Nicklas

The Vendetta Brotherhood #1

by C.R. Robertson

I wouldn't die for her... Where was the romance in that?
I would kill for her... Then claim her as mine.

Sofia was the fruit from the forbidden tree, Nicklas was the devil with the face of an angel, some desires can't be denied...

War erupted between different fractions of leading mafia families and Sofia Black was collateral damage when she was attacked at university. She ran for her life with nothing but an address that her father left for her in case of emergencies.

Nicklas was leader of the Vendetta Brotherhood, a vicious criminal who refused to care for anyone but his gang of misfits. When an innocent Sofia arrived on his doorstep, she was too tempting a gift to refuse.

Can the King of Death make Sofia his Queen?

Genres: Romance, Dark, Dark Romance, Contemporary

331 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 19, 2021

About the author

CR Robertson is a USA Today and International Bestselling Author. Her paranormal romance novel Curse of Seduction is a 2021 Romance Writers of America Inaugural Vivian® Award nominee and a 2021 Firebird award winner.

She is the author of over thirty published novels that range from smouldering paranormal romance to dark and decadent mafia romance. Her stories are filled with sinful seduction, and her characters are an explosion of passion and emotion that creates a rollercoaster of adventure.

She lives in Ireland, the most magical country in the world, with her beloved spoilt dogs and chinchillas. She can be found gardening with her dedicated little helper dog Bumble who digs all the flowers out as she plants them. Her garden is overflowing with crystals and seasonal flowers for the birds, butterflies, and bumblebees.

Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part 1

4 💥⚡️🔥💞🌟🌟🌟🌟s❗️

A wonderful and intense mafia romance series with possessive alpha and tough heroes and determined sassy heroines, who shared great chemistry and passion, action packed and fast paced, plenty of twists and turns!!

Each part has the story of a different couple, however all characters appear throughout the series.
The parts can be read as standalone (each one has a hea), yet they are interconnected. It’s preferable to read them in order.

(My pov will be the same for most of the series’ parts, because I read them when I was on vacation mode! 😉⛱)

[Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome series

After reading the author’s Dark Princes of Purgatory, I decided to give this a try. Holy moly, am I glad that I did! Full of action, steam, and a MOSTLY level-headed heroine. Give it a try!

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I’ve read by CR Robertson, and I’m already to dive into book 2! This book was everything I enjoy about a dark mafia romance. It had a heroine who kicked a$$! Sofia was incredible, she was strong, fierce, and took crap from no one- including Nicklas. Nicklas was amazing too, he knew having Sofia wasn’t the smartest decision, but he couldn’t deny how she made him feel. She was unlike any woman he’d met and he was willing to risk it all for her.
This book had the suspense and nonstop action, had a small amount of other woman drama (which also included a damn nice cat fight scene that had Sofia showing her strength and some nice claws), and a lot of great steamy scenes! This book started right up with action and kept going through to the end. I couldn’t put it down! Can’t wait to read book 2!

[Lakea · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF-30%

Had this been a different genre of book, I may have stuck it out. I found up writing to be too bad to suffer through. Repetition, weirdly worded sentences, and dialogue that seems forced? No thanks.

[Evalyne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too predictable..

[Debra Johnson]

Purch Amz April 10, 2021

[Megan Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh yes I liked this book. Will I continue the series? No. However, perf book for a mafia smut craving.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/10/2021)! 🎁

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I needed this book. Easily a top read of 2025 for me. I ate this book up in a day. This book started with the adrenaline pumping and never took it's foot off the gas. This is the story of Sofia and Nicklas. Sofia is the eldest daughter of mafia head Lucas Black. She's hiding away in Scotland in school for architecture with her bodyguard under an alias when we meet her, and after things go sideways with an attempted kidnapping, she flees to Cuba following an emergency plan her father had put in place before her arrival to school. Sofia showed us she was strong and smart from the jump, protecting herself and fleeing the country. She had great instincts, enough training from her pseudo brothers, and a sharp mind, and she put them all to use. One thing that I loved about Sofia is that while she knew her instincts were good and she wasn't completely defenseless, she also didn't think she was untouchable or that she had to run around proving herself, which is a character flaw I see in a lot of female FMCs of this genre. She accepted help and protection as needed, while fighting for herself and others when the time came. Nicklas was a foster child whose foster parents were murdered when he was a teenager. Lucas Black took him in and helped make him into a mafia head in his own right. Nicklas had staked his claim in Cuba, and was taken with Sofia when she landed on his doorstep, a little worse for the wear and needing to hide. I loved watching their relationship grow, and I really loved seeing the respect they had for one another. For all instinct had Nicklas wanting to hide her away, he saw that she was strong and could stand beside him. Even more exciting is that the book didn't take a break from the action while the romance ramped up. I've been tired of books where the plot falls off while it focuses on the relationship, or where we're just told another warehouse blew up with nothing particularly exciting happening. Not this book. This book takes you on a ride. I was on the edge of my seat half the book. I was giddy watching Sofia handle Maia, and a little bummed I didn't get to see Sofia deal with her one final time. That's probably my only real complaint about this book. It wasn't necessary for plot, just something I personally wanted. I don't want to leave spoilers, and I think half the fun is riding the adventure out without knowing what's next, so I won't give away anymore of the book other than that Sofia and Nicklas do get their hard won HEA. The character development in this one is great. Everyone was pretty good as is, but somehow got even better and stronger. I liked the side characters as well, which is always a major plus for me. The spice is there and on page, and while there is good amount of it, it never overtakes the plot, which was nice. As I mentioned, the action is there and on page. I highly, highly recommend this book. I'm headed for the next one right now.

[Mary Brannian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicklas. C. R. Robertson


"I may not be able to change the past, but I can help you change your future.” - Lucas Black

Nicolas was a dead youth walking; he watched not only his friends but his foster family gunned down before his eyes. Escape seemed futile, as death was inevitable... Until Lucas Black. Lucas Black, the man That saved him, raised him, gave him an education. Lucas Black... The man to whom Nicklas owed a debt he could never repay...

"That man was a sinful fantasy with a wicked smile. The fact that he was an associate of Papa’s made me forbidden fruit, and I was ready for him to pick me from the branch I was sitting on and take a bite. All the warnings about the garden of Eden be damned." - Sofia

Sofia Black is one of Lucas Black's daughters. Raised in a world of privilege, Sofia is fully aware of who her father is and what he does. Frustrated with the restraints put on her by her father, Sofia wishes for more freedom.... But she should know to be careful what she wishes for...

"I couldn’t ask for forgiveness while I plotted murder in my heart." - Nicklas

Nicklas had planned for decades what he would do to the man That had murdered his foster parents in front of him. But plans get changed, and when Lucas Black calls on a favor, Nicklas is there to render aid... But Nicklas wasn't expecting Sofia...

" I filled my glass again and downed the amber liquid, relishing the burn that followed it down my throat. The way I felt tonight, I wanted to set fire to the world and sit and watch it incinerate around me.throat. The way I felt tonight, I wanted to set fire to the world and sit and watch it incinerate around me. "- Nicklas

“Maybe I’ll be your salvation.” - Sofia


"I don’t ask for permission, Princess, I take what is mine.” - Nicklas


If you are looking for a sweet, clean romance, with flowers, sunshine and unicorns, this is NOT it! If you love action, dark romance, danger and edgy desire, then read on! Dark and complex with complete characters, intricate plotlines and enough heat to singe your kindle!

[Jamsu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicklas is a book I forgot I even had my kindle until I started cleaning it out of books I wasn't interested in no longer. I don't know why it took me so long to read this one but I'm so glad I finally did.

Sofia's father send all her three daughters away to keep them safe. Sofia was send to Nicklas who she had only met once before when he carried her after she had strained her ankle. He tried to keep his hands away from Lucas' daughter but she was impossible to resist. Sofia always felt less beautiful than her sisters and was used to be only seen as her father's daughter. But Nicklas saw her and despite trying to resist her, he wasn't afraid of her father.

Nicklas should terrify Sofia, but for the first time in forever, Sofia felt safe. He was possessive of her even when he tried to show everyone that no one mattered to him and she was just as possessive of him. Nicklas might be a monster to everyone else but he was hers.

Sofia would've destroyed anyone who tried to separate them and they were just perfect for each other. Sofia was raised in the world, so she wasn't afraid of his "monster" side and she never tried to change him. She just wanted him to be the way he is and Sofia was the light in Nicklas' darkness. Just as he loved her the way she is.

Sofia was everything he sought in a woman and he didn't have a chance against her. Sofia got her wish with Nicklas, someone strong enough to claim her from her father. Most people were too terrified of him to even think about dating her. Being with Nicklas made Sofia happy and she made him want to be a better man. He even believed that she'd been created only for him.

Truth to be told despite synopsis sounding good I didn't expect this book to actually be good but I was pleasantly surprised. I recommend this to anyone who likes possessive mafia men and heroines who aren't afraid to love them. There has been too many mafia books where heroines are trying to make mafia men "good", this is not one of them. I loved that Sofia always accepted Nicklas. He gave her freedom and she opened his heart. 

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Vendetta Brotherhood Series and it is Nicklas and Sofia's story and omg it is amazing. When Nicklas was younger he watched his friend and foster parents murdered right in front of him but he was saved and he wants vengeance for the only people that ever cared about him so he would train hard for as long as it took before he kills the man that took his families life. Sofia was one of the daughters of a very powerful man and they were guarded in there home against any attacks and trained well, Sofia was away at college when she was attacked, when she got away Sofia retrieved her go to bag and travelled to the address shown and to the person that would hopefully be able to keep her safe. When Nicklas and Sofia met they had instant chemistry between them but would anything happen between them as Sofia's papa was the one that saved Nicklas and all of Lucas's daughters were off limits. The characters and storyline pulled you in right from the first page and I couldn't put this book down as it was so addictive with all of twists and turns and I look forward to reading the next book in this amazing series. I definitely recommend you read this book and others by C R Robertson as they are so well written and definitely worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Nicklas" is a different venue that CR Robertson usually writes but this contemporary Mafia book was another enjoyable read which introduces Nicklas and Sofia's story along as the guys in the Vendetta Brotherhood that Nicklas leads. This story starts when Nicklas was a boy who watch his friends and his foster parents being killed by Silas because of a bad deal. Nicklas was saved that night and taken in by Lucas Black who gave him a education and trained him in defense. Sofia is one of Lucas Black's daughters decides to run around the grounds of the estate. She twists her ankle and she refuses help from Mario a guard and hobbles home. Once home she tries climbing the stairs and trips which Nicklas catches her and carries her to her bedroom. Lucas Black warns Nicklas that his daughters are off limits but he finds Sofia very attractive. Weeks later Sofia is walking the university's campus after studying in the library to her apartment when two men approach and tries to take her. What happens next in this story is a well written story line that's engaging with the twist and turns in this action, romantic story that has steamy, sizzling chemistry between our couple in a story I volunteer to read and review via Booksprout. Look forward to the next story "Samson' in this series.

[Joyffree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance - Betrayal - Vengeance
What a way to start a series!

Nicklas was saved from death as a child.
Brought into the underworld of crime.
Trained. Educated. Prepared to execute a vengeance he swore against the man who slaughtered his family.
Against the weak who hid behind the coattails of a corrupted council.
A decade later he had built his own empire.
Respected. Feared. Death in a meat suit.
Until an angel landed in his care.

Nicklas is one of those balanced darker heroes -
What do I mean? He can do what is necessary to keep order. He embraces his darker side. He shields that which owns his heart.
and Sofia -
She owns his heart and soul
I enjoyed Sofia's character so much. She is an innocent but when she needs to kick hiney and take names? She is a vicious little thing.

If you enjoy Mafia Romance with strong heroines, lots of action, and characters that will steal your heart - This is it

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is a mafia romance between Nicklas and Sofia. It is full of danger, drama, suspense, lust and finally love. She winds up on his door step when trouble comes looking for her. He has such an instant attraction to Sofia. They are opposites but the more time spent together, the harder they fall. Nicklas plans on protecting her but he winds up wanting to claim and keep her. He is the last type of man she wants to have feelings for. Sofia cannot deny her heart for long though. I thought that this was a great way to kick off this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anna M_82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great start to a new Mafia series of interconnected standalones. There is tons of steam, action, intensity, and awesome characters. Nicklas is an intense character with a very dark side. He has lost everything in life and built himself up from nothing with the help of Lucas Black. Now Lucas wants his help protecting his oldest daughter Sofia. What Lucas doesn’t realize is that Sofia was meant to be his. There is a lot that goes on in this book and it will keep you on your toes. The characters are awesome and I can’t wait to see what comes next for Nicklas and his Vendetta Brotherhood. I’m excited to see where this series takes the reader.

I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christine Biesheuvel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Boys and Lovely Ladies
Niklas, Samson and Kristian. They met in their teens, orphans, got their criminal upbringing and when the ground under their feet became too hot, moved to Cuba. They started The Vendetta Brotherhood together and their group grew. They stole, art and jewels. They killed, other bad boys. And they had their honour: no trafficking and no drugs.
In their books they found their lovely ladies. And they became very possessive and protective.
This is Niklas' story, the organisor.
Amidst all the killing there is sweet romance, funny interactions and a warm feeling of family. A lot of action and humour. I couldn’t put the book down, had to know what was next. Grinning, laughing and a small tear. Very highly recommended!

[Jennifer Soppe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plays on the emotions from start to finish

Sofia, an extremely sheltered princess, encounters Nicklas, former foster kid turned crime boss, at her father’s estate in Tuscany after limping home from a run where she had twisted an ankle. As the story progresses danger comes to her, circumstances change, and the threat may come from more than one direction before everything is over. C.R. Robertson’s Nicklas plays on the emotions from start to finish. There are a number of characters that I look forward to reading about as he series continues, I just hope to read about them all.

I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Niklas was saved by Lucas one night after he was running fir his life from Silas. Lucas raised Niklas to be an invisible hitman that formed his own team and moved his operation within Lucas’ organization to Cuba. Sophia was Lucas’ oldest daughter and was at university away from the family in Scotland with her bodyguard that she thought she was in love with. When a failed kidnapping led Sophia to Niklas’ door, it was the beginning of their interesting and exciting romance that was filled with intrigue, betrayal, danger, kidnappings, death, lies and a deep carnal love. Fun read with great characters

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[bebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a crazy sports car ride of a novel! Nicklas is a orphan basically like me. He keeps everyone at arms length and with cause. Anyone that is trying to get close to him, he sees a threat! He feels nothing but revenge for what others have done to him horribly when he was a youth. He really is just that same youth looking for a family even if it might just be a dream. Well his dream is about to become a reality all wrapped up in the bosses daughter!! Can he escape his feelings and try to just protect her from all evils? Be prepared for thrilling car chases and crazy kills!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terror. Intrigue. Epic Love. This book has it all

I thoroughly enjoyed Nicklas & Sophia’s story even though the violence in this book is a bit brutal, which honestly should be expected in a book about a Vendetta Brotherhood. Nonetheless, the story doesn’t suffer at all and Sophia is a total bada$$ and so much fun to read. She was always surprising me at every turn. I especially loved the scene between her a Maia (you’ll know what I mean when you read this jam-packed journey.) This author really knows how to bring a story to life. If you like dark mafia romance then you’ll absolutely love this book. Looking forward to Samson’s book.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is A fantastic dark mafia romance that will have you addicted to this world by the end of the book. Nicklas is a foster kid who saw his foster family gunned down. He’s picked up by crime boss Lucas black who saves him, raises him and educates him to be in his mafia gang. Sofia is Lucas’s daughter, sheltered and naive before she encounters Nicklas. Their story is a great romance story in between the bullets and the bloodshed and the fighting and they both have lessons that they teach each other. Action packed, twists and turns, revenge and sparks that fly, this is a fantastic story and I look forward to more from this world.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicklas witnessed his foster family being killed. Lucas Black, mafia boss saved Nicklas off the streets. When Sofia Black is attacked at college, she goes to an address given to her for emergencies. When Sofia shows up on Nicklas' door step a letter from Lucas charges him with keeping Sofia safe. As the mafia war rages around them, so does their mutual attraction. I love how the well developed story and characters pull you into this addictive page turner!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blown away with this one. From the beginning I was hooked. It is a fantastic read. Nicklas and Sofia's story will captivate you. As everything unfolds, revelations come to the surface. The twists and turns with all the action will keep you on edge, holding your attention, needing to know what's going to happen. This one doesn't disappoint and delivers one hell of a punch with a story that'll leave you wanting more of the Vendetta Brotherhood. I can't wait to read the next book. I highly recommend reading this one.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book, what an interesting start to a series. This is definitely an action packed book, keeping you engaged. All of the characters are very well written, truly developing the plot. I love that Sofia is not afraid to stand up for herself and has no problem sharing her thoughts. One of my favorite moments was Nicklas' plan to tell Sofia’s dad about them, so romantic. Overall, this book has a story that'll leave you wanting to know what is next for the Vendetta Brotherhood. I highly recommend reading this book, especially if you enjoy mafia books.

[Alta Schwenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Boy Nicklas, lands up with an unexpected guest in the form of Sofia the daughter of one of his "associate". Sofia is the target of an assassination's attempts and Nicklas makes it his priority to find out who's targeting her and why. What he didn't wat to do was fall in love with Sofia.

It is a wonderful action packed book, filled with twists and turns with a HEA.
CR Robertson took you on a trip that was real and gripping from beginning to end.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book it was great, the story was written well and the characters were interesting. Sophia and Nicklas, the war between the mafia familieshas put Sophia up as collateral damage. Nicklas was the name of the person her father told her to find. Their chemistry was so forbidden but they could not help themselves they are drawn to each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anastasia Beaverhausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this!!!

A very deeply crafted story of a syndicate that includes the FMC as the eldest daughter of one of the upper level bosses. Her love interest is also an upper level operator who happens to think she’s gorgeous despite being the boss’s daughter and bowing the danger that comes with that designation. With both Scotland and Cuba as a background for this tale, this romance gives readers a multidimensional experience.

[Suez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soo Good ... I was absolutely riveted to this dark, dangerous, heart-pounding story. It continually unleashes a whirlwind of danger, non-stop action and suspense. With it’s complex characters, captivating storyline and I promise a lot more ... this story will not disappoint!! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer Lil'n Dunski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea that this story would be so deep! Nicklas and Sofia are complete opposites and that's what makes this story so good. Nicklas is gorgeous, dangerous and very alpha, where Sofia is soft, smart and sexy.
There's action, danger, fun and the sexy and just an overall amazing storyline and plot

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.