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Russian Mob Chronicles #2

Nikolai: Taking Back What's Mine

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Have you ever wanted something so bad, you’re willing to kill for it?

That’s what I felt the instant my eyes locked on Justine. I could practically taste her innocence on my tongue when she stood across from me, riling me up like the life in her eyes hadn’t been snuffed years ago. The thrill of the chase ran through my blood so fast, for the first time in years, I felt like I had a heart sitting in my chest. Its beat was weak and cold, but it was still thumping nonetheless.
 It had literally only been a few hours since I had a woman’s warmth wrapped around my cock, but my hunger for Justine was uninhibited. Her scent was so intoxicating, my arrogance fed off it. I craved it like a drug, willing to give up everything to have it embedded in my skin—even my freedom.


They say revenge is a dish best served cold, but Vladimir isn’t going to be that lucky. I was maimed, beaten and tortured as he groomed me to be a natural born killer, and he is going to discover the hard way how precise his tactics were.


Disrespecting my family is as punishable as disrespecting me. Justine is now my family, and I’ll spill the blood of a thousand men before I let anyone take her away from me. 
This devil needs his rest, and Justine is the angel who can give it to me.


Author Warning: This book has adult scenes and situations that may be distressing to some readers. This book is part two of Nikolai's story and it is not intended to be read as a standalone. Part one of Nikolai's story is available as part of the Royal and Reckless Boxed Set.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 4, 2018

1137 people are currently reading
1832 people want to read

About the author

Shandi Boyes

96 books2,200 followers
Shandi Boyes is a USA Today Bestselling Author who was an avid reader for many years before she discovered the love of writing in February 2016. Her first penned novel 'Perception of Life’ is a new adult rockstar romance that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat until the very last word.

In September 2016, her focus shifted to hot alpha men in steamy contemporary reads that sizzle off the pages. Shandi’s novel ‘Enigma of Life’ is an award-winning story on an FBI agent and the subject she was assigned to investigate. Her men are swoon-worthy, devoted, and alpha; and her heroines are strong-willed, determined, and loveable. You should start her stories first thing in the morning, or you may not sleep.

You will laugh and you will cry, but Shandi's characters will stay with you for a lifetime!

Join my newsletter: subscribepage.com/authorshandi

SERIES ORDER:
Perception of Life (Noah and Emily #1)
Reality of Life (conclusion of Noah's story #2)
Fight of Life (Jacob's story - standalone #3)
Player of Life (Nick & Jenny - standalone #4)
Beats of Life (Slater's story - standalone #5)

Enigma:

Enigma of Life (Isaac #1) - ** FREE **
Unraveling an Enigma (Isaac #2)
Enigma: The Mystery Unmasked (Isaac #3)
Enigma: The Final Chapter (conclusion of Isaac's story #4)
Beneath the Secrets (Hugo #1)
Beneath the Sheets (Hugo #2)
Spy Thy Neighbor (Hunter's Story)
The Opposite Effect
I Married a Mob Boss
Second Shot

Bound:

Chains
Links
Bound
Restrained

Russian Mob Chronicles:

Nikolai: A Mafia Prince Romance
Nikolai: Taking Back What's Mine
Nikolai: What's Left of Me

You will laugh and you will cry, but my characters will stay with you forever!

I love writing and reading. They are both my passion. My genre is generally set to new adult and contemporary, with a few twists thrown in.

Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Author-Shand...

Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01D8C13WU

Enjoy reading!

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5 stars
1,036 (43%)
4 stars
791 (33%)
3 stars
442 (18%)
2 stars
83 (3%)
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20 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews216 followers
July 7, 2019
Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Pat Hopson.
628 reviews8 followers
December 9, 2018
3.5 stars. I wish I could give this book a higher rating but like the first book in the series this one is repetitive in that the same phrases are used several times throughout the book. And there are some continuity errors. The author at one point, speaking from Justines POV, says that she has only known Nikolai for weeks. And then a couple of chapters later says that Justine has only known Nicolai for a week.

And the writing is not very smooth. The author talks about a blemish on Justines knees that amalgamates to her cheeks. Do you really want to use a word like amalgamate as a synonym for combine or blend in a romance novel?

The author talks about Nikolai‘s ominous tone playing havoc with Justine’s astuteness. That’s a pretty high-toned word, astuteness, for this romance novel that isn’t written with a consistent literary voice. Where is the editor?

Please stop using the same phrases over and over again. “Needed her more than he needed his next breath” or some variation. “I moan on repeat “..... I stopped counting how many times I read this phrase in the first two books.

But like the first book this one is also very well paced and is written around a very good plot. There are plot twists I didn’t see coming. The story is a gripping one and has held my interest since the beginning in spite of some of writing that is clunky enough to draw my attention. I’m looking forward to the conclusion of this good story.
Profile Image for Jenny.
139 reviews
March 15, 2021
Extra star just for the amount of jealous/possessive and protective scenes
Profile Image for Pao.
159 reviews7 followers
March 24, 2021
thank god for mindless reads
Profile Image for annasbook nookk.
956 reviews74 followers
July 3, 2022
Wowzer. The tale unravels, passionate and addictive.
Justine remains fighting for Nikolai and vice versa.
Carrying on straight from book 1. This book is packed with passion, revenge and action.
916 reviews6 followers
June 6, 2021
Picking up where book one finished the second part of Nikolai and Justine’s story delves deeper into their intrinsic connection and Nikolai’s world. Throughout this book we see Nikolai admire the strength he sees in Justine and how she inspires something in him. We start to the see true side to him and realise how much Justine has affected and changed him in the short time they’ve known each other. The plot in this chapter of their story has a faster pace in terms of things happening, there is a little action and attempts to wreck their relationship, which results in an interesting and forward driving plot that keep readers engaged and caught up in the story. Ending with a cliff-hanger ‘Nikolai: Taking Back What's Mine’ will have you wanting to know what Boyes has in store for them next and where their relationship is going to go from here.
Profile Image for jords:).
54 reviews4 followers
August 18, 2022
I was excited to see where Nikolai + Justine’s story went after their explosive chemistry and tension in book one. Needless to say, I was slightly disappointed. I made it to 62% and haven’t been able to finish it. This book is just so repetitive. Many of the same phrases and sayings are used over and over, phrases that in all honesty don’t even really make sense. Also what’s up with a random quote in the middle of a chapter? This book could’ve been an email, but it was stretched out into 220 pages by repeating the same expressions. It’s fine, but I probably won’t finish it or read the next ones.
Profile Image for Sarah Whelan.
210 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2022
Woohooooo 😯😍🤣😈🫣
Literally the emoji’s that describe this book lol

Loved this one as much as the first, I was so so excited to continue on Nikolai and Justine’s journey ♥️

Obviously I loved both characters again but I gotta be honest and say Justine annoyed me a little bit this time and this always happens to me with whatever books I read I usually end up annoyed by the female leads 🤷🏼‍♀️
Don’t get me wrong she was so so good in this and so surprising for standing up to Mr Fletcher about Nikolai and then quitting 😯 I 100% was just as shocked as she was when we found out Nikolai was engaged like wtf

Nikolai ohhh man I think I fell more in love with him in this book 😍my heart absolutely breaks for him for what he went through in his childhood and then actually getting the courage to get away from the DEVIL that little bastard mr fletcher choose money and shit over a young boys life basically and when Justine slaps him my oh my I hated her that moment even tho she always regrets it she shouldn’t be doing it when she knows what his childhood was like yeno? the way he wants to protect Justine and how much hold she has over him is just as much as he has over her it’s just like their perfect for each other ♥️


Man oh man I’m still as confused as he was when he saw Rico when he was supposedly “dead” Im looking forward to finding out how he actually faked his death from Vladimir 🤷🏼‍♀️
Also the line “Nikolai: a Russian Mafia Prince” is just mentioned way too much, like seriously we know he’s the mafia we know he’s Russian and we know he’s a prince like cmon do we really need to keep bringing that up ? 🙄

Shandi Boyes is fast becoming one of my favorite authors ✍🏻 but I gotta mention that there were few errors in this too like in one chapter it says “seventy-two years” and then literally on the next page it contradicts itself and says “twenty-seven years” 🤔

4.5 stars all the same tho ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫





This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Patricia Charlton.
961 reviews9 followers
February 1, 2025
Good Book

I have to admit I kinda love Nikolai…. Yeah he is a mafia Prince and a killer but he is just a battered kid made in to a killer and he has kept some humanity. He doesn’t think he is loveable as no one has ever loved him and I sometimes think of the sad kid he was and what Fletcher did was disgusting.
Justine is the feisty lawyer who he knew he wanted the moment he saw her and together they are on fire.
I like the story background but have to admit I wanted his father to suffer so much more than he did, he deserved to be tortured for as long as possible.
My only small gripe is how many times Justine says how virile he is and his manly scent, just a bit OTT for my liking.
Yeah we know he is described as hot and has a body to die for but Justine just says it all too many times it becomes boring.
It will be good to see what this 3rd book brings as I understand the last 2 in this series are different characters.
Profile Image for Charlotte Everett -  Graceful Angelz.
173 reviews3 followers
May 10, 2022
This one picks up directly after the finish of the previous book. It's not a standalone and you should definitely read book one first. We get allot more back story about both of our lead characters and there are some heart breaking, emotional moments for sure!

Just to warn you, there is some other woman drama... But believe me when I say, stick with it. Not is all as it seems, and he is trying to protect Justine. He knows his father will stop at nothing to take away anything he loves, so has to play along... No spoilers, but don't get your knickers in a twist when some things are revealed... You might feel sorry for a certain character, but believe me when I say that in the next book their motives and true colours come out and you'll view things differently.

Another great book in the series, that is full of action, steamy scenes, mystery and plot progression. I got sucked in again, and I blew through this one as quick as the previous one.
Profile Image for Carol ann hughes.
272 reviews1 follower
December 17, 2022
Nikolai Book 2

Holy hell!!!! Where do you start with this book.
I absolutely understand Nikolai a whole lot better after this book. Being raised by a monster like Vladimir would potentially break anybody. I'm so glad Nikolai has decided to fight back I only hope he is going to be quick enough.

Justine may have seemed a bit shy and meek but my word that girl is a warrior I just hope she can hold on to that because I feel shew is going to need that and more soon.

I am beyond happy Rico has came back to help his brother they need this to work and they need each other.

Fingers and toes crossed for Roman I really hope he is there wheen the battle commences.

Can't wait for book 3

Shandi Boyes has done another absolute blinder with this book. 100% recommend author and series, actually all her books.
Profile Image for Linda Lee.
1,361 reviews17 followers
October 2, 2018
Justine is dropped from Nikolai’s defence team by the board of directors. Fletcher can sense the sexual tension between Justine and Nikolai. When they arrive for the hearing Vladamir is waiting for them where he tells Nikolai that Malvina is waiting for him. Justine is taken off all of her cases and is aiding Mr Schluter with one of his high profile clients. Not having any background knowledge other than it being about help with immigration and a marriage licence. Nikolai returns Malvina back to Russia like an unwanted item by doing so he puts a target on Justine’s head. He declares the only way to keep Vladimar away from her is to kill him. Justine is mortified and tries talking him out of it to save him from having regrets.
Profile Image for Jordan Barker.
72 reviews2 followers
January 17, 2019
Beginning and end were great and suspenseful! The 4 rating is my Reaction of disgust with Justine getting with Nikolai again before he sends Malvina away. It was a regression in the confidence that she had just claimed by denying Mr. Fletcher to make herself feel better. I Hate that she was becoming such a strong character and then allowed herself to be the other woman before finding out her sent Malvina away. The self loathing and lack of self respect with the intimacy and anger of scene was set up extremely well, but I wanted to stop reading because I was frustrated at her choices. However, I won’t allow her human moment to hinder me in reading the rest of the series. I Can’t wait to read the next one! Such a cliffhanger!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tammy.
273 reviews11 followers
July 23, 2018
Get ready for one hell of a ride Nikolai is one badass he will not only melt you heart but also your lady parts, he is a ruthless Russian Mafia Prince he will to do anything to take his rightful place he falls in love with his lawyer who herself is not a stranger to the mafia lifestyle Justine is fesity and shows Nikolai he is worthy of loving. I love the fact the Nikolai even says his becomes pussywhip but he doesn't change his mafia way he stay true to his charcters

This seriously would have to be one of my favourite book's by Shandi Boyes (well besides Bound series because Master Chains is my soul mate haha) and I have loved all of her books
2,200 reviews
July 7, 2019
This is book two of the Nikolai series and it is not a standalone. This book continues to pull is into Nikolai's world and show us more about him. Justine is pulled along as well and we see how she survives in his world. This book's story builds the characters, opens up their.lives and expectations and of course shows the budding relationship of Nikolai and Justine. In a world where possessions are weakness, how can Nikolai keep his Justine? f we notice, others will notice and target is formed. I cannot wait for the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews69 followers
July 9, 2019
KICKING UP DUST!!!
Struggling through contention and hostilities, striving for peace and safety that seem untouchable. This is one intriguing spin that leaves you breathless, craving more. Combating all the trials and tribulations along with a horde of twists and turns bring this baby together impeccably. A barrage of unforseen circumstances and vexing surprises push those conflicting emotions to life smoothly. The characters are authentic and tangible with on point personalities that makes it easy to relate. The scenes are descriptive and graphic that flood each scenario with a colorful backdrop as they play out seamlessly. Fantastic job Shandi, thanks for sharing.
124 reviews
July 23, 2024
Another 5 ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️ for Nikolai and Justin
Like I can say that I'm in love with them literally from here like I'm running to book three I'm in love with the story and how they you know like when you love someone to the point that you are willing to leave them just to keep them safe like we are here you you feel like you are oh my God I got that love or Obsession or what good feeling that you can say but yeah I'm in love with him I'm in love with this story I'm in love with Nikolai and I'm in love with Justin they are just perfect for me they are not as perfect as Enigma was but I love them so much
Profile Image for Kaytlin.
202 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2025
THIS IS A REREAD!

This is NOT an interconnected series and you MUST read the 1st book before this.

This series is extremely spicy but the plot is sooooo good! I love everything about Nikolai and Justine and think they are perfect for each other.

Nikolai is literally the epitome of morally charcoal, dominant, OOT possessive and jealous, in charge, handsome, Russian mafia man. You will not get enough of him.
Justine is his equal in every way that counts. She’s brave, strong, determined, and not easily spooked. She meets Nikolai’s world head on and she’s determined to be his queen.

Such a good pairing and such a good story!
Profile Image for Sheridan.
582 reviews15 followers
July 24, 2018
Woah! What a rush!
Nikolai is set to take back what he has claimed as his... Justine!

But to do that he plans to dethrone the king in order to rule what is his.

We are taken on a roller coaster ride of passion, hurt, jealousy and loyalty!

Once again we have some hot scenes between these two! We find out more truths and we get a visit from someone close..

In order for the prince to become King, he needs a queen to stand by his side...
But what would happen if he pushes that queen away?

This book will certainly leave you wanting more!
1,928 reviews
September 1, 2018
This series just gets better and better. I don't typically like characters who are are really bad boys unless they redeem themselves in some way like Rico did, but somehow Shandi Boyes has made me overcome my prejudices and I find myself rooting more and more for Nikolai. I found myself with tears in my eyes and my heart in my mouth for half of this book. The intrigue and exposures kept on coming and the twists at the end were heartwarming in one case and devastating in the other and left me with baited breath waiting for the final book.
129 reviews2 followers
November 25, 2018
So much better

Yes! This one was head and shoulders above the first one. It had the grit and the dirt and the uncomfortable situations and Nikolai being a total d-bag not knowing what he's actually feeling for Justine.

there's a reemergence of character I feel was unnecessary. And it ended with a nice oh crap moment. So this really had all the things I would want out of a mob book and the continuation of the Alpha male hero that is still in a growing trend.

Now I hope this momentum continues in the third book. Oh and I have hopes for Malvina.
Profile Image for Daniella Marchand.
399 reviews5 followers
December 7, 2018
Super hot & sexy, Dark and full of suspens.
He wants to keep her forever, but if his father sees her it would be for no good, with his sadistische minder. After fighting her feelings, Justine finally take a chance at Nikolai, secrets are threatening to tear them apart. Justine walks away from him and things goes very wrong. Can he finish with his plans ?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sharon.
4,152 reviews31 followers
July 7, 2019
After finishing book 1 in this series I had to read book 2 immediately and I was not disappointed. The chemistry between Justine and Nikolai is amazing, they want to do what’s right for the other and it doesn’t always turn out the way they had hoped it would. This part of the story has some unexpected twists and turns to it that adds to the intrigue and suspense. I’m off to read book 3 in the series now!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,929 reviews29 followers
July 8, 2019
Loved the book it was great the story was well written and the characters were interesting. Nikolai and Justine the chemistry between these two. The twists and turns, hot and cold. This is the second book to this series and "o my god " I have to jump straight into the next one.
Thank you for allowing me to review this book it was great.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for shawna.
1,136 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2020
Who doesn't want a sexy Russian bad boy as your over protected boyfriend

Nikolai must take down his father to protect his love interest. How does a mafia Prince fall for a lawyer . Will Nikolai save Justine in time does she even need saving. I don't really like Justine's name for a girl but that's my only real complaint I hope Roman isn't dead and what's Rick up to I got more questions from this book than answers next book please.
Profile Image for Mawgan Dipple.
1,696 reviews
June 7, 2021
Nikolai takes a stand

Following on from book one, nikolai is determined to keep justice and rid the world of his evil father. Vladimir always seems to be one step ahead, but this won't stop the couple. Justine is thrown into the deep end with Vladimir and the craziness of the Russian mafia, but it seems she will have the strength to fight for her life and her man. The story is getting really exciting and I cant wait to read more.
Profile Image for Bretnie Shep.
405 reviews14 followers
March 9, 2023
wwwhhooweeee

Goodness this series is just so spicy . I absolutely love Nikolai . His whole character is drool worthy. The fmc can be a little less ehhh thirsty lol she doesn’t know how to hold a gun but wants to stand by his side . She’ll need to do better. I just don’t like how love sick she is so damn fast . A week and she’s already like that…. I mean I guess I don’t blame her lol
Profile Image for Kathyjacks.
Author 0 books145 followers
November 12, 2018
Exciting and action packed

Nikolai and Justine’s story continues in this action packed sequel. This was even better than the first one ! Nikolai is beyond possessive so if that’s your thing this is a definite must read . So many secrets are revealed during this installment I can’t imagine what is going to happen next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews

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