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Nastasia Leokov has loved her brother’s best friend since the very moment she met him. Understanding that she’ll never be anything more to Viktor Nikulin than a treasure to guard, Nas sensibly hides her feelings. But when she makes a brash decision to kiss him, everything changes.
That kiss. That hot, explosive, all-consuming kiss.
It haunts Vik. And suddenly, Nastasia Leokov isn’t just a teenage mob princess.
No.
She is his. Undeniably. Indisputably.
An unbreakable connection. A hidden relationship. A lifetime of firsts.
And yet, something is missing.
Nas desperately craves the one thing Vik has never offered her.
His heart.
That kiss. That hot, explosive, all-consuming kiss.
It haunts Vik. And suddenly, Nastasia Leokov isn’t just a teenage mob princess.
No.
She is his. Undeniably. Indisputably.
An unbreakable connection. A hidden relationship. A lifetime of firsts.
And yet, something is missing.
Nas desperately craves the one thing Vik has never offered her.
His heart.
497 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2022
216 people are currently reading
4993 people want to read
About the author
Belle Aurora
30 books12.2k followersBelle Aurora is thirty-something year old and was born in the land down under.
At an early age she fell in love with reading. Boredom one summer had her scouring the bookshelves at home. She stumbled across Sandra Brown’s Breath of Scandal and fell in love with romance.
Having been brought up in a loud and boisterous family of Croatian descent, she developed a natural love for dramatics and laughter. Only some years ago had she discovered a new love.
Humorous romance novels.
So many authors had opened a brand new world where she could lose herself yet feel safe and at home in their stories. Belle has been known to become a screeching banshee while anxiously awaiting their newest titles.
Belle never thought she would write. It had never interested her until recently. Friend-Zoned began to form and in February this year Belle typed the words Chapter One. And she fell in love.
With words.
With writing.
With a creative imagination she never knew she harbored.
Belle Aurora is a USA Today best-selling author.
At an early age she fell in love with reading. Boredom one summer had her scouring the bookshelves at home. She stumbled across Sandra Brown’s Breath of Scandal and fell in love with romance.
Having been brought up in a loud and boisterous family of Croatian descent, she developed a natural love for dramatics and laughter. Only some years ago had she discovered a new love.
Humorous romance novels.
So many authors had opened a brand new world where she could lose herself yet feel safe and at home in their stories. Belle has been known to become a screeching banshee while anxiously awaiting their newest titles.
Belle never thought she would write. It had never interested her until recently. Friend-Zoned began to form and in February this year Belle typed the words Chapter One. And she fell in love.
With words.
With writing.
With a creative imagination she never knew she harbored.
Belle Aurora is a USA Today best-selling author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
September 23, 2021
2.5 STARS
I have been sitting on my rating for this book for over a week now going through a gamut of emotions and back and forth. Did I love it? No. Did I hate it? Not...exactly? Did I like it? Not quite. So there we have it and I'll just go with the middle and a 2.5 star rating it is.
Look, to cut right to the chase, this story was disappointing to me to say the least. It felt forced. It was boring. I honestly found myself skimming most of it because most of it was filled with mundane detail that never added anything to the actual story. And everything that I actually wanted to read about? Well that happens off the pages.
There's so much that simply doesn't get fleshed out. Nas has had a crush for her brother's friend since she was a teenager. They get together then, but we don't get the development of their relationship. Instead we get to flash forward 13 years later and Nas has broken up with Vik even though she clearly has feelings for him. She does so on the assumption that Vik cannot commit. We learn that in that time she was engaged to another man, but that never really gets more than a mention, so I found myself scratching my head as to why it was even relevant to include at all. It added absolutely nothing to the story arc. And I'm not a reader that minds MCs being with other people while they're separated. But the thing is, these two never felt separated. They're as codependent as they come. So it was just...strange.
Ultimately what bothered me the most was the DRAAAAAWN out miscommunication on the reason of their separation that spans the entire. freaking. book. And when you finally get it? You want to throw both Vik and Nas in front of a bus for their stupidity and immaturity. Like COME ON.
Truth be told, their romance was just lackluster. It got lost between the mundane details, the drawn out miscommunication over the stupidest thing, and the set up for Annika's book. I really felt at times like this was essentially one long set up for Annika and Sasha's book actually.
So there we have it, friends. It just wasn't for me and I'm super bummed because my eagerness for this book was HUGE.
Find me on:
I have been sitting on my rating for this book for over a week now going through a gamut of emotions and back and forth. Did I love it? No. Did I hate it? Not...exactly? Did I like it? Not quite. So there we have it and I'll just go with the middle and a 2.5 star rating it is.
Look, to cut right to the chase, this story was disappointing to me to say the least. It felt forced. It was boring. I honestly found myself skimming most of it because most of it was filled with mundane detail that never added anything to the actual story. And everything that I actually wanted to read about? Well that happens off the pages.
There's so much that simply doesn't get fleshed out. Nas has had a crush for her brother's friend since she was a teenager. They get together then, but we don't get the development of their relationship. Instead we get to flash forward 13 years later and Nas has broken up with Vik even though she clearly has feelings for him. She does so on the assumption that Vik cannot commit. We learn that in that time she was engaged to another man, but that never really gets more than a mention, so I found myself scratching my head as to why it was even relevant to include at all. It added absolutely nothing to the story arc. And I'm not a reader that minds MCs being with other people while they're separated. But the thing is, these two never felt separated. They're as codependent as they come. So it was just...strange.
Ultimately what bothered me the most was the DRAAAAAWN out miscommunication on the reason of their separation that spans the entire. freaking. book. And when you finally get it? You want to throw both Vik and Nas in front of a bus for their stupidity and immaturity. Like COME ON.
Truth be told, their romance was just lackluster. It got lost between the mundane details, the drawn out miscommunication over the stupidest thing, and the set up for Annika's book. I really felt at times like this was essentially one long set up for Annika and Sasha's book actually.
So there we have it, friends. It just wasn't for me and I'm super bummed because my eagerness for this book was HUGE.
Find me on:
Currently reading
September 17, 2021Vik is LIVE!!!
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Vik-Shot-Calle...
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Vik-Shot-Calle...
September 17, 2021
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Okay, I had to take a day or two to think about this one and I'm still conflicted. Did I like the story? Sure. Did I love it? No. And there were one too many things that had me complaining to friends once I was finished, which is never how you want to end a book.
I enjoyed getting to see the character growth from Nas and Vik in this book. Especially with Nas, and this story was definitely a lot about her, though we did get a good amount of Vik scenes too. And I did really like getting to see things from his perspective and learning more about his struggles. Basically, I enjoyed these two characters separately but it was them as a couple that I struggled with.
After such a long wait for Nas and Vik to finally get their shit together it was good to see them working through things. But I'm just not sure it was enough. When I finished the book and thought about it, I realized that there weren't really a lot of scenes with them together other than being in the same room. I think that was my biggest annoyance. And there actually wasn't even a ton of sexual tension from them which I was kind of expecting.
It was just too frustrating to see Vik and Nas fight and cause drama and yet never actually talk to one another about their issues. Some of their problems were resolved but it was almost like they were being resolved separately instead of together. Which isn't what I want from my romances. I felt like we missed out on their connection since a lot of it was them blaming stupid things on why they broke up instead of being clear with one another about their feelings and their anger/hurt.
Also I had to stop a few chapters into this book and go back to read the end of Lev to give myself a refresher on things that happened, and that kind of annoyed me. I'm usually fine with books in a series not being able to be read as standalones and that's a pretty normal thing I think. But after a 6 year break between releases I would really hope there were little refreshers for readers to orient themselves in this world again and for me that didn't happen. This is a stupid complaint but I do think something worth mentioning.
Overall, I know it may not sound like it from my ranting but I did enjoy this book and I am really happy to get more from this author. Even while struggling at times with these characters one thing I can say for sure is that the story really captivated me and had me dying for more after every page. I'm still on the fence about Anika's story, which I believe is up next, but I'm excited to see if Ms. Aurora can change my opinion on her character.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Okay, I had to take a day or two to think about this one and I'm still conflicted. Did I like the story? Sure. Did I love it? No. And there were one too many things that had me complaining to friends once I was finished, which is never how you want to end a book.
I enjoyed getting to see the character growth from Nas and Vik in this book. Especially with Nas, and this story was definitely a lot about her, though we did get a good amount of Vik scenes too. And I did really like getting to see things from his perspective and learning more about his struggles. Basically, I enjoyed these two characters separately but it was them as a couple that I struggled with.
After such a long wait for Nas and Vik to finally get their shit together it was good to see them working through things. But I'm just not sure it was enough. When I finished the book and thought about it, I realized that there weren't really a lot of scenes with them together other than being in the same room. I think that was my biggest annoyance. And there actually wasn't even a ton of sexual tension from them which I was kind of expecting.
It was just too frustrating to see Vik and Nas fight and cause drama and yet never actually talk to one another about their issues. Some of their problems were resolved but it was almost like they were being resolved separately instead of together. Which isn't what I want from my romances. I felt like we missed out on their connection since a lot of it was them blaming stupid things on why they broke up instead of being clear with one another about their feelings and their anger/hurt.
Also I had to stop a few chapters into this book and go back to read the end of Lev to give myself a refresher on things that happened, and that kind of annoyed me. I'm usually fine with books in a series not being able to be read as standalones and that's a pretty normal thing I think. But after a 6 year break between releases I would really hope there were little refreshers for readers to orient themselves in this world again and for me that didn't happen. This is a stupid complaint but I do think something worth mentioning.
Overall, I know it may not sound like it from my ranting but I did enjoy this book and I am really happy to get more from this author. Even while struggling at times with these characters one thing I can say for sure is that the story really captivated me and had me dying for more after every page. I'm still on the fence about Anika's story, which I believe is up next, but I'm excited to see if Ms. Aurora can change my opinion on her character.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
October 1, 2016This book makes me nervous, I was really curious about Nas and Vik and I remember him not committing to Nas in Book-1 and I think he had sexual relationships with ow? I'm a lil rusty on that but I do remember the commitment issue and the snippet when Nas breaks up with him.
I RALLY HOPE this book has some REALLY GOOD AMOUNT of GROVEL!!!! I hope Nas is strong and doesn't take him back easily and he works for her to take him back. Please Belle Aurora, don't let me down.
Hopefully this book comes out soon.
I RALLY HOPE this book has some REALLY GOOD AMOUNT of GROVEL!!!! I hope Nas is strong and doesn't take him back easily and he works for her to take him back. Please Belle Aurora, don't let me down.
Hopefully this book comes out soon.
Want to read
January 5, 2017Tenemos sinopsis, pero no portada ni fecha de publicación.
February 3, 2023
MALO
MALÍSIMO
MEEEH
Sé que han pasado 7 años desde que leí el libro de Lev y mis gustos han cambiado, me he vuelto más picky pero es que libro es insoportable.
No hay historia, no hay desarrollo de personajes, ni de romance no hay nada sólo 500 páginas de puro TRASH.
El conflicto se hubiera resuelto hablando y nomás dieron vueltas alrededor de eso.
Y lo peor del libro es Nastasia es demasiado ANNOYING.
Lo mejor fue volver a leer sobre Lev y Mina.
¿Leeré el siguiente libro? Probablemente sí, no lo descarto, pero conociendo a la autora saldrá maybe unos 7 año más.
MALÍSIMO
MEEEH
Sé que han pasado 7 años desde que leí el libro de Lev y mis gustos han cambiado, me he vuelto más picky pero es que libro es insoportable.
No hay historia, no hay desarrollo de personajes, ni de romance no hay nada sólo 500 páginas de puro TRASH.
El conflicto se hubiera resuelto hablando y nomás dieron vueltas alrededor de eso.
Y lo peor del libro es Nastasia es demasiado ANNOYING.
Lo mejor fue volver a leer sobre Lev y Mina.
¿Leeré el siguiente libro? Probablemente sí, no lo descarto, pero conociendo a la autora saldrá maybe unos 7 año más.
Want to read
June 5, 2020It’s been five years. Is it safe to say that this book is never gonna see the light of day? I’ve been waiting for this book for so long but I guess I’m gonna have to stop waiting now. I hope this gets published.
Want to read
October 29, 2017Belle Aurora ur killing meeeeeeee
Where dafuq is my book??
Where dafuq is my book??
September 8, 2021
I did not read book 1 and was told I didn't have to but I think I should have?
Back story seems to missing on Vik and Nas's story.
I enjoyed the book, but was confused most of the time. And then hearing Nas's inner dialogue was a little much to take.
Maybe I will go back and read Lev's story and try this one again?
Back story seems to missing on Vik and Nas's story.
I enjoyed the book, but was confused most of the time. And then hearing Nas's inner dialogue was a little much to take.
Maybe I will go back and read Lev's story and try this one again?
Read
April 30, 2018So many series started and then abandoned. Can't see this ever being released and wouldn't read another by this author.
September 9, 2021
So I'm a huge Belle Aurora fan and have been dying for more books in the Shot Callers series. It is no secret that Lev is one of the greatest books of all time for me so I was definitely excited to read Vik and Nas's story! Without a doubt this story had passion in spades. Vik and Nas were fiery together! Vik was just the most amazing growly possessive man with that vulnerable touch that I die for. Nas likewise was perfect. I loved her inner snark and her sassy personality. She did not let anyone or anything get in her way. I just loved them together and could not stop reading!
I am legit obsessed with this series! I love second chance love stories and was so excited to see Vik and Nas get their second chance at their forever. While it was packed full of amazing banter, alpha goodness, characters I love and the possibility for future books, I couldn't help but notice the extreme lack of communication between Vik and Nas and how if they just talked, they could have fixed or at least discussed their issues. The back and forth (unnecessary drama) was very repetitive and frustrating at times. The same can be said with the painful secrets amongst other family members. Don't get me wrong, I love this series and these characters, I just wish they would have just talked more vs us readers having to endure the repetitive back and forth anger and fights for the first 60% of the book. But again, this is just my opinion. All in all, this was a solid 4 star read and I hope we get Sasha's book soon! 4 stars! ~Ratula
I am legit obsessed with this series! I love second chance love stories and was so excited to see Vik and Nas get their second chance at their forever. While it was packed full of amazing banter, alpha goodness, characters I love and the possibility for future books, I couldn't help but notice the extreme lack of communication between Vik and Nas and how if they just talked, they could have fixed or at least discussed their issues. The back and forth (unnecessary drama) was very repetitive and frustrating at times. The same can be said with the painful secrets amongst other family members. Don't get me wrong, I love this series and these characters, I just wish they would have just talked more vs us readers having to endure the repetitive back and forth anger and fights for the first 60% of the book. But again, this is just my opinion. All in all, this was a solid 4 star read and I hope we get Sasha's book soon! 4 stars! ~Ratula
September 11, 2021
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
I have been waiting on this book to release ever since I read Lev back in 2015. I always get so excited when I get my hands on a new Belle Aurora novel. I have been a huge fan of her writing ever since I read RAW, which was one of the first books that introduced me to the Dark Romance genre. Vik is more lighter but still has some darkish elements in my opinion. But overall this book can be categorized as a contemporary romance. Viktor and Nastasia are a great couple. I absolutely loved their personalities and thought they were a great match. The banter between them was fun and steamy, and really showed the type of bond they had. They have known each other for ever, since Vik is Nas' brother's best friend, so they always have been in each other's lives. Nas always had a crush on Vik, and he wasn't completely empty towards her either.
These two are explosive together (in a good way). However, they are both individually dealing with stuff which causes a rift in their relationship. This was a long book and I loved it. I thought it would've felt rushed if it was shorter. Belle really took the time for these characters to grow as individuals and as a couple. Also all the side characters who appeared in this book play important roles, so I was happy that we saw a couple of scenes from their POVs. It was amazing being reunited with all my favorite characters and seeing what they all were up to. Their storylines started/developed in this book as well, which I really liked. This book was fun, steamy, angsty and emotional at times. I had a blast reading this book and falling in love with the characters. I can't wait to get my hands on Sasha, the next book in the series and focusing on Nas' oldest brother.
I have been waiting on this book to release ever since I read Lev back in 2015. I always get so excited when I get my hands on a new Belle Aurora novel. I have been a huge fan of her writing ever since I read RAW, which was one of the first books that introduced me to the Dark Romance genre. Vik is more lighter but still has some darkish elements in my opinion. But overall this book can be categorized as a contemporary romance. Viktor and Nastasia are a great couple. I absolutely loved their personalities and thought they were a great match. The banter between them was fun and steamy, and really showed the type of bond they had. They have known each other for ever, since Vik is Nas' brother's best friend, so they always have been in each other's lives. Nas always had a crush on Vik, and he wasn't completely empty towards her either.
These two are explosive together (in a good way). However, they are both individually dealing with stuff which causes a rift in their relationship. This was a long book and I loved it. I thought it would've felt rushed if it was shorter. Belle really took the time for these characters to grow as individuals and as a couple. Also all the side characters who appeared in this book play important roles, so I was happy that we saw a couple of scenes from their POVs. It was amazing being reunited with all my favorite characters and seeing what they all were up to. Their storylines started/developed in this book as well, which I really liked. This book was fun, steamy, angsty and emotional at times. I had a blast reading this book and falling in love with the characters. I can't wait to get my hands on Sasha, the next book in the series and focusing on Nas' oldest brother.
rom
November 24, 2018NOVEMBER 24, 2018 UPDATE:
From BA’s facebook page:
“Guys,
I get asked so often how my release schedule is looking, and I gotta say... Right now, it's looking pretty sexy.
Take a look for yourself:
Raw: Rebirth - Late Dec 2018/Days Into Jan 2019
Clash - Early 2019
Fighting Winter - Mid 2019
Vik (Shot Callers, #2) - Nastasia and Vik - Late 2019
Sasha (Shot Callers, #3) - Anika and Sasha - Early 2020
Have you added these to your TBR?
If not... what are you waiting for??!!!! 😉”
From BA’s facebook page:
“Guys,
I get asked so often how my release schedule is looking, and I gotta say... Right now, it's looking pretty sexy.
Take a look for yourself:
Raw: Rebirth - Late Dec 2018/Days Into Jan 2019
Clash - Early 2019
Fighting Winter - Mid 2019
Vik (Shot Callers, #2) - Nastasia and Vik - Late 2019
Sasha (Shot Callers, #3) - Anika and Sasha - Early 2020
Have you added these to your TBR?
If not... what are you waiting for??!!!! 😉”
Want to read
January 29, 2020Literally been waiting for this book since 2016. FOURRR YEARS. Low key wanna give it a one star for how long it's been. And STILLLL no release date. I'm so disappointed 😒
Read
May 13, 2016
September 20, 2021
***AVAILABLE NOW***
3 STARS
While Vik wasn’t my favorite book written by Belle Aurora it had some really great moments.
What I loved:
1. Vik, my man. This man loved fully. He had so much on his shoulders, and the way he loved Nas. I didn’t expect him to have the insecurities he did, but it was refreshing in an alpha, mafia world.
2. I loved Vik’s part of the story, his involvement with Roam and the resulting conflict.
3. The Sasha and Anika storyline…yes, I need it.
4. Roam…um, sir. You were the antagonist but I’m going to need your book ASAP. If you are getting a book. I need you to get a book.
5. Nas had her moments. She definitely is a very caring heroine, and she always wanted to help her family. The mother dynamic was a very interesting aspect of her story but it wasn’t really explored.
6. The epilogue was so good.
What I didn’t love:
1. Because most of the chapters were in Nas’s POV, and she was in everyone’s business, we got a lot of extra information that didn’t really seem to have any direct correlation to Vik and Nas’s story. Ultimately, making Nas and Vik’s romance seem secondary to most of the book. The last 30% is where it really felt like the story focused on the couple, and that was my favorite part of the book.
2. Nas sometimes read as immature. Her and Vik were supposed to be the reckless ones (it was kind of their motto and I loved that), but she did a lot of pushing and running when Vik wanted her.
3. Their relationship wasn’t forbidden or very enemies to lovers.
4. Their time apart was a result of assumptions made and never discussed. This was really hard for me to overcome.
Overall, this wasn’t my favorite, but I love Belle’s writing style and the family she has created. I’ll eagerly be awaiting her next book, whether that is Sasha, AJ, Roam, or another book.
ARC review
3 STARS
While Vik wasn’t my favorite book written by Belle Aurora it had some really great moments.
What I loved:
1. Vik, my man. This man loved fully. He had so much on his shoulders, and the way he loved Nas. I didn’t expect him to have the insecurities he did, but it was refreshing in an alpha, mafia world.
2. I loved Vik’s part of the story, his involvement with Roam and the resulting conflict.
3. The Sasha and Anika storyline…yes, I need it.
4. Roam…um, sir. You were the antagonist but I’m going to need your book ASAP. If you are getting a book. I need you to get a book.
5. Nas had her moments. She definitely is a very caring heroine, and she always wanted to help her family. The mother dynamic was a very interesting aspect of her story but it wasn’t really explored.
6. The epilogue was so good.
What I didn’t love:
1. Because most of the chapters were in Nas’s POV, and she was in everyone’s business, we got a lot of extra information that didn’t really seem to have any direct correlation to Vik and Nas’s story. Ultimately, making Nas and Vik’s romance seem secondary to most of the book. The last 30% is where it really felt like the story focused on the couple, and that was my favorite part of the book.
2. Nas sometimes read as immature. Her and Vik were supposed to be the reckless ones (it was kind of their motto and I loved that), but she did a lot of pushing and running when Vik wanted her.
3. Their relationship wasn’t forbidden or very enemies to lovers.
4. Their time apart was a result of assumptions made and never discussed. This was really hard for me to overcome.
Overall, this wasn’t my favorite, but I love Belle’s writing style and the family she has created. I’ll eagerly be awaiting her next book, whether that is Sasha, AJ, Roam, or another book.
ARC review
September 19, 2021
3.2 ish The main couple Nas/Vik were not together for most of the book due to lack of communication she just assumed nd went with it never asked him about it. The blurb claimed their relationship was hidden/forbidden but it seemed everyone knew 🤔. Also most of the book is her inner monologue and info about new/other people hardly any moments between her and the hero until like the last 20% which was the only part I loved plus the epilogue.
September 16, 2021
This one was so long and frustrating. ¯\_ಠ_ಠ_/¯
More thoughts to come soon.
More thoughts to come soon.
September 15, 2021
“More than a decade together and you think I’m just gonna let you go on your merry way because you’re having doubts? Not a chance.”
So, i loved Belle Aurora 's writing since I read Raw and she sure as hell did not disappoint me with this new book in the Shot callers series. This is a brother's best friend, childhood friends to lovers and second chance romance. It was absolutely gritty, intense and engaging. While I loved everything else about the book, it contained one trope that I don't like at all- miscommunication.
"I loved this man. I loved him in a way no other could replicate. But unless he was willing to give me all of him, I couldn’t do this. I deserved more."
Nastasia Leokov was in love with her brother's bestfriend and soldier, Viktor Nikulin since what it seemed to be forever. This book starts from when Vik & Nas are on a break since Nas thinks that Vik is hiding something from her and doesn't want to give her his heart. While Vik on the other hand, doesn't understand where he went wrong and just wants her to make up her mind, since staying away from each other for just two months straight was making both of them so miserable.
“Do you?”“Do I what?”“Do you belong to me?”“Forever and always. There could only be forever with Vik. ”
I seriously loved Vik. He was such a good boyfriend who always put Nas first, looked after her, was willing to play the push and pull game with her even if it was hurting him, thought that he didn't deserve her and dealt with the jealousy fits she throwed at him. But as much as I loved him, I'm not gonna lie, he had the tendency to keep his problems to himself and their breakup was his fault just as much as it was Nastasia's for jumping into conclusions quickly without talking their heart out to each other. I'm not saying that Nas was completely a lost cause, she had her moments but most of the time she really tested my patience. She thought that Vik was closed off and secretive but in reality, she was a bigger commitment phobe. She was a great friend, sister and aunt and at times a supportive girlfriend but her constant conflicting thoughts made it hard for me to connect with her.
"She had to love me. Because when Nastasia loved, she gave it all, and if she didn’t love me any longer, that was it. Any chance of happiness was gone."
Overall, the book was well written. I have no qualms about the plot but the pace at which everything came to light was a bit slow for my liking. The side characters were so intriguing especially Alessio, Cora, Roam & Anika. I loved Nas & Lev together no matter how stubborn they might be because in the end, they were just the right match who were always meant to be together. The book was light on emotions, it made me laugh, fell sad with all the angst and kept me entertained. Also, I'm so damn excited for Sasha's book, I hope it comes out soon. That sums up the way I feel about it for now.
***ARC received in exchange of an honest review***
So, i loved Belle Aurora 's writing since I read Raw and she sure as hell did not disappoint me with this new book in the Shot callers series. This is a brother's best friend, childhood friends to lovers and second chance romance. It was absolutely gritty, intense and engaging. While I loved everything else about the book, it contained one trope that I don't like at all- miscommunication.
"I loved this man. I loved him in a way no other could replicate. But unless he was willing to give me all of him, I couldn’t do this. I deserved more."
Nastasia Leokov was in love with her brother's bestfriend and soldier, Viktor Nikulin since what it seemed to be forever. This book starts from when Vik & Nas are on a break since Nas thinks that Vik is hiding something from her and doesn't want to give her his heart. While Vik on the other hand, doesn't understand where he went wrong and just wants her to make up her mind, since staying away from each other for just two months straight was making both of them so miserable.
“Do you?”“Do I what?”“Do you belong to me?”“Forever and always. There could only be forever with Vik. ”
I seriously loved Vik. He was such a good boyfriend who always put Nas first, looked after her, was willing to play the push and pull game with her even if it was hurting him, thought that he didn't deserve her and dealt with the jealousy fits she throwed at him. But as much as I loved him, I'm not gonna lie, he had the tendency to keep his problems to himself and their breakup was his fault just as much as it was Nastasia's for jumping into conclusions quickly without talking their heart out to each other. I'm not saying that Nas was completely a lost cause, she had her moments but most of the time she really tested my patience. She thought that Vik was closed off and secretive but in reality, she was a bigger commitment phobe. She was a great friend, sister and aunt and at times a supportive girlfriend but her constant conflicting thoughts made it hard for me to connect with her.
"She had to love me. Because when Nastasia loved, she gave it all, and if she didn’t love me any longer, that was it. Any chance of happiness was gone."
Overall, the book was well written. I have no qualms about the plot but the pace at which everything came to light was a bit slow for my liking. The side characters were so intriguing especially Alessio, Cora, Roam & Anika. I loved Nas & Lev together no matter how stubborn they might be because in the end, they were just the right match who were always meant to be together. The book was light on emotions, it made me laugh, fell sad with all the angst and kept me entertained. Also, I'm so damn excited for Sasha's book, I hope it comes out soon. That sums up the way I feel about it for now.
***ARC received in exchange of an honest review***
Want to read
July 30, 2018Spoiler and note to self
According to Lev Vik spends many nights in Nas' bed, he's the only man she's ever loved BUT Vik also has a reputation as a womanizer but he loves her as well ----this does not compute 😕 it'll be interesting to see where this goes
According to Lev Vik spends many nights in Nas' bed, he's the only man she's ever loved BUT Vik also has a reputation as a womanizer but he loves her as well ----this does not compute 😕 it'll be interesting to see where this goes
Want to read
November 8, 2019Is there any book of Corinna and Alessio Scarfo in this series i really want to know their story too😔
September 3, 2020
I'm giving up. The book is not going to be released.🤧
no-thanks
September 18, 2021Not safe.
h sees H with OW (off page).
Both not celibate and was with OP.
h sees H with OW (off page).
Both not celibate and was with OP.
August 7, 2023
4.5 🌟
Screaming crying throwing up i need Anika and Sashas book RN
ALSO ROAM please please please i need him to have his own book 😭
Miss Belle Aurora i am begging you hurry up w the release
Screaming crying throwing up i need Anika and Sashas book RN
ALSO ROAM please please please i need him to have his own book 😭
Miss Belle Aurora i am begging you hurry up w the release
September 16, 2021
What a gloriously Valiant story about dangers of love. It packs an emotional punch. Penned with brutal honesty and reluctant bravery, it will set your pulse racing while your eyes sting with tears.
The Magic of Belle lies in making us believe in dark side of love. Her plot is shadowed with heinous machinations of the mafia world, violence pockmarks everyday life and yet Belle sows a seed of love in this dismal mayhem.. She shows no mercy to reader's heart, covers no emotion with fluff. The world she creates is shadowed and layered so all the sentiments that go in, match their surroundings. It's like watching a ticking time bomb with bated breath, we know what's coming and at what intensity, but cannot take our eyes off the pages eager to witness the explosive accident.
“When I lose,”, “I make sure everybody does.”
My love affair with her books began with Raw.
Her stories have a strange Appeal, a special pull that calls to my penchant for rough love.
Shot Callers book 1 Lev was so grisly and poignant at the same time. I thought nobody could top Lev, but Viktor Nikulin goes a step further and annihilates me with his soft heart and pining love.. He's the wounded, cornered animal, feral and dangerous. he's the muscle but also owner of a damaged life. He Instantly won my heart on page 1 and all my healing prayers went out for him throughout.
"The hits just kept coming. Blow after blow, I took them, but I didn’t know how much more I could take. I was already bloody and broken. Another knock would turn me to dust. But if I was going down, I would fall with my fists swinging."
“Irresponsible. Rash. Reckless.
The sidekick. Always the bridesmaid type.
Born to follow, never to lead.
The the Fall Guy!”
I saw him sinking in deep in the quagmire of his world, his life getting crushed under debts and secrets and then he goes and sells his soul to the Devil - Roam!!
The saving grace of his life, his childhood love- Nastasia Leokov is the most kick Ass heroine I've read in a long time. She's a Mafia princess, ballsy & strong. Gives no F$&k, takes no shit and is a rock solid friend for her tribe. Fear doesn't touch her shadow, but her heart weeps for Vik. I simply adored her.
"They were animals, The Disciples. And Roam, their demon king."
I had given up all hope of his survival then.
Sasha as always is the cold cruel bastard, no surprise there, Lev & Mina were so adorable, I could bite them!!!
“Nothing personal......”
....“Business rarely is,”
To my surprise, I was particularly enamoured by Anika in this book. She's stepping out from behind her brother's shadows and emerging as her own entity. I hope next book is about her.
I'm still hungover, hanging around like a drunk sot in the bar in the morning, hoping one more shot will be served.
Now I twiddle my thumbs and wait for the next book....IMPATIENTLY!!
4.5 stars for the scenic route
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
The Magic of Belle lies in making us believe in dark side of love. Her plot is shadowed with heinous machinations of the mafia world, violence pockmarks everyday life and yet Belle sows a seed of love in this dismal mayhem.. She shows no mercy to reader's heart, covers no emotion with fluff. The world she creates is shadowed and layered so all the sentiments that go in, match their surroundings. It's like watching a ticking time bomb with bated breath, we know what's coming and at what intensity, but cannot take our eyes off the pages eager to witness the explosive accident.
“When I lose,”, “I make sure everybody does.”
My love affair with her books began with Raw.
Her stories have a strange Appeal, a special pull that calls to my penchant for rough love.
Shot Callers book 1 Lev was so grisly and poignant at the same time. I thought nobody could top Lev, but Viktor Nikulin goes a step further and annihilates me with his soft heart and pining love.. He's the wounded, cornered animal, feral and dangerous. he's the muscle but also owner of a damaged life. He Instantly won my heart on page 1 and all my healing prayers went out for him throughout.
"The hits just kept coming. Blow after blow, I took them, but I didn’t know how much more I could take. I was already bloody and broken. Another knock would turn me to dust. But if I was going down, I would fall with my fists swinging."
“Irresponsible. Rash. Reckless.
The sidekick. Always the bridesmaid type.
Born to follow, never to lead.
The the Fall Guy!”
I saw him sinking in deep in the quagmire of his world, his life getting crushed under debts and secrets and then he goes and sells his soul to the Devil - Roam!!
The saving grace of his life, his childhood love- Nastasia Leokov is the most kick Ass heroine I've read in a long time. She's a Mafia princess, ballsy & strong. Gives no F$&k, takes no shit and is a rock solid friend for her tribe. Fear doesn't touch her shadow, but her heart weeps for Vik. I simply adored her.
"They were animals, The Disciples. And Roam, their demon king."
I had given up all hope of his survival then.
Sasha as always is the cold cruel bastard, no surprise there, Lev & Mina were so adorable, I could bite them!!!
“Nothing personal......”
....“Business rarely is,”
To my surprise, I was particularly enamoured by Anika in this book. She's stepping out from behind her brother's shadows and emerging as her own entity. I hope next book is about her.
I'm still hungover, hanging around like a drunk sot in the bar in the morning, hoping one more shot will be served.
Now I twiddle my thumbs and wait for the next book....IMPATIENTLY!!
4.5 stars for the scenic route
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
September 28, 2021
All they needed to do was talk to each other.
He never cheated on her
He never cheated on her
September 8, 2021
*Thank you to Give Me Books PR and the author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*
So this is a review I never thought I would get to write! I read Lev back in 2019 and I was so sad back then that there had been no updates on release dates for many years. Lev has been a favorite mine since I read it so I was THRILLED when I saw the review opportunity arise for Vik.
I didn't end up having time to reread Lev before I dived into Vik, but I commend the author for pulling me right back into the atmosphere and the world of The Shot Callers. Vik and Nas had me rooting for them right away and I wanted this second chance romance to succeed.
When we come into this story Vik and Nas are broken up. And it is slowly killing them both. Vik has some secrets he is keeping and it is making Nastasia feel like he is not committed to her fully anymore. It breaks her heart because they have been together since they were teens and they can't imagine anyone else for themselves, but there is something getting between them.
I'll be honest, this kind of second chance is hard for me to get into, and I will leave it up to you to decide if it works for you in the end. Though the first half of the novel was a bit of struggle. And I blame that partially on myself for being away from the world for so long and also a bit on the story for dragging some miscommunications out for too long.
However, the way this book pulls through and the nostalgia that had me crushing on these characters all over again…. They really worked for me. Also, PLEASE DEAR LORD, let Sasha's book come next and SOON, because he was set up SO dang good.
There is a TW for a bit of PTSD maybe? I don't know how to explain it but there was definitely a certain mental struggle with one of our characters. As well as infertility for a side character.
I am going to rate the a 4 stars and I cannot wait for more Shot Callers soon. If you loved Lev… you have to read this.
So this is a review I never thought I would get to write! I read Lev back in 2019 and I was so sad back then that there had been no updates on release dates for many years. Lev has been a favorite mine since I read it so I was THRILLED when I saw the review opportunity arise for Vik.
I didn't end up having time to reread Lev before I dived into Vik, but I commend the author for pulling me right back into the atmosphere and the world of The Shot Callers. Vik and Nas had me rooting for them right away and I wanted this second chance romance to succeed.
When we come into this story Vik and Nas are broken up. And it is slowly killing them both. Vik has some secrets he is keeping and it is making Nastasia feel like he is not committed to her fully anymore. It breaks her heart because they have been together since they were teens and they can't imagine anyone else for themselves, but there is something getting between them.
I'll be honest, this kind of second chance is hard for me to get into, and I will leave it up to you to decide if it works for you in the end. Though the first half of the novel was a bit of struggle. And I blame that partially on myself for being away from the world for so long and also a bit on the story for dragging some miscommunications out for too long.
However, the way this book pulls through and the nostalgia that had me crushing on these characters all over again…. They really worked for me. Also, PLEASE DEAR LORD, let Sasha's book come next and SOON, because he was set up SO dang good.
There is a TW for a bit of PTSD maybe? I don't know how to explain it but there was definitely a certain mental struggle with one of our characters. As well as infertility for a side character.
I am going to rate the a 4 stars and I cannot wait for more Shot Callers soon. If you loved Lev… you have to read this.
September 13, 2021
Vik is the first ever story I read by Belle Aurora, you believe it or not. I have heard so much about her books and I went in with high expectations.
The story started with yound Nastasia and her love for her brother's best friend Vik. Her family is all about power, violence and danger and she has been brought up as a mob princess with attitude. Fast forward to present. Several years have passed. Nastasia and Vik have been together, then broke apart and been together..so on and so off. This time it seems a final ending but love like theirs don't die so easily. Specially when they have so many secrets and so many enemies coming after them.
So the parts I loved about this book. I loved Vik. He is just too perfect ( or not). Such a gorgoeus, intense, prideful, edgy, broken alpha hero. He did literally anything for Nastasia and his family and his friends. But he didn't want to share his burden with anyone and that made Nastasia hurt and distrustful. Well I don't see how but for her, it matters. He didn't deserve the pain and angst and I am happy for him. I also loved the last 40% where the emotions were beautiful and explosive and hard and raw. That part was stunning.
I didn't like Nastasia at all. I tried my best. I tried to love her as a sassy heroine with shattered heart and deep seated issues. But all I could see was her dramatizing every single little thing and making things complicated. The storyline threw me off too. I thought I would see a streamlined story with ups and downs. But it went back and forth in time and I felt I am missing chunks of important things. The communication gap between "soulmates" like Vik and Nastasia is astounding and I felt a lot of drama was there just for the sake of drama distracting me from the romance. The secondary characters occupied a large part of story with their own complications and slowed the pace drastically.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
The story started with yound Nastasia and her love for her brother's best friend Vik. Her family is all about power, violence and danger and she has been brought up as a mob princess with attitude. Fast forward to present. Several years have passed. Nastasia and Vik have been together, then broke apart and been together..so on and so off. This time it seems a final ending but love like theirs don't die so easily. Specially when they have so many secrets and so many enemies coming after them.
So the parts I loved about this book. I loved Vik. He is just too perfect ( or not). Such a gorgoeus, intense, prideful, edgy, broken alpha hero. He did literally anything for Nastasia and his family and his friends. But he didn't want to share his burden with anyone and that made Nastasia hurt and distrustful. Well I don't see how but for her, it matters. He didn't deserve the pain and angst and I am happy for him. I also loved the last 40% where the emotions were beautiful and explosive and hard and raw. That part was stunning.
I didn't like Nastasia at all. I tried my best. I tried to love her as a sassy heroine with shattered heart and deep seated issues. But all I could see was her dramatizing every single little thing and making things complicated. The storyline threw me off too. I thought I would see a streamlined story with ups and downs. But it went back and forth in time and I felt I am missing chunks of important things. The communication gap between "soulmates" like Vik and Nastasia is astounding and I felt a lot of drama was there just for the sake of drama distracting me from the romance. The secondary characters occupied a large part of story with their own complications and slowed the pace drastically.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
September 22, 2021
𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊: VIK
𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE.
𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄: SECOND CHANCE, ALPHAHOLE HERO, SASSY HEROINE.
𝐓𝐘𝐏𝐄: STANDALONE.
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: BELLA AURORA.
𝐏𝐎𝐕: FIRST PERSON .
𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆:⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓:🤠🤠🤠🤠
𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆:🌏🌏🌏🌏
𝐄𝐘𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑:🦋🦋🦋
𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄:
An absolute explosive read by Author Bella Aurora..
I always from the dominant alphahole men Bella Aurora creates through her story as they speak volume...love, passion , holding on to their love and FIGHTING for them...its all seems so surreal and pleasing. Vik is no exception to this list of men.
On top of that, we got a very Sassy heroine here, who will have you clutching your stomach with laughter and of course admiring her... A true princess from a Bratva household...Natasha (such a pretty name). Nas and Vik...when meet , the pages catch fire just from their chemistry. I was banging my head over them not sorting out their issues...like comeon...you both are perfect for eachother...please the angst is too much for me😭❤...
As always there was that element of surprise, that twist in the end with had me seeing stars...I THINK my guess of who the next book will be is currently..but you can never know.
I would suggest you read Luc before reading this book just so the new characters won't confuse you...although this is a Standalone.❤
𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE.
𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄: SECOND CHANCE, ALPHAHOLE HERO, SASSY HEROINE.
𝐓𝐘𝐏𝐄: STANDALONE.
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: BELLA AURORA.
𝐏𝐎𝐕: FIRST PERSON .
𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆:⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓:🤠🤠🤠🤠
𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆:🌏🌏🌏🌏
𝐄𝐘𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑:🦋🦋🦋
𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄:
An absolute explosive read by Author Bella Aurora..
I always from the dominant alphahole men Bella Aurora creates through her story as they speak volume...love, passion , holding on to their love and FIGHTING for them...its all seems so surreal and pleasing. Vik is no exception to this list of men.
On top of that, we got a very Sassy heroine here, who will have you clutching your stomach with laughter and of course admiring her... A true princess from a Bratva household...Natasha (such a pretty name). Nas and Vik...when meet , the pages catch fire just from their chemistry. I was banging my head over them not sorting out their issues...like comeon...you both are perfect for eachother...please the angst is too much for me😭❤...
As always there was that element of surprise, that twist in the end with had me seeing stars...I THINK my guess of who the next book will be is currently..but you can never know.
I would suggest you read Luc before reading this book just so the new characters won't confuse you...although this is a Standalone.❤
September 24, 2021
...
100% agree!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
100% agree!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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