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Sons of the Motherland #2
Ruslan: A Very Russian Romance
He was sent to collect her, not to fall in love.
Ruslan
When the leader of a powerful Russian crime family tasked him with the capture and rendition of his son's intended bride, Ruslan didn't think much of the assignment. After all, it wasn't the first time he'd been sent to retrieve a reluctant bride. But that was before he met the mafia princess, before she got under his skin, melted his walls, and lit a fire in his battered heart.
Vivian
After a failed hit on her father, Vivian expected everything would settle down and she could get back to what mattered most: finishing her final year of med school so she could finally do something useful with her life. Instead, she found herself drugged and dragged to a foreign country for a marriage she refused to accept. Falling in love with the man who stole her freedom wasn't even in the cards.
Daddy
Vincent de Costa didn't escape the Soviet Union, change his name, and start a new life in America just to have a notorious Russian gangster abduct his youngest child. The last thing he ever wanted was to return to his homeland and face the ghosts of his past, but when a father loves his daughter, there's nothing he won't do to get her back.
*Ruslan is a full-length, standalone mafia romance.*
Ruslan
When the leader of a powerful Russian crime family tasked him with the capture and rendition of his son's intended bride, Ruslan didn't think much of the assignment. After all, it wasn't the first time he'd been sent to retrieve a reluctant bride. But that was before he met the mafia princess, before she got under his skin, melted his walls, and lit a fire in his battered heart.
Vivian
After a failed hit on her father, Vivian expected everything would settle down and she could get back to what mattered most: finishing her final year of med school so she could finally do something useful with her life. Instead, she found herself drugged and dragged to a foreign country for a marriage she refused to accept. Falling in love with the man who stole her freedom wasn't even in the cards.
Daddy
Vincent de Costa didn't escape the Soviet Union, change his name, and start a new life in America just to have a notorious Russian gangster abduct his youngest child. The last thing he ever wanted was to return to his homeland and face the ghosts of his past, but when a father loves his daughter, there's nothing he won't do to get her back.
*Ruslan is a full-length, standalone mafia romance.*
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2017
15 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 1, 2018
For a romance story, this roller-coaster ride of a novel has a higher body count than you might expect. But don't let that put you off - on the contrary. The action and intensity of "Ruslan" are what made it, for me at least, a great read. The author has done her research into weaponry and the world of gangsters so well, in some parts you could be forgiven for thinking you were reading a Chris Ryan or Andy McNab novel.
Additionally, as a Russian speaker myself, there were plenty of other aspects that appealed to me - the language, the culture, the vodka, the black humour.
The feud between the Italian and Russian families - both mob clans with their own particular no-nonsense ways of sorting out their differences - plus the intriguing backstory of Vincent and his family and the interconnections between the characters makes for an absorbing tale. Add to the mix a firebrand daughter, Vivian, who doesn't take too kindly to being kidnapped, and some sizzling sex scenes between her and her kidnapper, the eponymous Ruslan of the book's title, and you have a recipe for a thoroughly entertaining and exciting read.
Victoria Wright has produced a fast-paced, well-written story that I enjoyed very much.
Additionally, as a Russian speaker myself, there were plenty of other aspects that appealed to me - the language, the culture, the vodka, the black humour.
The feud between the Italian and Russian families - both mob clans with their own particular no-nonsense ways of sorting out their differences - plus the intriguing backstory of Vincent and his family and the interconnections between the characters makes for an absorbing tale. Add to the mix a firebrand daughter, Vivian, who doesn't take too kindly to being kidnapped, and some sizzling sex scenes between her and her kidnapper, the eponymous Ruslan of the book's title, and you have a recipe for a thoroughly entertaining and exciting read.
Victoria Wright has produced a fast-paced, well-written story that I enjoyed very much.
January 21, 2018
I have read mafia romance before but reading a book on Russian mafia was new and different . I enjoyed the book ❤❤ I requested the ebook and i wasn't disappointed , now i can't wait to read the previous book in the series .
February 28, 2018
This is a very enjoyable book. I think the cover is intriguing and hints of mystery. The colors are vibrant, I like the font, and it fits the story. I was not disappointed. I liked the characters, even the bad guys. They are well-rounded and reek of the mafia from the US to Russia. I think the dialog is great, and each character has a distinct personality. The first paragraph is a great hook that leads into a chapter that grabs you and yanks you into the story.
If I had to be kidnapped like the main character Vivian, I would want it to be by Ruslan. Stockholm Syndrom be damned, Ruslan is hot and personable. I enjoyed reading their love story. Ruslan: A Very Russian Romance is a mafia suspense story, and the criminal elements and lifestyle shine in this book. I was left with a real sense of the Russian Mafia, the language, and the people.
The story comes with several POV characters, and I thought Victoria Wright did a good job switching from scene to scene. The sex scenes were good, but I think they could do with some of the five senses sprinkled in for more flavor. Some of the writing could be a little stronger, and for that reason, I give this 4.8-stars, but overall this is a great read.
If you like mafia crime suspense thrillers with a healthy dash of romance – Ruslan: A Very Russian Romance by Victoria Wright is the book for you.
If I had to be kidnapped like the main character Vivian, I would want it to be by Ruslan. Stockholm Syndrom be damned, Ruslan is hot and personable. I enjoyed reading their love story. Ruslan: A Very Russian Romance is a mafia suspense story, and the criminal elements and lifestyle shine in this book. I was left with a real sense of the Russian Mafia, the language, and the people.
The story comes with several POV characters, and I thought Victoria Wright did a good job switching from scene to scene. The sex scenes were good, but I think they could do with some of the five senses sprinkled in for more flavor. Some of the writing could be a little stronger, and for that reason, I give this 4.8-stars, but overall this is a great read.
If you like mafia crime suspense thrillers with a healthy dash of romance – Ruslan: A Very Russian Romance by Victoria Wright is the book for you.
March 4, 2018
I’m not usually one for mafia style romances, but this book was so good! Vivian is the daughter of a mob boss who is laid up in the hospital awaiting a kidney transplant after having been shot up. An opposing mob initiates Vivian’s kidnapping and intends to marry her off to the don’s son whether she likes it or not. Ruslan is the hired hand who snatches her and holds her until she can be transported to the mob boss.A romance develops between Vivian and Ruslan (and it is hot!). However, Ruslan must convey Vivian as planned and attempt to get his own forces together to get her back. There is much action as both Vivian’s family and Ruslan’s army try to infiltrate the Russian fortress where Vivian is being kept. This book is definitely a winner!
December 21, 2017
This was a very good mafia romance. I really enjoyed Ruslan, and Vivian was a strong, brave heroine. She stood up for herself, and she wasn't a weak, whiny little girl...all good things! I especially liked how she dealt with her kidnapper in the end!
I enjoyed how much real Russian phrases were used in the book, although I wish there had been translations included for all of them.
This was an intense book, full of romance, intrigue, betrayal...all the necessary elements for a good romance. I just wish Vincent had actually met Oksana in the end...that would've been a satisfying conclusion! All in all, I would recommend this to anyone who likes mafia romance!
I enjoyed how much real Russian phrases were used in the book, although I wish there had been translations included for all of them.
This was an intense book, full of romance, intrigue, betrayal...all the necessary elements for a good romance. I just wish Vincent had actually met Oksana in the end...that would've been a satisfying conclusion! All in all, I would recommend this to anyone who likes mafia romance!
February 7, 2018
Ruslan was my first time diving into the world of the mafia. I was given an advanced copy from the author. It was hard to put down. I found myself taking breaks only to dive right back in because I had to know where the story lead and I wasn't disappointed. Obviously not knowing any Russian, I loved how the author put a glossary in the back for you to use to decipher, however found that most words I was able to figure out on my own with how they were referenced. Definitely a must read and I look forward to following Vivian and Ruslans' story.
January 10, 2018
This romance story kept me on my toes! I was given an advanced copy and was so excited because I love all things Russian. I think it was a nice touch to add multiple phrases in the native language throughout the book. This particular story was a nice change from a typical romance, considering the mafia background; also, Vivien was a strong female lead and stayed that way until the end of the book. My favorite element? The way I imagined Ruslan's Russian accent...super sexy!
January 15, 2018
This was a well-written mafia suspense novel. The author clearly did her homework on the Russian mafia, and that shines through in her work. This book was heavy on the mafia suspense plot and very light on the romance. I wouldn't really characterize this as a romance novel per se, since the two main characters spend a large percentage of the book apart. If you enjoy books with lot of suspense and intrigue, you will definitely enjoy this novel!
December 21, 2017
4*
Vincent is out of action due to an attack on his life left him needing a kidney transplant.
Vivian is his daughter but is kidnapped by Ruslan after instructions from the mafia.
Can Vincent recover his daughter?
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Another good mafia story
Vincent is out of action due to an attack on his life left him needing a kidney transplant.
Vivian is his daughter but is kidnapped by Ruslan after instructions from the mafia.
Can Vincent recover his daughter?
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Another good mafia story
January 2, 2018
I love this book! I can not recommend it enough, if you like romance but something with some serious action in it this is the best of both worlds. The connection between Ruslan and Viven is really brought to life, the family morales that you expect from a mafia family are so prominent. I very very good read!! Well done Victoria!
January 4, 2018
This book took a little to get used to the characters, language, and names (I am unfamiliar with Russian) but after that, I enjoyed the plot! Filled with romance and action. I received an ARC in return for an honest review.
December 21, 2017
Who doesn’t love a good Russian mafia romance, I loved the Russian translation at the end, well done
December 26, 2017
Vivian and Ruslan's story is filled with action and intrigue. I truly enjoyed this book and will be waiting on more. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
January 9, 2018
A Mafia romance which I enjoyed great characters and storyline so glad that Vivian was not a pushover I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews