Priceless

Ruthless Doms #1

by Jane Henry

A Dark Bratva Romance

USA Today bestselling author Jane Henry delivers a high-stakes, gritty story of forbidden romance, devastation, and taboo love that knows no bounds. 
She's barely legal.
Under my protection.
Fully off-limits.
But all mine.
Ruthless is a fully stand-alone spin-off from The Wicked Doms series. 
Please note: this dark romance contains mild dubious consent, elements of violence, and kinky, sexual scenes. If such subject matters offend you, please do not read. 

Genres: BDSM, Romance, Dark, Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Erotica, Contemporary Romance

215 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 26, 2019

About the author

Fueled by dark chocolate and even darker coffee, USA Today bestselling author Jane Henry writes what she loves to read – character-driven, unputdownable romance featuring dominant alpha males and the powerful heroines who bring them to their knees. She’s believed in the power of love and romance since Belle won over the beast, and finally decided to write love stories of her own.

Reviews

[Syndi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not impress with Priceless. In fact, I got bored. The story of age gap, BDSM romance gets recycle in Priceless.

The banter, the conversation is OTT cheesy. I do not even like Nicolai. He is too tacky.

Anyway... moving on

2 stars

[Lady Raven RAVE! · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐️⭐️

Style: Dark Mafia Romance (Age Gap)
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 2/5
Dark Level: 1/5
Sexual Level: GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence: No
Male: Bodyguard & Sexy
Series: Book 1
Pages: 256
Audio: GOOD (female) FAIR (male)
Kindle Unlimited: No


STORY:
So so. I don’t doubt it could be good for most, but for me, I could not get into it. The way it started had me excited, but my excitement started dwindling. It jumps forward with months so I disconnected with the timeline. The cover dragged me in with promises of really dark, but I didn’t really get dark or at least what I consider dark as everyone is different, it was more on the mild side. Individually, I like Nicolai as his whole bravado was appealing. Marissa, was ok her age sometimes showed as she started out at 17 with a birthday to 18. I think for me it’s both characters together that gave me a so so read not sure I just did not connect to the story.


SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
Sexually, I was turned on, but good sex in a book doesn’t guarantee I will love the story.



SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
A lot of players that brought the story together, however, I lost interest.



OVERALL
So so and I did not get fully into the storyline as I wanted to because the characters together were not connecting for me.


✰✰TRIGGERS: kidnapping, selling of women etc...


****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.

[Jypsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Ardent Prose and the author for an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Priceless: A Dark Bratva Romance
By: Jane Henry

*REVIEW* 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Having never read Jane Henry, I wasn't sure what to expect. Fair warning-this story is a darker romance with potential triggers. Priceless is, however, a good story with a strong bond forged over many years, between Marissa and Nicolai, at the heart of it. Marissa has always been his underage assignment-until today when she graduates and turns 18. Because Nicolai is her bodyguard and a true professional who takes the job seriously, any other thoughts about Marissa are tightly sealed. Both crave more from the other but do not give voice to these forbidden desires. Marissa's father, a powerful mafia man, would never stand for it. Her father who,it turns out, has done something reprehensible to his daughter. It is this act that causes Nicolai to secretly whisk Marissa away from her graduation party, put her in his car and quickly leave. He's trying to save her life by hiding her away somewhere safe. Nothing ever goes to plan, though, does it? I won't go into detail, but it's an emotionally charged roller coaster. I was rooting for Marissa and Nicolai all the way. Both are coping with this crazy situation the best they can, and they grow individually and together. The story is fast paced and totally consuming once you get started. It has all the feels. Jane Henry has written a compelling tale of betrayal, love and trust. Fans of mafia romance with a darker side will love this story!

[❤️Court - Villains Do It Better❤️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

Eh. I should have known I wouldn't like it but I keep forgetting I'm just not a fan of this author's writing or the tropes she uses. Too OTT, the heroines are always way too submissive and weak, which in this case she was, and not only that, but she was also very childish and immature so I don't really understand any appeal for her. Not a fan of BDSM really either, but if it's done well, I don't mind it. In this case, it was just too cheesy, and the whole "obey me" crap was just too much for me and cringe worthy.

Safety:
No OW/OM drama
Virgin h / non-virgin H

[JD (on semi-hiatus) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I suppose I should at least appreciate that the H waits until the day of the h's high school graduation before he sexually assaults her. Of course, she is still legally seventeen. Oh, and he's been lusting after her since she was thirteen. But, hey, this is a love story, right? And, in this genre, anything goes and nothing is beyond the pale as long as there's love.

[TheSassyNerdBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh yes yes yes!
I love Jane Henry, I love her books, I love her domineering, asshole, alpha men she writes, and the female leads that go along with them and this book was everything and more that I love about them.
Maybe it is cliche as hell, but I love the virgin storylines. I am a sucker for them. I'll own that.

In this book, we have Nicolai and Marissa. Nicolai has been working as Marissa's bodyguard for some time now. She is his father's best friend's daughter and he has been longing for this woman. He watched her grow into an amazing and gorgeous person. He had to stand on the sidelines and watch as she blossomed into the woman she is now. She was forbidden fruit, and he wanted nothing more than to take a bite, but he never did.

Among all the craziness that is Nicolai and Marissa's life, things take a massive turn. The author adds in so much more to a plot. When Marissa is taken, Nicolai will stop at nothing to get to her, to keep her safe, to protect her... and when I say he will do anything for this woman, I mean ANYTHING. He goes against so much he believes in, so much that he knows, so he can protect the girl he's been pining over for years. Things get out of control and people do some questionable things, and it had my mind on over-drive...

Will Nicolai be able to keep Marissa safe and protect her? What lengths is he willing to go to ensure her safety? Will these two get a HEA or will she remain off-limits?

Oh, so many things I wish I could tell you... but instead you need to read this. Seriously, it is a MUST READ and I highly recommend it. If you are like me and love the darker side of romance, a romance that will have you on your toes, your heart pounding, your palm sweaty and your mind reeling trying to piece everything together, then Priceless is your cup of tea!

This book was everything. I love Jane Henry. I've loved her books for some time now and this book was a prime example on why. She is flawless, she delivers a plot that I knew would suck me in from the start and have me hooked all the way in. I am a squcker for dark, twisted, mind-fuck romances and this one right here? EPIC! Fucking insane, intense and all-consuming. The author doesn't shy away from much when it comes to her books, characters, and storylines, and it is why I love each book so much. She pushes boundaries and continues to blow my mind with each book she releases.


5 Stars!

[Rose Howse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Priceless has it all, everything you'd expect from a Jane Henry novel. Marissa and Nicolai are the main
characters in this one. A spoiled princess of the Bratva family and her bodyguard, Nicolai who has yearned for the young beauty that is unattainable to him. Until Nicolai gets word that a devious plot is about to happen to Marissa and he takes her and runs from the danger. The danger is always a short distance away, until it attacks and the pair are torn away from each other. Marissa is taken to be trained then sold at a virgin auction and Nicolai is left for dead. Three months after Marissa's abduction, the real danger begins, it's time for her to be auctioned and it looks like she is destined for the unthinkable. We suffer along with Marissa and Nicolai as they hope they could one day be reunited but it's not looking good for them. The secrets, torture, suffering and heartache seems to go on and never ending. People can't be trusted, even those they hold dear to them. Others find they can be secret saviors to help accomplish the impossible. I was on the edge of my seat as each new problem arises and more difficult circumstances need to be dealt with. I loved the whole, complicated wonderful book!!!
The little surprises were wonderful, I couldn't ask for more in the ultimate love story.

[Tai Nelson-Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two people that are not meant to be together are forced to weather a storm of epic proportion. Marissa is graduating and turning 18. She is left in the dark of the mafia world and very happy with that. But when her bodyguard kidnaps her to save her things come to a head for everyone involved.

Nicolai has been Marissa's bodyguard for four years and has been in love with her for almost just as long. But he knows nothing can come of it. She is only a child. But when he finds out that someone is going to be kidnapping her to auction her off, Nicolai will do everything he can to protect her, including capturing her himself. But things don't always go as planned.

Priceless is not a typical mafia story. It broke my heart reading this story with all the twists and turns. Marissa and Nicolai are a beautiful couple, and I loved them. I am interested to see where else we go with the characters we met.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a spin off from her Wicked Doms series, Jane Henry gives us Priceless!! Nicolai and Marissa's story. I could tell as soon as I started reading this was going to be a roller coaster ride of emotions and I was right. It was funny in parts but mostly it was gritty, raw, gut wrenching, and any other emotion you can think of. I hurt for both of them when Marissa was ripped away from Nicolai after they had escaped in order to save her from being sold into slavery by her own father. Nicolai is determined to find her and kill anyone who hurts her but it takes him awhile to do it. Can he find her before she is sold and can he come up with a plan to make their lives safe to live?This is one of Ms. Henry's best books to date. It's intense and gripping but the ending is sooooo worth waiting for!! If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would !!!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicolai and Marissa have quite the story! In the beginning Nicolai has been Marissa’s bodyguard for a few years and it’s been torture watching her grow into a beautiful woman knowing that she is completely off limits. An urgent phone call changes all of that. Nicolai must go against everything he knows in order to keep her safe. Unfortunately the danger runs too deep within the brotherhood and everything explodes resulting in Marissa being taken. Nicolai will stop at nothing to get her back.

Great story of the ultimate betrayal of family, real brotherhood and extreme dominance.

[Carol Hepstall · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG !! I was blown away by this book. I absolutely loved Nicolai and Marissa’s story. I was pulled in and totally captivated from the very beginning. Lies, secrets, danger, abduction, death and a love that over comes all odds. A storyline so intriguing that I couldn’t stop reading it until I read the last word. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for an amazing read

[Jos · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

OK, so this was good. I honestly wasn't "in love" with it and yet I didn't "hate" it either...... I was definetely somewhere in between. Can I say I felt disappointed after I read it....yes, for me, I had higher hopes but that's just my opinion.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly dark. This went a bit further than the Wicked Dom series. However, even if the title says Ruthless Dom, he was one of the more soft-spoken bratva heroes and not as stubborn as the rest. I love how every bratva book I've read by this author has a different trope that it follows faithfully. No book sounds the same. This story was really dark and it went into levels that I wasn't expecting. Part 2 was really hard to read (mostly because I didn't expect it). But overall, this was a great read. Of course, I'm binging the rest of the spin-off series!

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’M HIS STAR, HIS LIGHT IN A WORLD OF DARKNESS

Oh my, Ms. Jane Henry has exceeded the level in her Bratva books with Priceless. While the story still has danger, suspense, some violence, and dubious consent, this one has a love story, one that has a man, Nicolai, who will go to whatever means necessary for a woman, Marissa.

The plot will have Nicolai as body-guard to Marissa during her years in high school, but at the night of her graduation, on the cusp of her eighteenth birthday, he gets a tip that her very being is in danger of being kidnapped to pay-off a debt and taken in trade to a Virgin auction. He will take her himself without letting her know what is at stake—but trouble is following. How far will Nicolai go to keep her safe—to make her his?

“I’m a starving beast who’s longed to taste this, to command and control and overpower.”

“He wouldn’t just take me for no good reason. He would never take advantage of me. I know he wouldn’t.”

The story is two parts; the first is the innocence of Marissa, her graduation and party, with Nicolai whisking her away from danger—until they are accosted and she is taken from him, he is tossed in the river, left for dead—and must let people believe he is dead. The second part is the journey a man will take to save the woman he loves. And like the mythical Phoenix, Nicolai will rise again—Aleks Ambramov will be born, and he is coming for Marissa—but first, he must prove himself to his new pakhan and the Boston Bratva brotherhood and buy his virgin at auction.

“My Marissa. But she’s only a ghost of the woman she once was, and if I move too quickly, she’ll vanish. Here one minute and gone the next. Only we’re still ensnared in a web of lies, betrayal, and danger at every corner.”

“Has he just joined me in my prison? Or does freedom await us somehow?

Buying Marissa at auction is only the first hurdle, now I must claim her and then present her to the Boston Bratva, and from there, no one knows what will happen. Will someone there recognizes me, even though I’ve changed, will they know who she is. Have we gone from the frying pan into the fire? The story is full of twist, turns, lies, deceit, power struggles, with some violence, a love story that will include M/s, spankings, and explicit sex scenes. It is life and death danger, intense moments, and passion.

“When I unleash myself on her, and she withstands it, it helps me bear what I carry. Somehow knowing that she loves me despite my flaws, that she doesn’t cave when I dominate her, that I can let myself go and master her and she doesn’t push me away, gives me fortitude and strength. She is the calm to my storm, the still water to my rapids. It disturbs me how easily I would kill someone to save her.”

I love a story with so much suspense, passion, power, and especially when the evil one gets their comeuppance. You can’t help but love Nicolai and Marissa together and want them to find their happily ever after ending. The journey they must endure will only strengthen the love they have for each other.

“I lost you once and will never lose you again.”

While the story has the good, the bad, the ugly, you can’t help respect the Bratva and their code of loyalty. The story of Nicolai and Marissa leaves you with a smile as you cheer them on during their trials by fire. The story does not end on a cliffhanger—but maybe an introduction into the next Ruthless Doms story. I eagerly look forward to it.

[Wonder Tre Reads -Tre Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is undoubtedly a dark Bratva romance, Nicolai and Marissa have been side by side for years and all it takes is one warning to change it all. I was in the edge of my seat more often then not hearing their story, the length Nicolai will go through to continue to be a protector is incredible. My heart is with Marissa and all she endured for so long and yet she continues to move forward. This story is not for the light reader, we’re taken through dark scenes more often then not. This is a spin-off to the series and can be read as a standalone.

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Bratva Alpha Men. Nicolai is an over the top bodyguard with hidden feelings for Marissa.
He discovers a plot against Marissa and takes matters into his own hands.
What follows is so many twists and turns and deadly and volatile scenes.
There was action, dominance, and of course love wrapped up in a fabulous story!

[Chris]

DNF @ 11%

This is a spin-off from the Wicked Doms series, which I previously enjoyed. This book whoever, isn't for me... I disliked Nicolai in this book, even if I was curious to read his story before. Marissa on the other hand is just a kid. As a result, I just can't bring myself around and continue reading, I've been dragging it for too long to keep pushing through...

[Krisz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was emotional, intense and rough, one of the bests I read by Jane Henry. I liked the characters, what they went through was tough. Their journey wasn't one for the faint-hearted. I liked Nikolai's determination and devotion to Marissa. I also liked how their story unfolded in Boston, the way Nikolai found unlikely allies in a precarious situation.

Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross are such great narrators. This time was no different. I loved the accents they both used. They really made this story even better with the fantastic job they've done.

Story: 4 stars
Narration: 5 stars

🎧AudiobookObsessionReviewer

[PIONEER · Rating 3 out of 5]

That took a pretty chaotic turn I wasn’t expecting. Damn. I didn’t expect that to be as dark as it was.

Holy fuck, Tomas was a fucking skeevy tool… at least the first time we “see” him. I’m pretty sure I liked him at least like a tiny, tiny, tiny, minuscule bit in his story though. He got to be the Tomas we all know and… love? at the end though.

Yeah, so, you know this was fun-ish.

[Hannah (Vogan) Stolz · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a 2.5 giving it a 3 because of the spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ very hot and spicy book. Fast moving plot (which I use in a broad term) not much plot but enough to keep you going. A fast read. Age gap with light human trafficking (by light I mean ht happens in the book, but it is not gone into detail like dark romance does)

[BP34 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of the Ruthless Dom's Series and is Marissa and Nicolai's story. Full of action, danger and dram like only the Bratva provide. The book is fast paced and overflowing with steam. A great story that will grab your attention right at the beginning and you won't be able to put it down. I read a free advance reader copy and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Caz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was ready to give this one away. Much older man looking after a little girl until she becomes “legal”. I’m sorry nope nope nope. There are and can be lots of triggers with this book.

I went back to read the reviews and thought I would give it a little more time.

I’m impressed with the lengths Nicolai went to to find and keep Marissa safe and I was sickened by what Marissa went through.

Of course knowing there was going to be a HEA kept me reading. I’m still not sure how I feel about this one.

[Coco.V]

Ruthless Doms Boxset is on sale for $0.99 on Amazon (regular price $4.99 each)💞

[Krys · Rating 2 out of 5]

It had good bones, I will say that. But I feel like the “Taken” part of the storyline wasn’t necessary. If they had somehow gotten to the solace of the Boston crew (sorry, I was listening to the audiobook, so I don’t know how to spell the word they used) with some shenanigans (like maybe an intercepted kidnapping or something) instead then the book picked up where the male MC was being inducted under a new identity, that would have been a good story. As it was, I didn’t think the “sold into sex slavery” part was fleshed out enough to carry the weight that topic holds. The author just yadda yaddas over the “they did everything to me but break my hymen” part of the book and there isn’t any angst coming from her or the other girls (if there is a time for angst, that would have been it), just random screaming and lots of crying. I wasn’t necessarily looking for the author to describe what she imagined getting raped or brutally beaten felt like, but even descriptions of the after effects (bruises, sore spots, agony because something might be torn or broken, dripping blood, cuts in her tongue cause she bit herself in the moment, even a refusal to process what had just happened) would have gone a long way in convincing me of the seriousness of her situation. It also didn’t help that the fem MC treated her experience on the run, after her abduction, and after she was “rescued” like an action movie. She never seemed to take the situations seriously, and didn’t stay in character for long (the male MC should have taped her mouth shut with how much she asked questions when he told her not to talk because she was blowing their cover). I’m actually shocked she didn’t get them both killed, she was such a bad actress. For someone who “enjoyed pleasing” the male MC, she didn’t actually listen to him, very often.

The male MC mental monologued waaaaayyyyy too much in the middle. Usually it’s a fem MC that has that problem, but this time it was him, and literally every five seconds he was threatening to kill everyone who breathed in the fem MC’s direction (and he disappointed me more than he didn’t on that front), worrying about her, getting aroused by their master/slave relationship (though she didn’t willingly enter said relationship in the beginning because she was an ACTUAL SEX SLAVE. Nothing sexy about that), and worrying what he and the fem MC were gonna do to get out of their predicament (after 3 months you’d think he would have nailed down an escape plan). There was only a couple scenes (like literally two) where I got to see the male MC in action, and I wish less time had been spent on him blustering and more dedicated to actual, deserved, ass kicking.

The fem MC’s belief that she had matured by the end of the book was laughable. Yes she was less of a brat, and she did finally understand the male MC was there to help (though her mistrust of him in the first place never made sense to me), but the shit she went through didn’t make her any more alert, aware, wary, street savvy, serious or let’s face it, smart. She was only good at following the male MC around, and even that she didn’t always do well.

There was too much focus on punishment. Where were the rewards the male MC promised? Also it felt like an inordinate amount of book time was spent talking about their sex life, it was too much and boring.

The characters were also really one-dimensional. There wan’t much background given about the families or the people themselves. I hated how the bonding moments in the car ride were brushed over. All the low key things they discussed were necessary for me to see a real relationship/compatibility between the MCs. As it was, I didn’t understand why the male MC was so enamored with the fem MC. The fem MC seemed to have a crush.

Dear romance authors, please stop throwing the word “love” around like it’s Miley’s wrecking ball. It’s too heavy-handed and no one is ready for it.

Holy repetition, Batman. The male MC often said the same thing over and over and over and over and over within the same conversation. It was overkill, especially when the fem MC’s perspective came right behind and often also said similar things.

The master/slave relationship with pain sprinkled on top was an interesting topic and not one I’ve come across in romance/erotic novels before, I admire the author’s creativity on that front. Unfortunately everything else kind of came off as a holey master/slave fantasy, which I wasn’t too crazy about.

[Ermani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the characters, their romance and the lengths he went to find her but over all it was just ok for me. So I settled at a 3.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicholai is the son of the Atlanta Bratva. He's also been the bodyguard to Marissa, the daughter to one of the Brotherhood. The day of Marissa's high school graduation party, Nicholai's sister calls to inform him he needs to keep his eyes on Marissa and not let her out of his sight Nicholai because her father is going to put her up for auction. He has sent four years protecting her. Knowing her every move, her every like and her every dislike without every crossing the line. Now he needs to find a way to protect her without having to tell her she is being sold by her own father. Jane Henry has outdone herself this time. It just seems each new book I read from her gets better and better. "Priceless" becomes self explanatory during the storyline. Of course, being as this is part of the "Ruthless Doms" series, there is definitely discipline. There's also kidnapping, dubious consent, murder, lies and secrets yet through it all, there is so much compassion, heart and emotion. This one took it over the top for me.


Merged review:

Nicholai is the son of the Atlanta Bratva. He's also been the bodyguard to Marissa, the daughter to one of the Brotherhood. The day of Marissa's high school graduation party, Nicholai's sister calls to inform him he needs to keep his eyes on Marissa and not let her out of his sight Nicholai because her father is going to put her up for auction. He has sent four years protecting her. Knowing her every move, her every like and her every dislike without every crossing the line. Now he needs to find a way to protect her without having to tell her she is being sold by her own father. Jane Henry has outdone herself this time. It just seems each new book I read from her gets better and better. "Priceless" becomes self explanatory during the storyline. Of course, being as this is part of the "Ruthless Doms" series, there is definitely discipline. There's also kidnapping, dubious consent, murder, lies and secrets yet through it all, there is so much compassion, heart and emotion. This one took it over the top for me.

[Donna Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna L
5.0 out of 5 starsSinfully Good
August 30, 2019
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
This book was unbelievably raw and intense.I was consumed with the complexity
and emotions.It had me feeling uncomfortable as I was thrown into a dark and
soul destroying story.Ms Henry has mastered the art of dark romances, a theme that
runs throughout this book in so many ways.She has the ability to draw her readers
into the minds and psyche of the characters.

Nicolai,a member of The Bratva,had been Marissa Rykov's bodyguard since she was
young.Marissa has had feelings for Nicolai for many years but he sees her only as
a child.When Marissa's safety is in danger,Nicolai only thought was to flee and keep
her safe.The problem was that she was no longer a little girl,she is now legal.Marissa
is confused,she has always been aroused by his dominant nature.Does he have a hidden
agenda.She is now seeing the real man behind the mask.He has stoked a raging fire
within her..The stern,foreboding bodyguard has morphed into someone she does not
recognise.Despite all his efforts,Nicolai failed to keep her from harm.With help from
his father,Nicolai must find Marissa,but will it be too late.

What a emotional and psychological journey that had me on edge from beginning to
the end.The agitated state of suspense draws you deeper along with the characters.
A brilliantly executed story that pulls you in all different directions.I loved everything
about it.I vacillated between every emotion known.Take the plunge and you will not
be disappointed.The author is uncompromising in her depiction of a complicated
relationship.The premise of this story was remarkable and masterful.The chemistry
between Marissa and Nicolai sizzled.At the core of it,this is a true love story.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Priceless is the first book in the Ruthless Doms series. Nicolai has been Marissa’s bodyguard for the past four years. Marissa just graduated from high school and is about to turn 18 when Nicolai hears of a plan against her. Desperate to keep her safe, he takes her on the run. But when the danger catches up to them both, will Nicolai be able to keep Marissa safe and all his?

Just as Marissa was ripped from Nicolai’s arms, I felt like my heart was ripped from my chest. I love that the beginning of the book holds hope and sweetness, even while he’s trying to keep her safe, and the middle just wrecks you. The ending, though, ohhhh it’s sooo good! This is definitely a book that will give you all of the feels and you can’t help but cheer for a happy ending, even if you have to survive the darkness first. Marissa is such a fighter and survivor, I can’t even imagine the pain she went through, the betrayal she might have felt, and the hope she clung to. I loved that her need to please in the beginning plays throughout the story. Nicolai is amazing - protector, fighter, savior. I love that the focus of this story is on their connection, the danger that surrounds them, and it’s not just on a physical component. While reading this book, I felt like I couldn’t get a full breath in and I was on the edge of my seat - and this might seriously be my favorite mafia book that Ms. Henry has written yet!

[Kael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really what I expected. Too much happened and it just got very weird. And everything was resolved in such easy silly ways at the end.

And it was so uncomfortable to read when she was kidnapped and on the ship and all the other girls were being assaulted but suddenly they were all together in a dungeon and it was more a bdsm thing ?? and it was gross because you know none of those girls wanted what was going on.

And why was Thomas sounding so evil and like he wanted to take her but then he was a reasonable fair leader as soon as they got there ?? And why did he make the guys do this horrid thing as tribute or whatever and then he so easily was like nah let’s not do it at the end? Why did he make them do this horrible thing but then was like they can be your woman now?? None of it fit together. And why were members of the bratva so bothered by torturing the guy who attacked them?? Knowing they would save their women this way? Like yeah torture/murder is bad but these guys are bratva?? Did not make sense.

And don’t even get me started on why the son of the pakhan, future leader of the bratva, was on simple bodyguard duty for years??? And when everything happens why wouldn’t his dad just believe him and as the leader get mad at her father??? THIS MADE NO SENSE!

[Book Nook Kitten · Rating 1 out of 5]

Basic and Repetitive

Basic and repetitive. If I had to read one more time either of the characters thinking about spanking, I was gonna scream. They both think it like a dozen times before 12%. Then she's thinking she's tired half a dozen in just a couple of pages. A
When she's in the bathroom getting ready for bed, she thinks, 'I'm so tured', then she walks into the bedroom a second lately and thinks 'I'm so tired', then another split second after this she gets in bed and is thinking, 'I'm tired. So tired'. Twice! I mean come on! Seriously badly repetitive! This is not a real writer, the writing is so basic it made me angry. The story is also just a basic outline, making it ridiculous to read, with no depth and one that's been written thousands of times before. I'm so fed up that amazon publishes this kind of atrocious rubbish. There are just too many so called authors putting zero beffort into the writing and stories. Awful!