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Kissing The Enemy
He's New York's most notorious Italian Mafia boss. She's the niece of a Russian Mafia kingpin.
Angelo - From the first time I see Irina dance, I can't get her out of my head. She's an ice princess with an accent that makes me crazy and a body that makes me want to do bad things to her. Then I discover she's the niece of my greatest enemy.
Irina - From the first moment Angelo looks at me, I'm helpless. He's blood and fire and red-hot lust. I run: he chases me down. I put up ice: he melts right through. Then I discover who he is. Being together is unthinkable: I'd be betraying my family; he'd be betraying the mob. But neither of us can fight the attraction. And when our relationship sparks a war that threatens to tear New York apart, we may be the only two people who can stop it.
Angelo - From the first time I see Irina dance, I can't get her out of my head. She's an ice princess with an accent that makes me crazy and a body that makes me want to do bad things to her. Then I discover she's the niece of my greatest enemy.
Irina - From the first moment Angelo looks at me, I'm helpless. He's blood and fire and red-hot lust. I run: he chases me down. I put up ice: he melts right through. Then I discover who he is. Being together is unthinkable: I'd be betraying my family; he'd be betraying the mob. But neither of us can fight the attraction. And when our relationship sparks a war that threatens to tear New York apart, we may be the only two people who can stop it.
393 pages, ebook
Published August 14, 2016
188 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Helena Newbury
30 books1,339 followersWant to contact me? helenanewburyauthor@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
August 22, 2016
My rating: 4.5
Love at first sight - I'm not a fan of that unless in fantasy/paranormal novels where a certain species is magically able to recognize The One from the first time they glance at their future significant other. This was what initially threw me off the story, granted it was mostly lust at first, but it quickly became "there's something more here"... Too quickly.
That aside, I don't really have much to complain.
There was one line about how Russian men thought sex should only bring pleasure to them and women should just dutifully tolerate it, which is something I can't really see applying to a whole nation; there were also a couple of other slightly annoying generalizations, but nothing major enough to put me off the book.
The story reminds me of Romeo and Juliet, but in a modern, mafia-ruled world and without the two not-so-bright teenage leads, so in that aspect Kissing the Enemy is better.
The lovemaking scenes were nothing to make me blush, but nothing to make me roll my eyes at, so congrats, Helena! These parts had almost been a deal breaker in some of the last books I've read, but not in yours.
The thing that I liked the most in this book was the description. At times the dialogue lost me, but the descriptions always got me focused back on the book. And the best part?
Kissing the Enemy is told from two POV-s - Irina's and Angelo's - and the author uses a slightly different vocabulary for each narrator. Even if you forget whose name was written at the start of the chapter to indicate the POV, you'd still be able to tell in whose head you are.
And that is something a lot of authors fail at - they make their narrators sound too similar - so another brownie point for that to Helena.
My second favorite thing was the stakes. The really, really high stakes for each individually and once they got together.
Humans are supposed to be logical, rational beings, but we are also emotional.
This book illustrates very well the continuous battle between the rational and the emotional. The characters know that they are doing wrong, but they are too emotionally involved to take a different path.
Even after Angelo finds out who Irina is, he still wants to be with her although he knows he shouldn't; even after he finds out she hates gangsters and he knows he should tell her he is one, he can't, because he wants her.
It's interesting to see for how long the two main characters are going to fight their emotions and what's to become of them once they give in.
Last brownie point is given for the fact that the characters' feelings for each other grow once they get to know each other. Unlike with the whole lust/potential-love at first sight, I'm buying the chemistry after their first date. I also enjoy how they gradually discover things about each other. For example, Angelo hadn't heard Irina laugh before he'd admitted how much he needs to be with her despite knowing who her uncle is. Why is that a big deal?
It shows us progress in their relationship. It shows us how much Irina values Angelo's honesty and how she is now ready to open up to him.
It's a small detail, but it's in the right place so it leaves a big impression.
I'd recommend Kissing the Enemy to people who love stories with high stakes, where everything could backfire at the characters at any given time.
Love at first sight - I'm not a fan of that unless in fantasy/paranormal novels where a certain species is magically able to recognize The One from the first time they glance at their future significant other. This was what initially threw me off the story, granted it was mostly lust at first, but it quickly became "there's something more here"... Too quickly.
That aside, I don't really have much to complain.
There was one line about how Russian men thought sex should only bring pleasure to them and women should just dutifully tolerate it, which is something I can't really see applying to a whole nation; there were also a couple of other slightly annoying generalizations, but nothing major enough to put me off the book.
The story reminds me of Romeo and Juliet, but in a modern, mafia-ruled world and without the two not-so-bright teenage leads, so in that aspect Kissing the Enemy is better.
The lovemaking scenes were nothing to make me blush, but nothing to make me roll my eyes at, so congrats, Helena! These parts had almost been a deal breaker in some of the last books I've read, but not in yours.
The thing that I liked the most in this book was the description. At times the dialogue lost me, but the descriptions always got me focused back on the book. And the best part?
Kissing the Enemy is told from two POV-s - Irina's and Angelo's - and the author uses a slightly different vocabulary for each narrator. Even if you forget whose name was written at the start of the chapter to indicate the POV, you'd still be able to tell in whose head you are.
And that is something a lot of authors fail at - they make their narrators sound too similar - so another brownie point for that to Helena.
My second favorite thing was the stakes. The really, really high stakes for each individually and once they got together.
Humans are supposed to be logical, rational beings, but we are also emotional.
This book illustrates very well the continuous battle between the rational and the emotional. The characters know that they are doing wrong, but they are too emotionally involved to take a different path.
Even after Angelo finds out who Irina is, he still wants to be with her although he knows he shouldn't; even after he finds out she hates gangsters and he knows he should tell her he is one, he can't, because he wants her.
It's interesting to see for how long the two main characters are going to fight their emotions and what's to become of them once they give in.
Last brownie point is given for the fact that the characters' feelings for each other grow once they get to know each other. Unlike with the whole lust/potential-love at first sight, I'm buying the chemistry after their first date. I also enjoy how they gradually discover things about each other. For example, Angelo hadn't heard Irina laugh before he'd admitted how much he needs to be with her despite knowing who her uncle is. Why is that a big deal?
It shows us progress in their relationship. It shows us how much Irina values Angelo's honesty and how she is now ready to open up to him.
It's a small detail, but it's in the right place so it leaves a big impression.
I'd recommend Kissing the Enemy to people who love stories with high stakes, where everything could backfire at the characters at any given time.
June 22, 2020
So it's done !!!
My addiction was stilled AGAIN ;-). In other words, I love this book just like all the others from Helena.
A Russian princess and an Italian mafia boss and lots of action in this incredible book. That's all I needed for a perfect romance.
I have absolutely no idea how Helena comes up with all those stories of her books but it works every time, again and again.....
I swooned so often, it's a wonder I could read this book to the end :P <3
A very romantic and modern Romeo and Juliet story with of course a lot of complication and action.
Family conflicts, many secrets and lies create a story with a lot of goose bumps and shiver.
Hot, romantic and exiting. A truly nice and welcome combination.
Well, we have a not so innocent Woman, with a lot of problems in the past with the wish for a different life and a bad boy-mafia leader, that is not as bad as he seems to be after all….. ;)
I will not describe the content of this book, you have to read for yourself ;-))
But certainly, You should read the book. It is a 100% worth it, even if You have to get up at 7:00 in the morning to work and You have just finished reading the bock 3 hours ago …… or will I take the risk again to look like an “Zombi” at work all day ….. ???
YOU CAN BET!!!! :D :D :D
Thank You Helena for making me look like a happy “Zombi” at work 😉
My addiction was stilled AGAIN ;-). In other words, I love this book just like all the others from Helena.
A Russian princess and an Italian mafia boss and lots of action in this incredible book. That's all I needed for a perfect romance.
I have absolutely no idea how Helena comes up with all those stories of her books but it works every time, again and again.....
I swooned so often, it's a wonder I could read this book to the end :P <3
A very romantic and modern Romeo and Juliet story with of course a lot of complication and action.
Family conflicts, many secrets and lies create a story with a lot of goose bumps and shiver.
Hot, romantic and exiting. A truly nice and welcome combination.
Well, we have a not so innocent Woman, with a lot of problems in the past with the wish for a different life and a bad boy-mafia leader, that is not as bad as he seems to be after all….. ;)
I will not describe the content of this book, you have to read for yourself ;-))
But certainly, You should read the book. It is a 100% worth it, even if You have to get up at 7:00 in the morning to work and You have just finished reading the bock 3 hours ago …… or will I take the risk again to look like an “Zombi” at work all day ….. ???
YOU CAN BET!!!! :D :D :D
Thank You Helena for making me look like a happy “Zombi” at work 😉
August 16, 2016
***AUTHOR REVIEW*** The ebook goes live on Friday, August 19th. As with all my Kissing books, this is a standalone romantic suspense.
This time we're in New York in the depths of winter. He's New York's most notorious mob boss. She's the niece of a Russian Mafia kingpin. He *will* have her.
Even if it means war.
This time we're in New York in the depths of winter. He's New York's most notorious mob boss. She's the niece of a Russian Mafia kingpin. He *will* have her.
Even if it means war.
February 17, 2022
5 easy stars
Oh my gosh. This book was… WHOA. The fighting and action lasted so long, I was starting to actually believe that there was no way Angelo and Irina could possibly solve all their problems, but, as usual, this author pulled through with that HEA. The story was absolutely action packed and un-put-downable.
Oh my gosh. This book was… WHOA. The fighting and action lasted so long, I was starting to actually believe that there was no way Angelo and Irina could possibly solve all their problems, but, as usual, this author pulled through with that HEA. The story was absolutely action packed and un-put-downable.
December 11, 2019
The two main characters fell in love way too fast and didn’t even know each other or go on a proper date before declaring their love. 3 stars
August 21, 2016
The thing I like most about a Helena Newbury book is how quickly the reader is drawn into the story. Kissing the Enemy does this right from the start.
Angelo is an Italian New York Mafia boss who, quite by accident, meets Irina, the niece of a Russian Bratva boss. They have an immediate and intense attraction to one another, neither of them knowing who the other is. Once their identities are made known, it is far too late to deny the chemistry between them.
Irina has been trying to pull away from her gangster family, but is met with resistance from her Uncle who wants her protected by marrying someone within his organization. Unfortunately, her uncle does not realize that the man he is pushing her towards has a predilection towards hurting women and only wants to marry Irina for the status and money her Uncle can provide to him.
Angelo and Irina are up against many obstacles to be together. There is hatred between the Russians and Italians going way back and with the Russians attempting to move in on Angelo's territory, there is war brewing between the two factions. Irina and Angelo come to see that the only way for them to be together is to stop the fighting and attempt to have the families come to some sort of compromise. This, of course, backfires on them spectacularly.
Kissing the Enemy is an engaging, action packed story that pulls the reader in from the start. The danger for Irina and Angelo is palpable throughout the book, and I found it difficult to put down, needing to know if they would get themselves out of the line of fire and be able to find some peace and happiness together.
With Kissing the Enemy, Helena Newbury has a given us a strong, independent woman in Irina and a man who is willing to change for the woman he loves in Angelo all wrapped up in a fast-paced, suspenseful read.
Angelo is an Italian New York Mafia boss who, quite by accident, meets Irina, the niece of a Russian Bratva boss. They have an immediate and intense attraction to one another, neither of them knowing who the other is. Once their identities are made known, it is far too late to deny the chemistry between them.
Irina has been trying to pull away from her gangster family, but is met with resistance from her Uncle who wants her protected by marrying someone within his organization. Unfortunately, her uncle does not realize that the man he is pushing her towards has a predilection towards hurting women and only wants to marry Irina for the status and money her Uncle can provide to him.
Angelo and Irina are up against many obstacles to be together. There is hatred between the Russians and Italians going way back and with the Russians attempting to move in on Angelo's territory, there is war brewing between the two factions. Irina and Angelo come to see that the only way for them to be together is to stop the fighting and attempt to have the families come to some sort of compromise. This, of course, backfires on them spectacularly.
Kissing the Enemy is an engaging, action packed story that pulls the reader in from the start. The danger for Irina and Angelo is palpable throughout the book, and I found it difficult to put down, needing to know if they would get themselves out of the line of fire and be able to find some peace and happiness together.
With Kissing the Enemy, Helena Newbury has a given us a strong, independent woman in Irina and a man who is willing to change for the woman he loves in Angelo all wrapped up in a fast-paced, suspenseful read.
August 19, 2016
4.5 -- Ice Princess -- stars
I have yet to read a book by Helena Newbury that I didn’t love. I love her bad boys and strong women. Each book is a standalone and so different than the previous books. There is always great mystery or suspense and steamy scenes.
Angelo is the boss of the Italian mafia and everybody respects him. One day, he goes to see a ballet performance and he sees Irina dancing. There is something about her moves and body that he loves. He wants to talk to her and get to know her, but Irina is already gone.
Irina is the niece of the boss of the Russian mafia, so the enemy of Angelo. She doesn’t want a man in her life at the moment. Angelo doesn’t give up and they eventually have dinner together. They only know each other’s first name, so they don’t know that they are actually enemies. One day, they do discover the last name of the other and that will change everything forever for the both of them.
I love Angelo and Irina. Angelo is a tall, muscular, strong man with a gorgeous tattoo. The mafia and keeping his turf are the most important things in his life, until he sees Irina. He wants her desperately and will fight for her. Irina knows what she wants. She loves her independence and doesn’t want anything to do with the Russian mafia or any other gangster. She wants Angelo, because he is different than the other men she has ever met.
The writing is, as usual, amazing and flawless. I love the way the feelings and setting are described. In Kissing The Enemy, it’s winter. The season fits the story, because Irina needs to be cold to be numb and she needs Angelo’s warmth. They are perfect for each other. Their love is forbidden and can cause huge problems for the mafias, but the pull between them is too strong to keep fighting it. Nothing can stop them from being together.
-- ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! --
I have yet to read a book by Helena Newbury that I didn’t love. I love her bad boys and strong women. Each book is a standalone and so different than the previous books. There is always great mystery or suspense and steamy scenes.
Angelo is the boss of the Italian mafia and everybody respects him. One day, he goes to see a ballet performance and he sees Irina dancing. There is something about her moves and body that he loves. He wants to talk to her and get to know her, but Irina is already gone.
Irina is the niece of the boss of the Russian mafia, so the enemy of Angelo. She doesn’t want a man in her life at the moment. Angelo doesn’t give up and they eventually have dinner together. They only know each other’s first name, so they don’t know that they are actually enemies. One day, they do discover the last name of the other and that will change everything forever for the both of them.
I love Angelo and Irina. Angelo is a tall, muscular, strong man with a gorgeous tattoo. The mafia and keeping his turf are the most important things in his life, until he sees Irina. He wants her desperately and will fight for her. Irina knows what she wants. She loves her independence and doesn’t want anything to do with the Russian mafia or any other gangster. She wants Angelo, because he is different than the other men she has ever met.
The writing is, as usual, amazing and flawless. I love the way the feelings and setting are described. In Kissing The Enemy, it’s winter. The season fits the story, because Irina needs to be cold to be numb and she needs Angelo’s warmth. They are perfect for each other. Their love is forbidden and can cause huge problems for the mafias, but the pull between them is too strong to keep fighting it. Nothing can stop them from being together.
-- ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! --
August 15, 2016
I am in love with Angelo AND Irina if that's possible. She is the epitome of feminine but also strength and determination. And him..oh, badass, rough, filthy...you can't not love him..I could dream about him all day long. As we got used already, there is an insta-love in this story and it's so believable, you can feel their chemistry burning. I love how Helena can describe those moments so well, that you feel like you are living in the story.
The action is there as well, the danger, the living on the edge, the worry that everything will end well. All the thrill and the loveable characters made the book hard to put it down, I was totally hooked.
I totally recommend it! It has all I am looking for in a good book. Enjoy!
*I have received this book as an ARC in change of an honest review.
The action is there as well, the danger, the living on the edge, the worry that everything will end well. All the thrill and the loveable characters made the book hard to put it down, I was totally hooked.
I totally recommend it! It has all I am looking for in a good book. Enjoy!
*I have received this book as an ARC in change of an honest review.
Read
August 25, 2016DNF! Stopped at 65%.
I love a Mafia story, especially when one falls for their rival. I love a hot ass Mafia boss who is dominate in every way. Angelo is not that man. He's the head of the family but he's a punk. He's punked down by his own guard, butch slapped twice by his girl (whom he has yet to sleep with), refuses proper retaliation for the sake of his chick.... This do is to soft to be a made man yet he's the head of the family? WTF?
I prefer a man who takes what he wants and gives no fucks about what anyone else would think.
I love a Mafia story, especially when one falls for their rival. I love a hot ass Mafia boss who is dominate in every way. Angelo is not that man. He's the head of the family but he's a punk. He's punked down by his own guard, butch slapped twice by his girl (whom he has yet to sleep with), refuses proper retaliation for the sake of his chick.... This do is to soft to be a made man yet he's the head of the family? WTF?
I prefer a man who takes what he wants and gives no fucks about what anyone else would think.
January 22, 2017
3,5 stars
November 19, 2022
This variation of Romeo & Juliet stars Mafia boss Angelo Baroni and Russian mafia princess, ballerina Irina Malakov. After seeing Irina dance, Angelo’s hopelessly fascinated; he seeks Irina out after another performance, she’s just as enchanted. Though quickly discovering, the stakes, their familial/cultural rivalry and animosity neither can face walking away.
But Angelo answers to a committee and Irina’s uncle partnered with a territory-rich thug looking to strengthen ties by taking Irina to wife! Treading a thin line, the star-crossed are bound to be discovered as the unwanted suitor kicks dirt in Angelo’s face leading to escalating paybacks until there’s a war that Irina just wants to stop while keeping Angelo.
Rating: 4.5stars
But Angelo answers to a committee and Irina’s uncle partnered with a territory-rich thug looking to strengthen ties by taking Irina to wife! Treading a thin line, the star-crossed are bound to be discovered as the unwanted suitor kicks dirt in Angelo’s face leading to escalating paybacks until there’s a war that Irina just wants to stop while keeping Angelo.
Rating: 4.5stars
November 20, 2022
Lackluster
I’ve never disliked a Helena Newbury book until now.
It just didn’t work. Bratva ballerina. Italian mobster. But they were both inconceivable idiots. And sure, the action was there, but it just lacked all the things that make Bratva & Mafia stories interesting.
Irina’s naïveté wasn’t endearing. Eye roll inducing…absolutely.
She talked a good talk about her family and strength and whatever but then suggested pure stupidity and didn’t understand why Angelo wouldn’t willingly give up his entire empire…come on.
I just…am so disappointed.
I’ve never disliked a Helena Newbury book until now.
It just didn’t work. Bratva ballerina. Italian mobster. But they were both inconceivable idiots. And sure, the action was there, but it just lacked all the things that make Bratva & Mafia stories interesting.
Irina’s naïveté wasn’t endearing. Eye roll inducing…absolutely.
She talked a good talk about her family and strength and whatever but then suggested pure stupidity and didn’t understand why Angelo wouldn’t willingly give up his entire empire…come on.
I just…am so disappointed.
October 2, 2023
Another action packed, how is this ever going to work out, thriller by this author!
Irina is a ballet dancer and niece of one of the biggest Russian mobsters. When Angelo sees her at the ballet he is instantly taken with her and can’t stop until he meets her. Angelo is the head of the Italian mob in NYC. Relations between the Russians and the Italians have been going downhill quickly and his relationship with Irina is only gonna make things worse. They need to give each other up, but they can’t seem to make that happen.
Irina is a ballet dancer and niece of one of the biggest Russian mobsters. When Angelo sees her at the ballet he is instantly taken with her and can’t stop until he meets her. Angelo is the head of the Italian mob in NYC. Relations between the Russians and the Italians have been going downhill quickly and his relationship with Irina is only gonna make things worse. They need to give each other up, but they can’t seem to make that happen.
January 5, 2024
Entertaining
Another good book by this author I didn't find it one of her best but still entertaining enough with a reasonably good storyline and strong characters. Irina a beautiful ballerina also part of the Russian bratva family meets and falls in love with Angelo leader of the Italian Mafiosa and never the twain shall meet but these two can't help their love which causes a near out and out war between Russians and Italians but a common purpose brings them together the love for Irina. A good read a little slow to get going but once it does its fireworks all the way.
Another good book by this author I didn't find it one of her best but still entertaining enough with a reasonably good storyline and strong characters. Irina a beautiful ballerina also part of the Russian bratva family meets and falls in love with Angelo leader of the Italian Mafiosa and never the twain shall meet but these two can't help their love which causes a near out and out war between Russians and Italians but a common purpose brings them together the love for Irina. A good read a little slow to get going but once it does its fireworks all the way.
February 20, 2019
Magnificent
I enjoyed reading this book. A perfect book of action,romance and heart-pounding suspense. Enigmatic characters who were captivating,strong and sexy.The lovemaking was scorching,passionate,and off the charts. The writing flowed easily and effortless. Dynamic and compelling friendships that were long lasting supportive. Overall an outstanding book and you will not be disappointed by selecting this book. I am looking forward to reading more books from this author.
I enjoyed reading this book. A perfect book of action,romance and heart-pounding suspense. Enigmatic characters who were captivating,strong and sexy.The lovemaking was scorching,passionate,and off the charts. The writing flowed easily and effortless. Dynamic and compelling friendships that were long lasting supportive. Overall an outstanding book and you will not be disappointed by selecting this book. I am looking forward to reading more books from this author.
December 27, 2023
Characters = 5/5
Plot = 4/5
Romance = 4/5
Hotness = 2/5
Mystery = 4/5
Action = 5/5
Drama = 5/5
Darkness = 3/5
Humor = 1/5
Stars = 4 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Cliffhanger = No
Would I recommend this book = Yes
Would I read future books by this author = Yes
✔️✔️✔️Love all books by Helena.
-loved the characters with this one but the plot fell a little short for me. Still worth the read just needed something more.
Plot = 4/5
Romance = 4/5
Hotness = 2/5
Mystery = 4/5
Action = 5/5
Drama = 5/5
Darkness = 3/5
Humor = 1/5
Stars = 4 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Cliffhanger = No
Would I recommend this book = Yes
Would I read future books by this author = Yes
✔️✔️✔️Love all books by Helena.
-loved the characters with this one but the plot fell a little short for me. Still worth the read just needed something more.
August 3, 2017
Mafia romance
Russian Mafia princess and Italian Mafia Don, have a forbidden romance, and very romeo and juliette.
Good characters and dialogue, and storyline was good.
This author always delivers.
Russian Mafia princess and Italian Mafia Don, have a forbidden romance, and very romeo and juliette.
Good characters and dialogue, and storyline was good.
This author always delivers.
November 3, 2018
This is the second book I have read by Helena, I have no words, from the Start it sucked me in. Fast paced, lots of angst, and just the right amount of wrong.
A fantastically written mafia romance that deserves 5*.
A fantastically written mafia romance that deserves 5*.
December 20, 2019
Helena Newbury has delivered another great well written Kissing series book! This story follows Angelo, of the Italian mafia, and Irina, of the Russian mafia, and their love affair. There are also other Kissing characters that make appearances in this book. Love how the books all tie together.
March 2, 2018
Enemy's???
One Russian leader one Italian leader at war for territory, exept they have 1 person in the middle that wants peace and both sides would do anything for her.
One Russian leader one Italian leader at war for territory, exept they have 1 person in the middle that wants peace and both sides would do anything for her.
September 18, 2018
Brilliant
Another I can’t put down , twisty story that keeps you gripped until the end. Can’t wait for more from this author
Another I can’t put down , twisty story that keeps you gripped until the end. Can’t wait for more from this author
November 28, 2022
Fast pace and heart felt romantic story
Love the fast pace, action pact, adventurous, and romantic love story. The Double is still my favorite of all your books…so far
Love the fast pace, action pact, adventurous, and romantic love story. The Double is still my favorite of all your books…so far
May 22, 2023
Love Angelo and what he did to get Irena back
December 25, 2023
4.5 stars
March 17, 2017
Fun! I hadn't realized another book was out so I was more than eager to dive in. I love how previous characters continue on and make appearances in other stories. This is full of angst, action, and steam. The romance between Angelo and Irina is somewhat of a slow burn which I loved. Great writing per usual. 5++++*Da* stars!!!!
September 26, 2016
Kissing The Enemy was a highly suspenseful read that kept me fixed to every word. It was so hard to put it down for anything until I was finished. Irina is one of those characters that is highly innocent yet has seen everything twice. She is so very strong and deserves to be happy. Angelo is just her opposite. He has done everything hundreds of times and has never been innocent. And yet Helena Newbury has written them to fit like the most perfectly cut pieces of a puzzle. Without one the other just doesn't look right and doesn't stay in the picture properly. I thoroughly enjoyed reading their unconventional romance. It was a fierce mob romance that was spellbinding. I can't wait to read more from this author. I highly recommend this book.
August 28, 2016
He is Angelo Baroni, head of the Italian mob in NY and she is Irina, Ice princess niece of the head of the Russian mob, Vasiliy.
Angelo has just left a meeting where he practically tosses someone who works for him out of a window because he found out they were trafficking women. This is an absolute NO for Angelo. As he leaves the meeting and in gratitude for not ending his life, the man hands him ballet tickets. Angelo has sent his driver away and ends up taking cover from the rain and cold at the ballet. It is not something he does, but he does have the tickets. As he sits thru this ballet, he sees her and he is mesmerized. He is an awe of her dancing and is in no way leaving this theatre without meeting the vision of the woman he just saw.
Irina who came to NY to get away from the mafia life is just as mesmerized when she sees him. She is always so cold. Everything about her life is cold. The things she has seen since being raised by her uncle and the fact that she is expected to marry a member of the Russian mafia makes her life unbearable. Her uncle believes this is the way it has to be in order for her to be safe from their enemies. At seeing Angelo she feels the ice melt inside of her.
Angelo is Obsessed!! He invites her out, she says no and leaves. She later decides to meet up with him and it is after their first date that he finds out who she is. Niece of the Russian head. He cannot believe it. Her uncle has been trying to move into his territory and they are practically at war. Mikhail is the second in command for the Russian mafia and the guy who Irina may have to marry, has been attacking the business' in NY.
There is a lot of action in this book as Angelo and Irina try to keep their relationship a secret. There is one thing that is for sure, these two are totally and desperately obsessed with each other.
Family loyalties are tested, truths are discovered, wars will start, and thru it all these two remain true to each other.
I enjoyed this book. I don't read a lot of mafia books because sometimes the violence is too OTT, this book was tolerable in that sense. This was a four star for me, but I ended up dropping one star for a small part. This is just my personal opinion and it may not bother other readers, but
Angelo has just left a meeting where he practically tosses someone who works for him out of a window because he found out they were trafficking women. This is an absolute NO for Angelo. As he leaves the meeting and in gratitude for not ending his life, the man hands him ballet tickets. Angelo has sent his driver away and ends up taking cover from the rain and cold at the ballet. It is not something he does, but he does have the tickets. As he sits thru this ballet, he sees her and he is mesmerized. He is an awe of her dancing and is in no way leaving this theatre without meeting the vision of the woman he just saw.
Irina who came to NY to get away from the mafia life is just as mesmerized when she sees him. She is always so cold. Everything about her life is cold. The things she has seen since being raised by her uncle and the fact that she is expected to marry a member of the Russian mafia makes her life unbearable. Her uncle believes this is the way it has to be in order for her to be safe from their enemies. At seeing Angelo she feels the ice melt inside of her.
Angelo is Obsessed!! He invites her out, she says no and leaves. She later decides to meet up with him and it is after their first date that he finds out who she is. Niece of the Russian head. He cannot believe it. Her uncle has been trying to move into his territory and they are practically at war. Mikhail is the second in command for the Russian mafia and the guy who Irina may have to marry, has been attacking the business' in NY.
There is a lot of action in this book as Angelo and Irina try to keep their relationship a secret. There is one thing that is for sure, these two are totally and desperately obsessed with each other.
Family loyalties are tested, truths are discovered, wars will start, and thru it all these two remain true to each other.
I enjoyed this book. I don't read a lot of mafia books because sometimes the violence is too OTT, this book was tolerable in that sense. This was a four star for me, but I ended up dropping one star for a small part. This is just my personal opinion and it may not bother other readers, but
August 21, 2016
Angelo was mesmerized by Irina the moment he saw her dance. His world stopped, as is his heart and all he could see was her. He wanted her in every way, and he would do everything to have her, until he discovers the fact that she was the niece of his greatest enemy.
Irina just wanted to run away from it all – she wanted to embrace a new life. The one that is peaceful and where she can just enjoy her dance. But you can never really run away from family, can you? Her life was pretty much school, until she meets Angelo. It wasn’t that simple though. They were opposites, and their family was far from being friends. Their relationship might spark a war that threatens the streets of New York. But perhaps, they can make it stop. Can their love be strong enough to stop it? Or would they allow it to destroy their love?
I like Irina’s positivity, and her outlook in life besides growing up with her family. She was willing to risk everything, just to have the peace that she wished for a long time. Their road to their HEA wasn’t easy. There were a lot of hurdles, betrayal and pain. But Irina was positive they could do it. Together, they can be able to stop what is thought to be inevitable.
Surprising, and jaw-dropping twists, and unexpected actions coming from the characters makes this book at total page-turner. This modern Romeo and Juliet tale with a touch of Mafia on the sides kept me awake until the wee hours of the morning. Who wouldn’t? The heart-stopping, panty-melting, action/romance/steam-packed novel just came in my Kindle, and I just couldn’t help but turn from one page to another.
Review originally posted on my blog
Purchase Links: AMAZON US
Follow me on: Twitter | Facebook | tsu | Instagram
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More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
Irina just wanted to run away from it all – she wanted to embrace a new life. The one that is peaceful and where she can just enjoy her dance. But you can never really run away from family, can you? Her life was pretty much school, until she meets Angelo. It wasn’t that simple though. They were opposites, and their family was far from being friends. Their relationship might spark a war that threatens the streets of New York. But perhaps, they can make it stop. Can their love be strong enough to stop it? Or would they allow it to destroy their love?
I like Irina’s positivity, and her outlook in life besides growing up with her family. She was willing to risk everything, just to have the peace that she wished for a long time. Their road to their HEA wasn’t easy. There were a lot of hurdles, betrayal and pain. But Irina was positive they could do it. Together, they can be able to stop what is thought to be inevitable.
Surprising, and jaw-dropping twists, and unexpected actions coming from the characters makes this book at total page-turner. This modern Romeo and Juliet tale with a touch of Mafia on the sides kept me awake until the wee hours of the morning. Who wouldn’t? The heart-stopping, panty-melting, action/romance/steam-packed novel just came in my Kindle, and I just couldn’t help but turn from one page to another.
Review originally posted on my blog
Purchase Links: AMAZON US
Follow me on: Twitter | Facebook | tsu | Instagram
[image error]
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
August 16, 2016
I love mafia romance. They just scintillate every nook and cranny of my mind. Yes, my mind ;-)
This author has the talent to put her evocative, fiery prose to the best use and make the enthusiastic reader devour her stories like candy. In particular, this one is a Romeo and Juliette drama that's going to twist the city of New York as much as the characters' hearts.
He is Cosa Nostra, she is the niece of a Russian mobster. He's intense and committed, she's a platinum-blonde ballerina. Oh, my. From the first page, every word was built to start a fire between Angelo and Irina. Their passion for each other is powerful, thought-erasing, a storm that shakes their very core. It was glorious to lose myself in their lovespell.
The double POV shows how they both struggle when eventually the forbidden nature of their identities comes to light, devastating their feelings but also opening a deadly path for either war or truce.
I thought Angelo was portrayed like a medieval lord who took genuinely good care of his subjects. Maybe it sounded like a fairy tale, but felt good too.
These characters! I loved their ardent, illicit yet unquenchable desire, and the struggle that rises from their loyalty to their respective enemy worlds. This unsolicited love they harbour changes them and their views on hardened principles. Sometimes they struck me as a bit naïve for an experienced mobster and a woman who'd been raised among them. I suppose love is blind, and it was the universe's way to change the unchangeable.
The plot of violence, betrayal, dreams of peace, heady sensuality, demonic men and impossible odds against love is truly exhilarating, gut-wrenching, but also quite frustrating because I kept thinking that these star-crossed lovers acted without an ounce of intelligence and put everyone they cared about in peril, letting the evil enemy win again and again. There was so much pain and wretched destruction and utter loss! The final part is bursting with thrilling action and crazy heroics. I've never read a book where a couple had to fight so much to be together. Wow. What a frantic, insane rollercoaster! I suffered. I conquered. This is a must.
This author has the talent to put her evocative, fiery prose to the best use and make the enthusiastic reader devour her stories like candy. In particular, this one is a Romeo and Juliette drama that's going to twist the city of New York as much as the characters' hearts.
He is Cosa Nostra, she is the niece of a Russian mobster. He's intense and committed, she's a platinum-blonde ballerina. Oh, my. From the first page, every word was built to start a fire between Angelo and Irina. Their passion for each other is powerful, thought-erasing, a storm that shakes their very core. It was glorious to lose myself in their lovespell.
The double POV shows how they both struggle when eventually the forbidden nature of their identities comes to light, devastating their feelings but also opening a deadly path for either war or truce.
I thought Angelo was portrayed like a medieval lord who took genuinely good care of his subjects. Maybe it sounded like a fairy tale, but felt good too.
These characters! I loved their ardent, illicit yet unquenchable desire, and the struggle that rises from their loyalty to their respective enemy worlds. This unsolicited love they harbour changes them and their views on hardened principles. Sometimes they struck me as a bit naïve for an experienced mobster and a woman who'd been raised among them. I suppose love is blind, and it was the universe's way to change the unchangeable.
The plot of violence, betrayal, dreams of peace, heady sensuality, demonic men and impossible odds against love is truly exhilarating, gut-wrenching, but also quite frustrating because I kept thinking that these star-crossed lovers acted without an ounce of intelligence and put everyone they cared about in peril, letting the evil enemy win again and again. There was so much pain and wretched destruction and utter loss! The final part is bursting with thrilling action and crazy heroics. I've never read a book where a couple had to fight so much to be together. Wow. What a frantic, insane rollercoaster! I suffered. I conquered. This is a must.
August 12, 2016
Book received in exchange for an honest review.
WOW!!!!! I honestly cannot think how to review this book. It's not a secret that I am a huge fan of Helena's, I've read all of her books and every time I finish one I say the same words - that one was my favourite - that is until I read Kissing the Enemy. This has to be by far the best book of them all. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen there was an unexpected twist. I loved it, to be honest I'm actually a little speechless.
I guess I should write a bit about the story! So in this book we read about Angelo, an Italian-American Mafia boss, and Irina, a beautiful Russian ballet student at the Fenbrook Academy. On a wet and windy day in NYC Angelo finds himself unexpectedly sheltering at the Theatre where he witnesses Irina dancing and he quickly becomes besotted with her. What Angelo doesn't realise is the Russian beauty he is pursuing is the niece of Russian Mafia boss, Vasilly Malakov, Angelos enemy. Irinia falls for Angelo but soon realises who he is. Things go very wrong, very quickly for these two lovers. Cue some intense and steamy encounters between Angelo and Irina along with explosive scenes between the Italian and Russian mafia. It's like Romeo and Juliet Mafia style!!
I loved the characters in this book and I loved the way Helena entwined characters from previous stories into it too. I always thought Luka was my favourite member of the Mafia but then Angelo came along!!!
I really love Helena's writing style, she never fails to pull me into her books - I always have to read them in one sitting because I know I'll never be able to put them down until I've finished. There was so much action in this book it was amazing! So many unexpected twists and turns that had me guessing until the very end.
Kissing the Enemy is a standalone, Happily Ever After book with some very steamy scenes so is intended for mature audiences only.
Without doubt I give Kissing the Enemy 5 stars - If I could I would give it more! Definitely a recommended read.
WOW!!!!! I honestly cannot think how to review this book. It's not a secret that I am a huge fan of Helena's, I've read all of her books and every time I finish one I say the same words - that one was my favourite - that is until I read Kissing the Enemy. This has to be by far the best book of them all. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen there was an unexpected twist. I loved it, to be honest I'm actually a little speechless.
I guess I should write a bit about the story! So in this book we read about Angelo, an Italian-American Mafia boss, and Irina, a beautiful Russian ballet student at the Fenbrook Academy. On a wet and windy day in NYC Angelo finds himself unexpectedly sheltering at the Theatre where he witnesses Irina dancing and he quickly becomes besotted with her. What Angelo doesn't realise is the Russian beauty he is pursuing is the niece of Russian Mafia boss, Vasilly Malakov, Angelos enemy. Irinia falls for Angelo but soon realises who he is. Things go very wrong, very quickly for these two lovers. Cue some intense and steamy encounters between Angelo and Irina along with explosive scenes between the Italian and Russian mafia. It's like Romeo and Juliet Mafia style!!
I loved the characters in this book and I loved the way Helena entwined characters from previous stories into it too. I always thought Luka was my favourite member of the Mafia but then Angelo came along!!!
I really love Helena's writing style, she never fails to pull me into her books - I always have to read them in one sitting because I know I'll never be able to put them down until I've finished. There was so much action in this book it was amazing! So many unexpected twists and turns that had me guessing until the very end.
Kissing the Enemy is a standalone, Happily Ever After book with some very steamy scenes so is intended for mature audiences only.
Without doubt I give Kissing the Enemy 5 stars - If I could I would give it more! Definitely a recommended read.
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