I’m not a good man. There’s no point in denying it. You see what you get and what you get is a bastard who doesn’t give a fuck about what’s going on around him, unless it’s beneficial to me of course.
I work for Katya, the owner of an elite tattoo parlor called Pins & Needles. There are five locations across the world: Moscow, London, Miami, Los Angeles, and Sydney. The front of Katya’s business is the parlor, but what she’s actually done is set up an underground shop for the arms dealing business she inherited from her dead husband, in addition to other nefarious activities.
No one has a clue about what’s really done here, not even the damn feds and for the first time in the seven years I’ve been working for her we fuck up.
One of the tattoo artists, Dema, sees something she shouldn’t. As Katya’s right hand man I can’t let this get out. I know what I have to do, and it’ll either be me throwing her body in the woods, or locking her up and selling her to the highest bidder, ensuring she’ll never see the light of day again.
Funny how neither of those happen and I end up putting my own neck on the line for her. I’ve never cared about anyone in my entire fucking life, yet here I am, craving something more than blood and agony.
Elizabeth Knox is a USA Today Bestselling romance author who specializes in romantic suspense, and dark romance. She’s well-known for her intense page-turning motorcycle clubs, and sinister dark mafia books.
While Elizabeth loves to write, she is an avid reader as well, who reads a mixture of genres. She lives on a farm with her husband in the northeastern United States with her rescue animals. When she isn’t working, you can find her horseback riding, riding ATVs, or out on the farm with her animals.
Blood & Agony was a well written, quick paced read. This story was intense at times, and very sweet at other times. Kronid is a manager of a tattoo shop amongst other things. Dema sees something she shouldn't have and this couple is thrown together by a criminal who demands proof of their relationship. This story grabbed me from page 1 to the very end.
I am not into stories where the Hero rapes the heroine, that happens in this one.
She did not have the opportunity to say no. She was not in a state to give consent. Was he 'forced' to do it? I guess? Does that make it okay? Not at all.
Dnf at 37% because I was not interested in hearing them trying to explain why it was okay.
Dema works at Pins & Needles and knows that there are certain areas of the building she is not allowed in…and now she knows why? Pins & Needles is not just a tattoo parlor there are many underground businesses being run from here. She witnesses something that could cost her her life but her manager, Kronid is trying to save her life. The only way to do this was to prove that Dema was his woman by doing the unthinkable.
There are so many secrets that you are left on the edge of your seat. This was a Russian mafia read that I’m really looking forward to what comes next in this series. If it’s anything like this one set some time aside because this was a one-sitting-read for me.
This is the 1sr in a news series and what a fantastic beginning this story is! Katya is the owner of “Pins & Needles” a tattoo shop, which is just a cover for an underground arms’ dealing business, and cold and ruthless Kronid works for her. Dema is one of the new employee tattoo artist and when she runs out of ink, she stumbles upon something she shouldn’t have seen and now has a target on her back, which leaves Kronid now in the position that he must make a life-or-death decision. This is a well written story by this talented collaboration of authors, and is an emotionally charged story which is dark, intense, twisted, and with action, betrayal, drama, revenge, violence, danger, and love, which all leads to a steamy and riveting page turner. I look forward to reading more from these authors and I recommend this for all mafia lovers.
He may be a killer but he will kill anyone that tries to harm her
Okay so Blood & Agony is a great first book in the Pins and Needles: Moscow series. I think I am going to enjoy this series as it is going to be a fast-paced thrill ride with action, mystery, hot and dirty sexy passion and don't even get me started on the characters......super sexy tattooed men who are dangerous to the nth degree but also are possessive and protective of the one special woman. The women are not doormats so far which is great. But instead they are intelligent, beautiful, strong and feisty. This novella had me hooked from the beginning and kept me engrossed until the ending.
Kronid and Dema sizzles in this intense story. When Dema sees something, she shouldn't, Kronid uses it as his way to get the upper hand on Dema. They are both captivated with each other but never acted on their feelings. Kronid is a dominant man who has no problems going after what he wants and that is Dema. Will it end in a happily ever after for the two? This story draws you in and keeps you glued to the pages.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a fantastic collaboration by Elizabeth Knox and E. C. Land. This story was action packed and dark and filled with intrigue, torture, drama, and passion. I absolutely loved Kronid. An edge of your seat amazing story and one I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a really exciting story. It had such a fast pace but it wasn’t rushed in the least. Kronid and Dema had a unique beginning to their relationship to put it mildly but it worked. This is a story that a few years ago I wouldn’t even have read but now I just love the darkness of it. So fans of dark romance read this.
This was a wonderful collaboration by two very talented authors. It was dark and twisted and filled with torture, revenge, and vengeance. Kronid might be cold hearted, but the love of the right woman could initiate an eternal thaw. I enjoyed the character crossover from their other series. It felt like reconnecting with old friends.
I hate to be the one to say this but the synopsis is off the chain and is pretty much a huge spoiler alert.... But what a read.... Synopsis with commentary.....BOOM
Kronid I’m not a good man. But he is to those he chooses. There’s no point in denying it. You see what you get and what you get is a bastard who doesn’t give a fuck about what’s going on around him, unless it’s beneficial to me of course. And how beneficial is it for him with Dema to ignore Do Not Enter orders?
I work for Katya, We all remember Katya, she is a smart bad ass boss. The owner of an elite tattoo parlor called Pins & Needles. There are five locations across the world: Moscow, London, Miami, Los Angeles, and Sydney. The front of Katya’s business is the parlor, but what she’s actually done is set up an underground shop for the arms dealing business she inherited from her dead husband, in addition to other nefarious activities. This would be the reason for the No Go Zones Dema ignores.
No one has a clue about what’s really done here, not even the damn feds and for the first time in the seven years I’ve been working for her we fuck up. No Dema fucks up and since Ironic has a hard-on for Dema he saves her.
One of the tattoo artists, Dema, sees something she shouldn’t. What could she have seen? Oh, yea arms dealers.... Must have been an arms deal. Right? Right. As Katya’s right hand man I can’t let this get out. I know what I have to do, and it’ll either be me throwing her body in the woods, or locking her up and selling her to the highest bidder, ensuring she’ll never see the light of day again.
Funny how neither of those happen and I end up putting my own neck on the line for her. I’ve never cared about anyone in my entire fucking life, yet here I am, craving something more than blood and agony.
Dema and Kronid is all kinds of heartbreaking and beautiful. One is lost and one is given a second chance. When Dema sees something she, shouldn't she has to do something that unheard of and so does Kronid. Will they be able to get past it or will someone not give them a chance to be more? I was pulled right in and had tears in my eyes and fell for these two. I did not want this book to end. I loved seeing old faces and getting to meet some new ones. Another amazing read by these two ladies, who knows how to give you all the emotions and so much more. Can't wait to read what they have next.
Blood & Agony (Pins and Needles: Moscow#1 by Elizabeth Knox and E. C. Land is another outstanding collaboration by these two brilliant authors. This is a highly charged emotional story full of intrigue, darkness and plenty of passion that pulls you in from beginning to end. Loved that Kronid has gotten his own story about redemption with all of the evil things he committed as he was led thinking he was avenging his father's death. We get a better understanding of what this character had to deal with growing up as well as finally finding the truth out about his evil father who in reality was a killer, pedofile and abuser of women. Through the kindness of his sister Bianca, Kronid is giving another chance as he now works for Katya in Russia with an underground shop dealing guns that Katya inherited from her husband which is run at the Pins & Needles tattoo shop. Dema is a courageous beautiful young woman who returns to Russia after her parents were killed living with her grandparents trying to start over. Dema is a remarkable tattoo artist who works at the Pins & Needles tattoo parlor and has a crush on Kronid but to shy to approach him. When Dema happens to be a witness to something in the back room, her life is about to change. Now Kronid who always wanted Dema has to protect her from getting killed, so he comes up with a story that these two are together. With all of the twists and turns in this story, one that is full of steamy passion and danger and lies, we are witness to all the darkness that surrounds the Bratva. Someone from the past with connections to not only Kronid but Katya has it in for Dema and looking to seek his revenge. Now we have to deal with a kidnapping, torture and a family reunion. So excited that Katya and her husband have a part in this story. Can't wait for book 2 in this dark, dangerous new series surrounding Dema's friend. Well done ladies!!!
A complicated Bratva romance set in Moscow! by sewsummore
Dema was born in America, but after her mother and stepfather's death, she moved to Russia to live with her grandmother and grandfather. She was now their primary carer and worked as a tattooist in one of the most prestigious tattoo parlors in the world called Pins and Needles. One night, Dema ventured into a forbidden area of the business to collect inks for the next day and was a witness to an execution-style murder. She would have been killed as well if not for Kronid, the manager of the business claiming her as his girlfriend. To prove the validity of his claim, Kronid was forced to take Dema's virginity while the killer watched. Kronid had cared for Dema but because of his past he had made no moves towards her. Dema was glad that it was Kronid who was her first and told him so, also telling him that she had wanted to get to know him better for some time. When they are forced into a relationship because of what happened, both of them were glad it had turned out so well. It was some days later that Dema disappeared and Krionid was desperate to discover what had happened to the woman he had come to love. This book has a complicated storyline that involves revenge for the sins Dema's father committed. The story ends happily but not before hidden secrets are revealed that changes their relationships with their co-workers and friend forever! This story takes place in Moscow and involves the bratva. It was an interesting setting and a change from her MC club books but still very entertaining!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Kronid is the older half-brother of Bianca Petron, head of the Romanian Clans...she remembers a boy in the dim mists of her past when her mother was kept prisoner by his demented father after killing her grandparents...so rather than let her mother and step-father kill him, she sent her lover Stefan Dalca to get him out from their radar...so now Kronid lives in Moscow, working for the Tattoo Parlor, Pins and Needles, owned by Katya who also runs guns to various groups thanks to her former husband Sergei...he runs the marriage broker portion of the business as well as handles the more mundane tasks of keeping ink supplied for the artists, making sure guns delivered on time and payment received and acts as enforcer for Katya...but he longs for more...and Dema the newest tattoo artist has become his obsession...he notices everything about her...she was born of a former Russian ballerina, who left for the U.S. after settlement with the married father of her baby, and married an American. When her parents died in a car accident, Dema returned to Russia, living with and now caring for her grandparents...Because of late customer and other artists and receptionist leaving, she needed inks, so went to area where few were allowed, only to see event there that could get her killed, except for swift intervention of Kronid saying she was his...but what will this mean??? You will need to read this thriller to see the consequences when Kronid has to lie about Dema and their relationship....I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Are you ready for an intense ride through the dark underbelly of Moscow? Blood & Agony is the first book in the new series Pins and Needles by the dynamic duo of Elizabeth Knox and E.C. Land. This is a standalone but don’t be surprised if you see some familiar faces from their other books. If you’ve read any of their previous work than you know what to expect, but if you’re new to this writing duo than let me preface this review by saying Blood & Agony is a dark criminal romance. This means there are things that may be triggering for some. This is a story that takes place within the underground crime world of Russia, there will be violence. Dema and Kronid have had the hots for each other for a long time, but didn’t act on it because of their boss/employee relationship. A violent turn throws them together in ways they didn’t imagine and suddenly are faced with life or death situations. This is a fast paced book with lots of heat, violence, and packed with action. The main characters have great chemistry and even though the plot seems inconceivable, the couple are believable and work so well together. The authors pack a lot of info into not a lot of book so you have to pay attention or you could get lost. I’m excited to see where the story goes, we meet a lot of secondary characters that I hope get books. Great job ladies!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kronid was going after members of the Romanian mafia for murdering his father. Then he found out the truth about the type of man his father truly was. He was supposed to be meeting with his younger sisters boyfriend, a member of the Romanian mafia, at a bar. When he turned up and was talking to him one of his men injected him in his neck…. Seven years later, he works at Pins and Needles. Katya has owned the tattoo parlour for ten years, but behind the scenes, with her Bratva links, she operates a Mail order bride business. These days Kronid is both the general manager for Pins and Needles, while he runs Katya’s mail order business. Dema’s mother had been a ballerina in Russia before she got pregnant and Dema’s stepfather had taken them both to the USA to live. Dema had moved to back Moscow to live with her grandparents after her parents were killed in a car crash. A talented artist, she worked at Pins and Needles as a tattooist. She was crazy about Kronid but never thought he’d be interested in her. Then a completely unexpected event jumpstarts their relationship… This was the first book set in Pins and Needles. With an interconnected and continuing storyline, it still read well as a standalone. All of the stories are set in the tattoo parlour and behind the scenes. The relationship with Kronid and Dema may have got off to an unexpected start, but what follows is an enjoyable and entertaining start to the series. Superb.
On man where to start with this book.... I loved loved it! It was full of action and was fast paced. I love how we got to see other characters from other books in this story.
We get to meet Dema and Kronid. Kronid works for Katya and he takes care of the tattoo parlor. Dema works as a tattoo artist. Dema moved to Russia after her parents died to live with her grandparents to take care of them.
One day she is working doing a tattoo when she runs out of the colors she needs. She can't find the receptionist who gets the supplies so she uses someone else supplies and will get new ones when she is done with the tattoo. After doing the tattoo she calls Kronid to get the supplies but he doesn't answer the phone so she gores down stairs which she is not supposed to but she knows it late so she goes down there anyways.
Once she is down stairs and gets the supplies she sees something she is not supposed to and she is shocked. She is suddenly in a hole heap of trouble because she is in the midst of evil. This is when the shizz hits the fan and Kronid will have to make a decision to save her or let her come to her demise.
This is one hell of a read and I recommend it to everyone. So go on out and one click this bad boy!
'Blood and Agony' is my first book by Elizabeth Knox and E. C. Land, and I am unfortunately quite torn. There are aspects about this novella that I liked and some not so much. I enjoyed the characters, their backstories and their struggles, as well as the elements of darkness and violence, although I would have loved more darkness.
On the other hand, I did not buy Dema and Kronid's relationship. It lacked any development and was total insta-love, with them falling for each other from one day to the next. Although they had been attracted to each other for a long time, they had barely spoken past 'hello' so they couldn't possibly fall in love so quickly. There's a big difference between love and lust, which, to be honest, I didn't really feel either. I just found their chemistry lacking and I didn't believe in their passion.
spoiler: But what killed me most of all is the end with the unplanned pregnancy. I am well aware that unplanned pregnancies can happen despite contraception, but how can she possibly be surprised by her pregnancy when they had sex without birth control!? Come on, that's just ridiculous!!
All in all, it was alright but it was not great, so I'm glad it was a short novella as it didn't captivate me or leave me wanting more.
Elizabeth Knox does it again! Anything she writes I will read. Seriously she could write a phone book, a cookbook, or a dictionary.
As a tattoo artist at Pins an Needles Dema is able to create beautiful art. After losing her parent to an accident Dema returns the states to the only family she had left in Russian, her Grandparents. Kronid is the boss at Pins and Needles and so many other dangerous “businesses”. Although they’ve secretly had the hots for one another, neither of them have acted upon it. Kronid and Dema start out their “Relationship” in the most horrific ways. Dema witnesses something that requires her death. In order to save Dema from being killed Kronid is forced to do the unthinkable. There are so many thing Dema had wished for in her life but never thought they would come true. He vows to protect her, but can he save her before her bloodline cost her her life?
This book has characters from her other Elizabeth Knox series but can still be read as a stand alone story. Can’t wait until April when the next book comes out!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. This is my own opinion and was not influenced by anyone.
Blood & Agony is the start of a new series by Elizabeth Knox and E.C. Land. This story takes place in a tattoo parlor in Moscow. The characters of Kronid and Dema are very different. He manages the tattoo parlor, Pins and Needles and also has other "jobs" on the side. He looks intimidating and mean which suits him perfectly. Dema is a sweet outcast who doesn't quite fit in with anyone. She is a sensitive artist and supports herself and her grandparents on what she earns as a tattoo artist.
This story is well paced. The name of the book is perfect for the tone of the story. As dark as the story gets, at its center is a love story. The attraction is there from the beginning for both Kronid and Dema but things outside their control force them together.
When I began the book I wasn't sure if I would like it. I think it is the main characters' hearts that made me keep reading. In the end I really liked Blood & Agony. Be warned it is a dark story but the love is what sells it.
'Blood and Agony' is the first book in Elizabeth Knox and E. C. Land's new series, "Pins and Needles: Moscow" and if you're not familiar with their work, you're in for one heck of a ride. The story revolves around the tattoo shop "Pins and Needles" in Moscow owned by Katya who also runs guns to various other groups. Dema's mother was a Russian ballerina before going to American and marrying but when her parents are killed, she moves to Russia in order to take care of her aging grandparents. Now, she's the newest artist at the shop. Kronid is the older half-brother of Bianca Petron, head of the Romanian Clans who was sent to Moscow in order to save his life. The Crime Bosses, action, drama, betrayal, and passion kept me on the edge of my seat. All because Dema ran out of ink and went downstairs, which was off-limits, and witnessed something she had no business seeing causing Kronid to make a life and death decision. 'Blood and Agony' is a powerful read that I couldn't get enough of. I can't wait to see what they bring me next.
Kronid runs Katya's right hand man overseeing her legal and illegal businesses out of the her Moscow Pins and Needles tattoo shop. He manages it and deals with the trash when necessary.
Dema returned to Moscow after her parents died five years ago to live with her grandparents. Now at 21 she's an artist working in a tattoo shop and taking care of her grandparents.
Kronid and Dema have been attracted to each other from the first day they met but neither of them acted on it. When Dema sees something she shouldn't Kronid risks both their lives to save her. Their relationship get's hot and steamy until mafia grudges put Dema's life in danger.
Gritty and passionate, with love to counteract the violence. I loved the artist for this mafia man. Great first book in this new series.
This story includes scenes that may be difficult for some readers due to violence, abuse and sexual practices.
I received a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. If you like my reviews I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is an emotional rollercoaster ride to healing and love.Dema is a tattoo artist at pins an needles .She's also an artist who moved to Russia when her parents died .She lives an takes care of her grandparents.She has a bad crush on her boss Kronid .When she sees something she shouldn't her life changes.This story has strong characters that will captivate you.The story will pull you in an keep you on the edge of your seat .There is some darkness to the story but it is also showing how much love Dema and Kronid is beautiful and strong.Kronid loves Dema and will kill for her.There are so many twists and turns to this story will keep you riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more.I love the way these amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and you can feel their emotions and their pain.I can hardly wait to see what's next by these multi talented authors.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. Kronid manages the Pins and Needles Tattoo Parlor, among other things for his boss Katya. Dema works there as a tattoo artist. When she runs out of ink and can't find anyone to go downstairs to get the ink she needs, she decides to go get it herself, knowing it's against the rules. She ends up seeing something she shouldn't have seen and her life is threatened. Kronid saves her by saying she belongs to him. He has to prove it by having sex with her right then and there or she'll be killed. They do the deed and later actually profess they care for each other. He promises to always protect her. She is kidnapped and tortured and holds out, knowing Kronid will come for her. Is she right? This is another fantastic series from these authors. I can't wait to read the next book in the Pins and Needles Series. Patsy Sacco
Dema, is a tattoo artist for the legendary Pins and Needles, in Russia. She is also the caretaker of her aging grandparents. Artistry is in her blood. She is one of the top tattooist in the country, but her passion is in painting and sculptures as well. She works with a majority of women in the shop, but there is one of her bosses, Kronid, who she has a crush on. Kronid, is second in command, and the muscle for Katya ( Skulls Renegade MC). It's late one night, and Kronid is taking care of a problem while a customer loads his shipment. Dema is out of a few colors. She goes to get them and walks in on all of this going on. What happens next will change Dema and Kronid's life. It is the perfect opportunity for Kronid to tell Dema exactly how he feels. This book flowed from page to page. I read it in one night. The characters were spot on, and easy to like. This is a great start for a Mafia read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great start to a new series titled Pins and Needles: Moscow. This story, titled: Blood & Agony is co-written by Elizabeth Knox and E.C. Land. My only real criticism is that I wished it was longer. I found it a bit too short and that made it feel rushed. The story centers around Kronos and Dema in a tattoo parlor in Moscow. This pair are definitely opposites attract. Kronos is the manager of Pins and Needles. He’s a scary looking dude and does a few side jobs away from the tattoo shop.on the other hand, Dema is a sweet and gorgeous- she’s considered an outcast who doesn’t quite fit in. Dema is an artist with a sensitive nature and takes care of not only herself, but also supports her grandparents. She doesn’t make a lot at the tattoo shop so money is hard come by. I would consider this quite a dark story but still a romance as you can’t help but root for both these two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have fallen into the Elizabeth Knox rabbit hole! Blood & Agony is the first book in the Pins & Needles series. Pins & Needles is the tattoo shop in Moscow where Dema works as an artist, and Kronid is the general manager. Dema is young, responsible, and lives on the surface. With Kronid, appearances are deceptive; he only looks like he lives on the surface. I love how the dangerous world leads to Kronid cloaking Dema, protecting her to the best of his ability. There are always many layers in these books—people's real jobs, real connections, their pasts—lead them into intrigue, danger, violence. The author does a great job of building tension and isn't shy about letting her characters get hurt—it's part of the gritty world in which they live. This book did a great job of helping me connect the dots with characters & events in past books and it would be perfectly fine to read as a standalone.
These are two of my favourite authors and I always love it when they come together to write because I just know that it will be a great read and believe me I wasn't disappointed. This is the perfect combination of action and drama with a very healthy dose of passion thrown into the mix long enough to engage me but short enough to read fast as far as I am concerned it was the perfect book
Dema works at a tattoo parlour owned by Katya but run by Kronid what she doesn't know is that this parlour is far more than that When she runs out of ink one day she goes to the stores to get more she sees far more than she should Now Kronid knows that he will have to silence her either through a one way trip to the forest or sold into sex trafficking So why does he end up putting his own life on the line claiming she is his to keep her safe. Can they actually develop a relationship after all he has been obsessing about her for quite a while You will have to read to see
A fantastic beginning to a new series by the author know for writing about the dark hair raising gritty underworld that will have you sitting tensely on the edge of your seats eating up all the drama, suspense, violence, betrayal, vengeance....you will find yourself hating yourself for loving the men that take what they want while walking over broken bodies to get to it...you will hate yourself for loving the innocent and sometimes gullible woman that walks around with rose coloured tinted glasses until she finds herself in a situation out of of someones worst nightmares with no way of getting out of it..... Blood and Agony is a dark romamce with nonconsensual sexual scenes, and torture violence, revenge and not for the faint hearted I definitely recommend this book to the open minded and the lovers of dark romance stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.