I was supposed to protect her. Now, I'll kill the men who took her. I'm leaving my dark past behind me, where it belongs, and it seems like fate has finally smiled on me when she comes into my life. Innocent, pure, and with a bright future ahead of her, she's the girl I always wanted and never deserved. Then, those scumbags steal her right from under of my nose. But they don't know who I am, or the lives I've taken. They're out to make some quick cash by selling a pure bride, and there's no way I'm going to let that happen. Not to her. I have to risk everything to save her. Then, I'll try to win her heart and make her mine. No Cliffhangers. Safe from cheating. Explicit language & swearing.
Alexis Abbott is a Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author who writes about dangerous men and the women who love them. If you can't resist a bad boy who is a good man, you just found your next addiction. With heart-stopping action, mouth watering sex, and passionate romances that will leave you breathless, Alexis Abbott writes romantic thrillers like no one else can.
When she's not writing your next book boyfriend, you'll find her living a real life romance novel with her own bad boy soulmate in Bonavista, Newfoundland, Canada.
Max is a retired assassin who worked with the Bratva. He now works as a gymnastics coach in University in Paris. He recruits Olivia right out of high school with a scholarship to the university he coaches at. Olivia's first night in Paris gets her in more trouble than she knows what to do with causing Max to come to her and her new roommates rescue.
Alexis Abbott is the Queen of Hitman novels. Even though her Hero's are always Bratva assassins, they never feel like the same story over and over. The author does a great job of making each novel feel like a fresh story line. I love that her hitmen are ultimately good men who want to do the right thing. They always feel like they are undeserving but ultimately finds the one woman that makes them want to be a better man.
In Max and Olivia's story, the action was spot on. I loved the car chase! It couldn't have been better written! Felix, as a side character, he really brought a lot to this story. I loved that he was friends with Max as unlikely a pair they were. The only thing I really had an issue with was Olivia being fresh from High School. I couldn't seem to get past that she should have been too young and naive for this retired hitman. I normally don't have issues with age gaps so I'm not sure why I couldn't get past Olivia's young age. Overall, a really great action read!
WOW THIS WAS ACTION PACKED! I will not spoil the book for anyone with this short review but this is my second favorite book by this author and both are interconnected. Who knew!? This is the story of Andrei's best friend Max from the book entitled Sold to the hitman. Finally we get his story in this book with Liv a sweet young girl who comes to Paris to be a student in gymnastics. She and her new room mate become the target of a very sinister sex slave ring deep in Paris's underground. OMG this was just a great story with some hot sex scene used only sparingly as flavoring for this action-drama fest. Highly enjoyable and I was so glad to see how it all ended for everyone with an nice epilogue. My one complaint was I wanted to read more about Maggie and Felix. But this was not their story here so I can't fault the book. 4.5 stars Safe no cheating with some dark themes but no triggers No OW/OM drama at all. Worth a read and a reread. Two other books are included in this book from Amazon.ca I have read both of these books already. Captive of the hitman and Saved by the outlaw. Unfortunately Max's best childhood friend Andrei's book was not included in this. That does not really make sense to me but oh well I have it already so no big deal.
Ok so this book reminds me of a film called TAKEN the scenario is the same, young girl goes to paris gets snatched by human traffickers but there's no William Neilson the outcome is different and Liv is definitely not his daughter.
I enjoyed it, lots of action not as hot as I would of liked but the age gap did make me feel uncomfortable for some reason, I kept seeing Liv as a young girl maybe it was her meekness I'm not sure because she was 18, maybe it was her reference early on in the book about Max being an older man? I don't know but anyway yes not hot hot hot but did contain some for those who love a good sex scene and it was balanced out just right.
Max's character I thought it was a strange combination going from Mafia involvement to being a Gymnastics teacher but I went along for the ride and enjoyed the action.
I liked the characters, Max with his mystery background now a gymnast teacher and ending up being a bit of an action man hero on the side and Liv with her excitement just starting off the in the world with her first trip abroad and going to Gymnast school in Paris.
Stolen from the hit man is told in dual pov's so you get the full experience of what each character is feeling and thinking which leads you to a hea.
Arc gifted for review which I did enjoy and would recommend to any action lovers.
ARC provided by author for an honest review. This book seemed familiar at first and then it hit me(pun intended), think...the movie Taken. This book has a similar storyline with a twist and romance with some sexy times. Our lead male Max is a kick ass, get the job done ex bravata. Our female lead Liv is an 18yr old innocent gymnast but when push comes to shove she is a strong girl. Together they are an unusual couple but an awesome one. If I'm ever in trouble can I have a man like max fall for me?!? This was an excellent read, a HEA with no cliffhanger and an epilogue. At the end of the book there is a glossary of Russian and French words.
Olivia (Liv) Greenwood is an innocent, somewhat sheltered teenager who gets recruited by the dark and mysterious gymnastics coach Maksim (Max) Pavlenko. She travels to Paris where she will attend University and train for his gymnastics team. Even though he seems standoffish and somewhat scary, she still feels this pull toward him.
Max has a dark past. A past he wants to remain secret. He's determine to live a normal life. He's immediately drawn to the young and beautiful Oliva, but tries to ignore his feelings. She's his student after all. But what he doesn't realize is THAT moment when he meets Oliva, is THE moment that will change the course of their lives forever.
Things don't go as planned, as Olivia finds herself in the clutches of some very bad individuals. Luckily, Max knows all about those type of people. It's a life he wanted to give up, but how can he when the woman he loves is in danger.
As much as I enjoyed this story, I was a little bit disappointed with Max. after reading Captive of the Hitman I expected this kind of bossy, dominant alpha male, but I didn't get that. Yes, Max was a skilled killer, but he was just so gosh darn sweet. He was much softer, and gentler than I expected him to be. Don't get me wrong, he was great...I just expected more.
And yes, the storyline was reminiscent to the movie Taken, but unlike that story, this one involved a handsome gymnastics coach/slash retired mafia hitman. I don't know about you, but I'd take Maksim Pavlenko over Liam Neeson any day. Just sayin'. ;)
The Master Storyteller has once again crafted the most awesome thrilling story ever. There is non-stop action from the first page to the last. Everything was detailed so well it was like watching a movie in my mind. It's difficult to say anything about details because then it would ruin this masterpiece for the next reader. For the action lover, there are speeding cars, flying bullets, explosions; for the romantic, there is a beautiful love story of a Hitman struggling to lay to rest all the ugliness of his past and coming to realize he is worthy of love. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Read this book. It is better than the typical Hitman story. Five stars.
An ARC of this book was provided for an honest review.
Alexis Abbott does it again! She has given her readers another fantastic read. Stolen from the Hitman has it all... a great story-line, amazing characters that come alive on the page, lots of twists and turns, suspense, action, the mafia, sizzling chemistry and scorching love scenes, which all leads to love and a HEA.
This was a great story! Very well written! Max is a gymnastics coach at the Paris university and he recruits Liv and Maggie. Both girls are a little sheltered and looking to enjoy Paris and their freedom. Liv was immediately drawn to Max but is thrown off by his cold demeanor when he offers her this opportunity. Max is trying to keep his distance professionally. Liv meets a guy on the plane that seems to be good until he tries to steal a kiss way to quickly, she then takes off to meet up with her roommate, Maggie. Later on, she receives an email from this guy, apologizing for moving to fast and inviting her to a party at a bar later. She ignores her instincts and quickly the two get into trouble. When they don't show up for training the next day, Max knows something is wrong and goes to investigate. I loved how the story flowed. I was pulled in from the very beginning and just got more and more involved. The characters played a large part in this, but the way the story was written did as well. There is plenty of action and intrigue to keep you involved and wondering what is going to happen next and how everything is going to work out. The sex is explicit but not very frequent, which completely makes sense with the story. I loved how the relationship was built between Max and Liv. It made the story and the sex work for me. After Liv's experience with trafficking, and her inexperience with boys before that, it makes sense for things to be slower. I loved the connection and safety that was built upon. Max makes her feel safe and never pushes her. This story does deal with the hard topic of sex trafficking. This does not delve super deeply into details of what happens to Liv's friend Maggie. We get more of an overview of what happens. Max talks about it and gives most of the details, as he sets out to rescue the girls and stop the trafficking ring. I thought the topic was handled well. It absolutely gives you enough for the story but it doesn't get graphic. I really enjoyed this story and I would love to see more of this group, especially Maggie get her happy ending. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Liv is very close to her parents and is a talented gymnast. When she graduates high school, she gets the opportunity to go to college in Paris and do gymnastics there. She accepts, because that’s an opportunity she can’t decline even if that means leaving her parents. Her roommate immediately becomes her best friend and they have fun together in Paris. They go out on their first night there. The night doesn’t end the way they expected.
Max was a Russian hitman for the mafia but he left that life behind. When Liv goes missing, he has to go back to that life. He hates it, but he will do it for Liv. He was attracted to her when they first met. He will safe Live and spend a lot of time with her. They grow closer to each other and fall in love.
Liv is a smart, caring and strong woman. She’s so afraid after the first night and doesn’t know what will happen next. She’s happy to get to know Max better when he saves her. He has an effect on her no man has ever had. She sees more in him than a hitman.
Max is strong, tall and muscular. He is very different than who he was in the past. He loves his new job. He feels very protective over Liv and would do anything to protect her. He takes care of Liv after he saved her. Max is an amazing man!
The only thing I had a little problem with was the beginning. Everything happened too fast in my opinion. They only talked once, but Max would do everything for a woman he barely knows. He risks his life to safe her. Almost everything happens in a couple of days, so everything happens pretty fast.
-- ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! --
Olivia (Liv) Greenwood is an innocent, somewhat sheltered teenager who gets recruited by the dark and mysterious gymnastics coach Maksim (Max) Pavlenko. She travels to Paris where she will attend University and train for his gymnastics team. Even though he seems standoffish and somewhat scary, she's still feel this pull toward him.
Max has a dark past. A past he wants to remain secret. He's determine to live a normal life. He's immediately drawn to the young and beautiful Oliva, but tries to ignore his feelings. She's his student after all. But what he doesn't realize is THAT moment when he meets Oliva, is THE moment that will change the course of their lives forever.
Things don't go as planned, as Olivia finds herself in the clutches of some very bad individuals. Luckily, Max knows all about those type of people. It's a life he wanted to give up, but how can he when the woman he loves is in danger.
As much as I enjoyed this story, I was a little bit disappointed with Max. after reading Captive of the Hitman I expected this kind of bossy, dominant alpha male, but I didn't get that. Yes, Max was a skilled killer, but he was just so gosh darn sweet. He was much softer, and gentler than I expected him to be. Don't get me wrong, he was great...I just expected more.
And yes, the storyline was reminiscent to the movie Taken, but unlike that story, this one involved a handsome gymnastics coach/slash retired mafia hitman. I don't know about you, but I'd take Maksim Pavlenko over Liam Neeson any day. Just sayin'. ;)
This is a story about Max a Russian who was once involved with the Bratva, But after deciding he didn't want part of their sex trafficking trade and putting an end to it. Max sets up life in Paris as one of the top Gymnastics Instructors. Olivia is a great gymnast who comes from a small town called Toast. He sees great potential in Olivia and offers her a scholarship at the university in Paris where he works. But Olivia being from such a small town is a bit overwhelmed by a city like Paris but when she meets her new roommate Maggie she finds a soulmate to help her through her time in Paris and vice versa. But on their very first night they run into deep deep trouble. As Max really put an end to the sex trafficking in Paris? Has he really said goodbye to his sinister past? You must read to find out! This book is one hell of a fast ride with lots going on to keep you entertained and reading on. There is evil sinister things going on in Paris that a small town girl like Olivia couldn't even imagine and she definitely didn't expect to get thrown into the very heart of it on her very first night in Paris. The storyline is unique and very well written. I really enjoyed the story and the main characters, in fact I enjoyed it so much It has made me want to read others from this Hitman series. I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and I loved it!
I am loving me some Russian men!! Another hit Alexis Abbott! Olivia is a a young gymnast looking to further herself now that she has graduated high school. It's time to make gymnastics a career. So when the scouts come to talk, A broody handsome Russian introduces himself and offers her an opportunity of a lifetime...to study in Paris!! Of course she has to take it and plus the instructor is umm super sexy! Paris was unforgettable that is for sure... Max left his Bratava days in the past. Though it all still haunts him he now teaches some of the best athletes. And he knows this American girl has caught his eye so he must keep his head on straight and stay away. Too bad Paris had other ideas and the old Max had to make a return. Yummy! I love Max. And since I just finished the book let me say I LOVED the ending. My hunk from "Sold to the Hitman" made an appearance!! This is a fast paced suspense filled love story. This author excels at making you fall in love for these bad boys. A well written book. **Thank you so much Alexis for this ARC and in return I gave you my honest review. **
I received an ARC book for a honest review. So here goes I absolutely loved this book. It grabbed me at the prologue and kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what was around the next corner. It took a very hot topic from today human trafficking and made it very real to me. Alexis Abbott knows how to write suspenseful stories. She keeps you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages. She knows how to make a hitman with torrid past very likable or at least for me she does. Not sure how she knows so much about the mafia, the bravata and hitmen, but they seem real to me. With each hitman book she gets better. I liked all the characters Liv, Max, Felix and Maggie. After being kidnapped Max uses all of his talents and sources to find Liv and Maggie. Can Max find both women? In my opinion this book is worth reading. If you are a Alexis Abbott fan, in my opinion she did not disappoint. If you like mafia bad boy stories then I think you would enjoy this book.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Here is a story about Olivia (Liv) Greenwood and Maksim (Max) Pavlenko. Liv is a gymnast from a small town who's been offered a chance of a lifetime, by Max, to go work in Paris, France. Liv is a bit naïve since she dedicates all of her time to practicing. Never really had boyfriends and never been on her own as her parents always went with her.
This time, though, her parents can't go with her so she makes her way to Paris. Makes friends along the way or so she thinks...
I really enjoyed this book. I was glad the girls survived and became better people because of their experiences. There toward the end there was a scene that I thought was a bit of overkill. If you read the book you'll know what I mean. At first I was like awe this is so sweet here's my HEA then BAM! The author was like just kidding you thought you were done but nope keep reading. LOL!
** Review written by Kylie from Bloggers From Down Under **
Olivia is a promising gymnast with her whole future in front of her. When she's approached by a European recruiter, it's a dream come true for Liv. To live and train in Paris for the year, who wouldn't jump at the chance?
A nervous flyer at the best of times, Liv is relieved to become acquainted with Will, who is also studying at the university.
When Liv and her room mate Maggie are invited to a party, they reluctantly agree. Soon they will be wishing they stayed in their dorm. The terror and torture they both endure is horrendous.
Will either girl ever see the light of day again? Who is behind their abduction? Will they be caught?
When I was asked to read this book, I didn't expect it to have so many twists and turns, but they sure kept me intrigued. An excellent read for those that like a little bit of mystery with a touch of romance thrown in.
Max is a captivating character. Once a hitman for the bratva, Max turned his life around and now is a teacher. He has left his old world behind, that is until two of his students get kidnapped to be sold into a human trafficking ring.
Liv is an amazing character. She is an 18 year old gymnast who is offered a chance to go to school in Paris for her gymnastics. She may be naive but she shows a strength beyond her years in the face of adversity. She is smart, talented and has a accepting heart.
Bring these two characters together with a few well placed secondary characters and you have a strong story that touches base on a difficult subject matter with a fast moving, heart racing, suspenseful adventure. Oh, and we can't forget a heartwarming romance. Even the darkest souls deserve to be filled with light, hope and love.
An outstanding romance written within the dark side of life.
Excellent read! I was not expecting some of the things that happened and that thrilled me! I loved the description of Paris and the thought of going up the Eiffel Tower excited me. I can just imagine Liv being there for the first time and looking around so wide-eyed and amazed. I liked the sound of the little small town she was from. I have been to many places like that in North Carolina. I was amused with Felix. He did seem like the typical computer nerd. The ordeal Maggie and Liv go through is scary. I recall in the book Liv saying she had seen a documentary on human trafficking and that it was now like she was part of it instead of just watching it. I can't imagine that fear. Really loved the romance part of the book as it was just like a wonderful little side story.
ARC provided by author in exchange for honest review.
Alexis Abbott is fast becoming known for exciting mafia romances that contain everything a reader would want! Intrigue, passion, steamy, combustible sex and plenty of action and adventure. ****This is a dark tale that touches on human sex trafficking, may be a trigger for some readers.
Sexy, Russian hitman turned gymnastic instructor, Max, young innocent gymnast, Olivia, City of Paris, kidnapping to rescue. What more can you ask for in a an exciting Alexis Abbott novel! 1-click it to continue this awesome series!
****ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review****
Wow, just wow. Words can't quite describe the action packed, emotionally charged, soul gripping ride I was just put through. Okay, maybe those words were accurate enough but seriously, what an amazing book! I am such a huge fan of all of Alexis's hitman books and each one delivers an epic punch like no other!
If you're looking for a fantastic book filled with hot men, steamy sex with many twists, turns and thrills, then definitely pick this one up. You won't regret it for one second.
Max, a retired hitman, for the Bratva family... ..now gymnastics teacher at a university in Paris.. Recuited Olivia, valedictorian just graduating from her class..
Olivia and her room mate Maggie get into trouble... ....max protective insist kick in.. He stops at nothing to save her!!!
Wow!!!this novel is intense, fast pace and thrilling...
What a hero! This book sent me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. I was not able to put down this book and had to read all night through. Each page brought new exciting moments; I was not able to turn over the pages fast enough. An absolute must-read!
I read this whole series one by one and I would rate this whole book series.
My rating for whole book series is 3.5 stars.
This book starts good but lost me in the mid and that I think made me to give this one, series starters a 3.5 stars. Characters are good, but they are not great though there were ample plot to expand them through. There are few problems in the characters that are little confusing. I liked the plot, with Mafia in it. That I think may be the nice click to this. The flow and the pace of the story is good and I liked the way the scenes are written. I would say a nice one to read.
Little disappointed in comparison to the first one. Though it has something nice to read. I like the story and the characters but the one character is too much powerful that it took the other character completely and that's what I think little low for me. That's why I'm rating this book as 3.5 stars. The story and the plot can be more better, all around. I really liked the pace of the story with lot of love in it and that's I think that's the best thing about this book.
I liked this one because there is a mystery in it and there was something about the characters that made me connect with the story. There is a strong characters in the book and that made it fun to read, though I would have loved little more thrill in the book. I would like to rate this book as 4 stars. The plot is well written and the scenes are good. I like the dialogues. There is a ring to this book which is lovely.
This whole book series is like written around Mafia, and that's I think the good part about the series. You will like it and there is a reason why this book series is actually named as Hitman. The whole book series is thrill to read, though there are more to it but also there are some low points to the series in the books.
But on n all I would say this book series, I enjoyed to read this whole book series.
Can you really steal what was never someone else's to begin with???
Suspenseful teacher/student/mafia romance. Can recent high school graduate Liv survive in Paris and can Max her teacher (former hitman) survive his feelings when she is kidnapped? And now a bit about the story...
Liv is a gymnast at heart. She has devoted her whole life to the sport, never getting into trouble in her small North Carolina town, no boys... some would say no fun... but she has pushed herself to be the best gymnast. When a prestigious school in Paris recruits her, with a very handsome teacher mind you, she immediately accepts. She flies across the Atlantic tasting her first champagne on the plane next to another handsome "student". Cutting her day short with him she wanders off to find her roommate Maggie. The two can't believe they are alone and free in Paris!! They have one day before training starts and they go out partying!! They are so lucky their teacher, the former hitman, still has connections or they may be gone forever...
Favorite passages: - “I can sleep when I’m dead!” - I answer, trying desperately not to say “they didn’t teach us how to be nerds.”
Thank you Alexis for the ARC you gave me in exchange of my honest opinion. This story takes place in Paris, France after starting out in small town NC. Olivia a gymnast who get a complete scholarship to University by Max. Sitting across from her is the most handsome intriguing man she'd ever met, his intense eyes watching her, but not saying anything until afterwards when he offers her the scholarship. In France she meets up with her new roommate, Maggie. The two go out to celebrate ad are kidnapped to a sex-slave ring. Max rescues Olivia but Maggie was already taken from where Olivia was being held. This story is well written and has some good amount of action in it as well. I enjoyed reading it.
As has been with all the previous Mafia Bad Boy books in this bunch, it was an interesting story. I have to say this one took me longer to get into and enjoy than the previous hitman books. This one has an athletic setting. Liv is an outstanding gymnast and is chosen to go to Paris to study after graduating high school. She meets up with Maggie, her roommate. Both have had their parents standing over them their entire lives. The first night in Paris as roommates they decide to be "free", and it costs them. The recruiter turns out to be a bad boy that had turned around and has to step back into his past to find these young ladies he is "responsible" for. Turns out to be a good read!
Loved absolutely loved Max. Liv and Max attraction is instant this is a fast pace book. Keeps you on edge until he end. This is a mafia love romance book, beautifully written with lots of passion. My only negative about the book is I read a lot of mafia books and this one is skittle tamer some what on the softer side. But it is a good read. Liv is a gymnast and Max is an ex- mafia hit man. Max had to count on his old charms to rescue Liv and her friend Maggie. I received this ARC in exchange for a honest review.