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He stole my wife from me. I stole his daughter from him.
My sworn enemy murdered my wife in cold blood.
I’ve spent years mourning what he took from me.
Now, the time has come for revenge.
His daughter thinks she escaped from her father’s underworld.
But I’m coming to show Cassandra that she can never run from me.
I’ll find her.
I’ll claim her.
And I’ll Make. Her. Mine.
MAKSIM is a standalone mafia billionaire romance.
My sworn enemy murdered my wife in cold blood.
I’ve spent years mourning what he took from me.
Now, the time has come for revenge.
His daughter thinks she escaped from her father’s underworld.
But I’m coming to show Cassandra that she can never run from me.
I’ll find her.
I’ll claim her.
And I’ll Make. Her. Mine.
MAKSIM is a standalone mafia billionaire romance.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2020
823 people are currently reading
635 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Fox
195 books4,825 followersNicole Fox writes smart, sexy mafia romance novels. She is a crazy cat lady in her late 30s with a coffee addiction, an overactive imagination, and a husband who somehow puts up with her impulsive need to keep buying new plants for their house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
February 5, 2020
Another great book by Nicole fox. Highly addictive.. I still don’t know if I should be in shock or delighted from this book. So many twists, lies, steamy chemistry , emotional, and betrayal.
Maksim is the leader of The Bravta of NYC. Seeks revenge on Gianlugi Balducci, Don of the kayaking mob of NYC who killed Maksin wife.
Cassandra Balducci, daughter of the Don, has returned to NYC after leaving 10 years ago. Hasn’t spoken with her father since she was 18 years of age, Since he too her Daughter.
Maksim finds this to be a perfect opportunity to seek revenge. He found Cassandras daughter and gives Cassandra an proposal to go with him and he will let her know where her daughters is . And then from there is one big rollercoaster. Cassandra doesn’t want to be dragged back into this world. But doesn’t have much choice. She refuses to be a damsel in distress. She is a one ballsy women. Takes no bull kind. You will love her . A must read the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maksim is the leader of The Bravta of NYC. Seeks revenge on Gianlugi Balducci, Don of the kayaking mob of NYC who killed Maksin wife.
Cassandra Balducci, daughter of the Don, has returned to NYC after leaving 10 years ago. Hasn’t spoken with her father since she was 18 years of age, Since he too her Daughter.
Maksim finds this to be a perfect opportunity to seek revenge. He found Cassandras daughter and gives Cassandra an proposal to go with him and he will let her know where her daughters is . And then from there is one big rollercoaster. Cassandra doesn’t want to be dragged back into this world. But doesn’t have much choice. She refuses to be a damsel in distress. She is a one ballsy women. Takes no bull kind. You will love her . A must read the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2022
Honestly, I didn't finish the book. It didn't go further than a few chapters.
The reason I did not pursue this was because perhaps due to the fact that I had just finished a Cora Reilly's Mafia Book. So ... for those of you fans of Mafia - Romance - Books, you'd know what I'm talking about. Her books are put on such high pedestal (I LITERALLY could not find any other author as good as her) that this one just did not do it for me.
From the very beginning, the heroine started masturbating - imagining the Hero - whom she allegedly hated?!! So did the Hero! Where's the angst? No second guessing? No push - pull?
No can do.
I guess I'm the minority here but hey, I'm an open book - I give honest reviews.
The reason I did not pursue this was because perhaps due to the fact that I had just finished a Cora Reilly's Mafia Book. So ... for those of you fans of Mafia - Romance - Books, you'd know what I'm talking about. Her books are put on such high pedestal (I LITERALLY could not find any other author as good as her) that this one just did not do it for me.
From the very beginning, the heroine started masturbating - imagining the Hero - whom she allegedly hated?!! So did the Hero! Where's the angst? No second guessing? No push - pull?
No can do.
I guess I'm the minority here but hey, I'm an open book - I give honest reviews.
April 3, 2020
A captivating read from beginning to end! An exciting storyline that leaves you breathless wanting more! Sexy steam filled chemistry! Emotionally heartfelt, enjoyable and fun! One heck of a twisted, intense rollercoaster ride! An amazing must read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2020
The characters are well developed and engaging with plenty of chemistry.and the storyline flowed smoothly from beginning to the end. I have added this author as one to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2020
Entertaining and steamy mafia read. Maksim plans to get revenge on his enemy for killing his family and he plans on using Cassandra to do it. Intense chemistry great characters and lots of suspense and drama. I was hooked from beginning to end. I loved it.
February 17, 2020
It was an ok mafia romance. I am not a huge fan of the "I was married, my wife was killed but I wasn't really in love with her" thing. It's a huge trend in contemporary romance and I think it's usually write in bad taste. Like no one forced you to stay married, there's this little thing called divorce.
I liked Maksim, I wasn't the biggest fan of Cassie, I have no idea how she stayed alive after writing a fucking article about the mafia when so many lost were killed - because of her. She didn't feel that sorry for them either.
The end of the story was bonkers. How could Maksim stay the leader of the mafia after everything ? He didn't even try to stop Cassie from publishing her article...
I liked Maksim, I wasn't the biggest fan of Cassie, I have no idea how she stayed alive after writing a fucking article about the mafia when so many lost were killed - because of her. She didn't feel that sorry for them either.
The end of the story was bonkers. How could Maksim stay the leader of the mafia after everything ? He didn't even try to stop Cassie from publishing her article...
February 13, 2020
He’s cold and calculating and ruthless.
She’s looking for a better story.
Maksim pays for his pleasure, is seeking revenge against a rival mob. Why do they always go for the daughter? Why? Go after the one who actually done them wrong.
Cassandra was hired to do a story based on her mob connections. Her pops is the baddie that took out Maksim’s family. Now, he’s gonna use her to get to her family.
Mob drama, steam, a bit of grit and a deal with a devil.
Recommend.
She’s looking for a better story.
Maksim pays for his pleasure, is seeking revenge against a rival mob. Why do they always go for the daughter? Why? Go after the one who actually done them wrong.
Cassandra was hired to do a story based on her mob connections. Her pops is the baddie that took out Maksim’s family. Now, he’s gonna use her to get to her family.
Mob drama, steam, a bit of grit and a deal with a devil.
Recommend.
February 14, 2020
It’s all about the Bratva
Maksim – A Dark Mafia Romance (Akimov Bratva) – Nicole Fox
Wow! What a story! The story for Maksim and Cassandra is jammed packed with action and history on both characters. Cassandra left her Mafia family when her father spirited away her newly born child and never told her just what he had done with the baby. Maksim is the Akimov Bratva boss and it was Cassandra’s father that set off a car bomb in the car his wife had been driving. Feeling the need to strike back at the Balducci Mafia family, Maksim decides he will use Cassandra. He also tells Cassandra he knows where her daughter is. Cassandra, which Maksim is unaware of has little to no love towards her father and has not been in touch with him for 10 years and on top of that she has been told by her new boss, her job is to expose her Mafia family. She tries to refuse but in the end decides instead to expose Maksim.
There is a lot of give and take between these to characters. Maksim although a bratva boss has rules that his soldiers have to follow, you do not involve innocents, you do not go after women or children. Cassandra on the other hand feels she is going to help the city by exposing Maksim’s legal and illegal businesses.
As a reader I was very immersed in this story, the history of both characters, how it has affected the way they look at the world. The parts where Cassandra spends time with her child is touching as she recalls the times and things she missed with her little girl. Strangely, although the loss of her child was totally on her father’s shoulders, she sometimes seemed to blame Maksim as well. There were times I was frustrated with her feelings towards Maksim.
As the story is coming to it’s conclusion, there are skirmishes between the Bratva and the Mafia, there are twists and turns due solely to Cassandra and at the ending is action packed.
As with all her stories, Nicole Fox gives the reader to then download an extended Epilogue for this story. We get to see how things are going between Maksim and Cassandra and how the past year has been to them.
Another 5 star read for me, I couldn’t put it down and thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Maksim – A Dark Mafia Romance (Akimov Bratva) – Nicole Fox
Wow! What a story! The story for Maksim and Cassandra is jammed packed with action and history on both characters. Cassandra left her Mafia family when her father spirited away her newly born child and never told her just what he had done with the baby. Maksim is the Akimov Bratva boss and it was Cassandra’s father that set off a car bomb in the car his wife had been driving. Feeling the need to strike back at the Balducci Mafia family, Maksim decides he will use Cassandra. He also tells Cassandra he knows where her daughter is. Cassandra, which Maksim is unaware of has little to no love towards her father and has not been in touch with him for 10 years and on top of that she has been told by her new boss, her job is to expose her Mafia family. She tries to refuse but in the end decides instead to expose Maksim.
There is a lot of give and take between these to characters. Maksim although a bratva boss has rules that his soldiers have to follow, you do not involve innocents, you do not go after women or children. Cassandra on the other hand feels she is going to help the city by exposing Maksim’s legal and illegal businesses.
As a reader I was very immersed in this story, the history of both characters, how it has affected the way they look at the world. The parts where Cassandra spends time with her child is touching as she recalls the times and things she missed with her little girl. Strangely, although the loss of her child was totally on her father’s shoulders, she sometimes seemed to blame Maksim as well. There were times I was frustrated with her feelings towards Maksim.
As the story is coming to it’s conclusion, there are skirmishes between the Bratva and the Mafia, there are twists and turns due solely to Cassandra and at the ending is action packed.
As with all her stories, Nicole Fox gives the reader to then download an extended Epilogue for this story. We get to see how things are going between Maksim and Cassandra and how the past year has been to them.
Another 5 star read for me, I couldn’t put it down and thoroughly enjoyed this story.
February 1, 2020
“My sworn enemy murdered my wife in cold blood. I’ve spent years mourning what he took from me. Now, the time has come for revenge. His daughter thinks she escaped from her father’s underworld. But I’m coming to show Cassandra that she can never run from me. I’ll find her. I’ll claim her. And I’ll Make. Her. Mine.”
Maksim Akimov is the leader of the Bratva of NY and is determined to take revenge on Gianluigi Balducci, leader of Italian mafia for the death of his wife and his men,so when Cassandra Balducci, daughter of the don, returns to the city, he sees the perfect opportunity.
Cassandra has not talked to her father for 10 years, since he took her daughter. Cassandra gave birth at age 18 and when she woke up in the hospital after childbirth, her daughter had disappeared and her father refused to say where she was. She is now a reporter and works for one of the most important newspapers, and her boss orders for her first work an article about her family and the ties to the Mafia. She doesn’t want to be dragged into that world again, but little could she imagine that another mob would be interested in her.
Maksim calls her and lets her know that he knows where her daughter is, so Cassandra agrees to meet him. Maksim has a proposal for her: to go with him and he will tell her where her daughter is.
And this is how Cassandra will get into a mafia war, on one side her father and on the other side the man who can return her daughter. She is a pawn in this game of power, but what none of them counts is that she isn’t a damsel in distress, she is willing to win this battle, recover her daughter and expose the mafia.
A book with many twists, where the line between good and evil is blurred and the only important thing is to survive.
ARC copy provided by the author in exchange for a honest review.
Maksim Akimov is the leader of the Bratva of NY and is determined to take revenge on Gianluigi Balducci, leader of Italian mafia for the death of his wife and his men,so when Cassandra Balducci, daughter of the don, returns to the city, he sees the perfect opportunity.
Cassandra has not talked to her father for 10 years, since he took her daughter. Cassandra gave birth at age 18 and when she woke up in the hospital after childbirth, her daughter had disappeared and her father refused to say where she was. She is now a reporter and works for one of the most important newspapers, and her boss orders for her first work an article about her family and the ties to the Mafia. She doesn’t want to be dragged into that world again, but little could she imagine that another mob would be interested in her.
Maksim calls her and lets her know that he knows where her daughter is, so Cassandra agrees to meet him. Maksim has a proposal for her: to go with him and he will tell her where her daughter is.
And this is how Cassandra will get into a mafia war, on one side her father and on the other side the man who can return her daughter. She is a pawn in this game of power, but what none of them counts is that she isn’t a damsel in distress, she is willing to win this battle, recover her daughter and expose the mafia.
A book with many twists, where the line between good and evil is blurred and the only important thing is to survive.
ARC copy provided by the author in exchange for a honest review.
February 12, 2020
ONE BLOCK BUSTING ADVENTURE!!!
Explosive! Nicole delivers one enthusiastic, nailbiting, heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, block busting bombshell, calling the shots and running the show. Skirting the drama, tension, intrigue, danger and soaring suspense, keeps you riveted on a razors edge. Toss in turmoil, distress and unbelievable situations along with a boatload of secrets and deceit, you have one mind-blowing adventure. A tightly coiling vortex of unexpected events and a bevy of inexplicable circumstances, thrusts this baby into a tailspin with unforseen impacts. Illustrating incredible, well rounded scenario's, ramping up the adrenaline and exuberance with such intensity and precision, blasting this little fella to life spectacularly. She knocked the brakes off this little number, riding high and letting loose, kicking this gem into the eye of the storm, blowing it into a tailspin with an astonishing culmination. The undeniable attraction and intense chemistry sizzles from the pages, alluring and mesmerizing, until you feel the electrifying hum running through your veins. The characters are authentic and realistic with traits and qualities that blend into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions, it gives the illusion you were right there in the middle of ground zero with them. Remarkable job Nicole, thanks for sharing this baby with us.
Explosive! Nicole delivers one enthusiastic, nailbiting, heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, block busting bombshell, calling the shots and running the show. Skirting the drama, tension, intrigue, danger and soaring suspense, keeps you riveted on a razors edge. Toss in turmoil, distress and unbelievable situations along with a boatload of secrets and deceit, you have one mind-blowing adventure. A tightly coiling vortex of unexpected events and a bevy of inexplicable circumstances, thrusts this baby into a tailspin with unforseen impacts. Illustrating incredible, well rounded scenario's, ramping up the adrenaline and exuberance with such intensity and precision, blasting this little fella to life spectacularly. She knocked the brakes off this little number, riding high and letting loose, kicking this gem into the eye of the storm, blowing it into a tailspin with an astonishing culmination. The undeniable attraction and intense chemistry sizzles from the pages, alluring and mesmerizing, until you feel the electrifying hum running through your veins. The characters are authentic and realistic with traits and qualities that blend into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions, it gives the illusion you were right there in the middle of ground zero with them. Remarkable job Nicole, thanks for sharing this baby with us.
February 20, 2020
It is a fantastic read!!!
Maksim is the head of the Akimov Bratva and he wants no needs revenge against Gianluigi Baldacci. He is the head of the Italian Mafia and he killed Maksim's wife. Maksim has been come an even hard man no second chances and now he has a plan to really hurt the mafia boss with the help of his own daughter Cassandra. Cassandra hadn't spoke to her father for 10 years after he took about her baby away from her.
But when Maksim approaches her she wants nothing to do with him, even when he tells her he has information about her daughter. Cassandra is thrown but still walks away even when she thinks she has seen her daughter playing on the playground. Maksim warned to come quietly or he would arrange for her to be taken when he needs her?? what a choice!! And she gives Maksim no choice but to kidnap her when he wants her.
This is one fast paced passionate read. There are so many twists and turns you wont know which way is up and which way is down, woohooo its a fantastic read. I am such a huge fan of Nicole Fox that I know when one of your books come out I'm super excited to read it due to the ride she will take me on and she has never let me down!! Its brilliant
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maksim is the head of the Akimov Bratva and he wants no needs revenge against Gianluigi Baldacci. He is the head of the Italian Mafia and he killed Maksim's wife. Maksim has been come an even hard man no second chances and now he has a plan to really hurt the mafia boss with the help of his own daughter Cassandra. Cassandra hadn't spoke to her father for 10 years after he took about her baby away from her.
But when Maksim approaches her she wants nothing to do with him, even when he tells her he has information about her daughter. Cassandra is thrown but still walks away even when she thinks she has seen her daughter playing on the playground. Maksim warned to come quietly or he would arrange for her to be taken when he needs her?? what a choice!! And she gives Maksim no choice but to kidnap her when he wants her.
This is one fast paced passionate read. There are so many twists and turns you wont know which way is up and which way is down, woohooo its a fantastic read. I am such a huge fan of Nicole Fox that I know when one of your books come out I'm super excited to read it due to the ride she will take me on and she has never let me down!! Its brilliant
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2020
Despite the dificulties between them, they loved one and other!
by sewsummore
This was a compelling love story about two members of a rival Bratva and Mafia family. Cassandra was estranged from her father after he had stolen her young daughter at birth while Maksim was a self made Bratva man who never forgot his roots or the people who helped him survive. In an attempt to alter the balance of power between the two rival families, Maksim offers Cassandra the chance to find and get to know the daughter she had lost at birth. What he had not expected was that she would also heal his broken heart with her love. Cassandra was an idealist, she became an investigative reported to reveal the truth behind organised crime in the city. When she thinks Maksim has lied to her, she reveals a damning esposay into his and other underworld figures causing unrest and upheavals within the city. Maksim was not a perfect man but he was perfect for her. Despite the difficulties between them, they loved one and other and this made dramatic reading with an exciting conclusion to end this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
by sewsummore
This was a compelling love story about two members of a rival Bratva and Mafia family. Cassandra was estranged from her father after he had stolen her young daughter at birth while Maksim was a self made Bratva man who never forgot his roots or the people who helped him survive. In an attempt to alter the balance of power between the two rival families, Maksim offers Cassandra the chance to find and get to know the daughter she had lost at birth. What he had not expected was that she would also heal his broken heart with her love. Cassandra was an idealist, she became an investigative reported to reveal the truth behind organised crime in the city. When she thinks Maksim has lied to her, she reveals a damning esposay into his and other underworld figures causing unrest and upheavals within the city. Maksim was not a perfect man but he was perfect for her. Despite the difficulties between them, they loved one and other and this made dramatic reading with an exciting conclusion to end this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2020
Maksim will get even with his enemy and he will use his daughter Cassandra to do it. Cassandra has spent a life time running from her father and his criminal enterprise but she knows one truth the only way you really leave the mob is when you die.Now her father's enemy will use her greatest regret against her he wants revenge for all the death caused at her father's hand it's very personal. Cassandra thinks if she exposes everything about the gangs and mob the Bratva she will get to walk away but she's wrong it only starts a dangerous blaze that can't be put out without sacrifice and more death. Maksim will sacrifice all he has to protect Cassandra what will Cassandra be willing to sacrifice if it means losing the only man she loves Maksim. There's a very fine line between love and hate and they will break all the rules. Maksim may think he holds all the cards that he's in charge but Cassandra is strong and determined more then a match for this tough Bratva boss.
I was allowed to receive and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
I was allowed to receive and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
February 4, 2020
This book was just ok in my opinion. One thing I wished the blurb had of mentioned was that the book is greatly to do with the heroine's child (which I had no idea she had till I started reading the book). I'm going to sound like a witch for saying this but I dislike books with kids in them. I like my dark romances to be just that. Romance that is dark. But in my opinion kids just complicate that and cause me to lose interest in a book quickly. I probably would have skipped the book had I known. I never really connected with Cassandra's character, but Maksim I liked quite a lot. He had that commanding and damgerous personality you expect from a mafia member. The last half of the book was definitely better than the first half. I give three stars because even though it's not the best I've read it's not the worst either. It was well written but just not for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2020
This is a book about loss and the journey to regain something.... What Maksim thinks he is going to regain is revenge for all the losses he has had at the hand of the Gianluigi Balducci Mafia. For Cassandra, her hope is to regain the most precious thing that was ripped from her so many years before. Leaving the house of her father, the Balducci Don seemed like the only thing she could do to save herself from his violent life. Little did she realize that she was at the center of Maksim's revenge plans. This is a wonderful story that kept me on the edge of my seat as the main characters worked toward the culmination of their individual plans only to realize that despite the initial hate that brought them together would steadily work toward their final goal and something neither knew they would missing. Another winning hit for the Queen of the Mafia Romance, Nicole Fox.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.
July 31, 2020
He is out for revenge and ends up with something unexpected
Maksim is the second book in the Heirs to the Bratva Empire series and is about Maksim and Cassandra. He is the head of the Akimov Bratva and she is a reporter and the daughter of the man who killed his wife. So no potential issues between them at all right??? There is revenge, violence, murders, mystery, a mother's quest to find the child taken from her, kidnapping, attraction and a while lot more.
While I enjoyed this nicely written and somewhat dark mafia story it was a bit up and down for me. I was not expecting the story about Cassandra and her missing child so that kind of hit me out of the blue. I was scratching my head over some of the actions of the main characters at times as they just did not seem to fit to me. So overall I thought this was an okay story.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Maksim is the second book in the Heirs to the Bratva Empire series and is about Maksim and Cassandra. He is the head of the Akimov Bratva and she is a reporter and the daughter of the man who killed his wife. So no potential issues between them at all right??? There is revenge, violence, murders, mystery, a mother's quest to find the child taken from her, kidnapping, attraction and a while lot more.
While I enjoyed this nicely written and somewhat dark mafia story it was a bit up and down for me. I was not expecting the story about Cassandra and her missing child so that kind of hit me out of the blue. I was scratching my head over some of the actions of the main characters at times as they just did not seem to fit to me. So overall I thought this was an okay story.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
February 5, 2020
DANGER-ously ADDICTIVE!
A well crafted powerhouse that is filled with danger violence, crime, lies, secrets, betrayal, heart pounding twists, a myriad of emotions and steamy chemistry laced with angst and an undeniable passion that impossible no to feel. From one page to the next I didn't know whether to be in shock or delighted as this amazing story had me clinging to the edge of my seat at times holding my breath as the page turning suspense turns cold and dark with just a turn of a page that the intensity was a bit overwhelming as chaos spins out of control sending my mind racing into a doom and gloom state with no happy ending several times but believe me there is a happy ending and the suspense was so worth the wait. This is another great read by this author that is addictive extremely enjoyable and a must read.
A well crafted powerhouse that is filled with danger violence, crime, lies, secrets, betrayal, heart pounding twists, a myriad of emotions and steamy chemistry laced with angst and an undeniable passion that impossible no to feel. From one page to the next I didn't know whether to be in shock or delighted as this amazing story had me clinging to the edge of my seat at times holding my breath as the page turning suspense turns cold and dark with just a turn of a page that the intensity was a bit overwhelming as chaos spins out of control sending my mind racing into a doom and gloom state with no happy ending several times but believe me there is a happy ending and the suspense was so worth the wait. This is another great read by this author that is addictive extremely enjoyable and a must read.
August 19, 2020
Cassandra’s father is the head of an Italian mob whose signature move is a car bomb. They killed Maksims wife, although he was likely the intended target as the head of the Akimov Bratva.
Cassie’s father has always treated her badly. When she had found out she was pregnant at just 18 years old, her father had stolen her baby from her when she was still in hospital. Now ten years later, she’s working as an investigative reporter and is tasked with writing a piece about the mob families in the city. Her editor knows who her father is and gives her no choice in the matter. But when she is taken by Maksim, she decides to focus on him instead when he uses her daughter as blackmail. This is a brilliant, well written and interesting story from start to finish. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cassie’s father has always treated her badly. When she had found out she was pregnant at just 18 years old, her father had stolen her baby from her when she was still in hospital. Now ten years later, she’s working as an investigative reporter and is tasked with writing a piece about the mob families in the city. Her editor knows who her father is and gives her no choice in the matter. But when she is taken by Maksim, she decides to focus on him instead when he uses her daughter as blackmail. This is a brilliant, well written and interesting story from start to finish. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2021
4.5 Stars!!! Another one up there with the greats!!
This only missed being 5 by (SPOILER ALERT)!*****************************************************
The part where she betrays Mak & half his organization is killed because of the article she sends to print. Um, excuse me? Something THAT big is just forgiven?! Like it’s nothing? Locality is big, huge in most mafia books do I can’t see everyone just being okay with her after the fact.
I loved the different parent child dynamic in this story too! Then the passion between the leads?! WOWZAH! 🔥🔥🔥
Cassandra is a tough heroine/heck can even be considered an anti-heroine if you ask me, who gave as good as she got & I LOVED that about her! Mak was a man with integrity & purpose, he is my hero. All in all, I loved this book and gobbled it up in less than a day. Another great story by Nicole. Thank you!!!
This only missed being 5 by (SPOILER ALERT)!*****************************************************
The part where she betrays Mak & half his organization is killed because of the article she sends to print. Um, excuse me? Something THAT big is just forgiven?! Like it’s nothing? Locality is big, huge in most mafia books do I can’t see everyone just being okay with her after the fact.
I loved the different parent child dynamic in this story too! Then the passion between the leads?! WOWZAH! 🔥🔥🔥
Cassandra is a tough heroine/heck can even be considered an anti-heroine if you ask me, who gave as good as she got & I LOVED that about her! Mak was a man with integrity & purpose, he is my hero. All in all, I loved this book and gobbled it up in less than a day. Another great story by Nicole. Thank you!!!
February 2, 2020
Excellent dark mafia romance!
Cassandra returns to New York after ten years of being gone. She left after her father talked her into giving her daughter up for adoption, saying the child would be safer and now she's back to try to become a top investigative reporter. When Bratva boss, Maksim tells her he knows where her daughter is, but that she must come stay with him to get the information she's not too keen on the idea. Maksim plans to use Cassandra against her mafia Don father, only he doesn't realize he probably cares more for Cassandra than her father ever will. This is a great read and I highly recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cassandra returns to New York after ten years of being gone. She left after her father talked her into giving her daughter up for adoption, saying the child would be safer and now she's back to try to become a top investigative reporter. When Bratva boss, Maksim tells her he knows where her daughter is, but that she must come stay with him to get the information she's not too keen on the idea. Maksim plans to use Cassandra against her mafia Don father, only he doesn't realize he probably cares more for Cassandra than her father ever will. This is a great read and I highly recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2020
Nicole Fox has done it again! Maksim has fought his way to the top of the Akimov Bratva, but has endured heartbreaking losses on the way. Cassandra was born into a mafia family that has torn something precious from her and that she wants nothing to do with. When Maksim decides to use Cassie as a means of revenge against her father, neither has any idea how their undeniable attraction to one another will play out. I loved Cassie's strength and endurance in the wake of her father's brutality. Maksim is so much more than a hard, cold boss. The book has great pace, twists and turns, and some heartbreaking moments. Great Read!
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
February 10, 2020
Maksim is the leader of The Bravta of NYC. Seeks revenge on Gianlugi Balducci, Don of the Italian mob of NYC who killed Maksin wife.
Cassandra Balducci, daughter of the Don, has returned to NYC after leaving 10 years ago. Cassandra gets herself kidnapped and winds up in Maksim mansion.
Cassandra told Maksim that she has no contact with her father, after so many years apart. However, Maksim knows Don Gianlugi will do anything for her.
A few twists and turns and Maksim realizes that no, Don Gianlugi will not protect his daughter, he will only hurt her. Will Maksim be able to protect her?
I did receive a free ARC copy of this book from the author. I am freely leaving an honest review.
Cassandra Balducci, daughter of the Don, has returned to NYC after leaving 10 years ago. Cassandra gets herself kidnapped and winds up in Maksim mansion.
Cassandra told Maksim that she has no contact with her father, after so many years apart. However, Maksim knows Don Gianlugi will do anything for her.
A few twists and turns and Maksim realizes that no, Don Gianlugi will not protect his daughter, he will only hurt her. Will Maksim be able to protect her?
I did receive a free ARC copy of this book from the author. I am freely leaving an honest review.
February 13, 2020
This book was perfection! Nicole Fox hit a home run with this one! Maksim Akimov and Cassandra Balducci were great characters! Maksim Akimov is don of the Akimov Bratva. Cassandra's father, Gianluigi Balducci, is don of the Balducci Bravta. In retaliation of what Gianluigi Balducci has taken from Maksim, Maksim takes and holds Cassandra against her will at his mansion. But Cassandra has been estranged from her father for over ten years. What starts as something to hold over Gianluigi's head starts to turn into more between Maksim and Cassandra. But neither trusts the other because they have both been betrayed. Will they figure out what they mean to each other before an all out war takes place?
February 13, 2020
WOW !! I believe this is one of my favorite ones by Nicole !! Maksim is fiercely loyal to his family , the Bratva. When his enemy killed his wife he went after his daughter. Cassandra, ummm how to explain what I felt about her. I was disgusted with her then I felt bad for her then I was really pissed with her then and finally then she redeemed herself. Well in my opinion anyways. No matter how long or how much she tried she couldn’t get away from the mafia and her father.
When Maksim comes to an arrangement with Cassandra what they both don’t plan to happen is falling in love with each other. But her father has other plans and boy do things take a turn from there.
Highly recommended reading !!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Maksim comes to an arrangement with Cassandra what they both don’t plan to happen is falling in love with each other. But her father has other plans and boy do things take a turn from there.
Highly recommended reading !!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 14, 2020
This was such a good read, I don’t know where to start! The characters and the storyline were totally addictive, you think you know where the story is going and then whoa! I wasn’t expecting that! 😳 this is also an emotional read for many different reasons, of course with Lily’s story, but again with the Bratva men (they really upset me) I know some of these things have to happen for the storylines but it was just so sad 😞, back to the main story and I can honestly say it completely held my interest and I read straight through, cannot wait for the next book, this was Akimov book 1, and I haven’t a clue who is going to be book 2. But really, looking forward to it 😁
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 16, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! Maksim by Nicole Fox features Cassie Balducci, investigative reporter and estranged daughter of Gianluigi who heads the Balducci family mafia, and Maksim, billionaire head of the Asimov Bratva Mafia family whose wife was killed in a car bomb meant for him which was caused by Gianluigi Balducci. Maksim claims Cassie after he identifies her secret and uses it as part of his plan for revenge against her father. This intense and well written book with complex and strong characters and has a plot full of unexpected twists, violence, and sizzling chemistry. I highly recommend this excellent mafia romance with a twist.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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February 21, 2020I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher to review.
My sworn enemy murdered my wife in cold blood. I've spent years mourning what he took from me. Now, the time has come for revenge. His daughter thinks she escaped from her father's underworld. But I'm coming to show Cassandra that she can never run from me. I'll find her. I'll claim her. And I'll Make. Her. Mine.
This mafia romance is really good. I enjoyed all the time that I got to spend with these characters and their story. There are so many lies and twists and turns in this book that your head just might be spinning. However revenge can be so sweet or it can be exactly what you need when you find a true surprise in this book. I loved it and can't wait for the next one in the series.
My sworn enemy murdered my wife in cold blood. I've spent years mourning what he took from me. Now, the time has come for revenge. His daughter thinks she escaped from her father's underworld. But I'm coming to show Cassandra that she can never run from me. I'll find her. I'll claim her. And I'll Make. Her. Mine.
This mafia romance is really good. I enjoyed all the time that I got to spend with these characters and their story. There are so many lies and twists and turns in this book that your head just might be spinning. However revenge can be so sweet or it can be exactly what you need when you find a true surprise in this book. I loved it and can't wait for the next one in the series.
February 21, 2020
Have you ever read a book that when you read the last page, you sat there and thought.....wow! If you are looking for that next kind of read, pick this book up. What a great mafia style read. It is a vengeful war between two mafia families but is there really a winner? Maksim is out for revenge as his family was killed by a rival mafia boss. His revenge is to kidnap his daughter, Cassandra and use her as a toy. This story has many twists and turns and is forever on the move as this tale unfolds from beginning to the end. Never a dull moment that is for sure and I was hooked from the beginning. Look for the extended epilogue as well that this author wrote for Maksim and Cassandra. Great read, enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2020
Emotional
Maksim is a definitely a must read. It was well written and the storyline kept me on my toes. Maksim and Cassandra had a very intense relationship. When I could understand the basis for Maksim secrets I couldn’t exercise the same understanding for Cassandra’s deception. She was falling for Maksim but choose to write an article about Akimov Bratva which caused countless death and could have cost him his life to protect her father who stoled her daughter away from her in the hospital. Though Cassandra did all this Maksim was ready to sacrifice his life for Lily and Cassandra. To saw the least I didn’t connect to her practically until the book was almost completed. Well done Nicole Fox.
Maksim is a definitely a must read. It was well written and the storyline kept me on my toes. Maksim and Cassandra had a very intense relationship. When I could understand the basis for Maksim secrets I couldn’t exercise the same understanding for Cassandra’s deception. She was falling for Maksim but choose to write an article about Akimov Bratva which caused countless death and could have cost him his life to protect her father who stoled her daughter away from her in the hospital. Though Cassandra did all this Maksim was ready to sacrifice his life for Lily and Cassandra. To saw the least I didn’t connect to her practically until the book was almost completed. Well done Nicole Fox.
July 1, 2025
Maksim and Cassandra's story
Maksim Akimov is the leader of the Akimov Bratva on NYC. He has endured personal tragedies caused by the Italians mob, Balduccis.
Cassandra Balducci is the daughter of the Don. She fled NY 10 years ago when her father stole her baby and put it up for adoption. She did nothing to get her back. She is also an investigative reporter, determined to take down the mob and the Bratva.
I did not like Cassandra from the moment that she was introduced into the story. She is a self righteous bitch, seeing things only her way. Maksim and Lily definitely deserved better.
The story was moderately interesting, but I skipped pages just to finish the story.
I do not recommend this book.
Maksim Akimov is the leader of the Akimov Bratva on NYC. He has endured personal tragedies caused by the Italians mob, Balduccis.
Cassandra Balducci is the daughter of the Don. She fled NY 10 years ago when her father stole her baby and put it up for adoption. She did nothing to get her back. She is also an investigative reporter, determined to take down the mob and the Bratva.
I did not like Cassandra from the moment that she was introduced into the story. She is a self righteous bitch, seeing things only her way. Maksim and Lily definitely deserved better.
The story was moderately interesting, but I skipped pages just to finish the story.
I do not recommend this book.
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