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Savage Duet #1
Redemption
Redemption: Part one in the Savage duet.
Killing her wasn’t supposed to be complicated.
Drug Kerry Jackson and get rid of her, that was his simple task, but he screwed up everything. Unable to resist the enticing young woman, Christian seduced her and fell hard. Then it all went to hell. She beat him at his own game and disappeared without a trace.
No one crossed a Russo and got away with it.
Night after night, their steamy encounters melted her will and twisted her mind. Then Christian Russo turned out to be her worst enemy. He robbed Kerry of her innocence, stole her trust, and made her life a living nightmare.
A second encounter would be fatal. For one of them. And Kerry was determined that it wasn’t going to be her.
Redemption is the first part in the Savage duet that will be concluded with Absolution. Redemption ends with a cliffhanger, but Absolution has a guaranteed HEA. The duet can be enjoyed as a standalone, but the experience will be much more exciting if you have read the previous books in the Russo saga, it also contains a few small spoilers for Shame.
Publisher’s Note: This book is a dark romance featuring suspense, danger, adult themes, harsh elements, adult language, and sensual scenes. If any of these offend you, please do not purchase.
Killing her wasn’t supposed to be complicated.
Drug Kerry Jackson and get rid of her, that was his simple task, but he screwed up everything. Unable to resist the enticing young woman, Christian seduced her and fell hard. Then it all went to hell. She beat him at his own game and disappeared without a trace.
No one crossed a Russo and got away with it.
Night after night, their steamy encounters melted her will and twisted her mind. Then Christian Russo turned out to be her worst enemy. He robbed Kerry of her innocence, stole her trust, and made her life a living nightmare.
A second encounter would be fatal. For one of them. And Kerry was determined that it wasn’t going to be her.
Redemption is the first part in the Savage duet that will be concluded with Absolution. Redemption ends with a cliffhanger, but Absolution has a guaranteed HEA. The duet can be enjoyed as a standalone, but the experience will be much more exciting if you have read the previous books in the Russo saga, it also contains a few small spoilers for Shame.
Publisher’s Note: This book is a dark romance featuring suspense, danger, adult themes, harsh elements, adult language, and sensual scenes. If any of these offend you, please do not purchase.
281 pages, ebook
First published July 17, 2019
124 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
Nicolina Martin
30 books912 followersUSA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Nicolina Martin is a Swedish born lady who escapes the long, dark winter nights by writing hot contemporary romance/suspense.
Nicolina is a mother of three, a medical doctor, a quirky loner, and a social human being. She has traveled the globe, has had more lovers than she can count, has loved and hated, succeeded and failed, has gone through marriage and divorce. She has seen darkness and despair, as well as light and happiness.
All these experiences, she pours into her tales, taking her readers for a wild ride while twisting their minds. She loves showing that stories can be different even if the trope is the same.
Nicolina is a mother of three, a medical doctor, a quirky loner, and a social human being. She has traveled the globe, has had more lovers than she can count, has loved and hated, succeeded and failed, has gone through marriage and divorce. She has seen darkness and despair, as well as light and happiness.
All these experiences, she pours into her tales, taking her readers for a wild ride while twisting their minds. She loves showing that stories can be different even if the trope is the same.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
January 18, 2022
Just when you think it can’t get any darker,just when you think it can’t get more tragic and painful,Nicolina comes with Christian and Kerry’s story….
And now i’m left with a broken heart,yet again.
How can their story ever turn out to be even a little bit good?
After all that happened?
After all he did,even if he was forced to??
There’s só much anger between them,só much pain….
All Kerry wanted was to help 7 year old David,and so she decided to talk to his father,Luciano Salvatore.
That turned out to be the biggest mistake she ever made.
Because he sent his nephew,Christiano after her….to kill her!
She doesn’t know that “little” detail until it’s nearly too late,though…
But she manages to get away,leaving him bleeding from the gun she grabbed out of his hand.
Going into hiding seems like the only option,but even her own house feels unsafe now.
As the weeks pass and he doesn’t come after her,she starts to worry she killed him.
Until he dóes show up,and she knows she needs to run,especially because there’s more to consider than just her own life now….
When he finds her,she runs again,and this time she’s found a place that seems safe enough.
But she doesn’t feel safe…..
Christiano didn’t like his uncle’s order to kill this beautiful girl.
And once he gets to know her a little,and sees her beautiful soul,he starts to really hate the order.
There must be a way out of this mess,right?
She didn’t go to the police,so she should be allowed to live!
But when his uncle threatens him to take away his sister’s independent life,he knows he hasn’t got a choice anymore….
His reluctance to finish “the job” costs him,though and she gets away.
Finding her hiding place the first time is easy. Knowing she told Luciano she’s pregnant saved her life,and all he wants now is to try and make things right.
But then she runs,again! And this time he can’t find her….until he accidentally stumbles across her hidingplace more than a year later.
Poor Kerry,after being cheated on by her ex,she was reluctant to date a man,and the first one she finally decides to take a chance on,turns out to be the very man sent to kill her! Not only that,she ends up pregnant,scared and alone…
Time doesn’t make it any easier for her,but she makes damn sure she and her little girl,Cecilia,are safe.
And she does love her daughter,só much!
Christian tried to save Kerry,but was out of options. Only to find Luciano took back the order when it was too late….when he knew he’d destroyed any chance he had with her. Her disappearance broke his heart,but he understood in a way.
If only he’d had a chance to talk to her…explain his side…
Now,all he could do was drown himself in his job….
This story was só hard to read…the way these two ended up hurt and alone,the reason why…It broke my heart,and i’m worried it’s not going to heal….unless….there still is Absolution,right???
And now i’m left with a broken heart,yet again.
How can their story ever turn out to be even a little bit good?
After all that happened?
After all he did,even if he was forced to??
There’s só much anger between them,só much pain….
All Kerry wanted was to help 7 year old David,and so she decided to talk to his father,Luciano Salvatore.
That turned out to be the biggest mistake she ever made.
Because he sent his nephew,Christiano after her….to kill her!
She doesn’t know that “little” detail until it’s nearly too late,though…
But she manages to get away,leaving him bleeding from the gun she grabbed out of his hand.
Going into hiding seems like the only option,but even her own house feels unsafe now.
As the weeks pass and he doesn’t come after her,she starts to worry she killed him.
Until he dóes show up,and she knows she needs to run,especially because there’s more to consider than just her own life now….
When he finds her,she runs again,and this time she’s found a place that seems safe enough.
But she doesn’t feel safe…..
Christiano didn’t like his uncle’s order to kill this beautiful girl.
And once he gets to know her a little,and sees her beautiful soul,he starts to really hate the order.
There must be a way out of this mess,right?
She didn’t go to the police,so she should be allowed to live!
But when his uncle threatens him to take away his sister’s independent life,he knows he hasn’t got a choice anymore….
His reluctance to finish “the job” costs him,though and she gets away.
Finding her hiding place the first time is easy. Knowing she told Luciano she’s pregnant saved her life,and all he wants now is to try and make things right.
But then she runs,again! And this time he can’t find her….until he accidentally stumbles across her hidingplace more than a year later.
Poor Kerry,after being cheated on by her ex,she was reluctant to date a man,and the first one she finally decides to take a chance on,turns out to be the very man sent to kill her! Not only that,she ends up pregnant,scared and alone…
Time doesn’t make it any easier for her,but she makes damn sure she and her little girl,Cecilia,are safe.
And she does love her daughter,só much!
Christian tried to save Kerry,but was out of options. Only to find Luciano took back the order when it was too late….when he knew he’d destroyed any chance he had with her. Her disappearance broke his heart,but he understood in a way.
If only he’d had a chance to talk to her…explain his side…
Now,all he could do was drown himself in his job….
This story was só hard to read…the way these two ended up hurt and alone,the reason why…It broke my heart,and i’m worried it’s not going to heal….unless….there still is Absolution,right???
April 10, 2024
Second reading (the book has been polished up a little) and I loved this as much as I did the first time I read it. I couldn't put it down, nor could I decide if I hated or adored Christian. All I know is he needs to do some grovelling to Kerry.
Wow this book is good, REALLY good.
I read the first Russo Saga book and it's clear that the author has grown and improved massively since then. It took a few chapters for me to get into the story, though that may have just been more where my head was at than anything else. At that point though I was gripped and unable to put this down until I'd read every single word of it.
And oh my word how this story battered my emotions again, and again, and again. Goodness knows WHAT Christian will do to earn Kerry's forgiveness in part two, but he will have to pull out all the stops! This pair have such great chemistry but Christian made the biggest of mistakes, a mistake so bad that coming back from it is almost impossible. A mistake that is costing him again and again. A mistake that took the innocent, bubbly, gentle Kerry and destroyed her, leaving behind a barely function shell of a woman.
Christian is all things bad, yet somehow through his unrelenting misery and pain, the author gives us a glimpse of who he could be. She allows us to begin to forgive the monster who made the wrong choice and begin to love the man who will do anything for those he loves. Kerry is strong even when she is weak, her need to protect the innocent is so powerful that she will go to almost any length to do it.
There is going to be a part two, and I'm already chomping at the bit waiting for it. I liked how the author didn't leave us on a 'soap opera' style cliffhanger, choosing instead to end at a natural break point. I always find this makes it much easier to pick up the story since you aren't at the adrenaline-fuelled emotional high the previous book left you at.
If you love your romance to have darker edges, if you love enemies-to-lovers then this is a duet to read.
Original review
Wow this book is good, REALLY good.
I read the first Russo Saga book and it's clear that the author has grown and improved massively since then. It took a few chapters for me to get into the story, though that may have just been more where my head was at than anything else. At that point though I was gripped and unable to put this down until I'd read every single word of it.
And oh my word how this story battered my emotions again, and again, and again. Goodness knows WHAT Christian will do to earn Kerry's forgiveness in part two, but he will have to pull out all the stops! This pair have such great chemistry but Christian made the biggest of mistakes, a mistake so bad that coming back from it is almost impossible. A mistake that is costing him again and again. A mistake that took the innocent, bubbly, gentle Kerry and destroyed her, leaving behind a barely function shell of a woman.
Christian is all things bad, yet somehow through his unrelenting misery and pain, the author gives us a glimpse of who he could be. She allows us to begin to forgive the monster who made the wrong choice and begin to love the man who will do anything for those he loves. Kerry is strong even when she is weak, her need to protect the innocent is so powerful that she will go to almost any length to do it.
There is going to be a part two, and I'm already chomping at the bit waiting for it. I liked how the author didn't leave us on a 'soap opera' style cliffhanger, choosing instead to end at a natural break point. I always find this makes it much easier to pick up the story since you aren't at the adrenaline-fuelled emotional high the previous book left you at.
If you love your romance to have darker edges, if you love enemies-to-lovers then this is a duet to read.
Original review
October 8, 2023
Redemption, Part 1 is the first part in the Savage Duet by Nicolina Martin, a dark romance story that is filled with danger, suspense, sensual moments and much more. You will be on edge from beginning to end as this story will pull you in, you are left with bated breath as you follow the events that unfolds. Christian Russo, hit man for his Uncle Luciano Salvatore who once again is calling the shots through threats and manipulation, is told to take out Kerry who asked too many questions. When things take a turn, Christian pursues Kerry and forms a relationship with her but things end violently for both of them when his real intent comes out. Kerry is on the run and beats Christian at his own game. This is a love hate relationship between killer and victim, both with strong personalities and determination, who will win in the end. What a well written story by Nicolina Martin, one that should not be missed. This is a must read! ! Can't wait for book 2 to come out to find out what happens between Christian and Kerry. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
August 8, 2019
OMG!! PERFECTION!
WOW - WOW - WOW!!! What an intense, roller coaster ride of action, suspense, intrigue and freaking emotions. It is an amazing, edge of your seat, nail biting story! Buckle up and hang on because from chapter one you will be hooked!
What starts out to be a (possible) sweet love story between two amazing characters (one sweet and innocent and the other a mobster hitman), turns into this intense emotional ride that keeps you guessing at every chapter and yelling "WTF"! Kerry and Christian are two explosive characters - emotionally and physically. Kerry is a very strong woman and will fight till her dying breath for what she believes in and for what she loves the most. Christian has some dark demons in his closet and has a hard time separating his emotions from his demons. These two together are so volatile and likely to shatter or burst on impact!
And what an amazing ending - leaving us on an intense cliffhanger. Such fantastic writing and character development. I can't wait to see how this story unfolds in book 2!
Highly Recommend.
WOW - WOW - WOW!!! What an intense, roller coaster ride of action, suspense, intrigue and freaking emotions. It is an amazing, edge of your seat, nail biting story! Buckle up and hang on because from chapter one you will be hooked!
What starts out to be a (possible) sweet love story between two amazing characters (one sweet and innocent and the other a mobster hitman), turns into this intense emotional ride that keeps you guessing at every chapter and yelling "WTF"! Kerry and Christian are two explosive characters - emotionally and physically. Kerry is a very strong woman and will fight till her dying breath for what she believes in and for what she loves the most. Christian has some dark demons in his closet and has a hard time separating his emotions from his demons. These two together are so volatile and likely to shatter or burst on impact!
And what an amazing ending - leaving us on an intense cliffhanger. Such fantastic writing and character development. I can't wait to see how this story unfolds in book 2!
Highly Recommend.
July 12, 2019
First let me say this; I'm an incurable romantic when it comes to books. I always want things to have a happy ending, because we all know life just doesn't always work that way. That being said, Redemption: Savage Duet, Part 1 has about ripped my heart and brought me to tears several times. To be honest, I've cried as must for Christian as I have Kerry. A worse set of circumstances couldn't be found for two people. And you did see where this is part 1, right? So we have a cliffhanger and I for one will not be able to put this to rest until I get the rest of their story. I don't want to give any spoilers because if you've been following "The Russo Saga," then I know you're going to want to read every word for yourself that’s why I was thrilled to receive this ARC and volunteered to give my honest review.
July 22, 2019
After reading the title, it's plain to see there will be a cliffhanger and part two. Knowing there's more to come, I was certain I would be left hanging but couldn't imagine a cliff so deep. This story kept me on the edge of my seat with it's violence, passion, abuse fear and intensity. Kerry is determined to win and survive. Chris is determined to do the job he was assigned and kill Kerry. This all became a problem when an autistic, non verbal child suddenly talks and the tale he tells sparks Kerry's curiosity and concern. The child is the son of Luciano Salvatore, boss of and uncle to Christian. Seeing as this is part one, I won't say more about the story, just know it WILL keep your interest and wondering what more could possibly happen. I look forward to the conclusion of this complex storyline, it is bound to be rewarding as the author promised a HEA in part two.
July 2, 2019
This is the start of the story featuring scary as hell but damn sexy Christian and the spitfire that is his nemesis Kerry. It had me hooked from the start and I devoured this book in one sitting. There were plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep the suspense racked up. Kerry is a great character as she’s certainly not some helpless female which I loved. I love the writing style and as soon as I got to the end, I immediately wanted to read the next part of the story. I like the way it merges in characters from previous books. This author is definitely a one click author to me and I’m giving this five stars all the way
December 3, 2020
Christian Russo and Kerry Jackson's story is a duet (Redemption: Part One in the Savage Duet and Absolution: Part Two in the Savage Duet).... and I loved everything about their story! 😍
Again, just like the previous books, such a creative, captivating, heart wrenching and heart warming story...... lots of action, danger, violence, suspense, twists & turns.... and so unlike and 'different' than any other mafia story I've ever read. Usually I'm not such a fan of unintended pregnancies and stories where children play a big role, but this duet was absolutely AMAZING!!
Although you know the story isn't finished at the end of book #1 Redemption, it didn't really have a cliffhanger ending.
No other option than 5 big, fat, bright shining stars!!!
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤
Russo Saga Collection --> https://www.goodreads.com/series/2593...
Again, just like the previous books, such a creative, captivating, heart wrenching and heart warming story...... lots of action, danger, violence, suspense, twists & turns.... and so unlike and 'different' than any other mafia story I've ever read. Usually I'm not such a fan of unintended pregnancies and stories where children play a big role, but this duet was absolutely AMAZING!!
Although you know the story isn't finished at the end of book #1 Redemption, it didn't really have a cliffhanger ending.
No other option than 5 big, fat, bright shining stars!!!
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤
Russo Saga Collection --> https://www.goodreads.com/series/2593...
July 16, 2019
This book is about Christian’s story. He is scary, ruthless and a killer with seemingly no emotions. However, he meets Kerry and starts to have feelings that are new to him. She is sweet, innocent, naive and has great chemistry with him.
I like how the characters from previous books appear in this story. This book is very intense, like the others in this series, but at the same time it’s different. There’s a lot of action, it’s very intense and angsty, but some of the other books were more angsty than this one. I’m intrigued by how their stay in the cabin will turn out.
I have to mention that I like how the women in these books are strong and pair so well with their alpha men.
I’m not thrilled that this is a cliffhanger, but since Nicolina is so good in her writing, I’m willing to wait for the conclusion of this story, and I bet it will be epic!
I like how the characters from previous books appear in this story. This book is very intense, like the others in this series, but at the same time it’s different. There’s a lot of action, it’s very intense and angsty, but some of the other books were more angsty than this one. I’m intrigued by how their stay in the cabin will turn out.
I have to mention that I like how the women in these books are strong and pair so well with their alpha men.
I’m not thrilled that this is a cliffhanger, but since Nicolina is so good in her writing, I’m willing to wait for the conclusion of this story, and I bet it will be epic!
July 17, 2019
OMFG, I am broken. Just utterly and completely broken over this book. I ugly cried, straight up ugly cried.
I liked Christian when we met him in a previous book. I didn't know what it was about him, there was just something about him that drew me to him. And I liked him in parts of this book, but my unholy gods, did I hate him for a lot of the time. And I don't mean the polite kind of hate. I mean the hate of 1000 white hot suns kind of hate.
Kerry, poor sweet summer child. She was just so sweet and innocent. She just wanted to help children. But, sometimes you just shouldn't say anything, and that was her first mistake. Her second was trusting the wrong person.
It was just so intense. I can't wait for the next book. It can't come soon enough.
I liked Christian when we met him in a previous book. I didn't know what it was about him, there was just something about him that drew me to him. And I liked him in parts of this book, but my unholy gods, did I hate him for a lot of the time. And I don't mean the polite kind of hate. I mean the hate of 1000 white hot suns kind of hate.
Kerry, poor sweet summer child. She was just so sweet and innocent. She just wanted to help children. But, sometimes you just shouldn't say anything, and that was her first mistake. Her second was trusting the wrong person.
It was just so intense. I can't wait for the next book. It can't come soon enough.
February 5, 2021
On The Fence
Rated: ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5
Heat: 🔥🔥 2/5
Angst: 3/5
I am conflicted on this one as it is a duet and I can't completely analyze it until I've finished.
It started off strong in drawing me in, but then seemed to jump from scene to scene and time jump to jump time in rapid fire succession. Leaving me a bit wanting.
**I may come back to change my opinion after I have finished the second.**
Rated: ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5
Heat: 🔥🔥 2/5
Angst: 3/5
I am conflicted on this one as it is a duet and I can't completely analyze it until I've finished.
It started off strong in drawing me in, but then seemed to jump from scene to scene and time jump to jump time in rapid fire succession. Leaving me a bit wanting.
**I may come back to change my opinion after I have finished the second.**
January 12, 2024
Dark... 🔥
July 12, 2019
REDEMPTION .. has every emotion possible in a book, except for humor. Kerry is a young woman who cares for autistic children. Christian is a man who works for Salvatore and cares only for himself. They do not go together. Kerry has a soft and trusting heart, and Christian chews up women and spits them out. Kerry has been taking care of Salvatore's son David and overhears something innocuous, so Salvatore, being the kind and loving man that he is, tells Christian, his nephew, to get rid of her. This is their roller coaster relationship. So, climb in, buckle up, and hold on, because you're going for a ride. P.S. this is part one of a two part story. ABSOLUTION is next.
July 29, 2019
4.5 stars
Holy hell. I've waited for Christian's story since I first discovered this author. I knew he'd have a good one which is apparent with his story not being able to be told in just one book.
The story had me confused in a couple of parts but still had all the elements that had me fall down the rabbit hole that this author is known to do for me. I'm hooked and need the conclusion to this story.
I'm loving that there are still so many characters that need their own books. I'm still needing one on the head man himself. He intrigued me in the last book, even as twisted as he was. I hope he gets one.
Holy hell. I've waited for Christian's story since I first discovered this author. I knew he'd have a good one which is apparent with his story not being able to be told in just one book.
The story had me confused in a couple of parts but still had all the elements that had me fall down the rabbit hole that this author is known to do for me. I'm hooked and need the conclusion to this story.
I'm loving that there are still so many characters that need their own books. I'm still needing one on the head man himself. He intrigued me in the last book, even as twisted as he was. I hope he gets one.
July 17, 2019
Just Brilliant. A Cliff-Hanger, but Conclusion is Promised Soon!!
Kerry is concerned for her autistic student. He doesn’t speak much, yet describes a disturbing scene. When his father puts a “hit” on her, and she falls for the hitman the action begins!!
Kerry is a survivor and goes to great lengths to keep away from danger. Christian finds a soft spot for her, and never gives us. A true game of cat and mouse which is a fascinating story!!
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
Kerry is concerned for her autistic student. He doesn’t speak much, yet describes a disturbing scene. When his father puts a “hit” on her, and she falls for the hitman the action begins!!
Kerry is a survivor and goes to great lengths to keep away from danger. Christian finds a soft spot for her, and never gives us. A true game of cat and mouse which is a fascinating story!!
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
July 18, 2019
Redemption is part one in the Savage Duet and it's an amazing story. It had me hooked and on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Christian Russo, is a hit man for his Uncle Salvatore. Kerry is a kind woman who cares for autistic children and takes care of Salvatore's son David. This is a dark romance filled with twists and turns, suspense, danger, and it's action packed. I'm looking forward to reading book two!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
August 8, 2019
Christiano Russo is the unemotional, efficient hit man for his uncle. He always gets the job done. So when he gets the order to get rid of a young woman who might ask questions nobody wants to answer, it's just another day on the job.
But this time the "job" gets to Christian and things go sideways pretty quick. Both, the lives of the killer and his victim, are shaken to their foundations.
But this time the "job" gets to Christian and things go sideways pretty quick. Both, the lives of the killer and his victim, are shaken to their foundations.
July 19, 2019
This book was so complex and complicated. It grabs you from the first page and holds on. The characters are well written and the story plot twists and turns will keep you on edge. Must read if you enjoy, alpha men and the women who bring them to their knees. Ms. Martin continues to amaze with the continuing story of the Russo crime family.
August 9, 2019
Great start to this duet. Christians was supposed to drug Kerry and get rid of her, easy for an assassin like him. When he first meets Kerry sparks fly between them, but when Kerry learns the truth, she runs. Will he find her and go through with his task? Fast-paced read with loads of drama and suspense. I liked the characters and the story draws you in from beginning to end. A good read.
July 25, 2019
This book is definitely my favourite so far. Very well written by Nicolina. I’m torn between these characters and what “side” I should be on. A great show of talent when the characters are written so well that even when they do something awful I’m still hoping they get their HEA!
July 12, 2019
This sucked me in and wouldn't let me go. Christian and Kerry are two heartbreakingly compelling characters, and their story will have you hooked from the beginning.
February 7, 2020
I can’t believe how terrific awesome this story developed, what an awesome book it is!
I can’t stop reading and I can’t go on reading, at the same time. It’s so thrilling and captivating, the characters so good, believable and with so many facets and I hate and love them both at the same time. I don’t know if I am capable to read the continuation of this story in the following book.
I need some reprieve in the next few chapters, a happy for now so to speak. It’s so unbelievable breathtaking and beautiful and haunting.
I can’t stop reading and I can’t go on reading, at the same time. It’s so thrilling and captivating, the characters so good, believable and with so many facets and I hate and love them both at the same time. I don’t know if I am capable to read the continuation of this story in the following book.
I need some reprieve in the next few chapters, a happy for now so to speak. It’s so unbelievable breathtaking and beautiful and haunting.
April 14, 2020
Book 4 of the Russo saga features Christian Russo, finally!!! Been waiting for his story since he's been in every book. Christian is Luciano Salvatore's nephew and one of his top enforcers. Christian is a soulless killer, he likes his job, until he is sent to kill Kerri. The story is dark, has violence and death. It ends on a cliffhanger because it continues in book 5. I love this story and can't wait to see what happens next!
I received this Arc in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received this Arc in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 4, 2020
Loved Christian! This couple is divided into two books!
March 29, 2020
Just wow! Spoiler alert!
Where do I start? This book is intense! Put yourself in this situation. You find a guy who makes you hum in all the right places but there is a problem. He’s also there to kill you. Ya that’s a problem but you get away because his heart’s not really into killing you even tho he makes a good effort. Problem solved nope not even close. Why you ask because your pregnant!
Where do I start? This book is intense! Put yourself in this situation. You find a guy who makes you hum in all the right places but there is a problem. He’s also there to kill you. Ya that’s a problem but you get away because his heart’s not really into killing you even tho he makes a good effort. Problem solved nope not even close. Why you ask because your pregnant!
April 16, 2020
This book tore me apart. I don’t even know what to think. I love Kerry’s mamma bear fierceness, but her stubborn refusal to listen to or even see anything that doesn’t fit the narrative in her own head is driving me batty. And Christian. My heart breaks for this beautiful broken man. I am now dying to find out how the author puts these two fractured hearts back together.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout as part of the box set.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout as part of the box set.
June 7, 2020
So finally we reach Christiano's book! I loved the battle and love hate relationship between Christiano and Kerry, but felt it was drawn out in the middle and found myself skimming through Kerry's time in Chicago... unnecessary fillers and a part 2 book. Ultimately still a great story, even if it could've easily been condensed.
September 20, 2020
Very good!
I loved it couldn't put it down I'm excited to read the second book,I loved the whole collection so far can't to wait to finish the collection.
I loved it couldn't put it down I'm excited to read the second book,I loved the whole collection so far can't to wait to finish the collection.
July 19, 2019
I read an ARC of this book through Booksprout. I'd read one other book by this author and didn't necessarily care for it much. Her version of dark, even in this book, can be borderline abuse. I was also looking for her to step up and make her female h mature enough that I could enjoy the book.
Christian and Kerry made quite a pair in this book, but their relationship didn't always make sense. She's uber-attracted to him, but pushes him away, then doesn't know why and won't talk to him about it - all that is a sign of immaturity. Hesitation is normal, but not this childlike "no, I don't want to talk about it"? That alone caused me to deduct half a star, as the character grew up a bit during the book, but not as much as I would have liked. In order for a book to appeal to a really large audience, and for readers to make a friend out of the heroine, she has to act like she's over 19. And then to Christian. He was more violent than dark, more conflicted than dominant, and his idea of rough sex was written as really, really close to abusive and non consensual. I like dark, I like rough, but it needs to be written with a deft hand. That took care of the rest of that fifth star.
The story itself was well developed, but the narrative from the h was uncertain in places, and the narrative from the H was violent where it truly didn't have to be. The story arc and character development needed just a tweak to send it over the top into being a really good book. A little more maturity on the part of Kerry, a bit more thought process in Christian's head would be nice (think first, then talk-he's a lot older and a hitman for heaven's sake, he HAS to be mature). And since I had no clue this was a cliffhanger, that disappointed me somewhat. This is a story that should be read straight through, not broken up into two pieces. Why? Because continuity in this sort of story is very important. The fear that will slowly turn into acceptance is just beginning and the book ends. And ends, in my opinion, where it shouldn't. Will I read the second? If I want to finish the story, I have no choice, and that's the other reason why cliffhangers are a risk. Me walking away from a cliffhanger is total reality, I do it a lot. So when I see Book 2, I'll make that decision then.
Overall I would rate this a 4 star plot, a 4 star narrative and arc, a 3 star on maturity, a 3 star on it being a cliffhanger. That makes it a 3 star book for me. If you want 4 stars out of the second half of this series, Kerry needs to realize that going nuts and losing all sense of logic doesn't do her a bit of good.
Christian and Kerry made quite a pair in this book, but their relationship didn't always make sense. She's uber-attracted to him, but pushes him away, then doesn't know why and won't talk to him about it - all that is a sign of immaturity. Hesitation is normal, but not this childlike "no, I don't want to talk about it"? That alone caused me to deduct half a star, as the character grew up a bit during the book, but not as much as I would have liked. In order for a book to appeal to a really large audience, and for readers to make a friend out of the heroine, she has to act like she's over 19. And then to Christian. He was more violent than dark, more conflicted than dominant, and his idea of rough sex was written as really, really close to abusive and non consensual. I like dark, I like rough, but it needs to be written with a deft hand. That took care of the rest of that fifth star.
The story itself was well developed, but the narrative from the h was uncertain in places, and the narrative from the H was violent where it truly didn't have to be. The story arc and character development needed just a tweak to send it over the top into being a really good book. A little more maturity on the part of Kerry, a bit more thought process in Christian's head would be nice (think first, then talk-he's a lot older and a hitman for heaven's sake, he HAS to be mature). And since I had no clue this was a cliffhanger, that disappointed me somewhat. This is a story that should be read straight through, not broken up into two pieces. Why? Because continuity in this sort of story is very important. The fear that will slowly turn into acceptance is just beginning and the book ends. And ends, in my opinion, where it shouldn't. Will I read the second? If I want to finish the story, I have no choice, and that's the other reason why cliffhangers are a risk. Me walking away from a cliffhanger is total reality, I do it a lot. So when I see Book 2, I'll make that decision then.
Overall I would rate this a 4 star plot, a 4 star narrative and arc, a 3 star on maturity, a 3 star on it being a cliffhanger. That makes it a 3 star book for me. If you want 4 stars out of the second half of this series, Kerry needs to realize that going nuts and losing all sense of logic doesn't do her a bit of good.
March 8, 2020
This book caught me from the very beginning and held me until the very end. Christian and Kerry are such memorable characters and the twist and turns in this Russo Family Mafia novel was one I could not put down. I can't wait to read the second novel. It's hard to see any HEA in Christian's and Kerry's futures but this author knows how to hold her readers and craft a perfect ending when you think that it is impossible.
I seldom reread a book but have saved this one and will revisit these characters at a later date because I liked this novel so well.
I seldom reread a book but have saved this one and will revisit these characters at a later date because I liked this novel so well.
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