is messy. There are secrets. Certain things are hidden from the past. There will be revenge. There will be pain, sadness, trauma, regret, and finally a way to forgiveness and redemption.
Will it all be worth it in the end, for these two to get to their HEA? Take a ride through the ups and downs of two lonely people who only desire happiness and love—with each other. If they can help it.
Favorite things in regards to art:
1. Cover
2. The script on the cover
3. Pictures next to the H/h's names
March 14, 2016
Could've been better.
As much as I want to like this book, I can't.
It had a lot of information about the bratva and that's what I really liked! This book reeled me in when I read that there was an "arranged" marriage. However, most of the reviews are misleading.
Spoilers ahead*
Haleigh (Our main character) had no backbone whatsoever! I could read about bullying to a certain extent but this book was just pushing it! She was treated like crap until the very end! Here & there she would speak out, but she is such a weak heroine. So if you like to read about a strong heroine or heck, even a heroine who SPOKE, then this book is not for you!
Our "hero" Max is something else. In the beginning, he came off super sexy. He answered to no one but his Pakhan. He took what he wanted, etc. basically the ultimate alpha male. Then as the book progressed, he became this weak character. Someone you wouldn't find affiliated with the Bratva. He cried a handful of times. He constantly cheated on Haleigh. I was so over their relationship. It was the same argument over and over. It also felt weird reading his view. I understand that he's Russian and he has an accent but He would speak perfect English and then in the next paragraph he would speak like a toddler. "I go work now. You sleep." "I kill who touch you." "Why you sad." I had such a huge headache just reading from his point.
It really felt like I was on a never ending roller coaster with them.
The beginning of the book really dragged. But towards the middle, crazy events were happening and new characters were popping up. It was hard to keep up with their names and what was going on. I was so confused as to who was who and what was the point in their character.
Again, I really wished I liked this book. And I wished I could've given it a better review.
As much as I want to like this book, I can't.
It had a lot of information about the bratva and that's what I really liked! This book reeled me in when I read that there was an "arranged" marriage. However, most of the reviews are misleading.
Spoilers ahead*
Haleigh (Our main character) had no backbone whatsoever! I could read about bullying to a certain extent but this book was just pushing it! She was treated like crap until the very end! Here & there she would speak out, but she is such a weak heroine. So if you like to read about a strong heroine or heck, even a heroine who SPOKE, then this book is not for you!
Our "hero" Max is something else. In the beginning, he came off super sexy. He answered to no one but his Pakhan. He took what he wanted, etc. basically the ultimate alpha male. Then as the book progressed, he became this weak character. Someone you wouldn't find affiliated with the Bratva. He cried a handful of times. He constantly cheated on Haleigh. I was so over their relationship. It was the same argument over and over. It also felt weird reading his view. I understand that he's Russian and he has an accent but He would speak perfect English and then in the next paragraph he would speak like a toddler. "I go work now. You sleep." "I kill who touch you." "Why you sad." I had such a huge headache just reading from his point.
It really felt like I was on a never ending roller coaster with them.
The beginning of the book really dragged. But towards the middle, crazy events were happening and new characters were popping up. It was hard to keep up with their names and what was going on. I was so confused as to who was who and what was the point in their character.
Again, I really wished I liked this book. And I wished I could've given it a better review.
August 28, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
I loved how sweet this was! Insta love, but unique and not truly, it that makes sense. A great Bratva book! I really liked the middle which can be quite rare. Usually, the beginning and end are the best. Although some parts of the middle I hated. I did not like Gregori and the stuff with him.
Haleigh is sweet and shy. She is a ballerina with a strict mother and absentee father. They lose their fortune and sell off Haleigh. I love that she becomes a wife and not a mistress!
Maxim was great! I loved him! I really liked how proud he was of Haleigh, his bride. It was so sweet!
Overall, great Bratva book!
I loved how sweet this was! Insta love, but unique and not truly, it that makes sense. A great Bratva book! I really liked the middle which can be quite rare. Usually, the beginning and end are the best. Although some parts of the middle I hated. I did not like Gregori and the stuff with him.
Haleigh is sweet and shy. She is a ballerina with a strict mother and absentee father. They lose their fortune and sell off Haleigh. I love that she becomes a wife and not a mistress!
Maxim was great! I loved him! I really liked how proud he was of Haleigh, his bride. It was so sweet!
Overall, great Bratva book!
February 10, 2017
Definitely no hearts and flowers. This is a true mafia book it does not make any part of the mafia life look good or romantic. So if you are looking for that this isn't your thing.
There is lots of violence and sex. Max is very hard to like he treats Haleigh like crap about 85% of the book. Haleigh makes you want to bang your head on your reading device and scream WHY!!?? Well Max makes you do that too.
So if you are up for all that and tons of real Russian mob drama this is for you. Me not so much.
There is lots of violence and sex. Max is very hard to like he treats Haleigh like crap about 85% of the book. Haleigh makes you want to bang your head on your reading device and scream WHY!!?? Well Max makes you do that too.
So if you are up for all that and tons of real Russian mob drama this is for you. Me not so much.
March 1, 2018
Haleigh was a doormat. She simply accepted everything no matter how horrible. Her passiveness irritated the hell out of me because it didn't only affect her actions but her thoughts. It was as if abuse from her parents warped her brain turning her into a meek, pathetic creature. OTOH it appeared that her parents had virtually nothing to do with her since they had her spend every waking moment on ballet from the time she was young.
Maxim was an awful hero. At first he was a powerful mafia man. He did many things I didn't like in regards to his treatment of Haleigh, but about half way through he became weak and pathetic when the going got tough. I really began to hate him. After all of the horrible shit he did, Haleigh still loved him, and for the life of me I can't understand it. As if the things he did to Haleigh weren't bad enough, but when I learned about his sister, I was disgusted.
The writing was choppy and weird. The first half was way more balanced than the second. Some scenes were written in a way that I wasn't sure what was going on and I'd have to go back and reread it. Around the halfway mark everything got really chaotic. Huge developments would randomly be thrown into the story with no build up whatsoever. Other things were major letdowns such as the way Haleigh's rapist was dealt with. The big reveal at the end was bizarre, chaotic and unemotional. For all of the serious issues these characters were dealing with, I never felt their pain. All of this equaled one big mess. I have no interest in reading about any of the side characters. I'm done with this series.
Maxim was an awful hero. At first he was a powerful mafia man. He did many things I didn't like in regards to his treatment of Haleigh, but about half way through he became weak and pathetic when the going got tough. I really began to hate him. After all of the horrible shit he did, Haleigh still loved him, and for the life of me I can't understand it. As if the things he did to Haleigh weren't bad enough, but when I learned about his sister, I was disgusted.
The writing was choppy and weird. The first half was way more balanced than the second. Some scenes were written in a way that I wasn't sure what was going on and I'd have to go back and reread it. Around the halfway mark everything got really chaotic. Huge developments would randomly be thrown into the story with no build up whatsoever. Other things were major letdowns such as the way Haleigh's rapist was dealt with. The big reveal at the end was bizarre, chaotic and unemotional. For all of the serious issues these characters were dealing with, I never felt their pain. All of this equaled one big mess. I have no interest in reading about any of the side characters. I'm done with this series.
August 9, 2018
Remember the 80’s/90’s anti-drug ads...eggs being thrown into skillets. Some one yelling ‘this is your brain on drugs’ or some shit. That’s what happened here. My brain was scrambled by this shit and it will never be the same. Who knew? It wasn’t drugs that would fuck my brain up...just REALLY BAD writing.
Fuck...the writing/plot was even worse than the last book I read. This was just so bad...I don’t even have words to describe it :/
Fuck...the writing/plot was even worse than the last book I read. This was just so bad...I don’t even have words to describe it :/
September 9, 2020
Mild for a mafia book
Haleigh has been conditioned all her life to be perfect. Her mother and father sells her to Maxim who is part of the Russian Mafia.
She never even got to meet him before the wedding, however he always went to see her dance.
You have some twist and betrayals however I found the book to be pretty mild for a mafia book.
Haleigh has been conditioned all her life to be perfect. Her mother and father sells her to Maxim who is part of the Russian Mafia.
She never even got to meet him before the wedding, however he always went to see her dance.
You have some twist and betrayals however I found the book to be pretty mild for a mafia book.
November 17, 2016
Barring the cheating, the storyline is great! The action is nonstop. The characters are well developed. The scenes are realistic and flow well.
Although it's not a light read, it's not an emotional one. It's fine because it works for this story.
Four stars!
Although it's not a light read, it's not an emotional one. It's fine because it works for this story.
Four stars!
June 10, 2016
First off, the title is misleading. The badman isn't really all that bad - usually. I felt like a lot of times everyone was schizophrenic. He would be unfeeling and love bloodshed one second and then be crying the next. Bratva men do not cry near as often as Maxim did. I mean it was like 5+times and usually in front of people... So that made no sense. Haleigh is also very annoying, especially at the beginning because she is the biggest push over you can imagine. I mean like it's really bad. There really were just too many cons to list. The mother was evil for no reason (I mean there should be some reason why). The writing had a ton of accumulation too. It was really just a list of "I did this.then this. then that. then.." It gets very annoying after a while. I will not be reading the next book.
If you are looking for a super dominate bad boy gangster and wussy push over submissive heroine there are still better books out there.
If you are looking for a super dominate bad boy gangster and wussy push over submissive heroine there are still better books out there.
May 5, 2024
This is boring af,It had elements that should have made it an angst fest— but fell flat.
August 1, 2016
First off I'm one of those people that has "triggers". And this book really disappointed me. I thought the writing was easy to read and the plot was great, the characters where interesting I would have rated it 4/5.... But...
HE CHEATED!!! Not cool, I can't get over that shit.
HE CHEATED!!! Not cool, I can't get over that shit.
July 1, 2020
Lollll wtf the did I just read??? The first half was like normal arranged marriage mafia shit and it was sweet. Then all hell broke loose and the plot completely fell apart, I swear they wrote this by pulling batshit plot elements out of a hat and smashing them together in a random order.
nfmaa
June 21, 2018Cheater!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 3, 2016
Owned by the Badman is a dark, twisted, and beautiful romance!
Maxim has bought Haleigh from her parents to pay back a debt, and is set to marry her. Haleigh is a prima ballerina, and knows nothing except for ballet, she has no friends, her family treats her horribly, and as much as she wants to hate the idea of being in an arranged marriage, she’s excited about the possibility of living her life.
When Maxim and Haleigh meet the first time, it’s at their wedding, and as much as I wanted to hate Maxim, the way he took care of her that first night was sweet and you could see she brought out a gentler side to him. Haleigh is not very sure of herself, or the deal she has been brought into, but throughout the first few days with Maxim she finds her backbone, and I loved watching her tell him how it was.
These two have some amazingly sweet and romantic moments, some down right sexy moments, and some that you just go WTH just happened?! Every time you think these two are going to finally have happiness and no more worries, something comes up and tears them apart again. I wanted to punch Maxim for how he treated Haleigh when she returned, as well as when he returned after being gone a year. For being so smart, at times I felt as if he was extremely dumb. He states he loves her with everything he has, but at times he treats her horribly.
As this book is told in dual point of view, you really get to see inside both of these characters minds and feel what they are feeling throughout this tangled and twisted story. I really enjoyed watching Haleigh grow so much into who she was at the end of this book. She’s strong, fierce, and stands up for herself and her family. Maxim is a bad guy, but the way he loves Haleigh and his family is something fierce and at times I tended to look past how bad of a guy he really was.
Owned by the Badman is not for the faint of heart. It has some dark, dark moments in this book, but it also has some really sweet moments as well. Haleigh and Maxim’s relationship isn’t perfect, but it’s perfect for them. This book is the first in the Russian Bratva series by Hayley Faiman, but it is a stand-alone. I do recommend this book if you’re looking for a dark, twisty love story, dealing with the Russian mafia! I will definitely be picking up more books in this series as they are released to see how other characters stories play out!
Maxim has bought Haleigh from her parents to pay back a debt, and is set to marry her. Haleigh is a prima ballerina, and knows nothing except for ballet, she has no friends, her family treats her horribly, and as much as she wants to hate the idea of being in an arranged marriage, she’s excited about the possibility of living her life.
When Maxim and Haleigh meet the first time, it’s at their wedding, and as much as I wanted to hate Maxim, the way he took care of her that first night was sweet and you could see she brought out a gentler side to him. Haleigh is not very sure of herself, or the deal she has been brought into, but throughout the first few days with Maxim she finds her backbone, and I loved watching her tell him how it was.
These two have some amazingly sweet and romantic moments, some down right sexy moments, and some that you just go WTH just happened?! Every time you think these two are going to finally have happiness and no more worries, something comes up and tears them apart again. I wanted to punch Maxim for how he treated Haleigh when she returned, as well as when he returned after being gone a year. For being so smart, at times I felt as if he was extremely dumb. He states he loves her with everything he has, but at times he treats her horribly.
As this book is told in dual point of view, you really get to see inside both of these characters minds and feel what they are feeling throughout this tangled and twisted story. I really enjoyed watching Haleigh grow so much into who she was at the end of this book. She’s strong, fierce, and stands up for herself and her family. Maxim is a bad guy, but the way he loves Haleigh and his family is something fierce and at times I tended to look past how bad of a guy he really was.
Owned by the Badman is not for the faint of heart. It has some dark, dark moments in this book, but it also has some really sweet moments as well. Haleigh and Maxim’s relationship isn’t perfect, but it’s perfect for them. This book is the first in the Russian Bratva series by Hayley Faiman, but it is a stand-alone. I do recommend this book if you’re looking for a dark, twisty love story, dealing with the Russian mafia! I will definitely be picking up more books in this series as they are released to see how other characters stories play out!
February 25, 2016
I really wanted to give a better rating but just found that I couldn't. The first 45% is quite good IMO (which is the only reason it gets 2 instead of 1 stars) aside from the very glaring grammatical errors (please please please authors get a professional editor-no one should have "you're" when you mean "your","found" instead of "fond", "cliMax" instead of "climax" (umm unless that was intentional the 2 times that I saw it like that).
However the rest of the book is sooooooo far beyond the first part that it's just head-spinning and the two parts really seem like either completely different authors or completely different books-this did not add to the enjoyment of the book either at least to me. I like some good dark romance but the line gets crossed when the heroine is actually violated by another person if she is kidnapped.
Call me old fashioned but I like the story to revolve around the hero and the heroine together not with the heroine being raped/dubious consent with other men and I can read plenty of dark romance without getting too put-off. I can handle a threesome..when all parties want it..it's not my preference but I can still read it. I just about returned the book to Amazon (it was through Kindle Unlimited) when she is raped by her husband's so-called friend multiple times after being kidnapped especially when the author puts in that she enjoyed parts of it..for reals you don't need to put that in the book to make the character become more sexually comfortable/aware..she can be that way with her husband and this book is not one where it seems the premise is to convey that yes people who get raped can enjoy parts of it and then feel very guilty because of that- I expect that from a coming of age/accepting oneself/based on true experience type of book not dark romance/erotica. I also didn't like how the hero was unfaithful to the heroine after she had been raped.
I finished it because I just have a very hard time,like near impossible time, putting down a book without finishing it but it was almost like I was reading to finish it not because I enjoyed it-I had stopped enjoying it after she was violated when she was kidnapped.
However the rest of the book is sooooooo far beyond the first part that it's just head-spinning and the two parts really seem like either completely different authors or completely different books-this did not add to the enjoyment of the book either at least to me. I like some good dark romance but the line gets crossed when the heroine is actually violated by another person if she is kidnapped.
Call me old fashioned but I like the story to revolve around the hero and the heroine together not with the heroine being raped/dubious consent with other men and I can read plenty of dark romance without getting too put-off. I can handle a threesome..when all parties want it..it's not my preference but I can still read it. I just about returned the book to Amazon (it was through Kindle Unlimited) when she is raped by her husband's so-called friend multiple times after being kidnapped especially when the author puts in that she enjoyed parts of it..for reals you don't need to put that in the book to make the character become more sexually comfortable/aware..she can be that way with her husband and this book is not one where it seems the premise is to convey that yes people who get raped can enjoy parts of it and then feel very guilty because of that- I expect that from a coming of age/accepting oneself/based on true experience type of book not dark romance/erotica. I also didn't like how the hero was unfaithful to the heroine after she had been raped.
I finished it because I just have a very hard time,like near impossible time, putting down a book without finishing it but it was almost like I was reading to finish it not because I enjoyed it-I had stopped enjoying it after she was violated when she was kidnapped.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2016
Loved it!
Title: Owned by the Badman
Author:Hayley Faiman
Series:Russian Bratva #1
Owned by the Badman was a great 5 star read.
First of all, Wow. What a way to start a series. Owned has it all and more.
Haleigh has been controlled all her life by her parents. Diet, clothes, pureness, school, and dancing. Then she is told that she is to be married, to a man that Haleigh knows nothing about.
She had no friends, male or female. Haleigh was alone. She felt like a prized animal, only for show, never to live her own life.
Maxim is part of the Russian Bratva and Haleigh has caught his eye. He is a very dark and sinister man who gets what he wants and Haleigh is it.
I can’t wait to strip her down, see how she looks when she isn’t poised to perfection.
Would she leave me if she knew how obsessed I was with her?
There is so much to Haleigh and Maxim’s story. We see a very dark and dangerous man struggle with feelings he has never had before. Haleigh is used to being controlled and doesn’t know what to expect from her new husband. These two are learning so much from each other in so many ways. Maxim was so great with Haleigh on their wedding night, I was afraid his darkness would take over. Just when things are going great Maxim’s past shows up.
Owned is a dark romance and Hayley really brings on the dark. I was in tears a few times, my heart broke for Haleigh. Her parents are awful people and the way she was treated growing up was heartbreaking. Maxim also has a heartbreaking history. All of the secondary characters added a great element to the story. There is no cliffhanger but the epilogue leads you into book #2. I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed this book. Hayley Faiman pulls you right in with her writing. She is no holds barred and gives it to you like a boss. I highly recommend you 1-click and get started today on “Owned by the Badman”. Thank you Hayley for another great read, can’t wait for book #2. Seducing the Badman
“ARC provided for honest review”
Title: Owned by the Badman
Author:Hayley Faiman
Series:Russian Bratva #1
Owned by the Badman was a great 5 star read.
First of all, Wow. What a way to start a series. Owned has it all and more.
Haleigh has been controlled all her life by her parents. Diet, clothes, pureness, school, and dancing. Then she is told that she is to be married, to a man that Haleigh knows nothing about.
She had no friends, male or female. Haleigh was alone. She felt like a prized animal, only for show, never to live her own life.
Maxim is part of the Russian Bratva and Haleigh has caught his eye. He is a very dark and sinister man who gets what he wants and Haleigh is it.
I can’t wait to strip her down, see how she looks when she isn’t poised to perfection.
Would she leave me if she knew how obsessed I was with her?
There is so much to Haleigh and Maxim’s story. We see a very dark and dangerous man struggle with feelings he has never had before. Haleigh is used to being controlled and doesn’t know what to expect from her new husband. These two are learning so much from each other in so many ways. Maxim was so great with Haleigh on their wedding night, I was afraid his darkness would take over. Just when things are going great Maxim’s past shows up.
Owned is a dark romance and Hayley really brings on the dark. I was in tears a few times, my heart broke for Haleigh. Her parents are awful people and the way she was treated growing up was heartbreaking. Maxim also has a heartbreaking history. All of the secondary characters added a great element to the story. There is no cliffhanger but the epilogue leads you into book #2. I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed this book. Hayley Faiman pulls you right in with her writing. She is no holds barred and gives it to you like a boss. I highly recommend you 1-click and get started today on “Owned by the Badman”. Thank you Hayley for another great read, can’t wait for book #2. Seducing the Badman
“ARC provided for honest review”
April 17, 2018
Oh I loved this book so hard. I cried and cried and cried. This book is not safe. There is cheating. This book definitely has triggers. So be warned.
February 1, 2016
Five Alpha Badman stars *****
Haleigh is a sweet, lonely, ballerina. Her Mother wanted to become a ballerina so badly that she forced Haleigh to attain the heights that she wished she could have reached. To keep Haleigh on track, her parents sheltered her from the world, and restricted her activities and interests to school and ballet. Haleigh was raised to be obedient, hard working, and focused.
Meanwhile, Maxim, who is a handsome, but very dangerous man has watched Haleigh from afar, hoping that someday he might get the opportunity to speak with her, and maybe get to know her; however, she is so sheltered and protected that the occasion never arises. But, as luck would have it, Haleigh's father gets into some money trouble, and Maxim sees it as a win-win situation essentially forcing Haleigh's parents to agree to a marriage to relieve her father's debt. While Maxim is overjoyed to have his ballerina, Haleigh struggles with marrying someone she has never met, but does it to honor her parents.
Haleigh approaches her marriage the same way she mastered the art of ballet. Her attitude of positivity and hope, combined with her sheer determination gets her through her new life. Although Maxim is more than willing to possess Haleigh as his wife, he is extremely hesitant to share the brutal dark side of his job, thinking that someone so sweet, pure & untouched would be too delicate to be exposed to the harsh reality of his world. And, as much as her innocence & beauty attracts the powerful & dangerous Maxim, he treats her with the gentleness, patience, and respect of a man who would do anything for his wife. There does come a time in their story where the promises that Maxim made as a youth returns to haunt him. He is willing to walk through hell and slay any man or beast to procure his new wife's happiness, but will he be able to keep her safe, or will he have to give her up to do so.
This book not only takes you through many emotions as the author tells a story of lust (warning: the sex is descriptive and off the charts, just saying), honor, family, good and evil. And she does an excellent job of taking two characters, who are complete strangers from totally different environments through a journey of personal growth and self discovery, and as we all do, sometimes taking a step or two backward. The character development and situations will bring out all of your emotions. The supporting characters will also intrigue and surprise you. I literally sat down and read this book cover to cover, and was completely absorbed in this well written story. I am already anxiously awaiting the second book in the series "Seducing the Badman", and anticipate getting lost again in the Russian mob world.
If you are looking for a well written complex story, with a lot of heated sex, a seriously hot alpha bad boy (he is in the Russian Mafia after all), a sweet heroine, with an HEA, then try this excellent read. I recommend it.
Haleigh is a sweet, lonely, ballerina. Her Mother wanted to become a ballerina so badly that she forced Haleigh to attain the heights that she wished she could have reached. To keep Haleigh on track, her parents sheltered her from the world, and restricted her activities and interests to school and ballet. Haleigh was raised to be obedient, hard working, and focused.
Meanwhile, Maxim, who is a handsome, but very dangerous man has watched Haleigh from afar, hoping that someday he might get the opportunity to speak with her, and maybe get to know her; however, she is so sheltered and protected that the occasion never arises. But, as luck would have it, Haleigh's father gets into some money trouble, and Maxim sees it as a win-win situation essentially forcing Haleigh's parents to agree to a marriage to relieve her father's debt. While Maxim is overjoyed to have his ballerina, Haleigh struggles with marrying someone she has never met, but does it to honor her parents.
Haleigh approaches her marriage the same way she mastered the art of ballet. Her attitude of positivity and hope, combined with her sheer determination gets her through her new life. Although Maxim is more than willing to possess Haleigh as his wife, he is extremely hesitant to share the brutal dark side of his job, thinking that someone so sweet, pure & untouched would be too delicate to be exposed to the harsh reality of his world. And, as much as her innocence & beauty attracts the powerful & dangerous Maxim, he treats her with the gentleness, patience, and respect of a man who would do anything for his wife. There does come a time in their story where the promises that Maxim made as a youth returns to haunt him. He is willing to walk through hell and slay any man or beast to procure his new wife's happiness, but will he be able to keep her safe, or will he have to give her up to do so.
This book not only takes you through many emotions as the author tells a story of lust (warning: the sex is descriptive and off the charts, just saying), honor, family, good and evil. And she does an excellent job of taking two characters, who are complete strangers from totally different environments through a journey of personal growth and self discovery, and as we all do, sometimes taking a step or two backward. The character development and situations will bring out all of your emotions. The supporting characters will also intrigue and surprise you. I literally sat down and read this book cover to cover, and was completely absorbed in this well written story. I am already anxiously awaiting the second book in the series "Seducing the Badman", and anticipate getting lost again in the Russian mob world.
If you are looking for a well written complex story, with a lot of heated sex, a seriously hot alpha bad boy (he is in the Russian Mafia after all), a sweet heroine, with an HEA, then try this excellent read. I recommend it.
July 10, 2018
This was my first try at Russian mafia book, since I am a huge fan of Italian mafia, and I want to believe that it was just a bad choice because I am immensely disappointed.
First of all the whole book/story was just wrong. Ok I get arranged marriages but this is not how you handle it. Presenting when a man forces himself on someone in this was I do not find sexy or alluring.
I would never purposely harm her at all. I will treat her as she should always be treated.
Delicately.
Like a porcelain doll. A little ornamental piece only to be handled when displayed.
Secondly, the way it was written was just boring. The dialogues were cringy, cheesy and just did not site well. The whole book did not make sense with its awkwardness. One of the things that annoyed me a lot was the research done here. You cannot change your pakhans from one to another as you wish, and then suddenly your ex pakhan is on your back and forth call and working FOR your new pakhan? Yeah, no, not buying it, not when it comes to Russian mafia.
Nothing about me is normal.
Nothing about me has ever been normal.
The other thing that really annoyed me again concerning the research was the Russian words and phrases used here. Apparently, the author thought it will be cute to use Russian words, well guess what? Maybe, if you used them correctly and in right forms. You do not call a female 'sladkiy', there are gender forms in Russian, and most words concerning females end in 'ya' not 'iy', that is for males. So it should have been 'sladkaya'. Another phrase that got to me was 'Ya vas lyoblyo', I would recommend everyone not to use google translator while translating from English to Russian, especially when your phrase includes the word you, which can be used on both singular and plural forms in English, or words similar to it. In this case the author wanted to say I love you and she actually got it right, but 'Ya vas lyoblyo' actually is used to address many people and not your lover, or if you want to address someone in a super formal way. So it should have been 'Ya tebya lyublyu'. I am actually surprised that the author could not just google it to find it, I would recommend that rather than the translator.
From being owned to being the owner, and you do own him, beautiful girl.
Overall it was a boring, cringy, awkward read, total drag that just did not make sense. However, besides the plot, I would recommend the author pay attention to the language that she uses, if she is going to use a foreign language.
First of all the whole book/story was just wrong. Ok I get arranged marriages but this is not how you handle it. Presenting when a man forces himself on someone in this was I do not find sexy or alluring.
I would never purposely harm her at all. I will treat her as she should always be treated.
Delicately.
Like a porcelain doll. A little ornamental piece only to be handled when displayed.
Secondly, the way it was written was just boring. The dialogues were cringy, cheesy and just did not site well. The whole book did not make sense with its awkwardness. One of the things that annoyed me a lot was the research done here. You cannot change your pakhans from one to another as you wish, and then suddenly your ex pakhan is on your back and forth call and working FOR your new pakhan? Yeah, no, not buying it, not when it comes to Russian mafia.
Nothing about me is normal.
Nothing about me has ever been normal.
The other thing that really annoyed me again concerning the research was the Russian words and phrases used here. Apparently, the author thought it will be cute to use Russian words, well guess what? Maybe, if you used them correctly and in right forms. You do not call a female 'sladkiy', there are gender forms in Russian, and most words concerning females end in 'ya' not 'iy', that is for males. So it should have been 'sladkaya'. Another phrase that got to me was 'Ya vas lyoblyo', I would recommend everyone not to use google translator while translating from English to Russian, especially when your phrase includes the word you, which can be used on both singular and plural forms in English, or words similar to it. In this case the author wanted to say I love you and she actually got it right, but 'Ya vas lyoblyo' actually is used to address many people and not your lover, or if you want to address someone in a super formal way. So it should have been 'Ya tebya lyublyu'. I am actually surprised that the author could not just google it to find it, I would recommend that rather than the translator.
From being owned to being the owner, and you do own him, beautiful girl.
Overall it was a boring, cringy, awkward read, total drag that just did not make sense. However, besides the plot, I would recommend the author pay attention to the language that she uses, if she is going to use a foreign language.
January 28, 2016
REVIEW
I received a ARC in exchange for a honest review.
3.5* read.
I don't know really where to start with this review. I really struggled coming up with star rating as it was a mixed book for me some parts I enjoyed, others i didn't like at all. It was actually Haleigh i had more of a problem with as i couldn't connect with her and found her weak and annoying especially for the first half of the book. I did like Maxim though and his strong alpha side and how he was with Haleigh boosted the book for me. I did find myself wanting to keep reading and see where their story went to even though I felt myself shouting in places.
A pact book full of angst drama and emotion. Like I say it has promise as a story but for me it wasn't completely their and lacked in places although i did enjoy some parts and would read this authors work again too.
January 31, 2021
My rating: 3 stars.
What I liked: I liked how how Gregori got what he deserved. I also liked Sonia and how she looked out for Halaigh(h).
What I didn’t like: I didn’t like how Maxim(H) treated Haleigh after she was kidnapped (I hated the separation and the way he behaved) I also did not like what happened to Maryia.
How hot was it: 3 out 5
Triggers: Arranged marriage. H cheats...h overhears ow making plans for him to come over afterwards to have sex. Also, h gets kidnapped, drugged and is made to have sex with H’s so called “friend”. H kills h’s parents and H’s sister also is killed. Also, H hits h one time.
Final thoughts: I was enjoying this book all the way up until the h is kidnapped. Afterwards it went down hill for me.....I think the way the H handle it ruined it for me. I might give Radimer book a try.
KU
What I liked: I liked how how Gregori got what he deserved. I also liked Sonia and how she looked out for Halaigh(h).
What I didn’t like: I didn’t like how Maxim(H) treated Haleigh after she was kidnapped (I hated the separation and the way he behaved) I also did not like what happened to Maryia.
How hot was it: 3 out 5
Triggers: Arranged marriage. H cheats...h overhears ow making plans for him to come over afterwards to have sex. Also, h gets kidnapped, drugged and is made to have sex with H’s so called “friend”. H kills h’s parents and H’s sister also is killed. Also, H hits h one time.
Final thoughts: I was enjoying this book all the way up until the h is kidnapped. Afterwards it went down hill for me.....I think the way the H handle it ruined it for me. I might give Radimer book a try.
KU
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2016
To fast
It was ok. Everything happen to fast. There was no real build up to the action to the scene, or it just was. I know it doesn't make sense, but you understand if you read the book.
It was ok. Everything happen to fast. There was no real build up to the action to the scene, or it just was. I know it doesn't make sense, but you understand if you read the book.
January 30, 2016
Not my kind of book. The unexpected twist leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
January 24, 2019
Loving this series.Maxim and Haleighs love story was intense broken emotional heart stopping frustrating and addicting.ready for Radimer
May 29, 2018
Okay so I have read other stories by Hayley but this is my first mob one from her. I did really enjoy it BUT if there wasn't so much sex the story wouldn't have been as long. Not saying it wasn't needed in some places but at some point, I was just skipping pages to get through.
And whatever happened to Maxim and his dark urges? I mean other than a little breath play I didn't think it got that bad. His treatment of Haleigh was way worse than the sex. Emotional treatment can be so much worse than sex, and what Maxim did to Haleigh on a daily bases there for a while was way worse than what he did in the bedroom.
Overall not a bad book. I am interested enough to move on to the next one. ☺
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