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Volkov Bratva #1

In the Beginning

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Twenty-year-old Lauren Thompson left her small town in Michigan to begin a new life in the Big Apple where no one knows her name or the tragedy that had rocked her family fifteen years prior. With new friends and an intriguing new love interest, starting over is easier than she expected...but Mishca Volkov isn't what he seems. As the son of a Russian Mob boss, he thrives in a world of chaos and fear, earning the title of Bratva Captain through blood and pain.

When the two cross paths, lines blur and passions ignite, bringing them closer than they could ever imagine. Until secrets from the past threaten to tear them apart. Can they fight past their demons...or were they doomed by fate before they ever met.

Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2013

336 people are currently reading
4446 people want to read

About the author

London Miller

46 books1,412 followers
With a degree in Creative Writing, London Miller has turned pen to paper, creating riveting fictional worlds where the bad guys are sometimes the good guys. Her debut novel, In the Beginning, is the first in the Volkov Bratva Series.

She currently resides in southern Georgia where she drinks far too much coffee, and spends her nights writing.

To learn more about London Miller and her novels, please visit her through her social media:

http://facebook.com/londonmillerauthor
http://twitter.com/AuthorLMiller

Also, you can email her at: london.millerauthor@gmail.com

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5 stars
1,324 (36%)
4 stars
1,342 (36%)
3 stars
691 (18%)
2 stars
188 (5%)
1 star
132 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
Profile Image for  ⚔Irunía⚔ .
431 reviews5,440 followers
October 24, 2020
Are you fucking kidding me?? This is the 2nd time this week that I've come across a book with a Russian character that has no idea how to use Russian language. It becomes fucking annoying really. God, I didn't even search for this type of books specifically. How can I fall in love with a hero who speaks like a drunken sailor or a child who yet has no idea how to talk properly (my analogies are the worst😂) ? Someone ban writers to use a google translator PLEASE just please.

I am on the verge of offering my services to these darlings with a compulsion to write about Russians. I would translate these phrases they add for what exactly by the way(???) and put these authors out of this misery (or myself at least) 😂.

I GET IT the "target audience" wouldn't notice a fucking difference cause most of them don't know Russian. But it doesn't change the fact that it is still a very very unprofessional move.
I know what I definitely don't expect from contemporary romance novels: deep thoughts, philosophical questions, much food for thought. I wouldn't even dare to preach (I'm lying obviously, lol) about cultural differences and point out that's sad when writers have no idea about culture that is not their own and still try to present a character as belonging to one. This is romance and I keep my expectations really low here. I am not that bold as to ask the authors to do some profound research about other cultures and therefore do them at least some justice in their books, no.
It can be quite funny to get some dose of stereotypes, you know (I GUESS I Overdosed on stereotypes THIS WEEK, LOL)
I have some stereotypes myself, obviously, about many nations (and thank goodness I don't perceive them as the ultimate truth or write books based on them ).
But there have to be at least some standards out there, no? 🥺
I am a bit unhappy cause I really liked another book by this same author... and this one isn't so bad. Nothing special but not bad. I managed to finish it.
The conclusion: NO books with Russian characters by foreign romance authors for me in the proximate future, thank you very much
*triggered *
Don't know how to rate it. Need some time to calm my tits. The book itself was boring quite a bit
Profile Image for ✨ bloop ✨.
82 reviews33 followers
March 23, 2019
Rating: 0.5 / 5 Stars.

This book started off with a bang (literally). It starts off with a powerful introduction that's should have set off the tone for the rest of the book. It was gritty, depressing, and set up the mystery that should have been the main focus of the novel.

Then it started focusing on the mundane life of Lauren Thompson.
At least 70% of the entire book focused on her mundane life.

• girl moves into an apartment
• girl gets coffee
• girl gets a job
• girl gets coffee
• girl makes friends
• girl gets coffee
• girl has a meet cute with the love interest
• girl goes to college
• girl gets more coffee (SHOCKER!!!)
• girl hangs out with her friends
• girl goes shopping with friends
• girl (or author) apparently forgot that she has a job and it's never mentioned again after
• girl parties with friends
• girl is so freaking, painstakingly boring yet the author decides to focus 70% of this novel on her mundane life


I felt cheated. I wanted a mafia/crime novel. The introduction set off what was supposed to be gritty, dark, mysterious, etc. Instead, we got lengthy, detailed paragraphs on mundane, ordinary crap. I wanted dark/gritty scenarios, not chick flick montage. If I wanted a chick flick montage, I would have read any other NA novel

Not only did it focus on mundane events, it was fucking slow as fuck. The pacing was so slow that I found myself glossing over certain pages just to see if anything exciting happens. At 14%, I was already to mark this as a big ol' DNF. I powered through because I wanted to know who killed Lauren's father (and why). [Note: I don't mind slow pacing, just as long as it doesn't drag on. And this novel dragged for so long that I wasn't even sure if anything was going to happen at all]

I swear to god, Lauren was such a bland protagonist. Mischa was a bland character. Their romance/relationship was cute (at times), but mostly bland overall. I just didn't care for their relationship at all. I don't even understand what they see in each other. Frankly, the romance just didn't do anything for me.

Everything about this book was bland. There was no excitement whatsoever. The conflict/resolution was so anticlimactic that when the reason behind Lauren's father's murder was revealed, I found myself screaming THAT'S IT? WHAT? ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS? I WENT THROUGH 70% OF BORING, BLAND BULLSHIT FOR THIS?
I didn't find myself caring for any of the characters at all. Except Alex. Poor Alex.

Would not recommend to anybody. I feel so cheated. All of the 4 & 5 star praises have misled me.

Profile Image for Elfina Renee.
611 reviews224 followers
November 29, 2015
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In the Beginning was my first read by London Miller and what an incredible, suspenseful journey! So much so I'm struggling with giving four or five stars, so I'll compromise and say four and half. The stage of intrigue is set with an unsolved murder, you get that juicy feel of mafia and lifestyle behind the scene as the story unfolds. Now I'm not going to ruin the book for you because quite frankly its that damn good.
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Just understand there are two different plots taking place at the same time. The spine tingling sense of danger is present, mystery of who done it keeps you reading and what happens next is why I'm getting the sequel!
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So yeah moving on...Oooh before I forget I mentioned in my status updates about the lack of steamy scenes. Turns out the clever writers was really building up to that, allowing us to fall in love with the characters. Happy reading enjoy!
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,814 reviews494 followers
dnf
January 31, 2018

This book has been on my to-read list for ages, the blurb is good and most of the reviews are great.
So what’s my problem?
It started so well storywise but I’ve struggled with the writing from the beginning. I don’t mean to sound cruel but it seems so amateurish.
I’ve made it to 23% and I’m still struggling with the writing and I’m bored so I’m out.
Profile Image for ✿kawehi.reviews.
1,453 reviews427 followers
November 3, 2013
description

The good: Interesting plot and story line; likeable and realistic characters; and good pacing.

The bad: I would say this is bad but there were some grammar and editing issues but nothing big to distract me.

I was super bummed with the cliffhanger though. Didn’t want it to end! ;)

My thoughts: So first things first, what attracted me to this book was the title (Volov Bratva) and these words in the synopsis: “the son of a Russian Mob boss.”

I’ve always had this thing for Russians (and even Italian) Mobs and Mafia reads so naturally when Ms. Miller (the author) asked me to review her book, I could not turn her down!

I loved how everything transitions and is paced. Nothing is rushed including the character development and their budding romance. Normally, a big pet peeve of mine is everlasting love occurring within the first days of dating or getting to know each other so I liked that this book took it’s time for their relationship to slowly develop into love.

Another aspect I liked, was the characterization of Mishca. I think that Mishca held and handled himself quite nicely throughout the entire course of the book. He was astoundingly tactful and reserved that it was actually believable that he was the Bratva “Prince.”

I also appreciated the fact that he does not contemplate in leaving the Bratva life just because of Lauren’s appearance in his life. I see that too often happen. Although it would be safer and easier, I relished that Mishca didn’t try to leave something he’s apart of for some amount of years just for a girl.

“Women can be a blessing and a curse in our world, Mishca.”

As for Lauren, well, I liked her too. She wasn’t weak, whiny, or annoying. She was very take charge and in the moment for me. I liked her stubborn tenacity to get to the truth and that she didn’t necessarily let her love for Mishca derail her from trying to find out the truth behind her father’s murder. I like that in a female heroine!!

SO, OVERALL:

I do have to point out that this book is a rollercoaster with your feelings going in all sorts of directions. Reason being: this is not your ordinary romance. After all what do you expect with the Mob being in the picture and all?

ALSO...There were several inflections of suspense and mystery for me that left me questioning motives and directions of the story BUT all in all it was for good prospect.

Gosh, I am now super curious and excited for the next installment and want to beg for the author to throw us readers a bone in what we can expect next!!

I can’t wait and need more dammit! ;)
Profile Image for MDWolf.
136 reviews76 followers
March 31, 2016
Note: March 31,2016. Just finished with reading book 3. This series is even better in next books.

4stars!

I heard about this book a long time ago, but I wasn't sure about reading it.



Bethany-Kris (one of my favourite authors) gave to this book 5 stars, and I needed to read it! I'm only sorry because I didn't read it sooner.

Mischa is son of Russian mob boss, and he always lived by code of their family.



Lauren is not from their family.



She is just a girl who saw how her father was killed 15 years ago. Mischa family killed him. Bad start for relationship, no? But thing is- Lauren doesn't know. And Mischa is not about to tell her,because of fear that he is going to lose her.

But that is the thing with secrets- they never stay hidden forever.

''If you face a death at the hands of your enemies, do not cower, do not beg, but smile and welcome him like an old friend.''
Profile Image for Natalie  ~ The Biblioholic.
2,713 reviews1,416 followers
July 6, 2019
This book had me hooked from the opening scene!

From there it was just a matter of waiting. To see how Lauren and Mischa's relationship would evolve. To figure out who they were as individuals and as a couple. To see the dirty deeds that occurred in the background. To watch as the truth behind Lauren's dad's death was revealed.

I wasn't completely sold on these two as a couple. I liked their connection but... I'm waiting for more.

This author has a great way of telling a story. The only real problem I had with this book was that there were many Russian phrases with no translation! WTH?! Even Google Translate failed me lol :(

After everything that happened between Lauren and Mischa, and the messed up mess of the Bratva, I'm curious to find out what's next. On to book 2.

XO
Profile Image for ★¸. • * ° * ༺*Blanka*༺*°°*•.¸. ♥★.
2,368 reviews320 followers
April 28, 2015

<3 Mischa


or?


Twenty-year-old Lauren Thompson left her small town in Michigan to begin a new life in the Big Apple where no one knows her name or the tragedy that had rocked her family fifteen years prior. With new friends and an intriguing new love interest, starting over is easier than she expected...but Mishca Volkov isn't what he seems. As the son of a Russian Mob boss, he thrives in a world of chaos and fear, earning the title of Bratva Captain through blood and pain.

When the two cross paths, lines blur and passions ignite, bringing them closer than they could ever imagine. Until secrets from the past threaten to tear them apart. Can they fight past their demons...or were they doomed by fate before they ever met.




When I started reading this book, I wasn't sure what to expect. It took a while for me to actually get into it, but I never stop due to a slow beginning. I'm glad I didn't the author made both characters very likeable, so that was a plus.
We have Mischa, our russian hero family ties so deep into the russian mafia and then Lauren who has one of the saddest pasts ever.. and somehow they both bring out the best in each other. However, secrets are revealed, some family feud, some lies and deceit, and bam your heart breaks!
Shit and of course the dang on cliff hanger!!!
What let this book including the stars in my rating was the lack of editorial quality. Now, I'm no in english teacher but dang did I want to pull out my red pen.. just saying ;)
Profile Image for Bethany-Kris.
Author 107 books4,255 followers
February 4, 2016
After much prodding from a friend, I picked up the first book in London's Volkov Bratva series. I try not to read in the subgenre I write, if I can help it, but the Russians called and I trotted over with a stupid grin.

Mischa reminds me of why I love the Russians. He's also a great reminder of how the Bratva has modernized from what it used to be in the old country. Lauren is likeable, relateable, and you don't want to rip her throat out half of the time. She's mostly ignorant to who Mischa is and his business throughout the novel until closer to the 70 percent mark, I would say.

Then her life just goes to hell in a hand basket all over again.

I loved the plot and the background, and I especially love how Lauren kept digging until she found her answers. She deserved them.

The ending is a cliffy, but I didn't mind. I saw it coming, and I'll be picking up the next book soon.
Profile Image for Fanny.
2,395 reviews50 followers
March 8, 2018



In The Beginning es el primer libro de la serie Volkov Bratva de la autora London Miller y narra la historia de Lauren y Mishca.

Siempre he sido una gran fan de las historias de mafia ( no solo en libros, sino tambien en series y peliculas ), por lo que cuando descubri esta saga supe que seria de mi estilo, aun asi no fue como esperaba, con eso no digo que fuera una mala lectura, solo que fue demasiado simple ( y carente de accion ).

Honestamente no se si hubiera continuado con la segunda parte de no ser por los ultimos capitulos de In The Beginning, que fueron impresionantes, toda la chispa que eche en falta durante la lectura, la encontre en las ultimas paginas de la novela, sobra decir que tiene un final de infarto.

En fin, una historia entretenida y agil que va haciendose mas interesante con cada capitulo.

3 Estrellas!
Profile Image for Hayley Faiman.
Author 128 books1,790 followers
May 12, 2014
So we have sweet little naive Lauren who had a loving father that was murdered right outside door when she was 5 years old.. but she has repressed those memories, and is now twenty years old and starting college in the big city! NEW YORK!

new york photo: NYC newyorkcity.jpg

On her first day of class she visits a cafe down the street from her apartment where she spills coffee on a handsome boy/man:

spill coffee photo: coffee spill 551398161_5992d605d5_m.jpg

She is instantly attracted to him and that surprises her because she has never dated... ever.

She starts working at a restaurant where he happens to come in on a double dated (his date is a bitch btw) and the rest they say is history!!

holding hands photo: tumblr_lyy9ni49gl1r4t9hro1_500N.gif

What I Liked:
-Though i love some hot sex in a book... i liked that Mishca respected her, she wasn't a quick fuck, he got to know her before he even tried any when he sensed she wasn't ready he stopped and didn't pressure or ask for more. They fooled around but no actual sex took place in this book. (I hope book 2 remedies that though...cause Mish is hot!)
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-The Bratva violence was not glossed over nor was it described painfully grossly detailed.. it was there and you knew it and things ... welll
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-Though i predicted one aspect of the book there were still some surprises.. woah i did not see one of those things happening!
shock photo: DoctorDonna Shock tumblr_m52e0ltEcb1r3nkzc.gif

What I didn't like:

To be honest there wasn't much not to like.. i love crime-mystery-mob books.. i felt that although this wasn't truly left on a cliff hanger it was left unresolved so i cannot wait to read more about Lauren and her Mish!!!

Come on Mishca don't let us down!!!

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Profile Image for Lillian ☁ Cloud 9 Books ☁.
574 reviews342 followers
June 16, 2017
***** 4 Bratva Stars *****

After I finished the spin-off, Red., I knew I needed to get the Volkov Bratva series. The beginning was a bit slow, but once things picked up, it was difficult to stop reading.

Lauren is an innocent girl trying to start a new life in The Big Apple. She loves college and meeting new people. They don't know her past. They don't know that her father was murdered. Everything is normal... until she runs into Mishca.

It's hard not to love Mishca. He's dangerous with a soft side. He falls hard for Lauren's purity and strength, but his position in the mob doesn't allow him to be with her. Not only does she not understand his world, but her father was involved with the mob before he was murdered.

A lot went on in the story, and it was a thrilling roller coaster. Get ready for betrayal, murder, and drama. I am now a big fan of London Miller.

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Profile Image for Paganalexandria .
1,464 reviews
June 12, 2017
Lauren is an innocent lamb in the company of wolves unknowingly. The Volkov Bratva is Mischa's birthright. These two meet in the most mundane of ways, not realizing they share more than just mutual attraction.

The Good:
1. Mischa was a welcome surprise of a bad guy hero. He is very sweet, and steps lightly with the heroine.

2. This was a great slow burn romance. It felt kind of old school, relying on storytelling versus heat to hook readers.

3. The side characters are engaging without feeling like series bait.

4. Lauren has a full life outside the hero. All her agency isn't depending on Mischa.


The Bad:

1. Cliffhanger ending alert. In my case wasn't a big deal since I'm reading this via the boxset Mishca and Lauren The Complete Collection (Volkov Bratva, #1-3.5) by London Miller .

2. Those expecting erotica might be disappointed. There isn't a lot of sex in this at all.

Final Thoughts:
The Russians are my favorite type of mafia trope, and this didn't disappoint. This would be great for those squeamish of the darker stories usually in this theme.
Profile Image for Jenn.
1,035 reviews256 followers
April 28, 2014
2.5 Stars
I really liked this book in the beginning. However, once I passed 23% or so, I had a hard time with it. Also, once Mishca and Lauren became a couple, I felt the book became boring and dragged on. I had a hard time finishing this one.

What I Liked
1. Not a lot of swearing, compared to a lot of books lately.
2. Lauren's roommate, friends and co-workers.
3. How she meets Mishca.
4. How Mishca treats her and the things he does for her.
5. Lauren's mom and the family friend, Ross.
6. Mishca's sister, Alex.
7. Vlad.
8. The Halloween party and costumes at Mishca's night club.

Who or What I didn't like as much:
1. A good 70% of the book Lauren was clueless to the crime life of Mishca. Seriously? How can you be so in the dark when he's so well known all over, has Vlad follow him everywhere, and is secretive?
2. Anya. I knew she was a bad seed from the start and would do something.
3. Piper was a bit snobbish and annoying sometimes.
4. How Ross never knew who Lauren was dating over half of the book and then some.
5. Not getting the translation of the Russian words.
Profile Image for Sabrina.
273 reviews
April 12, 2014
4.5 stars.... This little gem was sitting on my kindle for a long time....

At 5 years old Lauren's father was murdered in cold blood while she hid in the closet during this violent crime. For the past 15 years everyone has looked at her differently, because of the death of her father. When she moves to New York to start over & get away from it all she meets Mischa Volkov. This is where it all starts mafia, violence & secrets unraveling.

This book ends in a cliffhanger -

In the Beginning had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough & I can't wait to dive into book 2.

"I guess you can't really fight fate."

Profile Image for ☆ Aimetz.
301 reviews3 followers
October 31, 2022
OMG!!!
Amo esta clase de libros donde en el final tienes tantos sentimientos encontrados pero no estas decepcionado al respecto.
Fue todo un roller coster, fellings everywhere.
Me rei, lloré, cogi rabia como loca man de todo no puedo explicarlo.
Si buscas un romance aqui lo encontrarás pero creeme que no es un romance normal y al final toda esa maraña de sentimientos te harán preguntarte POR QUE??
Pero Dios! solo puedo decir dos palabras del porque este libro es perfecto: Mishca Volkov
Profile Image for Iza Silva.
190 reviews16 followers
February 22, 2016
' 1.5 para não passar em branco' ¬¬

Eu não sei como expressar o ódio que estou sentindo por esse livro.

Quando minhas amigas me chamaram para uma leitura coletiva eu pensei : Vamos lá .. e quando vi máfia pirei.
O livro começa bem , mas quando eles se tornaram um casal parece que a autora não soube desenvolver o resto da estória pois ficou tãaaaaaaaaao arrastada que perdi a paciência.


O livro é chato 'pra caralho' vai ser ruim assim no inferno.

Esperei algo estilo máfia fodástica e o que recebi ? Porra nenhuma.. Sinceramente #odio.

Nem vou continuar a série :'(


Profile Image for Megpie.
453 reviews86 followers
January 8, 2014
-May have spoilers.-


The Volkov Bratva:
2. Not have a family of his own-no wife, no children.
Have no family to be used as a weakness.


If you know me then you know that I go gaga over a good Mob romance and In the Beginning by London Miller did not disappoint! I really liked it and I'm so glad I found it when I was roaming around Goodreads.

When Lauren was 5 years old she hid in a closet while her father was shot by two men that came into their home. When she was found hours later covered in her father’s blood that had seeped through the crack in the door, she couldn't remember anything, her mind having blocked the memory because it was so horrific.

Now Lauren is 20 years old and moving from Michigan to New York to attend college. She wants to escape her past and all the people who whisper and stare at her because of what happened to her father 15 years before. She gets an apartment and roommate and is determined to start a new beginning.

That's until she stumbles into the infamous Mishca Volkov at a small coffee shop. He's the mysterious bad boy Russian hottie who she keeps running into everywhere. When he relentlessly wiggles his way into her life, she can't do anything but give-up and give him a chance. This is when the story really takes off.

In all honesty, he was gorgous, like take your breath away and just stare for a while, gorgous. Yet, there was something a bit dangerous about him that Lauren couldn't put her finger on. -Lauren

There was something so innocent about her, and he couldn't help but feel the need to corrupt her. -Mishca

Okay. First off, let me start with the only complaint I have with this book. My one complaint is the lack of steam. I mean there were a few steamy parts even though there is no actual sex, but I still didn't feel any passion between the two main characters. Hell, they didn't even kiss until dating for over a month! Come on now, that's just silly. I would've liked more intensity and passion between Mishca and Lauren both.

Now to everything else. I loved it! The writing was great. The plot was paced well and the characters were developed enough to where I connected with them both no problem.

I loved Lauren, though she came off as innocent she really showed she is not one to be messed with by the ending. She showed she has a backbone and a hidden strength. She stared death in the face and didn't back down, I loved that she stood up to the "boss" (Mishca's father).

Lauren was blind. Blind as a bat. Seriously. How could she not know her boyfriend was into shady shit? All the signs where there. I guess love is blind because I found this a little unbelievable. I mean Mishca did have a good front but in the end, all the signs were there pointing that him and his "family" weren't normal. Their dynamic (especially at Christmas when Lauren stayed there) practically screamed "MOB" and "CRIMINALS".

He should'nt care about her. His world didn't afford him the luxury of staying monogamous with a single girl. -Mishca

I really liked Mishca except I wish he would've fought for Lauren a bit more, or was more badass... or something. I don't know, I just wanted MORE from him. It must be all the tough badass alpha males I've been reading lately because I just expected Mishca to be a little more like that.

And he really pissed me off at the end!

I loved the mob aspect as well. I just find this way of life so interesting. And the bad boy killer who can't fall in love but does... I just can't get enough of this stuff! The mob life is scary and tough. I actually felt bad for Mishca. To grow up and be a part of this life, then become a captain and immerse yourself in this life, it's sad. There is no room in the Volkov Bratva for mistakes, no room for weakness like family and love.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Michca and Lauren have a lot to get through in the next book and I can't see what happens or what direction it's going since that cliffhanger left me biting my nails thinking, wth. This was an even 4 stars for me and I can't wait for book two! If you love NA romance or mob romance then I'd give this one a try!

She hated him and hated herself because she loved him, and would never be able to tell him. -Lauren









Profile Image for Jodie B.
123 reviews11 followers
October 4, 2015
I literally LOVE mob books! They are all so bad ass! Especially with love involved! 3.5 stars! Cannot wait for the next one.. a few months wait yet! *sigh*
Profile Image for CaRo.
181 reviews32 followers
Read
April 6, 2018
DNF at 63 %

sorry but there are just too many better books to keep struggling with this series. Although I like the writing style but the characters are only likeable on a good day. And seriously even if you are virgin at 22 (which is totally fine) you still would want to have some action if you are attracted to the guy even if it is only "kissing". And for a Bratva book there is no action at all. As I said before maybe the story would be good if it would be told in one book but it is a series and the story felt forcefully stretched to me.
Profile Image for MadLoveBookBlog.
615 reviews47 followers
February 22, 2014
This book has been one of the few, that has kept me until the wee hours of the morning. Yes, I literally went to sleep at 5:30am and woke up at 7:30am to go to work.

I got up in auto-pilot. After maneuvering a "Flash Gordon" stunt, in-and-out of the bathroom, and three shots of coffee later, i was out of the door to the ruthless world.

While driving like a zombie high on codeine, (guess the shots did not kick in as fast as i supposed) i was still reeling on Mischa, Lauren, the whole story, my likes and dislikes.

I will try to be brief, but in a nutshell, i loved it. I liked the smooth transition. I liked the chapters used as mezzenines, between events. I liked the way the author developed the relationship between Mischa and Lauren; step by step, nothing hurried, taking the time to describe the scenes. The way Mischa conducted himself, with such class, careful and reserved, despite his young age, his position as a Bratva and his lifestyle. Simultaneously! giving himself time to get to know Lauren, just like a pure gentleman.
I liked Lauren's behavior and the way she took charge from time to time.
The entanglement and disentanglement of the plot. The anxiety and suspense.

What i didnt like, honest to God, it needs editing...ASAP! I didnt like the cliffhanger, i am NOT a fan of them...and the fact that i have to wait until Spring 2014, to find out the conclusion, sucks tomatoes!

However, i have sent an email to the author asking her, if there was a chance the second book could have an early realease date?...and i dont consider myself a stalker, but I really wanted to know? Anyways, the good author reply saying, NOT PROMISES! But it could happened. She made my day.

I was going to give this book 4.5 stars, but decided to round it up to 5 stars.

OMG! I was trying to be brief, but i just wrote a freaking newspaper...Oh Lord! I hate long reviews...including mine!!! Well, I guess, the three coffee shots finally kicked in; i still feel like a zombie, but now high on steroids!
Profile Image for Ashley.
315 reviews28 followers
August 3, 2015
First things first, SHOUTOUT TO MY NUTELLA FRIEND, SASHA :* for this awesome book recommendation, If you're feeling for a Mafia read, she's your girl
I've had this huge Mafia itch for the longest time that I could NOT scratch. Every book seemed so mediocre and this book was just screaming at me "READ ME READ ME READ ME READ ME" I just HAD to pick it up and god did it deliver.
description

Lauren went through a traumatic experience as a child but she no longer remembers it, for everyone around her believes that she blocked it out subconsciously. Lauren barely remembers her dad but the memories seem warm and that's all she can take from her past. After living in Michigan for 20 years, she finally decides to put her old life behind her along with all the pity stares she got from everyone. Now where to go but New York City? Where she meets one of her soon to be good friends and roommate, Amber. Mischa Volkov has been born in the life with the blood of the mob running through his veins and has lived and breathed it thinking that there was nothing more to life than what he had until he physically runs into Lauren with her coffee spilled all over him. The two paths that weren't meant to cross, crossed.
description

This book was adorably sweet, and had the most lovable characters. Mischa's love for Lauren is unspeakable and I can't wait to read the rest of their story throughout the series! I LOVE IT.
"5 DELICIOUS, SUSPENSEFUL STARS"
Profile Image for Jennifer Guffey.
1,113 reviews41 followers
August 22, 2015
In The Beginning (Volkov Bratva)
By: London Miller

5/5 stars

In this story, Lauren Thompson, is a young, fairly naïve college coed. She leaves Michigan for New York, leaving behind a seemingly emotional and over-protective mother, a detective who is her pseudo father and the small town, who pities her and won’t let her live down her families’ tragedy.

She starts over in NYC with a roommate she met online, the roommate’s friends and class work. Before long there’s a chance meeting with Mishca Volkov…holy hell, I want me a hot Russian just like him! Well, except for the fact that he is the son of a mob boss, and is a captain himself, serving under his dad. There are several other chance meetings and finally Mishca and Lauren start dating, and still she remains completely oblivious to his mob ties.

There are several plot twists and turns. But the story spoke to me. I like Lauren’s strength and endurance in life, the fact that she has a fighting spirit and will not just bow down or hysterically fall apart. Especially at the end confrontation! ;)

I did like how the book ended, it sets up the second book, which I plan on getting, so I can get some more Mishca!
Profile Image for Emily.
5,838 reviews543 followers
April 21, 2015
Lauren Thompson needed change and deciding to go college in New York and not be known as the daughter of a man who was murdered before her eyes. The change is everything she hoped it would be, she is herself and has caught the attention of Mischa Volkov.

Misha is may things, but to Lauren he is simply a club owner and entrepreneur. The darker side is his mafia ties, but he tries to keep Lauren safely unaware. However when it looks like their paths actually crossed and Lauren begins to dig into information about her fathers death, everything begins to unravel.

Exciting, Mischa is a charmer and he has fallen hard for Lauren. You understand his conflicted feelings where family and Lauren are concerned. I am anxious to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Maldita Loathes Cheating Hh.
26 reviews17 followers
December 24, 2014
I'm an instant avid fan of LM now. Good book.


"If this is a problem for you, or think to challenge my rule, the door is there"- he pointed over his shoulder - "but know that you will not live to see another day if you do. Act against me, you will die. It is simple."

He sat forward, folding his hands on the table. "And if any of you think to go after my wife, there is no where that I cannot find you. You will die, painfully. Consider this your warning."

-Michca Volkov
The Final Hour (book 3)
Profile Image for Teri.
1,501 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2014
I absolutely loved this book!!!!! I am so team Mishca!! Book two can't get here soon enough!!! Hoping for more sexy in the next one ;)
Profile Image for Khanique McDaniel.
1,175 reviews36 followers
April 16, 2014
This was a cut and clear mafia romance novel. It had all the basics, including rules, punishments and illegal activities. I assume those elements are for those who have yet to read a novel of this genre. I wasn't a fan of the parts used to explain the Bratva, but I guess it was a necessary evil for clarification. It just came off robotic.

I liked the characters, story line and development. The characters were each unique and not the set your frequently see in a mob romance; There were two worlds that rarely crossed and I loved the individuality each world possess. Everyone has their issues and other character's problems were highlighted while we wait for the big reveals.

This story hit the ground running and had me interested and hanging on to every word, which is hard, with the amount of grammatical and spelling errors in my copy. It lost momentum occasionally, but for the most part, it was on track and fluid. Time moved and with it, interest, decisions and feelings. Change came with each chapter.

I can't see Mishca as a Bratva Captain. He came off as a regular business man looking for love and I appreciate that there was no insta-love and dirty talk, as they took the time to know each other and slowly acclimate to each other's worlds. Mishca was fierce, loyal, witty and quite the romantic when given the chance. I could ask for more from the semi-sex scenes, but otherwise, it good in a familiar sense. They came off as a married couple of 10 years and I hope they get that.

Even abiding by the rules of the Vory v Zakone, this story had some rules of it's own, so don't expect the heroine to fall in love with the bad guy and forsake all others. Lauren has a head on her shoulders and quite the support system, plus revenge runs thick in this girl blood. She's fierce and I love that she doesn't cower and throw fits, she stands up for what she believes and want and isn't afraid to investigate if necessary. Turn a blind eye is not this one!

The criminal aspects of this novel weren't highlighted in detail like most, time was spent fighting within the family over matters blood than they did guns, drugs or women. Don't be mistaken though, there was still death, as well as, respect, hierarchy and a whole lot of Maury drama! Even if it was October 2013, I wouldn't say I hate the cliffhanger ending, but it's April 2014 and I already have book two queued up :)

The ending of this novel sets you up for a storm of possibilities. I like Alex and I hate that she had to get hurt in the crossfire, but I love that it didn't deter Lauren in her revenge.

It's not flashy or as heavy as I expected. This is a romance story about two strangers meeting in a coffee shop with ties from their past that bind them in ways that are bound to cost unrest. Filled with the basics of a Russian mob romance, it adds it's own flair and take you on a crazy ride. Get your Google translate out and give this novel a try. It won't have you at the end of your seat, but it's another comfort read for a rainy, romantic, mystery filled afternoon.
Profile Image for Donna.
685 reviews5 followers
December 11, 2013
Lauren Thompson lost her father at the tender age of 5. She was there when it happened but she doesn’t remember a thing, repressed memory. Now she is 20 year old and has just moved to New York City to being classes at NYU. On her way to class one morning she stops at a café for coffee. While leaving the café she bumps into a man spilling her coffee all over him. She is thoroughly embarrassed but little does she know that that incident will change the rest of her life.

Mishca Volkov is the son of the Russian mob boss in New York. He has earned his own territory working twice as hard as everyone else. Just because he is related doesn’t mean things are handed to him. Mishca is a sexy man standing over 6 feet tall, incredible blue eyes and muscles that seem chiseled from stone. Not since he was a young boy has a woman turned him down that is until he meets Lauren. Lauren doesn’t seem inclined to his advances. Little does she know that Mishca loves a challenge.

WOW, this book is incredible, absolutely incredible! The prologue had me speechless and in tears it is so powerful. I may have a new favorite author. London Miller is a remarkable writer. Honestly I am drawn to the erotic genre but London could possible steal me away. I love a story that sucks me in and doesn’t let me go. In the Beginning is that kind of book. I could not put it down finishing it in one day, of course that day ended after 1:00 AM but it was worth it. This book has romance, flirts with sex, danger, mystery, revenge, gore and so much more. I am defiantly looking forward to reading more from this author. I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone and rate it 5 stars!!
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