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Underworld #6
Crimson
Seduce An Enemy To Control An Empire…
Nadia is a mafia princess, come to Moscow to solve an old mystery from her mother’s journal.
Nikolai is the heir to the rival Markov empire. He’s about to secure his family’s fortunes once and for all. There’s just one thing standing in his way...
He needs a wife. And not just any wife — he needs Nadia Lebedev. Their families have been enemies for generations. The bloodshed and betrayal goes back two hundred years.
Nikolai must end the feud by taking possession of Nadia. He will tame her. Own her. And make her his forever…
“Crimson” is a blazing hot Dark Mafia Romance, full mystery and intrigue. It’s Book 4 in the “Colors of Crime” series. It’s a stand-alone novel, complete with HEA and no cliffhangers. Contains explicit scenes, including spanking.
Nadia is a mafia princess, come to Moscow to solve an old mystery from her mother’s journal.
Nikolai is the heir to the rival Markov empire. He’s about to secure his family’s fortunes once and for all. There’s just one thing standing in his way...
He needs a wife. And not just any wife — he needs Nadia Lebedev. Their families have been enemies for generations. The bloodshed and betrayal goes back two hundred years.
Nikolai must end the feud by taking possession of Nadia. He will tame her. Own her. And make her his forever…
“Crimson” is a blazing hot Dark Mafia Romance, full mystery and intrigue. It’s Book 4 in the “Colors of Crime” series. It’s a stand-alone novel, complete with HEA and no cliffhangers. Contains explicit scenes, including spanking.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2019
728 people are currently reading
5016 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Lark
45 books23.8k followersPowerful Romance
Special Editions & Exclusive Stories:
https://sophielark.com/
Sophie lives in Southern California with her husband and three children. Her favorite authors are Emily Henry and Freida McFadden. She’s an Aquarius who loves fitness and looks forward to Halloween every year.
Special Editions & Exclusive Stories:
https://sophielark.com/
Sophie lives in Southern California with her husband and three children. Her favorite authors are Emily Henry and Freida McFadden. She’s an Aquarius who loves fitness and looks forward to Halloween every year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 315 reviews
October 5, 2021
2.5 stars
I couldn't care less about the MCs they were so predictable. There was absolutely nothing that stood out about them. The story was underwhelming BUT I loved the side story about Samara, Nadia's mom. That made me sad and it really stuck with me. I wish she had a book even if it wasn't a happy ending. Gosh it was so sad, how she died without having had her happy ending.
I couldn't care less about the MCs they were so predictable. There was absolutely nothing that stood out about them. The story was underwhelming BUT I loved the side story about Samara, Nadia's mom. That made me sad and it really stuck with me. I wish she had a book even if it wasn't a happy ending. Gosh it was so sad, how she died without having had her happy ending.
March 30, 2022
While I wish these books were in first person POV like her others, I really enjoyed the story. It reminded me a little of a book I read when I was a kid, where a young girl reads her mother's diary from when she was her age.
I liked the inclusion of the mother's diary in this one, as a way for Nadia to "get to know" a woman she was never close to and figure out secrets from her family's past.
The quick romance between Nikolai and Nadia was fun - it was kind of like a vacation romance, with Nadia playing tourist in a country she barely remembers. Sophie does a great job including pieces of Russian history and culture - I know nothing about the country so I've learned a lot.
I do wish the story was just a LITTLE longer. I would have loved a scene between Nadia and
I liked the inclusion of the mother's diary in this one, as a way for Nadia to "get to know" a woman she was never close to and figure out secrets from her family's past.
The quick romance between Nikolai and Nadia was fun - it was kind of like a vacation romance, with Nadia playing tourist in a country she barely remembers. Sophie does a great job including pieces of Russian history and culture - I know nothing about the country so I've learned a lot.
I do wish the story was just a LITTLE longer. I would have loved a scene between Nadia and
November 16, 2021
2⭐️
again nothing special or interesting about this but its a quick and easy read, its also a mafia book. good enough.
“Secrets and lies. They were the things that bound mafia families together, just as much as blood.”
again nothing special or interesting about this but its a quick and easy read, its also a mafia book. good enough.
March 28, 2025
I’m surprised how much I enjoyed this book compared to the previous one. Niko and Nadia just got me , I loved them but for the love of God I can’t get over the ending . It was so abrupt, I need an epilogue , I need it . I can’t wait to read kingmakers , I know they will be mentioned.
February 16, 2020
Crimson was my first read from Sophie Lark and definitely won't be my last! I enjoyed reading about the developing romance and attraction between the MCs Nadia and Nik.
The story began a little choppy but slowly became an easier read as the characters began to find their stride. Being labelled as a 'dark mafia romance' I had been expecting a lot more depth in the detail and violence associated with 'issues' present in the book however this wasn't so. Normally this would have disappointed me as I like to have my expectations of theme met however, the extensive development of the relationship and building of tension between Nadia and Nik was addictive to read about. I would have been happily content to read about them for longer than the book allowed!
The inclusion of Russian words and terms in this book was a pleasant surprise! I enjoyed that the author tried to keep this authentic and also provide a learning opportunity for readers (like me) who are completely clueless when it comes to Russian/mob words.
I found the journal and story in to Nadia's mother quite interesting and this added a good break between the tension of Nadia and Nik's marriage compared to the past.
This was my first book in the Colours of Crime series and won't be my last!
(I received an ARC by author via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review).
The story began a little choppy but slowly became an easier read as the characters began to find their stride. Being labelled as a 'dark mafia romance' I had been expecting a lot more depth in the detail and violence associated with 'issues' present in the book however this wasn't so. Normally this would have disappointed me as I like to have my expectations of theme met however, the extensive development of the relationship and building of tension between Nadia and Nik was addictive to read about. I would have been happily content to read about them for longer than the book allowed!
The inclusion of Russian words and terms in this book was a pleasant surprise! I enjoyed that the author tried to keep this authentic and also provide a learning opportunity for readers (like me) who are completely clueless when it comes to Russian/mob words.
I found the journal and story in to Nadia's mother quite interesting and this added a good break between the tension of Nadia and Nik's marriage compared to the past.
This was my first book in the Colours of Crime series and won't be my last!
(I received an ARC by author via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review).
October 20, 2021
3 ⭐️ This wasn’t my favorite Sophie Lark romance (that would be the Brutal Birthright series.. thanks for asking), but to be fair in the past year I’ve read nothing but back to back winners from Ms. Lark. Nikolai and Nadia’s story just wasn’t as exciting as I’d hoped. I’m not patient enough to be a slow burn enthusiast and this story definitely takes time to heat up. We don’t even meet the dreamy hero until about 25% in. I liked the love story and I was happy with the ending but things felt a bit mild compared to Lark’s more recent work. Regardless, this was a quick and enjoyable read that any mafia romance fan would enjoy.
October 19, 2023
This book was amazing! We have romance and a mystery.
This book is about Nadia (Romans and Violet's cousin) and Nikolai (from the Markov family. We haven't met him before but his family name has come up in previous books in the series.) There's a really important side plot about Samara (Nadia's mom.) She was killed in the previous book "Anton".
This book picks right up where Anton left off. Nadia's great aunt, Galina, gives her a box with Samara's possessions that she had been keeping at her house. Now that Samara is deceased Nadia has to sort through her stuff. She finds a diary from when her mother was young. It's written in Cyrilic so she has to "translate" it to read it. What she discovers in the first few entries is what gets this story going. Nadia embarks on a journey to Moscow and the ancestral home of the Lebedevs where her mother grew up.
The Markovs and Lebedevs have been enemies for generations. Will Nadia and Nikolai finally bring the families together? Or will lies and deceit actually push them further apart?
We have two storylines running parallel. We have the present time with dual POV (Nikolai and Nadia) and the past (1980s) in the form of Samara's diary. Both storylines manage to keep my interest. I was really eager to know what had happened to Samara. To be honest I guessed the plot twist but still, I wasn't disappointed. It made sense.
I only wish there had been some sort of epilogue or extra chapter because I feel everything was cut short after the big revelation everything was rushed.
I wish we could see Zavier and his reaction to the news. Samara and Zavier's story is so sad. They never got their happy ending. Although their tragic love story was what made their children's love story possible. I wish we got Samara's POV when Rashel told her she never delivered the note to Zavier. Either or both additions to the story would've made this a solid 5-star for me.
This book is about Nadia (Romans and Violet's cousin) and Nikolai (from the Markov family. We haven't met him before but his family name has come up in previous books in the series.) There's a really important side plot about Samara (Nadia's mom.) She was killed in the previous book "Anton".
This book picks right up where Anton left off. Nadia's great aunt, Galina, gives her a box with Samara's possessions that she had been keeping at her house. Now that Samara is deceased Nadia has to sort through her stuff. She finds a diary from when her mother was young. It's written in Cyrilic so she has to "translate" it to read it. What she discovers in the first few entries is what gets this story going. Nadia embarks on a journey to Moscow and the ancestral home of the Lebedevs where her mother grew up.
The Markovs and Lebedevs have been enemies for generations. Will Nadia and Nikolai finally bring the families together? Or will lies and deceit actually push them further apart?
We have two storylines running parallel. We have the present time with dual POV (Nikolai and Nadia) and the past (1980s) in the form of Samara's diary. Both storylines manage to keep my interest. I was really eager to know what had happened to Samara. To be honest I guessed the plot twist but still, I wasn't disappointed. It made sense.
I only wish there had been some sort of epilogue or extra chapter because I feel everything was cut short after the big revelation everything was rushed.
I wish we could see Zavier and his reaction to the news. Samara and Zavier's story is so sad. They never got their happy ending. Although their tragic love story was what made their children's love story possible. I wish we got Samara's POV when Rashel told her she never delivered the note to Zavier. Either or both additions to the story would've made this a solid 5-star for me.
March 11, 2020
his was an interesting read as it has a bit of a mystery, a Romeo and Juliette feel to it, and all of it set with Paris and then Moscow as its backdrop.
Nikolai is definitely the type of hero I like and the reason I selected this book to begin with. He was fierce in his protection of Nadia and had the desire to claim her as his own from the first time he met her. Nadia wasn’t a heroine I could relate to, but I did understand her need to solve the mystery that was her mother.
This had a lot of background information as well as info regarding the sights these characters visited. It also had untold amounts of description of the homes, the cars, the restaurants. I finally started skimming. And then unfortunately I skimmed some more because this is a short book and this couple don’t even meet until around the 25% mark. I almost DNF’d but decided to continue and I have to say getting to know Nikolai was worth it.
I actually enjoyed watching this couple together as they fall in love. The conflict was believable, the mystery was interesting but the resolution not a surprise, and the ending was how I like my characters to behave – as adults. Unfortunately, no epilogue so it felt a bit like I was abruptly dropped off at the bus stop with no “goodbye”.
While I didn’t love this book, I didn’t hate it either. It had the potential to really give me what I like but chose to go into avenues that had nothing to do with the story. If I learn that this is a one off for this author, I’d be glad to try another book.
Dual POV
BDSM elements
Safe
Triggers
Nikolai is definitely the type of hero I like and the reason I selected this book to begin with. He was fierce in his protection of Nadia and had the desire to claim her as his own from the first time he met her. Nadia wasn’t a heroine I could relate to, but I did understand her need to solve the mystery that was her mother.
This had a lot of background information as well as info regarding the sights these characters visited. It also had untold amounts of description of the homes, the cars, the restaurants. I finally started skimming. And then unfortunately I skimmed some more because this is a short book and this couple don’t even meet until around the 25% mark. I almost DNF’d but decided to continue and I have to say getting to know Nikolai was worth it.
I actually enjoyed watching this couple together as they fall in love. The conflict was believable, the mystery was interesting but the resolution not a surprise, and the ending was how I like my characters to behave – as adults. Unfortunately, no epilogue so it felt a bit like I was abruptly dropped off at the bus stop with no “goodbye”.
While I didn’t love this book, I didn’t hate it either. It had the potential to really give me what I like but chose to go into avenues that had nothing to do with the story. If I learn that this is a one off for this author, I’d be glad to try another book.
Dual POV
BDSM elements
Safe
Triggers
October 27, 2021
Best of the series
Nikolai was full of heat (duh) & unexpected twists and turns that made for an excellent story.
This picks up where Anton & Violet's book left off - right after the.... incident, & follows Nadia Turnegev, Roman & Violet's cousin, as she moves forward coping with the unexpected death of her mother Samara.
Nadia's mother Samara was a business woman through and through. She was the attorney for the Bratva, and responsible for saving them from who knows how many legal issues. She and Nadia never had an especially close relationship, however when Nadia is given a diary of her mothers, she discovers a completely different version of the woman. The Samara who she knew as practical, stoic, business first, apparently used to be a romantic, fun, passionate young woman, who was in love with a man named Ivan.
Nadia takes the journal and leaves Paris with her shithead fiance Maxim, & they head to Moscow to the home Samara grew up in, where her aunt & grandfather still live. It's in Moscow that she meets Nikolai, a member of the rival Markov family.
Nadia continues translating the journal, & the mystery of who Ivan is just gets more and more insteresting the further Samara's relationship with him develops.
NOW. We learn who Ivan is, & what really happened between he and Samara. The fact that's where the book ends is the only thing I have to complain about here. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED NEXT not related to Nadia and her lover(s).
But all in all, loved it. It was a story within a story... within a story! Nadia and Nik are hot as hell, per usual, and their chemistry is well developed and explored through the chapters.
Nikolai was full of heat (duh) & unexpected twists and turns that made for an excellent story.
This picks up where Anton & Violet's book left off - right after the.... incident, & follows Nadia Turnegev, Roman & Violet's cousin, as she moves forward coping with the unexpected death of her mother Samara.
Nadia's mother Samara was a business woman through and through. She was the attorney for the Bratva, and responsible for saving them from who knows how many legal issues. She and Nadia never had an especially close relationship, however when Nadia is given a diary of her mothers, she discovers a completely different version of the woman. The Samara who she knew as practical, stoic, business first, apparently used to be a romantic, fun, passionate young woman, who was in love with a man named Ivan.
Nadia takes the journal and leaves Paris with her shithead fiance Maxim, & they head to Moscow to the home Samara grew up in, where her aunt & grandfather still live. It's in Moscow that she meets Nikolai, a member of the rival Markov family.
Nadia continues translating the journal, & the mystery of who Ivan is just gets more and more insteresting the further Samara's relationship with him develops.
NOW. We learn who Ivan is, & what really happened between he and Samara. The fact that's where the book ends is the only thing I have to complain about here. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED NEXT not related to Nadia and her lover(s).
But all in all, loved it. It was a story within a story... within a story! Nadia and Nik are hot as hell, per usual, and their chemistry is well developed and explored through the chapters.
January 11, 2020
Crimson: A Dark Mafia Romance is part of the colors of Crime series. It can be read as a stand alone novel as their aren't any spoilers that I could see. However, this is the first book I've read by this author so take that with a grain of salt.
I enjoyed this novel a lot. I was intrigued by the mystery in her mother's novel as well as the whirlwind romance developing in the main characters life. The book had a rough start, but once the story got moving, it was a smoother read. The writing was intriguing as I could picture a teenage girl writing this very same thing in journal.
I am intrigued and will probably read this series from the beginning.
I would like to thank the author for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
I enjoyed this novel a lot. I was intrigued by the mystery in her mother's novel as well as the whirlwind romance developing in the main characters life. The book had a rough start, but once the story got moving, it was a smoother read. The writing was intriguing as I could picture a teenage girl writing this very same thing in journal.
I am intrigued and will probably read this series from the beginning.
I would like to thank the author for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
December 26, 2019
After losing her mother during a bloody family power coupe, Nadia realizes that her mother was practically a stranger to her. Needing to connect with her, Nadia decides to visit her mother's home in Moscow, hoping to be able to reconnect with at least the memory of her mother. With her mother's journal in hand, Nadia visits her grandfather and her aunt, the last of her family.
When she meets Nikolai Markov, Nadia knows she should steer clear of him. He's a Markov and they've been her family's enemy for decades. But Nik takes a liking to her and Nadia feels safe and protected in his company. Giving in to her initial gut feelings about him Nadia and Nik start to not only explore the city of her mother's childhood, but their mutual attraction too.
But she feels like Nik is holding something back from her. With her mother's own tragic love story begins to run parallel to her own, Nadia starts to wonder if maybe the warnings she's been ignoring might have some truth to them. Nik is almost too good to be true right?
This story has a little bit of drama, largely from outside sources but I thought it was romantic and the chemistry scorching! I kind of liked that the mobster stuff was kept mostly in the background, it let the story stay focused on the couple and their relationship. Nadia's ex was a cartoony baddie but he was outed pretty quick and although I think the story would have worked out fine without him in it, overall, he caused very little drama and didn't become annoying since his exist is quick :)
I wish we'd gotten a bit more from Nik though. Sometimes the POVs seemed solely focused on Nadia and didn't allow too much insight into Nik's character. He was everything a good book boyfriend is made of and love how up front and direct he is with Nadia. I honestly thought he was fascinating and would have loved more time inside his head. He was definitely an alpha but we get limited backstory and inner dialogue to cement that fact.
Memorable Moments:
You know how they say you learn something new every day? Well, this book introduced me to the bane, the traditional Russian bathhouse. And that first intimate scene between Nik and Nadia was definitely memorable!
Would I recommend? It's light on the bratva mobster drama so if your squeamish when it comes to that side of things, this one is pretty safe. No descriptive violence or murder on page. It was really tame, mostly focused no the romance between the MCs and the mystery of Nadia's mother's journal.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
When she meets Nikolai Markov, Nadia knows she should steer clear of him. He's a Markov and they've been her family's enemy for decades. But Nik takes a liking to her and Nadia feels safe and protected in his company. Giving in to her initial gut feelings about him Nadia and Nik start to not only explore the city of her mother's childhood, but their mutual attraction too.
But she feels like Nik is holding something back from her. With her mother's own tragic love story begins to run parallel to her own, Nadia starts to wonder if maybe the warnings she's been ignoring might have some truth to them. Nik is almost too good to be true right?
This story has a little bit of drama, largely from outside sources but I thought it was romantic and the chemistry scorching! I kind of liked that the mobster stuff was kept mostly in the background, it let the story stay focused on the couple and their relationship. Nadia's ex was a cartoony baddie but he was outed pretty quick and although I think the story would have worked out fine without him in it, overall, he caused very little drama and didn't become annoying since his exist is quick :)
I wish we'd gotten a bit more from Nik though. Sometimes the POVs seemed solely focused on Nadia and didn't allow too much insight into Nik's character. He was everything a good book boyfriend is made of and love how up front and direct he is with Nadia. I honestly thought he was fascinating and would have loved more time inside his head. He was definitely an alpha but we get limited backstory and inner dialogue to cement that fact.
Memorable Moments:
You know how they say you learn something new every day? Well, this book introduced me to the bane, the traditional Russian bathhouse. And that first intimate scene between Nik and Nadia was definitely memorable!
Would I recommend? It's light on the bratva mobster drama so if your squeamish when it comes to that side of things, this one is pretty safe. No descriptive violence or murder on page. It was really tame, mostly focused no the romance between the MCs and the mystery of Nadia's mother's journal.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
July 23, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐3.75~4/5
I liked this book, although I read I a long time ago I can't recall details now, I can tell my preference lately is Bratva rather than Irish or Italian mafia, I think it has to do with their ruthlessness... so bad they are .
I liked this book, although I read I a long time ago I can't recall details now, I can tell my preference lately is Bratva rather than Irish or Italian mafia, I think it has to do with their ruthlessness... so bad they are .
June 27, 2022
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 2 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
same complaints as Anton. Too fast, too superficial. This is definitely an early project of Sophie, again being in 3rd person (which I think the rest of the books are in). Also the chronological order of the last four are before the first four so that might be why these feel not as polished.
Nikolai and Nadia were pretty meh. The journal plot was interesting, but everything else was meh. Didn’t really care for them and the ending felt rushed and unfinished.
same complaints as Anton. Too fast, too superficial. This is definitely an early project of Sophie, again being in 3rd person (which I think the rest of the books are in). Also the chronological order of the last four are before the first four so that might be why these feel not as polished.
Nikolai and Nadia were pretty meh. The journal plot was interesting, but everything else was meh. Didn’t really care for them and the ending felt rushed and unfinished.
╭─━━━━━━━━━━━━─╮
• Underworld Series •
Ivan #1 — 3.75 stars
Snow #2 — 3.25 stars
Roman #3 — 3.25 stars
Dom #4 — 3 stars
Anton #5 — 2.75 stars
Nikolai #6 — 2 stars
Luca #7 — 1 stars
Black #8 — 1.75 stars
╰─━━━━━━━━━━━━─╯
February 16, 2023
WHAT???? I actually liked the story of Nadia finding out about her mother’s past love, BUT WHAT WAS THIS ENDING?!??? I thought she would at least show how nadia went to zavier and showed him the letter, but no? The ending was wayyyy too abrupt. Also the way Rashel betrayed her sister so badly like how can she say that samara used her? Where?????
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2022
The bath house scene?! 🥵
That is all. Sophie Lark does it again.
That is all. Sophie Lark does it again.
March 8, 2020
Although this is book four in the series it can be read as a stand-alone. Personally, I haven’t read the previous books and I had no trouble following the story. That said, this is my review.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Flow: 👍👍👍👍👍
Writing and editing: 🖋🖋🖋🖋🖋
Heat: 🌶
Crimson by Sophie Lark is a beautiful written book, that tells two stories. The one from Nadia and through a journal her mother’s story as well. I admired the author writing skill, she paints beautiful pictures with words. However, I don’t give 5 stars for two reasons. The title says ‘dark romance’ and I don’t think the title fits. Also the main characters have unprotected sex without discussing birth control or diseases (and I’m very strict about that 😅)
I’ve got this book for free through BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Flow: 👍👍👍👍👍
Writing and editing: 🖋🖋🖋🖋🖋
Heat: 🌶
Crimson by Sophie Lark is a beautiful written book, that tells two stories. The one from Nadia and through a journal her mother’s story as well. I admired the author writing skill, she paints beautiful pictures with words. However, I don’t give 5 stars for two reasons. The title says ‘dark romance’ and I don’t think the title fits. Also the main characters have unprotected sex without discussing birth control or diseases (and I’m very strict about that 😅)
I’ve got this book for free through BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
May 14, 2024
Each book I read in this series does keep getting better, so I am happy!! I loved the last couple in Anton but wow - really loved Nadia and Nikolai. Their whirlwind romance was so believable - I do love a good insta that is backed up with the right sizzle!! The mystery of Nadia's mother made for a great storyline and I absolutely loved the setting in Russia - This series has jumped around to many major european cities and the author has done a great job of allowing me to see, hear and smell the settings - which I have enjoyed!!!!
Series PSA again - I am reading this as book 4 of the series...instead of the republished order of book 6. I'm only halfway but I can safely say I made the right choice so far in reading it the original way. Next up for me is Ivan!
Series PSA again - I am reading this as book 4 of the series...instead of the republished order of book 6. I'm only halfway but I can safely say I made the right choice so far in reading it the original way. Next up for me is Ivan!
November 28, 2022
After ‘Anton’ my expectations for the sixth book in this series weren’t very high and still I was underwhelmed with this book.
Nadias and Nikolais families have been enemies forever. Nadia comes to Russia to find out more about her mothers’ past after she was killed. While she’s there she meets Nikolai and they fall in love, even though they are not supposed to.
The writing is still in 3rd person, which threw me off so many times. I just don’t enjoy it. The story couldn’t grip me, and I was bored most of the time. The secrets Nadia discovers so ridiculously slow are predictable and both characters feel very stale and bland.
Nadias and Nikolais families have been enemies forever. Nadia comes to Russia to find out more about her mothers’ past after she was killed. While she’s there she meets Nikolai and they fall in love, even though they are not supposed to.
The writing is still in 3rd person, which threw me off so many times. I just don’t enjoy it. The story couldn’t grip me, and I was bored most of the time. The secrets Nadia discovers so ridiculously slow are predictable and both characters feel very stale and bland.
June 19, 2023
3.7 it was ok, and i liked the slight mystery feel of it, but i’m so sick of the man lying abt something that could easily b explained
January 15, 2020
ONE EXPLOSIVE HIGH OCTANE TREAT!!!
Bam baby! Sophie rocks the charts with this incredible, sensational, tantalizing, mesmerizing, mind-blowing, prize winning, block busting, page flipping bombshell that hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration, while balancing a razors edge. You get all the frills and spills in this heart pounding, pulse racing, jaw dropping, hard hitting, nailbiting, rollercoaster ride, blasting this baby into the eye of the storm, breaking it loose, throwing it into a tailspin with shocking results. Engaging the drama, intrigue, turmoil, deceit, secrets aplenty and soaring suspense while tension spirals, wielding this little fella together flawlessly. Bridging the trials and tribulations, along with a slew of unforseen twists and crushing turns, tempting our characters in ways they could have never anticipated. Illustrating bold and strong, well rounded scenario's, ramping up the adrenaline and gusto with such tenacity and precision, blasting this little fella to life spectacularly. The attraction and chemistry is intense and sizzling, spotlighting the undeniable attraction and palpable connection, binding them together perfectly. The characters are authentic and genuine with qualities and traits that blend into unbelievable personalities. The scenes are so colorfully descriptive it paints a magnificent backdrop, making the storyline pop. Remarkable job Sophie, thanks for sharing this little fella with us.
Bam baby! Sophie rocks the charts with this incredible, sensational, tantalizing, mesmerizing, mind-blowing, prize winning, block busting, page flipping bombshell that hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration, while balancing a razors edge. You get all the frills and spills in this heart pounding, pulse racing, jaw dropping, hard hitting, nailbiting, rollercoaster ride, blasting this baby into the eye of the storm, breaking it loose, throwing it into a tailspin with shocking results. Engaging the drama, intrigue, turmoil, deceit, secrets aplenty and soaring suspense while tension spirals, wielding this little fella together flawlessly. Bridging the trials and tribulations, along with a slew of unforseen twists and crushing turns, tempting our characters in ways they could have never anticipated. Illustrating bold and strong, well rounded scenario's, ramping up the adrenaline and gusto with such tenacity and precision, blasting this little fella to life spectacularly. The attraction and chemistry is intense and sizzling, spotlighting the undeniable attraction and palpable connection, binding them together perfectly. The characters are authentic and genuine with qualities and traits that blend into unbelievable personalities. The scenes are so colorfully descriptive it paints a magnificent backdrop, making the storyline pop. Remarkable job Sophie, thanks for sharing this little fella with us.
January 17, 2020
The Love💘 Inside The Lies
ADULT XXX Bratva Romance💕 and Mystery💀🔪🔫 with BDSM👋👋👋 Elements
Filthy rich children of Russian Bratva Dons do their duty and find 💘love to unite the warring factions.
From Paris🌃 to Moscow⛪, this book takes Nadia💃💋 on a journey to find her late mother's roots. All she has is her mother's journal written in Russian, which she slowly translates. The further along she gets in the translation, she realizes it will not end well, but she has to know why her mother was so distant to her.
In Moscow⛪, Nadia💃💋 stays at her grandfather's decrepit mansion with her mother's spinster sister, Rashel👵. Grandfather👴, once a powerful Don, is bedridden and senile, cared for by Rashel👵.
Along the way, Nadia💃💋 finds true 💘love with Russian Spankenstein👋👋, Nikolai🐺🍆⛲🔪🔫👋, the dutiful son of Xavier👺🔪🔫, one of the most powerful Bratva Dons in Russia, and her family's enemy!
Nadia💃💋 knows there is a hundred year old feud between her late father's mob and Nikolai's🐺🍆⛲👋 father's mob, but he is just such a stud🐎, she can't resist him. From his multitude of Bratva tattoos, she knows he's a killer💀🔪🔫, many times over.
Xavier👺🔪🔫 has an ulterior motive for having Nikolai🐺🍆⛲👋🔪🔫 court Nadia💃💋.....
ARC Provided by Book📚 Sirens💃
I also got this ebook with KU.
This is the second book about the Bratva🔪🔫 that I have read by Author📚 Lark, and I liked this one better, because it has more of a sweeping, interesting story with twists. Recommend for lovers of this genre!
ADULT XXX Bratva Romance💕 and Mystery💀🔪🔫 with BDSM👋👋👋 Elements
Filthy rich children of Russian Bratva Dons do their duty and find 💘love to unite the warring factions.
From Paris🌃 to Moscow⛪, this book takes Nadia💃💋 on a journey to find her late mother's roots. All she has is her mother's journal written in Russian, which she slowly translates. The further along she gets in the translation, she realizes it will not end well, but she has to know why her mother was so distant to her.
In Moscow⛪, Nadia💃💋 stays at her grandfather's decrepit mansion with her mother's spinster sister, Rashel👵. Grandfather👴, once a powerful Don, is bedridden and senile, cared for by Rashel👵.
Along the way, Nadia💃💋 finds true 💘love with Russian Spankenstein👋👋, Nikolai🐺🍆⛲🔪🔫👋, the dutiful son of Xavier👺🔪🔫, one of the most powerful Bratva Dons in Russia, and her family's enemy!
Nadia💃💋 knows there is a hundred year old feud between her late father's mob and Nikolai's🐺🍆⛲👋 father's mob, but he is just such a stud🐎, she can't resist him. From his multitude of Bratva tattoos, she knows he's a killer💀🔪🔫, many times over.
Xavier👺🔪🔫 has an ulterior motive for having Nikolai🐺🍆⛲👋🔪🔫 court Nadia💃💋.....
ARC Provided by Book📚 Sirens💃
I also got this ebook with KU.
This is the second book about the Bratva🔪🔫 that I have read by Author📚 Lark, and I liked this one better, because it has more of a sweeping, interesting story with twists. Recommend for lovers of this genre!
April 4, 2022
This was a fun, light read! Granted, a bit on the predictable side, but that in no way interfered with my enjoyment. The pacing is much better here, and I think having the parallels between events of the past vs. the present story works in this story's favor (even if it's predictable - if it ain't broke, don't fix it!)
Nikolai picks up right where Anton left off with the aftermath of the family dinner massacre à la the Red Wedding (minus a wedding, obviously). Nadia, Samara's daughter, is in mourning for the loss of her mother, along with her general disillusionment when it comes to the Bratva, her engagement to Maxim, and family in general. I had enjoyed Nadia's character for the most part in the previous book, so I'm glad we get to see more of her here. There's a lot more to this girl than glitz, glam, and parties.
Post-funeral, while packing up her mother's things, Nadia discovers a journal from her mother's youth and begins to translate it. Soon enough, she decides to visit Russia in an effort to learn who her mother really was (they were never very close, and the Samara in the journal is full of so much light and love, where as the Samara IRL was cold, distant, and calculating).
The events surrounding Samara falling in love with "Ivan" parallels Nadia and Nikolai's romance beautifully, and very much in a "history is repeating itself" kind of way... like, in a way that would be unnervingly on the nose if it didn't work (and here, narratively speaking, I feel like it does indeed work).
The chemistry between the two mains is relatively effortless, even with their family's being centuries old rivals and Nikolai in particular being set up by his father to deceive Nadia from the offset. But even with that deception lingering in the background, they are both deeply attracted to one another from the beginning, and the stark differences between Nikolai and Nadia's ex-fiancé, Maxim, are like night and day.
The conflict, climax, and resolution were fairly predictable, but I still found it enjoyable. If the trope works, then it works - you won't hear my complain about something tried and true. My only main complaint is that the resolution/book ends so freaking abruptly! I am glad that Sophie gave us more closure and satisfactory farewells to her characters in later books, because oh! What I wouldn't give for a more proper sendoff for Nadia and Nikolai.
But I do so enjoy those two characters, so of course my easy-ass self is just happy that they're happy.
The sex in this one is a bit more on the kinky side (which - let's be real - I will always appreciate). Oh! And for the record: there needs to be more steamy, kinky sauna scenes in the romance genre, generally speaking. Just throwing that out there ;)
Nikolai picks up right where Anton left off with the aftermath of the family dinner massacre à la the Red Wedding (minus a wedding, obviously). Nadia, Samara's daughter, is in mourning for the loss of her mother, along with her general disillusionment when it comes to the Bratva, her engagement to Maxim, and family in general. I had enjoyed Nadia's character for the most part in the previous book, so I'm glad we get to see more of her here. There's a lot more to this girl than glitz, glam, and parties.
Post-funeral, while packing up her mother's things, Nadia discovers a journal from her mother's youth and begins to translate it. Soon enough, she decides to visit Russia in an effort to learn who her mother really was (they were never very close, and the Samara in the journal is full of so much light and love, where as the Samara IRL was cold, distant, and calculating).
The events surrounding Samara falling in love with "Ivan" parallels Nadia and Nikolai's romance beautifully, and very much in a "history is repeating itself" kind of way... like, in a way that would be unnervingly on the nose if it didn't work (and here, narratively speaking, I feel like it does indeed work).
The chemistry between the two mains is relatively effortless, even with their family's being centuries old rivals and Nikolai in particular being set up by his father to deceive Nadia from the offset. But even with that deception lingering in the background, they are both deeply attracted to one another from the beginning, and the stark differences between Nikolai and Nadia's ex-fiancé, Maxim, are like night and day.
The conflict, climax, and resolution were fairly predictable, but I still found it enjoyable. If the trope works, then it works - you won't hear my complain about something tried and true. My only main complaint is that the resolution/book ends so freaking abruptly! I am glad that Sophie gave us more closure and satisfactory farewells to her characters in later books, because oh! What I wouldn't give for a more proper sendoff for Nadia and Nikolai.
But I do so enjoy those two characters, so of course my easy-ass self is just happy that they're happy.
The sex in this one is a bit more on the kinky side (which - let's be real - I will always appreciate). Oh! And for the record: there needs to be more steamy, kinky sauna scenes in the romance genre, generally speaking. Just throwing that out there ;)
January 22, 2020
★ Searching for answers in the “snow and darkness of Moscow” ★
—>>> The murder of her mother that fateful day spurs Nadia, now the last in the line of the Lebedev family, to visit her family's childhood Moscow home while she grieves. But a diary left behind, undisturbed in an attic until now, just raises more questions for Nadia as she painstakingly translates it in a quest to understand the elusive and detached mother she had grown up with and regretted not being closer to. There, however, her presence makes her an easy target for her family’s greatest rivals, the Markovs, for the patriarch immediately recognizes an opportunity to further his family’s name and holdings by using his son Nikolai, who was all too eager to do his job once he realized who the beautiful, unexpected party guest was.
~ It was like giving a priceless Ming vase to a toddler. Maxim Oleksei could never understand or appreciate her. He could only damage her. ~
Nadia feels the sort of connection with Nikolai she never did with her own fiancé, and she ignores her aunt’s dire warnings not to get involved. Soon, Nikolai’s important task of wooing Nadia becomes the real thing, but secrets and lies have a way of biting those who are the most vulnerable, at the most inopportune times.
Great story as we follow along with the fresh bloom of romance and the revealing of her mother's past and dreams snipped in their prime. I would have loved to have had one final confrontation of Nadia with Nikolai’s father just to tie up that loose end.
—>>> The murder of her mother that fateful day spurs Nadia, now the last in the line of the Lebedev family, to visit her family's childhood Moscow home while she grieves. But a diary left behind, undisturbed in an attic until now, just raises more questions for Nadia as she painstakingly translates it in a quest to understand the elusive and detached mother she had grown up with and regretted not being closer to. There, however, her presence makes her an easy target for her family’s greatest rivals, the Markovs, for the patriarch immediately recognizes an opportunity to further his family’s name and holdings by using his son Nikolai, who was all too eager to do his job once he realized who the beautiful, unexpected party guest was.
~ It was like giving a priceless Ming vase to a toddler. Maxim Oleksei could never understand or appreciate her. He could only damage her. ~
Nadia feels the sort of connection with Nikolai she never did with her own fiancé, and she ignores her aunt’s dire warnings not to get involved. Soon, Nikolai’s important task of wooing Nadia becomes the real thing, but secrets and lies have a way of biting those who are the most vulnerable, at the most inopportune times.
Great story as we follow along with the fresh bloom of romance and the revealing of her mother's past and dreams snipped in their prime. I would have loved to have had one final confrontation of Nadia with Nikolai’s father just to tie up that loose end.
February 16, 2020
Crimson is the fourth book in this series and can be read as a stand-alone novel, though I recommend reading the pervious book where we first met Nadia and witness the murder of her mother.
Nadia was a great supporting character in Violet, so I was glad to see that she was getting her own book and leaving Maxim in the dust. I loved the adventure and suspense that we were taken on as Nadia discovers more about her life through her mother’s journal. The attraction and chemistry between Nikolai and Nadia is sizzling and I was happy to see Nadia being treasured after being mistreated by Maxim. This story is full of mystery, betrayal, family drama, and sizzling chemistry.
The one thing that I wish was different was the ending. After reading these last four book, I’m realizing that this is a pattern with this author. Her pacing of the story is spot on for 85% of the book, it flows so smoothly and progresses at a pace that keeps you hooked; then the climax happens and the resolution is rushed and feels unfinished. There were so many loose ends that I craved to have tied up and I was disappointed that they weren’t.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. These are my own opinions and I am sharing them voluntarily*
Nadia was a great supporting character in Violet, so I was glad to see that she was getting her own book and leaving Maxim in the dust. I loved the adventure and suspense that we were taken on as Nadia discovers more about her life through her mother’s journal. The attraction and chemistry between Nikolai and Nadia is sizzling and I was happy to see Nadia being treasured after being mistreated by Maxim. This story is full of mystery, betrayal, family drama, and sizzling chemistry.
The one thing that I wish was different was the ending. After reading these last four book, I’m realizing that this is a pattern with this author. Her pacing of the story is spot on for 85% of the book, it flows so smoothly and progresses at a pace that keeps you hooked; then the climax happens and the resolution is rushed and feels unfinished. There were so many loose ends that I craved to have tied up and I was disappointed that they weren’t.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. These are my own opinions and I am sharing them voluntarily*
January 9, 2020
This is by far by favourite book in this series! All my precious frustrations from the first three books have been corrected when it comes to this story.
Even though this book is still being told in 3rd person, I felt a lot more connected to Nadia and Nikolai than I the couples in the other books. I got more of a sense of how they felt and transformed over the course of the book which made their love story so much more believable for me.
We get to see Nadia understand the younger version of her mother through the journal, while discovering her true self during her time in Russia. Her standing up for herself against Maxim was great, I loved the contrast in their relationship to the one she has with Nikolai - who was just as interesting as a lead character. I was as interested in Nadia's mother's story as she was and although some aspects of the story were predictable, I was totally gripped and loved every part of it.
I only wish the last chapter was longer and we were given a scene where the 'big secret' was revealed to everyone related to it as I would have loved to see what reaction "Ivan" would have had.
I received a copy of this book via Hidden Gems in return for a honest review.
Even though this book is still being told in 3rd person, I felt a lot more connected to Nadia and Nikolai than I the couples in the other books. I got more of a sense of how they felt and transformed over the course of the book which made their love story so much more believable for me.
We get to see Nadia understand the younger version of her mother through the journal, while discovering her true self during her time in Russia. Her standing up for herself against Maxim was great, I loved the contrast in their relationship to the one she has with Nikolai - who was just as interesting as a lead character. I was as interested in Nadia's mother's story as she was and although some aspects of the story were predictable, I was totally gripped and loved every part of it.
I only wish the last chapter was longer and we were given a scene where the 'big secret' was revealed to everyone related to it as I would have loved to see what reaction "Ivan" would have had.
I received a copy of this book via Hidden Gems in return for a honest review.
January 24, 2020
Nadia, is a Mafia princess, that has become complacent in her life. And now after her mother’s passing has stumbled upon a journal her mother wrote when she was Nadia’s age. With curiosity burning through her veins, and a chance to learn more about the mother she only knew as cold and distant. Nadia heads off from Paris to her grandfather’s estate in Moscow.
Nikolai, has always known what he wanted in life, for his family to finally be on top of the Bratva. So when a chance encounter with Nadia leads to the possibility of him getting just that, Nikolai needs little persuasion to make his move.
Just as Nadia starts to translate her mother’s diary, she also finds herself drawing parallels to the past life she led. But what will finding out the truth mean to Nadia, and just how far will Nikolai go to ensure his family is on top.
Crimson is my 1st Sophie Lark book. I will admit there were a few times I felt that the story may have been to draw out or maybe not as smooth as other parts, yet they by no means deflected from the story. And I can guarantee I will be reading more Sophie Lark in the future.
Nikolai, has always known what he wanted in life, for his family to finally be on top of the Bratva. So when a chance encounter with Nadia leads to the possibility of him getting just that, Nikolai needs little persuasion to make his move.
Just as Nadia starts to translate her mother’s diary, she also finds herself drawing parallels to the past life she led. But what will finding out the truth mean to Nadia, and just how far will Nikolai go to ensure his family is on top.
Crimson is my 1st Sophie Lark book. I will admit there were a few times I felt that the story may have been to draw out or maybe not as smooth as other parts, yet they by no means deflected from the story. And I can guarantee I will be reading more Sophie Lark in the future.
January 5, 2020
Loved this dark twisted tale.
OMG, my mind is blown!!! This is an intriguing, twisted mafia tale of love, loss and betrayal. The characters are wonderful and I couldn't put this book down once I started reading it. After Nadia's mother dies she finds a journal of her mother's from when she was still living in Moscow. Nadia decides to go to Moscow to try to solve the mystery of her mother's words in the journal. She meets Nikolai Markov, their families have been enemies for over two hundred years, but she can't help the pull she feels towards him. Nikolai is in need of a wife, but not just any wife, he needs Nadia to become his and he will do whatever it takes to make that happen. Even if it means getting rid of her fiancé and lying to her from the very start of their relationship. This is a dark, twisted tale that has an ending I did not see coming. Great read and I highly recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
OMG, my mind is blown!!! This is an intriguing, twisted mafia tale of love, loss and betrayal. The characters are wonderful and I couldn't put this book down once I started reading it. After Nadia's mother dies she finds a journal of her mother's from when she was still living in Moscow. Nadia decides to go to Moscow to try to solve the mystery of her mother's words in the journal. She meets Nikolai Markov, their families have been enemies for over two hundred years, but she can't help the pull she feels towards him. Nikolai is in need of a wife, but not just any wife, he needs Nadia to become his and he will do whatever it takes to make that happen. Even if it means getting rid of her fiancé and lying to her from the very start of their relationship. This is a dark, twisted tale that has an ending I did not see coming. Great read and I highly recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 28, 2022
Nikolai and Nadia are from rival families, for generations this rivalry has been going on but Nadia is looking to change that. Ever since her mother passed away, Nadia has this need to learn more about her mother. She finds her journals and decides to visit her mother's childhood home. It is during this time that she runs into Nikolai.
Nadia and Nikolai meet and it quickly turns it something neither of them seen coming. This is a forbidden romance but is it really? Nikolai may be falling in love with Nadia but he also has some alternative motives.
I think my favorite thing about this entire book was Nadia's mothers journals. I absolutely love when journal entries are in a novel, it just adds an extra something something. Another fun romance with a HEA
Nadia and Nikolai meet and it quickly turns it something neither of them seen coming. This is a forbidden romance but is it really? Nikolai may be falling in love with Nadia but he also has some alternative motives.
I think my favorite thing about this entire book was Nadia's mothers journals. I absolutely love when journal entries are in a novel, it just adds an extra something something. Another fun romance with a HEA
April 9, 2023
I liked it! It was a fun and intriguing story about Nadia finding her moms old diary and figuring out her past. I liked Nikolai duh, who doesn’t like a man written by Sophie lark, but since ofc it’s a short book, we didn’t get much. I loved his possessiveness tho😆
“You belong to me now. Not to the Olekseis or the Turgenevs, not to Paris, or anywhere else. I found you, and I'm keeping you forever."
And also, as I’m close to finishing the Underworld series…let me tell you that all these names and last names and family connections have me crazy!!! Especially since I already have terrible memory and the Russian names do not help, I be having to go back to the Kingmakers for those family tree maps😭
“You belong to me now. Not to the Olekseis or the Turgenevs, not to Paris, or anywhere else. I found you, and I'm keeping you forever."
And also, as I’m close to finishing the Underworld series…let me tell you that all these names and last names and family connections have me crazy!!! Especially since I already have terrible memory and the Russian names do not help, I be having to go back to the Kingmakers for those family tree maps😭
September 7, 2024
Uno de los libros más flojos de la saga, sin duda. El acompañamiento de la historia del pasado de Samara creo que ha sido una incorporación innovadora para la saga, pero también es cierto que le ha robado protagonismo a la de Nikolai y Nadia, aunque no es que fuera una relación muy interesante de por si.
En comparación con los anteriores, creo que en este he visto demasiado drama sin razón y mucha menos acción, por lo que resulta un poco aburrido en algunos puntos. Y como en los demás, la relación entre los personajes es demasiado acelerada como para ser creíble. Por desgracia, en este no he sentido la misma química entre los protagonistas, por lo que la relación no ha terminado de convencerme.
En comparación con los anteriores, creo que en este he visto demasiado drama sin razón y mucha menos acción, por lo que resulta un poco aburrido en algunos puntos. Y como en los demás, la relación entre los personajes es demasiado acelerada como para ser creíble. Por desgracia, en este no he sentido la misma química entre los protagonistas, por lo que la relación no ha terminado de convencerme.
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