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Savage Trust #2
Scarred: Mikhael & Alina
Growing up, he was her only protection from the violent crime syndicate their families bore them into, and she his only source of joy.
Her first love, the only person to love her at all.
His reason to exist, the one person he’d risk everything for.
That was ten years ago.
He never knew she'd protected him the only way she could by refusing to escape with him then.
And she never knew he'd survived the fire set to kill him despite her sacrifice.
It isn’t until her name appears on a kill order ten years later that Mikhael finally learns of the decade of torture Alina has suffered at the hands of a man more evil than even he realized.
But rescuing her is just the beginning.
Now, with secrets too painful to reveal, and the horrors from her imprisonment still shackling her psyche, the only question left unanswered between them is whether the scars she bears are too deep for even his love to heal.
The SAVAGE TRUST Series
Wrecked (Luke & Marie)
Scarred (Mikhael & Alina)
Frayed (Kane & Daniella)
Previously published as Moskva (c) 2016, revised throughout with newly added content, new characters, and a different extended ending.
Her first love, the only person to love her at all.
His reason to exist, the one person he’d risk everything for.
That was ten years ago.
He never knew she'd protected him the only way she could by refusing to escape with him then.
And she never knew he'd survived the fire set to kill him despite her sacrifice.
It isn’t until her name appears on a kill order ten years later that Mikhael finally learns of the decade of torture Alina has suffered at the hands of a man more evil than even he realized.
But rescuing her is just the beginning.
Now, with secrets too painful to reveal, and the horrors from her imprisonment still shackling her psyche, the only question left unanswered between them is whether the scars she bears are too deep for even his love to heal.
The SAVAGE TRUST Series
Wrecked (Luke & Marie)
Scarred (Mikhael & Alina)
Frayed (Kane & Daniella)
Previously published as Moskva (c) 2016, revised throughout with newly added content, new characters, and a different extended ending.
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2019
274 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Christa Wick
321 books840 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Christa Wick has been hybrid publishing since 2012 (yep, she's one of the O.G. indie authors). She's written 50+ romances starring curvalicious heroines and alphalicious heroes whose stories span the spectrum of: steamy & sweet, steamy & emotional, steamy & suspenseful, steamy & paranormal, steamy & dark, and...well, you get the idea. Her darker, dirtier books are under C.M. Wick, and she also writes general fiction sci-fi thrillers and suspense novels under other pen names.
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New Release & Sale Alerts
→ bit.ly/ChristaWickEmailList
Get my FREEBIES!
→ www.christawick.com/free
Where to find me & my books:
→ www.christawick.com
→ facebook.com/christawickbooks
→ bookbub.com/authors/christa-wick
→ bit.ly/Books2Read_ChristaWickLinks
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 30, 2019
This is a book that will seriously tug at your heartstrings. Mikhael and Alina's romance is filled with heartache and poignancy. Be aware this is far from a light and fun read. While not what I would call a true dark romance, this is a powerful story of pain, loss and survival. It does have a few sweet, funny and heartfelt moments but mostly it is a heart wrenching read that is sure to touch your heart. This is my elective, truthful review.
October 24, 2019
Mikhael and Alina grew up together in a Russian crime syndicate family. She tried to protect him when her father was going to kill him. She never knew he survived the fire meant to kill him. Now ten years later Mikhael sees a kill order for Alina he rescues her but can he heal the scars she has accumulated on the inside after all of these years? Fast-paced read with lots of emotion, drama and steam. I was hooked from beginning to end. I loved it!
April 13, 2016
I appreciate that the book tried to show the hard realities of the situation and that the hero put so much effort in trying to make everything right.
October 9, 2017
1.5 Stars- wanted to like it a lot more than I did. =/
October 24, 2019
I really enjoyed Mikhael & Aina's story. Great characters. This was a very suspenseful book. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 30, 2020
Oh my goodness! This book was haunting beautiful. It took me through so many emotions. Joy, anger, sadness, pity, confusion, and happiness just to name a few. All of the characters were multidimensional as well as being brilliantly written. You couldn’t put them in a box and make them one dimensional. There were so many layers to why they were who they were. I was reluctant to read this series because I like to read so called romance books. Make no mistake about it this series and especially this book are 100% romance. Mikheal and Alina sacrificed and endured horrific torture physical, emotional, psychological for the love of each other and Bragdon. Scarred is my favorite book by Christa. Believe me I never thought I would say that. Christa is a brilliant storyteller. Until next time y’all happy reading.
June 2, 2020
Mikhael & Alina find each other
Mikhael & Alina met via their parents. Upon the death of Mikhael's mother everything changes. He ends up homeless and threatened with death by Alina's father.
Ten years later he comes for when he receives word that there's a contract out on Alina. Some secrets come to light.
This is a heartbreaking story. Alina is put through so much. You'll feel her anguish! It does have a HEA. I recommend this book.
Mikhael & Alina met via their parents. Upon the death of Mikhael's mother everything changes. He ends up homeless and threatened with death by Alina's father.
Ten years later he comes for when he receives word that there's a contract out on Alina. Some secrets come to light.
This is a heartbreaking story. Alina is put through so much. You'll feel her anguish! It does have a HEA. I recommend this book.
July 24, 2020
Must read
This one will hit you where it hurts.
It will also give so many good feelings you'll almost be conflicted.
Such a powerful story of forbidden love and the lengths the hero Mikheal goes to just to save his forever love Alina.
Heartwarming!
This one will hit you where it hurts.
It will also give so many good feelings you'll almost be conflicted.
Such a powerful story of forbidden love and the lengths the hero Mikheal goes to just to save his forever love Alina.
Heartwarming!
March 14, 2021
I'm glad Mikhael's story was told, even though it was riddled with hardship and pain. Mikhael's and Alina's HEA was more mellow than other Christa Wick stories, I thought, which fit perfectly with their story. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 17, 2021
I think this book was a bit short for the amount of story potential, that could have been expanded into a much longer version, but I actually enjoyed it very much (maybe even BECAUSE it was shorter 😅🤔) as the story was fast-paced and I wasn't bored at all.
June 2, 2023
Wonderful Steamy Romance
I enjoyed Mishka and Alina's story from the first page to the last page! Torn apart in their youth by her family their love never died. She is scarred and broken. He wants her love and whole again
I enjoyed Mishka and Alina's story from the first page to the last page! Torn apart in their youth by her family their love never died. She is scarred and broken. He wants her love and whole again
September 10, 2021
Ok series
Ok series not my usual cup of tea. Read it to try something different. If it's your style it's well written, loads of texture, and worth the read.
Ok series not my usual cup of tea. Read it to try something different. If it's your style it's well written, loads of texture, and worth the read.
June 4, 2022
enjoyed
Ehh this was an ok read. Felt rushed after the first 3 or so chapters. Still a good read and i wish there was more.
Ehh this was an ok read. Felt rushed after the first 3 or so chapters. Still a good read and i wish there was more.
July 18, 2024
Rated
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Owner Smashwords Library
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Owner Smashwords Library
February 29, 2020
I loved this book for Mikheal, not so much Alina. Took awhile to warm up to her and yet I still didn’t care that much for her.
February 25, 2020
Utterly broke my heart
Ao much agony and pain and horror. I was a blubbering mess through this book but then things git better and they were reunited and starting to heal. Such a great story
Ao much agony and pain and horror. I was a blubbering mess through this book but then things git better and they were reunited and starting to heal. Such a great story
February 14, 2020
This book is difficult for me to rate. I fell in love with Mikhael during book one and was excited to read his story. The idea of the book is good and the writing is good. However, the storyline and Alina are a letdown. The time separation and the amount of abuse is over the top. The death of the boys “papa” was violent, and then her shutting down on her son was ridiculous. She wanted the boys love and acceptance but then just shut down. It was far fetched for me to accept that a fashion consultation changed everything going on inside her?! Uh just no! I would have rated this book at 3.5 stars if given that option.
October 20, 2019
I swooned so hard for Mikhael!
Oh, the devotion! Mikhael was forced to leave Alina years ago, but when he hears there's a contract out on her life he can't help but hunt her down to ensure her safety. This dark Russian mafia romance will break your heart for these two soulmates before putting everything to rights and giving us the sweetest HEA possible.
I don't often read books that require a warning, but this one is very much a dark look at the horrors of growing up in a crime family. Bad things happen, and are detailed enough so you fully feel the emotional impact on the characters. One part was almost too much for me, but being pretty sure what was going on, I skimmed over those paragraphs to confirm what happened by the end of the chapter. It's well-written and necessary for the story, but still disturbing.
We met Mikhael in the first book of this series, but that's the only connection between the two books. Mikhael is everything a girl could want in a growly Russian bear with a heart only for his Alina. It's a tender, sweet romance that blooms in the rockiest of terrains. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Oh, the devotion! Mikhael was forced to leave Alina years ago, but when he hears there's a contract out on her life he can't help but hunt her down to ensure her safety. This dark Russian mafia romance will break your heart for these two soulmates before putting everything to rights and giving us the sweetest HEA possible.
I don't often read books that require a warning, but this one is very much a dark look at the horrors of growing up in a crime family. Bad things happen, and are detailed enough so you fully feel the emotional impact on the characters. One part was almost too much for me, but being pretty sure what was going on, I skimmed over those paragraphs to confirm what happened by the end of the chapter. It's well-written and necessary for the story, but still disturbing.
We met Mikhael in the first book of this series, but that's the only connection between the two books. Mikhael is everything a girl could want in a growly Russian bear with a heart only for his Alina. It's a tender, sweet romance that blooms in the rockiest of terrains. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
November 10, 2019
When Mikhael returns to Russia to rescue his first love Alina, when he finds out an assassination plot against her, he races to find and save her. Only to be met with resistance and her returning to her house of horrors. She has her reasons and until Mikhael and his team step in, the truth of why she wouldn’t leave comes to light.
A great read with a bit of steam and some emotional and heartbreaking scenes with Alina as the victim, who endured torture all her life. I liked these two and how Mikhael does everything in his power to bring the woman he once knew back from the shell of a woman she is now. The only thing that kept me wondering is why Mikhael waited for so long to go back for her, even if she turned him away years ago, he tried to get her to leave this time years later and she turned him away again, but he still went back for her....why wait ten years and only because she was in danger if he really loved her.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
A great read with a bit of steam and some emotional and heartbreaking scenes with Alina as the victim, who endured torture all her life. I liked these two and how Mikhael does everything in his power to bring the woman he once knew back from the shell of a woman she is now. The only thing that kept me wondering is why Mikhael waited for so long to go back for her, even if she turned him away years ago, he tried to get her to leave this time years later and she turned him away again, but he still went back for her....why wait ten years and only because she was in danger if he really loved her.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
February 15, 2020
Mikhael and Alina
I liked how the author made me feel each of the characters. I just wish it was longer. Read this book in one seating and would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read
I liked how the author made me feel each of the characters. I just wish it was longer. Read this book in one seating and would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read
October 19, 2019
It’s dark but not as dark as I like, it felt short in my opinion. Connection to the readers will keep your attention from start to finish and the connection to each other will get you routing for love to conquer over the hate....
Russian mafia, demented family leader, psychotic heir will make the lives of the leader’s unwanted daughter Alaina and the leader’s mistress’ son Mikheal bitter and painful. Abuse, killings, arson will be ways that the father will control them and when Alina pregnancy was revealed own father tried to beat the baby through her and almost costed her her life. 10 years separated the times Alina saw her Mescke alive now he’s back to keep her alive from her half brother, but Mikhael does t know about his son and how brainwashed his son is or how broken Alina really is and why she can’t bond with their son.
Russian mafia, demented family leader, psychotic heir will make the lives of the leader’s unwanted daughter Alaina and the leader’s mistress’ son Mikheal bitter and painful. Abuse, killings, arson will be ways that the father will control them and when Alina pregnancy was revealed own father tried to beat the baby through her and almost costed her her life. 10 years separated the times Alina saw her Mescke alive now he’s back to keep her alive from her half brother, but Mikhael does t know about his son and how brainwashed his son is or how broken Alina really is and why she can’t bond with their son.
March 15, 2016
Kosovo-A Stepbrother Romance (How To Train Her Curves)
I would really like to see a series out of this book.Alina has been abused all her life.The horrors she went through,I don't know how any one could survive. I think this made her a stronger woman.She had to be strong for her son and for Mishka.The one and only true love she ever had.He tried to rescue her a couple of times but she would not go.All he got for his trouble was a beating.As you read this story you can almost feel the trauma she endures.I recommend this book to every one .
I would really like to see a series out of this book.Alina has been abused all her life.The horrors she went through,I don't know how any one could survive. I think this made her a stronger woman.She had to be strong for her son and for Mishka.The one and only true love she ever had.He tried to rescue her a couple of times but she would not go.All he got for his trouble was a beating.As you read this story you can almost feel the trauma she endures.I recommend this book to every one .
October 23, 2019
A swoon worthy read!
If you remember Mikhael’s character from the previous book than get ready to fall hard. Mikhael may seem to be unreachable but when this growly Russian hunk finds out his one true love is in trouble all bets are off. It was so sweet to watch their journey come together, his devotion to make everything right for Alina was so swoon worthy. If you enjoy a wonderful romance story with drama, suspense, danger and heat level galore than this is a must click for you.
If you remember Mikhael’s character from the previous book than get ready to fall hard. Mikhael may seem to be unreachable but when this growly Russian hunk finds out his one true love is in trouble all bets are off. It was so sweet to watch their journey come together, his devotion to make everything right for Alina was so swoon worthy. If you enjoy a wonderful romance story with drama, suspense, danger and heat level galore than this is a must click for you.
November 8, 2019
This was a great book, written very bluntly about a seriously dark subject matter. Alina suffered brutally at the hands of her Russian mafia captor, but Mikhael was finally able to rescue her. He had loved only her for years, and when they are finally together again, she is too broken to accept his feelings for her. They eventually find their HEA, through many plot twists. This book is very well worth reading, despite the dark subject matter; it was sensitively presented.
I received a free ARC of this book.
I received a free ARC of this book.
November 14, 2019
This was an emotional and gritty story from the beginning to the end! Mikhael tries to protect Alina from the Russian mob family that they belong to. Alina tries to protect Mikhael also by refusing to leave with him when he tries to escape. Both of them pay the price for their devotion to each other. When they see each other years later, all is not what it seems. Their story is raw and heartbreaking but worth reading! My only complaint is that I wish it was longer.
Thank you for the privilege of reading this book! ❤️
Thank you for the privilege of reading this book! ❤️
March 21, 2016
Mishka is an awesome character and I was stoked to read his story. Mishka and Alina's story is complex and very intense. You can't help but feel for both of them. It's hard to say too much without spoilers, but Moskva is one of the best stories in the How to Train Her Curves series. It's unlike the others, bringing you an emotional roller-coaster that I love but don't get often in Christa Wick's books.
October 20, 2019
Mikhael & Alina have so much going against them. It was a dark read but I felt that most of the darkness insinuated was just that insinuated. I believe Christa could've wrote this darker considering the plot and what was written but she really did a great job writing these characters! I love this series and so far this is one for the reread shelves.
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.
October 21, 2019
I love Mikhael! There are secrets and horrors no one wants to witness but Alina did what she thought was best for her love. These are two soul mates separated by the darkness of their families but in the end, they have to determine if their love will conquer all. This is dark and there are some scenes where a lot of people will feel squeemish. Be warned. I loved it!
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.
October 22, 2019
This is the second book in the "Savage Trust" series but it's not necessary to have read book one before starting this story. I will warn you that this is one intense read. Be prepared. Both Alina and Mikhael have to go through true he** before they can finally be together. Of the two books, this one is my favorite.
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.
November 6, 2019
“First I must said that I really tried to read slowly but it was extremely difficult! The plot was addictive and engaging, once I started, stopping was impossible. I absolutely fell in love with Michael and Aina’s story. This was a Russian mafia romance that’ll blow your mind. It was intense, emotional and heartbreaking but Christa developed the story perfectly and I’m so pleased of what I read.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews