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Darker Than Love #1
Più oscuro dell'amore
Una notte buia e fredda, un assassino russo mi ha rapita in un vicolo.
Sono pericolosa, ma lui è letale.
Sono fuggita una volta.
Non me lo lascerà fare due volte.
La vendetta è sua.
Il tradimento è mio.
Ma lo stesso vale per le bugie che racconto per proteggere coloro che amo.
Siamo fatti della stessa pasta. Entrambi spietati. Entrambi danneggiati.
Nel suo abbraccio, trovo l’inferno e il paradiso, il suo tocco crudelmente tenero capace di distruggermi e di darmi sollievo al contempo.
Dicono che un gatto abbia nove vite, ma un assassino ne ha solo una.
E Yan Ivanov ora possiede la mia.
Sono pericolosa, ma lui è letale.
Sono fuggita una volta.
Non me lo lascerà fare due volte.
La vendetta è sua.
Il tradimento è mio.
Ma lo stesso vale per le bugie che racconto per proteggere coloro che amo.
Siamo fatti della stessa pasta. Entrambi spietati. Entrambi danneggiati.
Nel suo abbraccio, trovo l’inferno e il paradiso, il suo tocco crudelmente tenero capace di distruggermi e di darmi sollievo al contempo.
Dicono che un gatto abbia nove vite, ma un assassino ne ha solo una.
E Yan Ivanov ora possiede la mia.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2020
782 people are currently reading
7526 people want to read
About the author
Anna Zaires
100 books7,858 followersAnna Zaires fell in love with books at the age of five, when her grandmother taught her to read. She wrote her first story shortly thereafter. Since then, she has always lived partially in a fantasy world where the only limits were those of her imagination. Currently residing in Florida, Anna is happily married to Dima Zales (a science fiction and fantasy author) and closely collaborates with him on all their works.
After graduating from the University of Chicago with a degree in Economics, Anna spent eight years on Wall Street analyzing stocks and writing research reports. In 2013, she became a full-time author, pursuing her lifelong dream of writing romance novels.
Dima Zales is the love of her life and a huge inspiration in all aspects of her writing. Every book Anna writes is a product of their unique collaborative process.
In addition to reading and writing, Anna enjoys drinking tea (coconut oolong, anyone?), watching addictive TV shows, and discussing book ideas during long walks with her amazing husband.
She loves hearing from her readers, so please don't hesitate to contact her through her website or connect with her on Facebook, where she hangs out way too often. Also, please visit her husband and collaborator, Dima Zales, at www.dimazales.com and check out their fantasy & science fiction books.
After graduating from the University of Chicago with a degree in Economics, Anna spent eight years on Wall Street analyzing stocks and writing research reports. In 2013, she became a full-time author, pursuing her lifelong dream of writing romance novels.
Dima Zales is the love of her life and a huge inspiration in all aspects of her writing. Every book Anna writes is a product of their unique collaborative process.
In addition to reading and writing, Anna enjoys drinking tea (coconut oolong, anyone?), watching addictive TV shows, and discussing book ideas during long walks with her amazing husband.
She loves hearing from her readers, so please don't hesitate to contact her through her website or connect with her on Facebook, where she hangs out way too often. Also, please visit her husband and collaborator, Dima Zales, at www.dimazales.com and check out their fantasy & science fiction books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 583 reviews
January 28, 2020
4 Stars
I really enjoyed this, as I knew (and hoped!) I would. I can always count on Anna Zaires to bring it and she definitely did here. I have read ALL her books and was dying for this one to hit my kindle. The chemistry between Yan and Mina was delicious and I read this is one sitting - aka was hooked from beginning to end. I did find myself wishing this had been a trilogy like the previous series set in this world, though - even if that would mean we had to wait.
I've complained a lot in the past about authors constantly putting out duets and trilogies (*cough* looking at you Meghan March *cough*) when it feels unnecessary...but Anna Zaires is an exception to that for me. Her trilogies and series always feel like they need to be that long...like her stories and characters are so fleshed out that a single standalone wouldn't have done them justice.
That said, maybe Zaires felt like these two characters didn't need an entire series...and in that case, I am happy with just this standalone, although it did at times feel a little more...rushed than her usual fare. But what can I say, I guess I am just greedy.
Long story short, I was overjoyed when this hit my kindle and I enjoyed every second of it.
*arc provided by author in exchange for honest review*
I really enjoyed this, as I knew (and hoped!) I would. I can always count on Anna Zaires to bring it and she definitely did here. I have read ALL her books and was dying for this one to hit my kindle. The chemistry between Yan and Mina was delicious and I read this is one sitting - aka was hooked from beginning to end. I did find myself wishing this had been a trilogy like the previous series set in this world, though - even if that would mean we had to wait.
I've complained a lot in the past about authors constantly putting out duets and trilogies (*cough* looking at you Meghan March *cough*) when it feels unnecessary...but Anna Zaires is an exception to that for me. Her trilogies and series always feel like they need to be that long...like her stories and characters are so fleshed out that a single standalone wouldn't have done them justice.
That said, maybe Zaires felt like these two characters didn't need an entire series...and in that case, I am happy with just this standalone, although it did at times feel a little more...rushed than her usual fare. But what can I say, I guess I am just greedy.
Long story short, I was overjoyed when this hit my kindle and I enjoyed every second of it.
*arc provided by author in exchange for honest review*
November 12, 2021
***4.5 STARS***
Reread November 11, 2021
I love a dark romance and a great anti-hero/villain. This ranks as one of the top only being surpassed by this same author’s Tormentor Mine Series.
Mina is brought back into Yan’s life,after a one night stand months ago, by the fact that he feels she betrayed him. Although he shouldn’t have feelings for her they are drawn together. Both of them are trained killers so how can they come together? Both have warped feelings about love and trust due to previous experiences.
I loved watching Yan fall especially. From someone who couldn’t even grasp the concept of love to falling in love was amazing. And of course the book is filled with action packed scenes. The loves scenes are beyond steamy and this couple’s chemistry is off the charts.
If you love a dark contemporary romance I highly recommend.
Reread November 11, 2021
I love a dark romance and a great anti-hero/villain. This ranks as one of the top only being surpassed by this same author’s Tormentor Mine Series.
Mina is brought back into Yan’s life,after a one night stand months ago, by the fact that he feels she betrayed him. Although he shouldn’t have feelings for her they are drawn together. Both of them are trained killers so how can they come together? Both have warped feelings about love and trust due to previous experiences.
I loved watching Yan fall especially. From someone who couldn’t even grasp the concept of love to falling in love was amazing. And of course the book is filled with action packed scenes. The loves scenes are beyond steamy and this couple’s chemistry is off the charts.
If you love a dark contemporary romance I highly recommend.
January 27, 2020
A little dark, a lot of danger and plenty of emotion, this book kept me captivated from the first page!
’Ours is not a sweet romance. It’s larger than love. Darker than love.
When Mina overhears a conversation she should not have, she finds herself in a dangerous situation. But after a night that she’ll never forget, she’s on the run. Months later and she’s now the prisoner of the man who both terrifies her and excites her.
Mina was an incredible heroine. Her past has left her isolated on the inside and as a result she’s a total bada--. When Yan forces himself into her life the ice wall that she’s built around her soul begins to thaw and we start to see what she’s truly made of it.
Yan is the type of anti-hero that I love. Even as he walks on the darker side of life, he’s completely possessive of Mina. If you enjoy a hero that will threaten a man simply for looking at his woman, you’ve found him in Yan. He doesn’t deal with gentler emotions but as time passes what he feels for Mina along with his burgeoning concsience makes this dark hero impossible not to adore.
While this is considered a dark read, it doesn’t consume the story. There’s a fine dance that takes place between Mina and Yan and within those steps is where the darkness presents itself. I couldn’t get enough of it!
’It’s devastation and reverence all in one, an explosive mix of dark lust and beautiful passion. It may be wrong, unconventional, but that’s how it is between us. However twisted, this is who we are when we become one, and I’m already greedy for more.’
This is filled with danger and excitement as well and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The plot is multi-layered, just the way I like it, so don’t expect your cut and dried dark thriller. This isn’t it. This is fresh and original with characters that will pull you in even as they live life in a gray area. Overall, this book is freaking amazing and I can’t recommend it enough!
Kudos to the person that came up with the idea of this collaboration!
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
’Ours is not a sweet romance. It’s larger than love. Darker than love.
When Mina overhears a conversation she should not have, she finds herself in a dangerous situation. But after a night that she’ll never forget, she’s on the run. Months later and she’s now the prisoner of the man who both terrifies her and excites her.
Mina was an incredible heroine. Her past has left her isolated on the inside and as a result she’s a total bada--. When Yan forces himself into her life the ice wall that she’s built around her soul begins to thaw and we start to see what she’s truly made of it.
Yan is the type of anti-hero that I love. Even as he walks on the darker side of life, he’s completely possessive of Mina. If you enjoy a hero that will threaten a man simply for looking at his woman, you’ve found him in Yan. He doesn’t deal with gentler emotions but as time passes what he feels for Mina along with his burgeoning concsience makes this dark hero impossible not to adore.
While this is considered a dark read, it doesn’t consume the story. There’s a fine dance that takes place between Mina and Yan and within those steps is where the darkness presents itself. I couldn’t get enough of it!
’It’s devastation and reverence all in one, an explosive mix of dark lust and beautiful passion. It may be wrong, unconventional, but that’s how it is between us. However twisted, this is who we are when we become one, and I’m already greedy for more.’
This is filled with danger and excitement as well and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The plot is multi-layered, just the way I like it, so don’t expect your cut and dried dark thriller. This isn’t it. This is fresh and original with characters that will pull you in even as they live life in a gray area. Overall, this book is freaking amazing and I can’t recommend it enough!
Kudos to the person that came up with the idea of this collaboration!
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
![Profile Image for Namera [The Literary Invertebrate].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1647896333i%2F31792110._UX200_CR0%2C96%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
January 22, 2022
⤅ Oh my God, I loved this book.
It features Hungarian-born assassin Mina Belan and Russian criminal Yan Ivanov, alongside an amazing dub-con romance packed with action and drama. Nobody does plots like this as well as Anna Zaires does.
One night in Hungary, Mina - who's pretending to be a waitress - overheard a pair of Russian twins discussing a hit. They catch her and take her home, where Yan is basically all over her. She sneaks out the next morning, but sixteen months later their paths cross again. This time Yan believes she's betrayed him... and he's determined to take it out on her body. One of my absolutely favourite tropes. She doesn't tell him the truth, because she's protecting someone to whom she owes her life. So he's all eaten up with rage, but also knows he wants to keep her forever. Meanwhile, she's keeping a bunch of secrets from him that mean their time together is already running out.
✔️ Yan is a bloody great hero. Super alpha, and mostly amoral, but with a little bit more conscience than Zaires's other heroes.
✔️ Mina is an amazing heroine. She's completely able to take care of herself - she's ex-military, highly trained, pierced and tattooed.
✔️ Captor/captive romance featuring obsessed captor. Enough said.
✔️ The action plot is really well done. It feels like a heist novel, with all the lovely elements that entails - disguises, blueprints, hidden weapons, plotting, plans. The works. So fast-paced despite being over 100k words long.
✔️ The other two main characters are Yan's twin brother Ilya and their friend Anton. Together, the three of them are basically a semi-criminal outfit which takes on bounties and things like that. The relationship between the three men is really great. It's strong, well-developed, filled with humour and affection.
❌ At points I did feel like Zaires had loaded Mina down with just... too much baggage. She was orphaned in a traumatising way, beaten and almost gang-raped by a bunch of men, suffers from leukaemia... how much can one person be hit with?!
⤅ Overall
I desperately hope Zaires returns to the Twist Me world soon, preferably with more delicious dubcon romances.
It features Hungarian-born assassin Mina Belan and Russian criminal Yan Ivanov, alongside an amazing dub-con romance packed with action and drama. Nobody does plots like this as well as Anna Zaires does.
One night in Hungary, Mina - who's pretending to be a waitress - overheard a pair of Russian twins discussing a hit. They catch her and take her home, where Yan is basically all over her. She sneaks out the next morning, but sixteen months later their paths cross again. This time Yan believes she's betrayed him... and he's determined to take it out on her body. One of my absolutely favourite tropes. She doesn't tell him the truth, because she's protecting someone to whom she owes her life. So he's all eaten up with rage, but also knows he wants to keep her forever. Meanwhile, she's keeping a bunch of secrets from him that mean their time together is already running out.
✔️ Yan is a bloody great hero. Super alpha, and mostly amoral, but with a little bit more conscience than Zaires's other heroes.
✔️ Mina is an amazing heroine. She's completely able to take care of herself - she's ex-military, highly trained, pierced and tattooed.
✔️ Captor/captive romance featuring obsessed captor. Enough said.
✔️ The action plot is really well done. It feels like a heist novel, with all the lovely elements that entails - disguises, blueprints, hidden weapons, plotting, plans. The works. So fast-paced despite being over 100k words long.
✔️ The other two main characters are Yan's twin brother Ilya and their friend Anton. Together, the three of them are basically a semi-criminal outfit which takes on bounties and things like that. The relationship between the three men is really great. It's strong, well-developed, filled with humour and affection.
❌ At points I did feel like Zaires had loaded Mina down with just... too much baggage. She was orphaned in a traumatising way, beaten and almost gang-raped by a bunch of men, suffers from leukaemia... how much can one person be hit with?!
⤅ Overall
I desperately hope Zaires returns to the Twist Me world soon, preferably with more delicious dubcon romances.
February 17, 2021
Together, we find light within the darkness, and warmth in the cold pastures of our hearts.
I'm really not sure how to rate this book because there were aspects I really enjoyed but there were also parts of the book that left me feeling really confused. First, let's start with the positives... I really enjoyed the espionage and action scenes. There was always something that kept me on my toes. I also really liked the hero, Yan Ivanov, even though he's sort of your run-of-the-mill alpha male, he had some really sweet and swoon-worthy moments. And the storyline was also really compelling. Even though there was A LOT going on, it didn't feel overwhelming, and the plot was relatively easy to follow.
Ok, now onto the things I didn't like:
1. The heroine, Mina is supposed to be a badass mofo, but she didn't act like it (well, not until the end anyways).
2. The repetitive descriptions of the heroine: so white, so pale, so tight, round breasts, small body... I got it the first time, thanks.
3. Not that I'm complaining about the smut... it was hot and steamy but it definitely got old after a while. And I had to skim them after the 50% mark. There were just SO MANY scenes and I felt like the actual plot got put on the back burner a few times. Every pivotal moment seemed to lead to sex, sex and more sex.
Despite my issues with this book, I did enjoy it, so I'm settling on 3 stars. If you're into possessive alpha-males, assassins and you don't mind a meek heroine, this might be up your alley.
Rating: 3/5
January 25, 2020
Yan and Mina's story was fantastic! These two had so many of the characteristics that I'm always looking for in my next story and I loved them!
This is a darker story and I am very picky about what I can enjoy in a dark romance. Mostly it henges on the hero for me. I was nervous about Yan's character. I never knew what to expect with him. I wasn't sure how far he would take his darkness and use it against Mina. It had me on pins and needles. By the end, his dark, obsessive love for her was everything.
Mina was just bonus for me. She was such a cool character and loved everything about this heroine. She is former special forces so that shows she is a woman who can fight and take care of herself. There were several times in this book she proves that. What made her even better was how mature she was and I felt she never had any dumb moments with her safety. Mina is going on my favorite heroines list for sure.
I enjoyed this book so much I'm hoping that the two authors will give Yan's brother a book. He was such a great side character and I wouldn't mind seeing more of Yan and Mina if they were to write the brothers book.
This is a darker story and I am very picky about what I can enjoy in a dark romance. Mostly it henges on the hero for me. I was nervous about Yan's character. I never knew what to expect with him. I wasn't sure how far he would take his darkness and use it against Mina. It had me on pins and needles. By the end, his dark, obsessive love for her was everything.
Mina was just bonus for me. She was such a cool character and loved everything about this heroine. She is former special forces so that shows she is a woman who can fight and take care of herself. There were several times in this book she proves that. What made her even better was how mature she was and I felt she never had any dumb moments with her safety. Mina is going on my favorite heroines list for sure.
I enjoyed this book so much I'm hoping that the two authors will give Yan's brother a book. He was such a great side character and I wouldn't mind seeing more of Yan and Mina if they were to write the brothers book.
February 6, 2020
4 Dark Stars
I have my fair read of dark romance and this is maybe the reason why I didn't found this as dark as I anticipated it. It is more about strong emotions, obsessive love, control and possessiveness. Yes it has some major triggers as captivity, attempted rape and violence , but nothing that will shock the life out of me.
Mina is currently working in a part time job as a waitress and she hears by mistake a conversation she should't have between two man, fact that puts her in grave danger. After a perfect night with one of her captors she is on the run again.
15 months later she finds herself recaptured by the same man that hunted her dreams and who's touch awakens her weak body.
Yan Ivanov belives that Mina betrayed and framed him and is prepared to seek punishment on the woman that he's been looking for since their night together.
“You’re mine, and I like you fine how you are.”
“I’m a killer for hire.”
“You’re the closest thing to perfect I’ve seen in this fucked-up world.”
Baffled, I stare into his eyes. “You don’t mean that.”
“Don’t tell me what I mean or don’t. I don’t mince my words.”
This two were so matched together, so explosive. Mina is a perfect example of a h I love to read in a book. She is intelligent, brave, logical and calculated, she knows when to fight her battles and when to stand back. Yan is all alpha male, possessive, controlling and dominating , he has a hard grip of his emotions , but when he is with Mina , all his walls seem to crumble and same goes for her. Both of them had hard lives growing up, both are closed off and reluctant to let anybody in, but when they are together we get glimpses in their armor. Their love is far from normal conventional, its raw and obsessive , but I loved it!
"The last disharmonious note has fallen in tune. Our coupling is perfect. Complete. Our breaths pant the same melody, our hearts hammering the same erratic beat. We’re two instruments resonating in harmony. It feels like…Love."
The last chapters kept me on the edge of my seat because tbh I was expecting another ending with all that I've found out, so I wasn't sure how the authors were gonna pull that out. I liked their HEA very much... it touched me , but this is a reason why I took a star out , because even if I loved it , it still feels unrealistic on some level thought I wish it wasn't , I wish it would be that easy in real life, so once again..its not that I didn't liked the ending it just felt made sweet and honey for the sake of it.
I was hoping we can get more books for Yan brother and Anton too because I really liked them and I want their HEA too.
Overall this is a perfect mix of suspense , action, assassins, love, steam and so much more feelings.
I have my fair read of dark romance and this is maybe the reason why I didn't found this as dark as I anticipated it. It is more about strong emotions, obsessive love, control and possessiveness. Yes it has some major triggers as captivity, attempted rape and violence , but nothing that will shock the life out of me.
Mina is currently working in a part time job as a waitress and she hears by mistake a conversation she should't have between two man, fact that puts her in grave danger. After a perfect night with one of her captors she is on the run again.
15 months later she finds herself recaptured by the same man that hunted her dreams and who's touch awakens her weak body.
Yan Ivanov belives that Mina betrayed and framed him and is prepared to seek punishment on the woman that he's been looking for since their night together.
“You’re mine, and I like you fine how you are.”
“I’m a killer for hire.”
“You’re the closest thing to perfect I’ve seen in this fucked-up world.”
Baffled, I stare into his eyes. “You don’t mean that.”
“Don’t tell me what I mean or don’t. I don’t mince my words.”
This two were so matched together, so explosive. Mina is a perfect example of a h I love to read in a book. She is intelligent, brave, logical and calculated, she knows when to fight her battles and when to stand back. Yan is all alpha male, possessive, controlling and dominating , he has a hard grip of his emotions , but when he is with Mina , all his walls seem to crumble and same goes for her. Both of them had hard lives growing up, both are closed off and reluctant to let anybody in, but when they are together we get glimpses in their armor. Their love is far from normal conventional, its raw and obsessive , but I loved it!
"The last disharmonious note has fallen in tune. Our coupling is perfect. Complete. Our breaths pant the same melody, our hearts hammering the same erratic beat. We’re two instruments resonating in harmony. It feels like…Love."
The last chapters kept me on the edge of my seat because tbh I was expecting another ending with all that I've found out, so I wasn't sure how the authors were gonna pull that out. I liked their HEA very much... it touched me , but this is a reason why I took a star out , because even if I loved it , it still feels unrealistic on some level thought I wish it wasn't , I wish it would be that easy in real life, so once again..its not that I didn't liked the ending it just felt made sweet and honey for the sake of it.
I was hoping we can get more books for Yan brother and Anton too because I really liked them and I want their HEA too.
Overall this is a perfect mix of suspense , action, assassins, love, steam and so much more feelings.
February 29, 2020
If you have read Twist Me, Capture Me and Tormentor Mine series it's no wonder why Darker Than Love is a much craving read. Darker Than Love is the spin-off book to Tormentor Mine series. It can be read as a standalone. This book was one of my most anticipated read this year. It's addictive and all-consuming. I'm glad the story lived up to it's expectations.
Mina and Yan first come accross each other when Mina overhears something which she isn't supposed to hear while waitressing. Yan and Ilya, the twin assasins kidnaps Mina. Yan and Mina has a one night stand, later she escapes when she hears the twins arguing.
Fast forward 15 months, Mina and Yan meet again, this time with more secrets and betrayal. Yan believes Mina betrayed him and he punishes her. Mina is brave and sassy. She has a dark past and has survived her life with lots of determination. Yan is controlling amd possessive of Mina. He won't let her go. The things he does for Mina to her tormentors, he can be cold blooded when it comes to protecting his closed ones.
Two broken people find love, fate provided them a chance to be together after suffering a lot through. With deception, greed, revenge and romance the authors kept the readers on intense suspence. I have read almost all of Anna Zaires books. And I'm happy that this story was just as I thought. Charmaine Pauls is a new author to me. While this two authors worked together to make this great story, I'm interested to read Charmaine Pauls's individual stories.
This book is recommended. If you're new and you liked this dark romance, Twist Me, Capture Me and Tormentor Mine series is not far beyond to be liked.
**You don't have to read the prequel Sweeter Than Hate, the prequel is added in the sequel Darker Than Love.**
Mina and Yan first come accross each other when Mina overhears something which she isn't supposed to hear while waitressing. Yan and Ilya, the twin assasins kidnaps Mina. Yan and Mina has a one night stand, later she escapes when she hears the twins arguing.
Fast forward 15 months, Mina and Yan meet again, this time with more secrets and betrayal. Yan believes Mina betrayed him and he punishes her. Mina is brave and sassy. She has a dark past and has survived her life with lots of determination. Yan is controlling amd possessive of Mina. He won't let her go. The things he does for Mina to her tormentors, he can be cold blooded when it comes to protecting his closed ones.
Two broken people find love, fate provided them a chance to be together after suffering a lot through. With deception, greed, revenge and romance the authors kept the readers on intense suspence. I have read almost all of Anna Zaires books. And I'm happy that this story was just as I thought. Charmaine Pauls is a new author to me. While this two authors worked together to make this great story, I'm interested to read Charmaine Pauls's individual stories.
This book is recommended. If you're new and you liked this dark romance, Twist Me, Capture Me and Tormentor Mine series is not far beyond to be liked.
**You don't have to read the prequel Sweeter Than Hate, the prequel is added in the sequel Darker Than Love.**
December 13, 2023
It's BORDERLINE TOXIC, but I still love it. 🥰
1st read: 5 stars
1st read: 5 stars
January 31, 2020
2.5 annoying stars.
I dont think this author is for me. I was constantly annoyed by the heroine's weakness and the hero's abusive behavior. Thats right, ABUSIVE. HE was constantly degrading the heroine and treating her like a sex toy, and she would just gladly take it with her 'quivering body'. On top of some really crappy writing, I didnt care much for their romance.
Can we PLEASEEEEE write female characters that are not constantly suffering???? This shit is getting fucking old. Why does every heroine need a dramatic past trauma. And now that I brought it up...
This had every stupid dark romance plot device imaginable.
- Miscommunication for no real reason
- Heroine acting like a martyr for no real reason
- Betraying body alert to the freaking EXTREME
- Hero that 'doesnt understand what love is.' ****EYE ROLL****
- Heroines life is in danger, which is the ideal time for the Hero to figure out his undying love for the h.
- Hero: "Sorry I treated you so badly."
Heroine: "No it was my fault. I made you treat me badly."
I'm over this.
Safety:
-No cheating, no other people after meeting. Both remained celibate for 15 month separation. No OW drama. Slight OM drama, as the hero's brother wants to be with the heroine.
-Hero treats heroine like crap for most of the book. Over the top possessive in a abusive way.
-Lots of details on hero's past sex life. He used to share women with his brother.
I dont think this author is for me. I was constantly annoyed by the heroine's weakness and the hero's abusive behavior. Thats right, ABUSIVE. HE was constantly degrading the heroine and treating her like a sex toy, and she would just gladly take it with her 'quivering body'. On top of some really crappy writing, I didnt care much for their romance.
Can we PLEASEEEEE write female characters that are not constantly suffering???? This shit is getting fucking old. Why does every heroine need a dramatic past trauma. And now that I brought it up...
This had every stupid dark romance plot device imaginable.
- Miscommunication for no real reason
- Heroine acting like a martyr for no real reason
- Betraying body alert to the freaking EXTREME
- Hero that 'doesnt understand what love is.' ****EYE ROLL****
- Heroines life is in danger, which is the ideal time for the Hero to figure out his undying love for the h.
- Hero: "Sorry I treated you so badly."
Heroine: "No it was my fault. I made you treat me badly."
I'm over this.
Safety:
-No cheating, no other people after meeting. Both remained celibate for 15 month separation. No OW drama. Slight OM drama, as the hero's brother wants to be with the heroine.
-Hero treats heroine like crap for most of the book. Over the top possessive in a abusive way.
-Lots of details on hero's past sex life. He used to share women with his brother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2020
THIS here is what made me fall in love with the Dark Romances. I'm old school reader with spy thrillers in my library. This latest from Anna & Charmaine( both my faves) took me back to Robert Ludlum days where nail biting chases and heart thumping adrenaline kept me turning pages at warp speed. I was smack dab in the middle of a Kill or Die racy drama about heartless assassin Twins - Yan Ivanov & Ilya Ivanov, who kidnap a waitress-Mina Belan a.k.a Mink, who's actually an ex military vet and a trained killer.
"The end will be tough. I won’t be pretty. What will he do with me? Will he grant me the mercy of a hospice and morphine, or slit my throat once it gets bad? When he realizes I’m no longer of use to him, will he keep me or set me free? I can’t imagine he’d want to be by my side when my body is bone thin and my skin sagging."
Incredibly well written. This book takes you on a detailed and fast-paced adventure through Budapest and Prague, with Russian Spies, covert government agencies and paid mercenaries. Densely plotted, with subterfuge and deception playing a heavy hand, Mink who seems victimized by what i call "battered spy syndrome." her handlers keep mistreating her, keep lying her, keep setting her up, keep sending assassin squads after her and she unwillingly finds shelter with her abductors.
Surviving on borrowed time and counted mercies, she's out of the frying pan and into the fire
"We’re so much alike. We’ve both seen the uglier side of life, and we can be ruthless. Yet we’re both loyal as hell to the family we love. Not to mention, we both need a little more spice in our lives than most people."
Her clock is ticking on more than one front and her end is fast approaching.
Set against the backdrop of political intrigue and global terror is a romance that seems like a reprieve at times and a carefully plotted Scheme at others. Passions and Peril walk hand in hand, tempo of both rising till it reaches orgasmic proportions, before exploding internally and externally.
If you want plenty of action, stuff about global surveillance, illegal arms trade, and authentic dialogue, read this book.
I fell in love with Yan and his incomplete stoney heart. Blank and cold he doesn't have room for emotions
“I wouldn’t recognize love if you waved it with a flag labeled LOVE in front of "
Ilya is adorable teddy bear with a lethal paw, he protects his own and how!! I want him in my corner!!!
Mina just stole my heart. Her fragile body with a cast iron heart had me rooting for her
The most interesting character was the proverbial "Houdini" who's the Puppet Master, pulling some strings
I think it was Raymond Chandler that said: if the plot slows, have two guys come through the door with guns blazing. And though this book had guns ablazing, at no point did the plot loosen or lax
The tension was consistent throughout.
Wonderful job Anna & Char. I'd love for you to keep going at it and give Ilya and Anton their books as well
5 nail-biting stars for Sun,Sea, Hanna, You & Me
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"The end will be tough. I won’t be pretty. What will he do with me? Will he grant me the mercy of a hospice and morphine, or slit my throat once it gets bad? When he realizes I’m no longer of use to him, will he keep me or set me free? I can’t imagine he’d want to be by my side when my body is bone thin and my skin sagging."
Incredibly well written. This book takes you on a detailed and fast-paced adventure through Budapest and Prague, with Russian Spies, covert government agencies and paid mercenaries. Densely plotted, with subterfuge and deception playing a heavy hand, Mink who seems victimized by what i call "battered spy syndrome." her handlers keep mistreating her, keep lying her, keep setting her up, keep sending assassin squads after her and she unwillingly finds shelter with her abductors.
Surviving on borrowed time and counted mercies, she's out of the frying pan and into the fire
"We’re so much alike. We’ve both seen the uglier side of life, and we can be ruthless. Yet we’re both loyal as hell to the family we love. Not to mention, we both need a little more spice in our lives than most people."
Her clock is ticking on more than one front and her end is fast approaching.
Set against the backdrop of political intrigue and global terror is a romance that seems like a reprieve at times and a carefully plotted Scheme at others. Passions and Peril walk hand in hand, tempo of both rising till it reaches orgasmic proportions, before exploding internally and externally.
If you want plenty of action, stuff about global surveillance, illegal arms trade, and authentic dialogue, read this book.
I fell in love with Yan and his incomplete stoney heart. Blank and cold he doesn't have room for emotions
“I wouldn’t recognize love if you waved it with a flag labeled LOVE in front of "
Ilya is adorable teddy bear with a lethal paw, he protects his own and how!! I want him in my corner!!!
Mina just stole my heart. Her fragile body with a cast iron heart had me rooting for her
The most interesting character was the proverbial "Houdini" who's the Puppet Master, pulling some strings
I think it was Raymond Chandler that said: if the plot slows, have two guys come through the door with guns blazing. And though this book had guns ablazing, at no point did the plot loosen or lax
The tension was consistent throughout.
Wonderful job Anna & Char. I'd love for you to keep going at it and give Ilya and Anton their books as well
5 nail-biting stars for Sun,Sea, Hanna, You & Me
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January 24, 2020
4.5*
I had high expectations going into this book. And I’m so happy to say I wasn’t disappointed.
Mina has known pain lost and suffering. But she’s unbelievably strong. Yet detached which is why her attraction to Yan catches her totally by surprise.
Yan takes the waitress as a precaution. He suspects she’s overheard their plans. A simple overnight kidnapping is all he has in mind. But there’s something about her that calls to him.
These two were meant for each other. But they lead dangerous lives. Lives that put them on opposing sides.
In this book we get the whole shebang. I mean everything is here including a dark obsessive love. An alpha male that’s controlling and ruthless. And don’t forget all the hot steamy sex.
I certainly hope we get more from these two authors.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by Charmaine Pauls
I had high expectations going into this book. And I’m so happy to say I wasn’t disappointed.
Mina has known pain lost and suffering. But she’s unbelievably strong. Yet detached which is why her attraction to Yan catches her totally by surprise.
Yan takes the waitress as a precaution. He suspects she’s overheard their plans. A simple overnight kidnapping is all he has in mind. But there’s something about her that calls to him.
These two were meant for each other. But they lead dangerous lives. Lives that put them on opposing sides.
In this book we get the whole shebang. I mean everything is here including a dark obsessive love. An alpha male that’s controlling and ruthless. And don’t forget all the hot steamy sex.
I certainly hope we get more from these two authors.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by Charmaine Pauls
January 26, 2020
Wow! Awesome ending and not what I expected. Sigh.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Every once in a while I like to walk on the wild side and these two authors are recognized for creative, in-depth, sexual, and emotional stories that tie you up in knots and even make you gasp a few times.
Although the story deals with the more ruthless and violent side of people, and the connection between Mina and Yan is more physical to start, the authors completely develop this complex relationship. There’s so many levels to these characters, you honestly feel like you’re in the same room with them.
The story involves ruthless people, hardened criminals, vulnerable characters, and ultimately deep connections and feelings that are hard to dismiss even surrounding the dark, disconcerting method in which they are brought together.
If you are one who enjoys a bit of raw, hardened, steamy hot, dark romance, this might be a book for you. If you love light, sweet, happy contemporary stories, this is not for you.
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/darker-than-...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Every once in a while I like to walk on the wild side and these two authors are recognized for creative, in-depth, sexual, and emotional stories that tie you up in knots and even make you gasp a few times.
Although the story deals with the more ruthless and violent side of people, and the connection between Mina and Yan is more physical to start, the authors completely develop this complex relationship. There’s so many levels to these characters, you honestly feel like you’re in the same room with them.
The story involves ruthless people, hardened criminals, vulnerable characters, and ultimately deep connections and feelings that are hard to dismiss even surrounding the dark, disconcerting method in which they are brought together.
If you are one who enjoys a bit of raw, hardened, steamy hot, dark romance, this might be a book for you. If you love light, sweet, happy contemporary stories, this is not for you.
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/darker-than-...
September 26, 2023
Dnf @couple pages after the beginning of III part. (40%)
Because:
She
-I'm so tired and dizzy…
- I'm so weak from what I used to be.
- I'm a bartender but a hit woman as part-time (or vice versa)
-I don't have sexual desire in so long because shitty things happened to me but wait, he is "special" so I will have sex with him even when I don't know him and he is planning on killing me.
-He is so big, *multiple orgasms*!
- My killer six sense fail me, and I'm going to die, but I still let him fuck me every time we are alone!!
-I'm trained to be a badass, but I'm a joke
-----------------
He:
-She's not my type, but wait, my brother looks interested.
-Actually she's pretty.
- So white and pretty.
- Maybe I will fuck her.
-Mine
-pretty
-mine
-So tight
-So white
-pretty
-mine
-So tight
-So white
-bad girl, but my brother still wants her
-mine
-so pretty
- going to kill her, but going to fuck her every chance I can.
-Ups, so tight and pretty that I forgot the condom.
-not going to kill her, she's so pretty and mine.
Because:
She
-I'm so tired and dizzy…
- I'm so weak from what I used to be.
- I'm a bartender but a hit woman as part-time (or vice versa)
-I don't have sexual desire in so long because shitty things happened to me but wait, he is "special" so I will have sex with him even when I don't know him and he is planning on killing me.
-He is so big, *multiple orgasms*!
- My killer six sense fail me, and I'm going to die, but I still let him fuck me every time we are alone!!
-I'm trained to be a badass, but I'm a joke
-----------------
He:
-She's not my type, but wait, my brother looks interested.
-Actually she's pretty.
- So white and pretty.
- Maybe I will fuck her.
-Mine
-pretty
-mine
-So tight
-So white
-pretty
-mine
-So tight
-So white
-bad girl, but my brother still wants her
-mine
-so pretty
- going to kill her, but going to fuck her every chance I can.
-Ups, so tight and pretty that I forgot the condom.
-not going to kill her, she's so pretty and mine.
February 28, 2020
4.5 stars! I just found a new favorite author. From the moment I started reading this book, I knew I'd stumbled upon greatness. Review to come...
February 15, 2020
Mina was doing her job as she spots two guys that seemed out of place. So she decides to keep and eye on them while she waits tables and serve her customers. Meanwhile Yan notice her immediately and can't take his eyes off her. Yan believes Mina overheard their conversation and decides to kidnap the waitress as she was leaving work in the back alley overnight while they wait on their mission to start the next day. Yan and Ilya are twin brothers and share everything that lands in their bed that is until Mina comes along. They take Mina back to their room to party Yan notice something a little different about Mina. Was she scared or pretending and every since the club they couldn't take their eyes off one another. So Yan claims Mina as his own and for the first time left his brother Ilya behind. Yan & Mina had this deep soul connecting amazing night only to wake up the next morning hearing Yan & Ilya arguing that Yan was going to keep her for himself. So what does Mina do, she escape out the window. Did I mention that Mina was a trained assassin and in the military special ops, well Yan was correct to notice she was different but it was too late she was now gone.
16-18 months later a job goes wrong, Yan, Peter & Ilya was setup on a job they didn't do, so now the race is on to find out who set them up. That is when they kipnap Mina (Mink) and Yan wants revenge and decides he gonna keep her, what Yan doesn't know is Mina is protecting someone, however he is falling deeper into a obsession with her and thats where their love for each other is Dark because they should hate one another but the obsession they have with each other is darker than love.
16-18 months later a job goes wrong, Yan, Peter & Ilya was setup on a job they didn't do, so now the race is on to find out who set them up. That is when they kipnap Mina (Mink) and Yan wants revenge and decides he gonna keep her, what Yan doesn't know is Mina is protecting someone, however he is falling deeper into a obsession with her and thats where their love for each other is Dark because they should hate one another but the obsession they have with each other is darker than love.
March 2, 2020
3 ❤️🖤😲🌟s
This was intense, suspenseful, barely dark, sexy and emotional!
Although Yan and Mina were great characters, strong, smart and badass, Mina’s illness was an unpleasant surprise.
It seemed as a foreign element, just to ignite emotions and had nothing to do with the concept of the story.
This was intense, suspenseful, barely dark, sexy and emotional!
Although Yan and Mina were great characters, strong, smart and badass, Mina’s illness was an unpleasant surprise.
It seemed as a foreign element, just to ignite emotions and had nothing to do with the concept of the story.
March 22, 2020
I devoured this compilation between two of my favourite authors, like couldn't put it down I was that invested here.
They smashed it out of the park with this, it was just brilliant from start to finish and I actually liked everything about this which doesn't happen very often for me.
Mina is ex-special ops, she has a tragic backstory and deep secrets she is also a freelance sniper with the code name mink.
Yan and his brother Llya are international assassins for pay after a chance run-in with the boys and a night to remember with Yan Mina runs.
Fast-forward 15 months and she's dealing with the consequences when she unwittingly gets tangled up in a job involving there team and she becomes collateral damage, to make it worse Yan is convinced she has betrayed him.
So this is an enemy to lovers /captive romance it's a real page-turner and action-packed all the way.
Both Mina and Yin are such interesting and intriguing individuals and despite there, initial antagonistic feelings actually got each other completely on each and every level.
Even with all the hate and betrayal and negative emotions being thrown around Yan and Mina still had such a special connection.
Yan can lie to himself all he wants he may think he doesn't care but his sense of betrayal proves otherwise, he is bothered so much because he's so emotionally invested and can't look at Mina and her past actions with an unbiased eye, he is taking it all personally unlike his brother who is much more empathetic and understanding concerning Mina.
I absolutely adored Mina her resilience and inner strength combined with her loyalty was just so admirable.
This book showcased the connection splendidly and for two people supposedly low on the empathy and feelings side this sure was heavy on the emotion.
The chemistry and heat these two expelled projected off the page with its sheer and utter intensity and I was just so invested in the unfolding narrative.
This went places I never expected, digging its talons deep into my very soul and dragging out my every feeling.
It was brilliant and fully deserves more than five stars I enjoyed every single minute.
This is a read that I highly recommend.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Darker Than Love (Darker Than Love, #1).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
January 28, 2020
WOW! OMG! Darker Than Love is intense, all-consuming, and addictive. Darker Than Love took me two days to read, and that also included reading the prequel, Sweeter Than Hate. I highly recommend reading Sweeter Than Hate first; it will whet your appetite for the darkness that you will experience in Darker Than Love. Plus, Sweeter Than Hate is free on Kindle! I am a huge fan of Charmaine Pauls’ books, so when the opportunity was given to me to read and review her latest book, I was thrilled, to say the least. However, shocking as it may seem, I have never read anything by Anna Zaires, what was I thinking? What I am thinking right now – I have found another fantastic author. These two authors have come together to write the superb, intense, dark love story with lots of tension and suspense.
Without giving away too much of the story, because there are surprises, and I will never give away a great surprise! Mina and Yan’s paths cross one night, at a bar, where she overhears something that she was not meant to hear. Yan’s solution to the problem is simple, kidnap Mina and keep her captive.
“Yes, a soulmate. That would’ve been a fitting description if I hadn’t captured her like a bird in a cage.” ~Yan
And so, it begins, this dark, complex possessiveness Yan has for Mina. These two characters have troubled broken pasts that have hardened their hearts and souls, leaving them cold and calculating. Even though they are cold and calculating, these two see something in one another they don’t understand and can’t control.
“Ours is not a sweet romance. It’s larger than love. Darker than love.” ~Yan
The attraction between them is seductive, erotic, and deliciously dark. I was mesmerized by the way these two authors weaved these two broken people into two people who, even with all their faults, could find a love that healed their hearts, minds, and souls.
"Surrendering to Yan is the most meaningful act of my life." ~Mina
“It’s a sense of belonging, of having found the female version of my soul.” ~Yan
Although Darker than Love is portrayed as a dark romance, it is so much more. The plot is filled with suspense, twists, and turns. This story is also filled with heartbreak, deception, greed, revenge, retribution, betrayal, and evil cold-blooded people. These two authors seamlessly write with a sense of raw authenticity, keeping the reader on edge and the pages turning. This book is not your granny’s sweet, warm, and fuzzy romance. I highly recommend Darker than Love for all who love to read books that are on the wild side. Time to embrace the dark side of romance! 🖤
** Please note the quotes in my review are subject to change once the book is published**
*** I graciously received this book from Charmaine Pauls. I was not contacted, asked, or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion. ***
Without giving away too much of the story, because there are surprises, and I will never give away a great surprise! Mina and Yan’s paths cross one night, at a bar, where she overhears something that she was not meant to hear. Yan’s solution to the problem is simple, kidnap Mina and keep her captive.
“Yes, a soulmate. That would’ve been a fitting description if I hadn’t captured her like a bird in a cage.” ~Yan
And so, it begins, this dark, complex possessiveness Yan has for Mina. These two characters have troubled broken pasts that have hardened their hearts and souls, leaving them cold and calculating. Even though they are cold and calculating, these two see something in one another they don’t understand and can’t control.
“Ours is not a sweet romance. It’s larger than love. Darker than love.” ~Yan
The attraction between them is seductive, erotic, and deliciously dark. I was mesmerized by the way these two authors weaved these two broken people into two people who, even with all their faults, could find a love that healed their hearts, minds, and souls.
"Surrendering to Yan is the most meaningful act of my life." ~Mina
“It’s a sense of belonging, of having found the female version of my soul.” ~Yan
Although Darker than Love is portrayed as a dark romance, it is so much more. The plot is filled with suspense, twists, and turns. This story is also filled with heartbreak, deception, greed, revenge, retribution, betrayal, and evil cold-blooded people. These two authors seamlessly write with a sense of raw authenticity, keeping the reader on edge and the pages turning. This book is not your granny’s sweet, warm, and fuzzy romance. I highly recommend Darker than Love for all who love to read books that are on the wild side. Time to embrace the dark side of romance! 🖤
** Please note the quotes in my review are subject to change once the book is published**
*** I graciously received this book from Charmaine Pauls. I was not contacted, asked, or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion. ***
February 16, 2020
I already reviewed what turns out to be the first 26% of this book in Sweeter Than Hate not realising that it wasn't a separate intro novella into Darker Than Love but actually a teaser with the first part of the book in it.
The first thing I will say is that Yan is one super possessive, hot ass kidnapper! And Mina is his very beautiful captive and obsession. For just a short recap, Mina was kidnapped by Yan after overhearing him and his twin brother, Ilya, talking about a hit. After sleeping with him, she managed to escape and go back to her life. 15 months later, they come head to head again, only this time Yan wants to make Mina pay. You see, both Yan and Mina are assassins and when Mina took a job with no knowledge of the other players, it caused major blowback with Yan. So once again, she is now Yan's captive and he's decided to claim her for good even if he's now furious at her for what he thinks was a double cross. He truly believes she slept with and orchestrated it to set up the hit even though he was the one that initially kidnapped her those 15 months earlier where she was waitressing, for overhearing a conversation. Either way, he's not letting her go. The intense connection he felt with her the first time he slept with her is still there under the anger.
I love Anna Zaires (as I do Charmaine Pauls) and it's been forever since I've gotten to read a new book from her. Honestly, I'm used to her trilogies. And I've never felt like they were drawn out, instead I ate them up like candy. So it felt kind of strange to be reading just a single book containing their story, but in this case it worked. There's a lot that happens within the pages. Poor Mina has suffered the unthinkable in the past and is hiding yet another awful secret in the present. Overall, I liked Mina but I'd have to say that Yan in all his crazy ways slightly outshined her and can I just give a shout out to his twin brother Ilya? He might not be an identical twin and less suave and gorgeous but he was an awesome character and such a big teddy bear. Ilya definitely added to the book.
There are all sorts of secrets at play here, plus a very dangerous job the three all have to accomplish. There is double crossing, the good guy may just be the worst guy and time is a clock ticking down for Mina. I'm glad I waited on reviewing this one because I was going to be tougher on it then I am now. And I think that was two fold. Firstly because I was comparing it to Julian Esguerra and taking a trip through 3 books and secondly because when I first finished I felt Yan got too soft by the end. But looking back now, Yan was just as formidable as before. He had simply learned what it was to let one extra person into his life besides Ilya and embrace them. There is no doubt he would still be as deadly.
There were a lot of sex scenes in the book and I would say almost too many except I saw half of them for Yan controlling Mina, working out his anger issues his own way and reminding her of his ownership of her.
Overall, there was a lot of action, both in the bedroom and in the plot and maybe I'm a sucker but Yan has grown one me since I've stepped back a bit. I would definitely read this one again - it's hot and I loved the intrigue. My only caveat is in the back of my mind I still can't help from comparing it just a tad to Anna Zaires series' so I'm ranking this one a 4 stars. That one little deduction is for something that was just a little missing for me and the fact that although Mina is supposed to be one tough motherfucking ass kicking girl, the author cointradicted herself a little by making Mina appear fragile and in need of protection a little too often. Don't get me wrong, the girl did kick ass in one scene but for a legendary assassin she just didn't quite live up to it. We heard about it but we didn't ever really see it. So yeah, that kind of made her seem a little weaker than her reputation.
Still though, a really good read and happy to finally get some new characters from the author. 4**** deadly, captive stars.
The first thing I will say is that Yan is one super possessive, hot ass kidnapper! And Mina is his very beautiful captive and obsession. For just a short recap, Mina was kidnapped by Yan after overhearing him and his twin brother, Ilya, talking about a hit. After sleeping with him, she managed to escape and go back to her life. 15 months later, they come head to head again, only this time Yan wants to make Mina pay. You see, both Yan and Mina are assassins and when Mina took a job with no knowledge of the other players, it caused major blowback with Yan. So once again, she is now Yan's captive and he's decided to claim her for good even if he's now furious at her for what he thinks was a double cross. He truly believes she slept with and orchestrated it to set up the hit even though he was the one that initially kidnapped her those 15 months earlier where she was waitressing, for overhearing a conversation. Either way, he's not letting her go. The intense connection he felt with her the first time he slept with her is still there under the anger.
I love Anna Zaires (as I do Charmaine Pauls) and it's been forever since I've gotten to read a new book from her. Honestly, I'm used to her trilogies. And I've never felt like they were drawn out, instead I ate them up like candy. So it felt kind of strange to be reading just a single book containing their story, but in this case it worked. There's a lot that happens within the pages. Poor Mina has suffered the unthinkable in the past and is hiding yet another awful secret in the present. Overall, I liked Mina but I'd have to say that Yan in all his crazy ways slightly outshined her and can I just give a shout out to his twin brother Ilya? He might not be an identical twin and less suave and gorgeous but he was an awesome character and such a big teddy bear. Ilya definitely added to the book.
There are all sorts of secrets at play here, plus a very dangerous job the three all have to accomplish. There is double crossing, the good guy may just be the worst guy and time is a clock ticking down for Mina. I'm glad I waited on reviewing this one because I was going to be tougher on it then I am now. And I think that was two fold. Firstly because I was comparing it to Julian Esguerra and taking a trip through 3 books and secondly because when I first finished I felt Yan got too soft by the end. But looking back now, Yan was just as formidable as before. He had simply learned what it was to let one extra person into his life besides Ilya and embrace them. There is no doubt he would still be as deadly.
There were a lot of sex scenes in the book and I would say almost too many except I saw half of them for Yan controlling Mina, working out his anger issues his own way and reminding her of his ownership of her.
Overall, there was a lot of action, both in the bedroom and in the plot and maybe I'm a sucker but Yan has grown one me since I've stepped back a bit. I would definitely read this one again - it's hot and I loved the intrigue. My only caveat is in the back of my mind I still can't help from comparing it just a tad to Anna Zaires series' so I'm ranking this one a 4 stars. That one little deduction is for something that was just a little missing for me and the fact that although Mina is supposed to be one tough motherfucking ass kicking girl, the author cointradicted herself a little by making Mina appear fragile and in need of protection a little too often. Don't get me wrong, the girl did kick ass in one scene but for a legendary assassin she just didn't quite live up to it. We heard about it but we didn't ever really see it. So yeah, that kind of made her seem a little weaker than her reputation.
Still though, a really good read and happy to finally get some new characters from the author. 4**** deadly, captive stars.
February 19, 2020
First of all thanks to the author for this ARC!
I love AZ and apart from one book I actually loved nearly all of them. So it saddens me to say that whilst I didn’t hate this book I didn’t actually like it too much either. The heroine was annoying and her being controlled by her weak body was too much in this book (my pet peeve) I will also be honest reading about him sharing women with his brother really grossed me out! The plot and the characters were just not diverting enough. Maybe I’ve just been spoilt with Julian but no other male leads in this series has even come close to him yet. So yeah not my favourite book in the series I am really unhappy to admit.
I love AZ and apart from one book I actually loved nearly all of them. So it saddens me to say that whilst I didn’t hate this book I didn’t actually like it too much either. The heroine was annoying and her being controlled by her weak body was too much in this book (my pet peeve) I will also be honest reading about him sharing women with his brother really grossed me out! The plot and the characters were just not diverting enough. Maybe I’ve just been spoilt with Julian but no other male leads in this series has even come close to him yet. So yeah not my favourite book in the series I am really unhappy to admit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2020
Utterly perfection. The story blends perfectly between romance, espionage, thriller.
The twists, the drama, the plot. My God! So complex and yet so addictive. Like a high end drugs that get into your system and won' t flush out. I keep guessing what will hapoen next.
I do love the characters. Both of them possessing each other in such brutal, honest and carnal. I love how they finally fell apart and finally gain trust. Their chemistry is explosive.
Miss Zaires writes an unapologetic hero. A heroine with a back bone whi brings her her hero into his knees.
This is a perfect read.
5 stars
The twists, the drama, the plot. My God! So complex and yet so addictive. Like a high end drugs that get into your system and won' t flush out. I keep guessing what will hapoen next.
I do love the characters. Both of them possessing each other in such brutal, honest and carnal. I love how they finally fell apart and finally gain trust. Their chemistry is explosive.
Miss Zaires writes an unapologetic hero. A heroine with a back bone whi brings her her hero into his knees.
This is a perfect read.
5 stars
March 30, 2023
“No matter how much distance you try to force between us, I’m going to hurt. I am hurting. I’ll take whatever I can get. A month. A day. A few minutes. I’ll give my life for just a moment with you.”
4,5. It’s explosive!
The characters were unbelievable, I liked them and the story ( angst at all).
It’s worth the reading.
4,5. It’s explosive!
The characters were unbelievable, I liked them and the story ( angst at all).
It’s worth the reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2020
*Beta Review*
Whenever I hear there is a new Anna Zaires or Charmaine Pauls story I cannot jump on their books fast enough. But the fact that they wrote this book together? OMG!!! THIS BOOK WAS ON ANOTHER LEVEL! I have (not so) secretly loved Yan since all of Peter's books and I was dying for his book to get to the heart of this dark and enigmatic man. And let me just say - Zaires and Pauls' did not disappoint!! Yan and Mina were AMAZING!! Their chemistry was FIRE!
This story was absolutely fantastic! It was dark, erotic and so addicting. I love how we were able to delve deeper into Yan's character and his growing feelings for Mina. Mina, likewise, was delicious. She was strong and sassy and my newest girl crush. I love her strength, perseverance and determination to succeed. Overall this was a 5 star MUST READ! Bravo! 5 stars!
Whenever I hear there is a new Anna Zaires or Charmaine Pauls story I cannot jump on their books fast enough. But the fact that they wrote this book together? OMG!!! THIS BOOK WAS ON ANOTHER LEVEL! I have (not so) secretly loved Yan since all of Peter's books and I was dying for his book to get to the heart of this dark and enigmatic man. And let me just say - Zaires and Pauls' did not disappoint!! Yan and Mina were AMAZING!! Their chemistry was FIRE!
This story was absolutely fantastic! It was dark, erotic and so addicting. I love how we were able to delve deeper into Yan's character and his growing feelings for Mina. Mina, likewise, was delicious. She was strong and sassy and my newest girl crush. I love her strength, perseverance and determination to succeed. Overall this was a 5 star MUST READ! Bravo! 5 stars!
April 26, 2020
Recensione In Anteprima sulla mia pagina Bookstagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_cgnXBHa...
Mina lavora come cameriera a Budapest. Un giorno, senza volerlo, ascolta una conversazione compromettente tra due uomini, all’apparenza spietati sicari.
La minaccia rappresentata dalla ragazza è minima perché anche se li ha ascoltati e ha capito di cosa stavano parlando, ha poca importanza dato che lasceranno la città il giorno dopo. Ma le precauzioni non sono mai troppe nel loro ambiente e i due decidono di mettere le cose in chiaro con lei quella notte stessa.
Uno di loro, Yan, dall’aspetto magnetico e parecchio impetuoso, colpisce Mina nel profondo: trova sensuale il profumo virile della sua acqua di colonia e la sua vicinanza la sconvolge in modo inspiegabile, in un mix di paura e desiderio.
Lei ama e anela il rischio, fonte di adrenalina a lei necessaria e che fa parte del suo lavoro, ma se anche Yan non rappresentasse il pericolo in persona, ne sarebbe comunque attratta.
Mina, dopo quella notte, rientra con prepotenza nella vita di Yan e Ylya, in una serie di eventi sconcertanti e di violenza, ma anche di equivoci, tanto che Yan crede fermamente che la ragazza lo abbia vilmente tradito.
Mina è nata nella Repubblica Ceca. È stata cresciuta dalla nonna Hanna, dopo l’omicidio dei suoi genitori. Fin da piccola, ha mostrato un’eccezionale resistenza, straordinarie capacità sportive e attitudine per le lingue, oltre a un’intelligenza superiore alla media. E queste sue notevoli caratteristiche sono state notate da chi le ha poi usate a proprio vantaggio.
«Mina non è un angelo. Ha familiarità con le visioni e le azioni che farebbero schizzare le viscere agli uomini adulti».
Pur essendo fragile e piccola come una gattina indifesa, non si lascia prendere dal panico quando il suo nemico incombe su di lei. È coraggiosa e Yan la ammira per questo e la desidera ardentemente. Eppure scorge anche qualcosa di vulnerabile in lei, qualcosa che risveglia il suo lato protettivo.
Mina è una macchina da guerra, proprio come lui, ed è in grado di disattivare la parte umana di sé quando lavora. Quando porta a termine i suoi incarichi non prova rimorso perché la maggior parte dei suoi obiettivi è composta da criminali, ma in fondo sa che la vera ragione è perché una parte della sua anima è morta sulla neve con i suoi genitori.
L’ ossessione di Yan per lei è assoluta. Adora la sua forza e la sua resilienza, la sua luminosità e sfacciataggine. Si è insinuata sotto pelle in modo indelebile:
«Ciò che abbiamo non è una dolce storia d’amore. È più grande dell’amore. Più oscuro dell’amore. Ed è tutto tuo».
Quando guarda lei, il bagliore spietato e crudele scompare, l’uomo pericoloso e senz’anima si trasforma in un abile amante. La chimica tra di loro esplode in ogni capitolo.
Sono così simili. Hanno visto entrambi il lato più brutto della vita e possono essere spietati, ma sono entrambi leali alla famiglia. Nonostante il trauma paralizzante del suo passato, Mina prova tante emozioni, si affeziona di più alle persone rispetto a Yan. Lo si capisce dal modo in cui interagisce con Ylya e persino con Anton. Yan invece è convinto di aver perso la sua umanità.
Ma quando Mina è devastata per aver perso non solo la libertà ma anche il suo cuore, Yan si scopre capace di consolarla: «Minochka, andrà tutto bene, te lo prometto».
E finalmente le esprime con tanto ardore i suoi sentimenti :«Quello che sento è troppo per essere nascosto da qualsiasi uomo. Lo lascio scorrere, lascio che il suo sorriso illumini la mia vita e dia un senso alla mia esistenza. Lascio che invada la mia anima e che renda il mio cuore prigioniero. È sublime. Stupenda. Pura perfezione».
Un dark romance stupefacente. Niente è come sembra, e alcuni personaggi indossano una maschera impensabile che viene calata solo alla fine del libro. Una storia che si legge velocemente perché tiene incollati alle pagine fin dall’inizio, tanta suspence e colpi di scena che non ti aspetti.
Manipolazioni, tradimenti e torture, anche di carattere psicologico. Tante le scene erotiche, molto passionali.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_cgnXBHa...
Mina lavora come cameriera a Budapest. Un giorno, senza volerlo, ascolta una conversazione compromettente tra due uomini, all’apparenza spietati sicari.
La minaccia rappresentata dalla ragazza è minima perché anche se li ha ascoltati e ha capito di cosa stavano parlando, ha poca importanza dato che lasceranno la città il giorno dopo. Ma le precauzioni non sono mai troppe nel loro ambiente e i due decidono di mettere le cose in chiaro con lei quella notte stessa.
Uno di loro, Yan, dall’aspetto magnetico e parecchio impetuoso, colpisce Mina nel profondo: trova sensuale il profumo virile della sua acqua di colonia e la sua vicinanza la sconvolge in modo inspiegabile, in un mix di paura e desiderio.
Lei ama e anela il rischio, fonte di adrenalina a lei necessaria e che fa parte del suo lavoro, ma se anche Yan non rappresentasse il pericolo in persona, ne sarebbe comunque attratta.
Mina, dopo quella notte, rientra con prepotenza nella vita di Yan e Ylya, in una serie di eventi sconcertanti e di violenza, ma anche di equivoci, tanto che Yan crede fermamente che la ragazza lo abbia vilmente tradito.
Mina è nata nella Repubblica Ceca. È stata cresciuta dalla nonna Hanna, dopo l’omicidio dei suoi genitori. Fin da piccola, ha mostrato un’eccezionale resistenza, straordinarie capacità sportive e attitudine per le lingue, oltre a un’intelligenza superiore alla media. E queste sue notevoli caratteristiche sono state notate da chi le ha poi usate a proprio vantaggio.
«Mina non è un angelo. Ha familiarità con le visioni e le azioni che farebbero schizzare le viscere agli uomini adulti».
Pur essendo fragile e piccola come una gattina indifesa, non si lascia prendere dal panico quando il suo nemico incombe su di lei. È coraggiosa e Yan la ammira per questo e la desidera ardentemente. Eppure scorge anche qualcosa di vulnerabile in lei, qualcosa che risveglia il suo lato protettivo.
Mina è una macchina da guerra, proprio come lui, ed è in grado di disattivare la parte umana di sé quando lavora. Quando porta a termine i suoi incarichi non prova rimorso perché la maggior parte dei suoi obiettivi è composta da criminali, ma in fondo sa che la vera ragione è perché una parte della sua anima è morta sulla neve con i suoi genitori.
L’ ossessione di Yan per lei è assoluta. Adora la sua forza e la sua resilienza, la sua luminosità e sfacciataggine. Si è insinuata sotto pelle in modo indelebile:
«Ciò che abbiamo non è una dolce storia d’amore. È più grande dell’amore. Più oscuro dell’amore. Ed è tutto tuo».
Quando guarda lei, il bagliore spietato e crudele scompare, l’uomo pericoloso e senz’anima si trasforma in un abile amante. La chimica tra di loro esplode in ogni capitolo.
Sono così simili. Hanno visto entrambi il lato più brutto della vita e possono essere spietati, ma sono entrambi leali alla famiglia. Nonostante il trauma paralizzante del suo passato, Mina prova tante emozioni, si affeziona di più alle persone rispetto a Yan. Lo si capisce dal modo in cui interagisce con Ylya e persino con Anton. Yan invece è convinto di aver perso la sua umanità.
Ma quando Mina è devastata per aver perso non solo la libertà ma anche il suo cuore, Yan si scopre capace di consolarla: «Minochka, andrà tutto bene, te lo prometto».
E finalmente le esprime con tanto ardore i suoi sentimenti :«Quello che sento è troppo per essere nascosto da qualsiasi uomo. Lo lascio scorrere, lascio che il suo sorriso illumini la mia vita e dia un senso alla mia esistenza. Lascio che invada la mia anima e che renda il mio cuore prigioniero. È sublime. Stupenda. Pura perfezione».
Un dark romance stupefacente. Niente è come sembra, e alcuni personaggi indossano una maschera impensabile che viene calata solo alla fine del libro. Una storia che si legge velocemente perché tiene incollati alle pagine fin dall’inizio, tanta suspence e colpi di scena che non ti aspetti.
Manipolazioni, tradimenti e torture, anche di carattere psicologico. Tante le scene erotiche, molto passionali.
January 14, 2020
Anna Zaires and Charmaine Pauls blend seamlessly to create this captivating dark romance.
GREAT story with a very possessive H. I don't know what to say that won't give the book away that isn't already stated in the book's description, but if you like captive stories with very possessive heroes who refuse to let the heroine go, this is a great one. I listened to the audiobook because that is how I roll, and the narrators were fabulous.
GREAT story with a very possessive H. I don't know what to say that won't give the book away that isn't already stated in the book's description, but if you like captive stories with very possessive heroes who refuse to let the heroine go, this is a great one. I listened to the audiobook because that is how I roll, and the narrators were fabulous.
January 29, 2020
Darker Than Love is the latest collaboration between Anna Zaires and Charmaine Pauls and I yet again find myself in the minority. While I didn't hate it, I certainly didn't love it either. The insta lust was fine for me but I never felt enough connection between Yan and Mina to feel the love. And I can't believe I'm going to say this but there was way to much sex. Now what I did like was that Mina was in the business and although she appeared fragile she was anything but that. She definitely proved she wouldn't be taken down easily. The betrayal to Mina was heartbreaking but I wish we could have witness her confronting the person. I didn't like how that was resolved so quickly. Overall while this one didn't work, if this becomes a series I would love to read Ilya's book. He's dangerous but there is a vulnerability to him that I would love to see with his own woman. I have a feeling he would be as possessive and obsessed as his brother.
***ARC Provided by Author***
***ARC Provided by Author***
May 4, 2020
CLICCA SULL'IMMAGINE PER LEGGERE LA RECENSIONE COMPLETA:
Anna Zaires e Charmaine Pauls danno vita a un romanzo dark dalle tinte forti. Tra sparatorie e rapimenti, i due protagonisti Yan e Mina ci fanno vivere un amore contorto e pericoloso, così simili e così letali.
Siamo a Budapest e Mina lavora come cameriera in un bar, una sera durante il suo orario lavorativo è testimone inconsapevole di una conversazione in russo, due ragazzi dall'aspetto poco raccomandabile discutono di un'esecuzione e fanno un nome, lei vorrebbe far finta di niente e spera di essersela cavata, fin quando più tardi in un vicolo Mina non verrà rapita, una notte sola, e tutto cambierà dopo quella notte.
'Quest’uomo, quest’assassino, è la mia punizione e la mia ricompensa, un dono oscuro per essere arrivata così lontano.'
Yan ha l'aspetto elegante e pericoloso, i suoi capelli castani e gli occhi verde chiaro colpiscono Mina, il gemello Ylia è visibilmente più imponente, con tatuaggi e muscoli in bella vista ma è Yan il suo aguzzino, è a lui che dopo quella notte riserverà tutti i suoi pensieri e i suoi tormenti. Come ha fatto ad abbandonarsi a lui? Lei che non era più riuscita ad avvicinarsi ad un uomo dopo le violenze che avevano minato la sua precedente vita militare, lei che non ha più niente da perdere.
'Ammiro il suo coraggio. In realtà, lo ammiro troppo. Mi spinge a odiarla di più, ma non me la fa desiderare di meno.'
Mina è piccola, così minuta, pelle bianchissima, capelli biondi, così corti e appuntiti sulla testa, occhi azzurri penetranti, non può passare inosservata e Yan sa leggerle dentro e in lei vede se stesso perché Mina non è una semplice cameriera e potrebbe essere la sua versione al femminile. Se di solito i due gemelli condividono le loro donne con Mina non ci possono essere fraintendimenti, lei è sua e Yan può farne ciò che vuole, anche innamorarsene perdutamente.
'È una ribelle in nero. Un angelo in bianco. Una soldatessa. Una donna.'
Il libro è diviso in tre parti, inizia con un prologo molto inquietante che ci fa comprendere quello che Mina si porta dentro, i suoi incubi però sono solo all'inizio.
La prima parte ci fa vivere l'incontro, il rapimento e soprattutto quella connessione tra i due.
La seconda parte è dedicata al loro inaspettato ricongiungimento nel segno della menzogna e del tradimento.
La terza e ultima parte è proprio il crescere ma anche il respingere di questa loro innegabile attrazione, Yan conoscerà cosa vuol dire appartenere a qualcuno che non sia suo fratello, imparerà a fidarsi della sua Minochka e a proteggerla ma per arrivarci dovrà piegarla a sé per poi provare sentimenti sconosciuti come il rimorso e il senso morale.
Anna Zaires e Charmaine Pauls danno vita a un romanzo dark dalle tinte forti. Tra sparatorie e rapimenti, i due protagonisti Yan e Mina ci fanno vivere un amore contorto e pericoloso, così simili e così letali.
Siamo a Budapest e Mina lavora come cameriera in un bar, una sera durante il suo orario lavorativo è testimone inconsapevole di una conversazione in russo, due ragazzi dall'aspetto poco raccomandabile discutono di un'esecuzione e fanno un nome, lei vorrebbe far finta di niente e spera di essersela cavata, fin quando più tardi in un vicolo Mina non verrà rapita, una notte sola, e tutto cambierà dopo quella notte.
'Quest’uomo, quest’assassino, è la mia punizione e la mia ricompensa, un dono oscuro per essere arrivata così lontano.'
Yan ha l'aspetto elegante e pericoloso, i suoi capelli castani e gli occhi verde chiaro colpiscono Mina, il gemello Ylia è visibilmente più imponente, con tatuaggi e muscoli in bella vista ma è Yan il suo aguzzino, è a lui che dopo quella notte riserverà tutti i suoi pensieri e i suoi tormenti. Come ha fatto ad abbandonarsi a lui? Lei che non era più riuscita ad avvicinarsi ad un uomo dopo le violenze che avevano minato la sua precedente vita militare, lei che non ha più niente da perdere.
'Ammiro il suo coraggio. In realtà, lo ammiro troppo. Mi spinge a odiarla di più, ma non me la fa desiderare di meno.'
Mina è piccola, così minuta, pelle bianchissima, capelli biondi, così corti e appuntiti sulla testa, occhi azzurri penetranti, non può passare inosservata e Yan sa leggerle dentro e in lei vede se stesso perché Mina non è una semplice cameriera e potrebbe essere la sua versione al femminile. Se di solito i due gemelli condividono le loro donne con Mina non ci possono essere fraintendimenti, lei è sua e Yan può farne ciò che vuole, anche innamorarsene perdutamente.
'È una ribelle in nero. Un angelo in bianco. Una soldatessa. Una donna.'
Il libro è diviso in tre parti, inizia con un prologo molto inquietante che ci fa comprendere quello che Mina si porta dentro, i suoi incubi però sono solo all'inizio.
La prima parte ci fa vivere l'incontro, il rapimento e soprattutto quella connessione tra i due.
La seconda parte è dedicata al loro inaspettato ricongiungimento nel segno della menzogna e del tradimento.
La terza e ultima parte è proprio il crescere ma anche il respingere di questa loro innegabile attrazione, Yan conoscerà cosa vuol dire appartenere a qualcuno che non sia suo fratello, imparerà a fidarsi della sua Minochka e a proteggerla ma per arrivarci dovrà piegarla a sé per poi provare sentimenti sconosciuti come il rimorso e il senso morale.
April 29, 2020
Recensione sulla mia pagina Bookstagram
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