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Her innocence was going to get her killed.
That was if I didn't get to her first.
She's the protected little sister of the powerful Ivanov Russian mafia family - the very definition of forbidden.
It’s always been my job, as their Head of Security, to watch over her but never to touch.
That ends today.
She disobeyed me and put herself in danger.
It was time to take her in hand.
I’m the only one who can save her and I will fight anyone who tries to stop me, including her brothers.
Honor and loyalty be damned.
She’s mine now.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 19, 2021

1120 people are currently reading
1757 people want to read

About the author

Zoe Blake

87 books3,118 followers
Zoe Blake is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the romantic suspense saga The Cavalieri Billionaire Legacy inspired by her own heritage as well as her obsession with jewelry, travel, and the salacious gossip of history’s most infamous families.

She delights in writing Dark Romance books filled with overly possessive billionaires, taboo scenes, and unexpected twists. She usually spends her ill-gotten gains on martinis, vacations, and red lipstick.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/zoeblakebooks/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zoeblakebooks/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zoeblakebooks

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5 stars
1,589 (45%)
4 stars
1,045 (29%)
3 stars
610 (17%)
2 stars
202 (5%)
1 star
75 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
Profile Image for Isabella. R.
1,007 reviews2,179 followers
March 16, 2021
3.5 Girls Like Me Stars ⭐

Let’s start with the obvious. Books by Zoe Blake are addictive. I mean once you start, everything else becomes forgotten. I have been patiently waiting for Mikhail and Nadia’s story since the beginning of this series and I kinda loved it while feeling crushed at the same time…

If I can’t have her, no one can.

It’s been three years since Mikhail Volkov gave into a moment of weakness and kissed Nadia on her 18th birthday. And he crossed many lines that evening. As head of security for the Ivanov’s, Nadia is well off limits to the likes of him. Now he’ll spend the next few years keeping her at arm’s length.

When I forced myself to let go of her, I could see something die within her bright blue eyes. A spark vanished. Hope died. I had done that.

As the youngest and only daughter of the notorious Ivanov family, she has spent her entire life on a short leash. Now that her two best friends are shacked up with her brothers, its evident that Nadia has had no life at all. And pining for Mikhail has accomplished nothing. It’s time to walk away.

I was being rejected. Again.

I was done waiting for him. Desperately hoping that one day he would change his mind and allow us to be together.


Except when Nadia’s life is threatened, Mikhail realises that by pushing her away all this time has done permanent harm. He needs damage control to right past wrongs, but like a Neanderthal, he is clueless.

He rubbed the back of his knuckles down my cheek. “The moment I put a bullet in each of their heads, I’m carrying you back to my bed and not letting you leave it for a week.”

How romantic, just what every girl dreams of hearing her boyfriend say.


What happens when the one thing you’ve dreamed about becomes a reality, but you’ve changed your mind? There is no doubt that Nadia has loved Mikhail from afar, but the romantic notions she’s concocted in her head are nowhere near what she’s getting…possessive, arrogant and a deviant in the bedsheets. She’s in over her head.

I enjoyed the entire story, but Mikhail was a disappointment. Honestly, he was a wrecking ball and his handling of Nadia was messed up. I’m all for spontaneity in the bedroom, but really did you want to calm your farm and initiate the virgin before you went 50 shades on crack? I didn’t buy it, and could you please invest in some lube?? Other than that, it was great!

ARC provided by author in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Darlene I read WAY to many books.
3,675 reviews2,430 followers
March 6, 2021
3.5⭐

Now its time for Nadia and Mikhail romance!! This one was a little lighter then the other two BUT still has that OTT alpha Caveman Mikhail 😈

We start off at Nadia 18th bday party and what happened with her and Mikhail and I gotta tell you the first 9% of the book 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 it's steamy from the get-go until Mikhail regrets what he almost did and pushed Nadia away, silent and watching her from a distance for 3 years. Now that the whole gang is back together the tension is high between Nadia and Mikhail some hidden moments and another mistake by Mikhail that pushes Nadia away again oh you dumb man lol. Now shes done with him or do she thinks
but before more angst between the two happen someone tries to kidnap his woman and that Is a no go for Mikhail.

Her and Mikhail are fighting and having some delicious Hate/sex and figuring out what they are and it's delicious.

Low angst, no ow/om drama, no cheating, Slight secondary charas, drama, sexy times, virgin gal and no manwhore (mention she tries to date but no guy gets passed Mikhail lol he drives them away off page)

Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶🌶

Slowinsta
Pinning
Push away from both
Violence
21h/26H
No condom
Spanking/pubishments
Anal play/sex
Hea
Epilogue
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sonia.
1,304 reviews2,077 followers
March 11, 2022
4.75 stars- loved the last book of the series

Ah. I love it when a man waits for his woman to be old enough to be completely his, especially when he works for her family, and any guys TRYING to date her are quickly taken care of 💅. Don’t get in the way of a mafia guy if you wanna live 🤷🏻‍♀️ just saying 💁🏻‍♀️.

The book starts off when it’s Nadia‘s 18th birthday. She’s drinking with a guy and then Mikhail comes in and kicks the man’s @$$. And well, he has to pun!sh her for being near another man- they’re attracted to each other, and now that she’s 18, some lines can finally be crossed. Oh yeah. I was here for this scene. Except that, right before the… um… grand finale (😉👀) Mikhail feels bad and stops himself (😑🤦🏻‍♀️MIKHAIL- this is NOT the time for a guilty conscience). Nadia feels irritation and decides she’s not gonna just let him do this to her anymore, and then 3 years pass.

She’s 21, living her life, excited for her best friend’s wedding (to her brother) when she decides to escape the eyes of Mikhail and the other guards AFTER Mikhail passionately kisses her and the rejects her, AGAIN😑. Unlike her best friends, she’s remained near her brothers her whole life. There are times she wants to breathe and get away from them, especially from Mikhail and his hot/cold demeanor. He ends up saving her life… but that’s the saving he does… cause he’s p!$$ed off she didn’t listen to him, and nothing’s gonna stop him now 😈👀.

Oh LAWD- have mercy on my poor kindle… because Mikhail DID NOT come to play 🥵🔥. He’s alpha, aggressive, passionate and primal when it comes to Nadia. I don’t think I’ve read a scene with a toy quite like this before 👀😅. And then… oh jeeezus, one of my favorite types of ways for an H to discover the h is a v happened- the good old fashioned surprise v scene 😅🔥. Which means that Mikhail is her first and ONLY man to ever be with her in all ways 💁🏻‍♀️ in ALL ways 👀😉. The back door actions comes quickly in this one 😅.

Even though he dominates her in every way, he’s actually sweet in so many as well. He bulldozes the right amount without being too overpowering, and this became even more evident towards the end of the book. Originally, he felt like he isn’t good enough for her, but that changes when he realizes they’re meant to be together 🥰.

Zoe Blake did a really great job not EXACTLY crossing the line into n0nc0n (but some might still consider it that). I’d say it’s more dubc0n. I enjoyed it either way 🤷🏻‍♀️🔥.

Why not a full 5 stars? I wanted to see an extended or more into-the-future epilogue. The last scene in the epilogue felt abrupt. Plus, being the last book in the series, I wanted to maybe see the other MCs full HEAs.

⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd
-OM fight 😈. OM is drinking with the h in her 18th bday. The H takes care of him 💅
-she tries dating but the H doesn’t allow any man to get close to her
-dubcon/noncony ish (I think it’s more dubcon but 🤷🏻‍♀️)
-spanking/an@l play and smexx/praise kink/toys
-no c0nd0ms are mentioned at all- no bc either. It doesn’t even cross their minds? I mean. She’s a v, so I get it. She has nothing- and he’s been celibate for years, so THAT part didn’t bother me. What about pregnancy? lol it didn’t cross their minds AT ALL? Personally, I loooove babies or surprise pregnancies, but it was weird that it wasn’t even brought up.
Profile Image for Chris.
1,316 reviews38 followers
June 11, 2021
Mikhail and Nadia's turn... and it was a rough one, at least in terms of steaminess. I wanted to read their story since I got a glimpse of them in the previous books, but I feel disappointed. Mikhail was a brute and Nadia was too sweet for him. He got a new toy and was testing all the possible ways to break it... I didn't enjoy their chemistry at all.
Profile Image for Sweet and Salty Reviews by DD.
612 reviews239 followers
January 6, 2023
Hmmmm..... Nadia was not what I was expecting. Mikhail was not either.

Heat was there, but the storyline was not for me. Felt too similar to the previous reads. I would still strongly suggest this series to any readers looking a naughty read.

Happy reading,
DD 🥂
Profile Image for vxhexn reads.
527 reviews168 followers
August 5, 2021
Mikhail and Nadia's story has been two books in the making. We've witnessed all the craziness her two best friends experienced the night of her eighteenth birthday party and the following three years. Now we find out how Nadia survived it all. Once I started I couldn't put this story down. I needed to know how these two found their forever.

✔️ not so innocent, h with sass
✔️ J/P, dirty talking H that doesn’t relent
✔️ innocent teenage crush turned forever after
✔️ falling for her bodyguard ↔️ boss’s little sister

Having coveted the one person she shouldn't, Nadia isn't so sure how to get Mikhail want her the same way. Little does she know her brothers head of security actually covets her as much as she him. All the brutish stares and overprotective behavior isn't merely his job, it's his need to protect what is his.

This story may be the conclusion to the Ivanov Trilogy but I look forward to seeing glimpses of everyone in Sweet Depratity - the long awaited Vaska and Mary book!!

Although these are designed to be standalones within an interconnected series, I highly suggest reading in publication order. Each book in the series builds onto the next, setting up the larger connections and overarching plot lines.
💋 Sweet Cruelty: Ruthless Obsession #1 • REVIEW LINK • Dimitri Kosgov & Emma Doyle
🖤 Savage Vow: Ivanov Crime Family #1 • REVIEW LINK • Gregor Ivanov & Samara Federova
🖤 Vicious Oath: Ivanov Crime Family #2 • REVIEW LINK • Damien Ivanov & Yelena Nikitina
🖤 Betrayed Honor: Ivanov Crime Family #3 • Nadia Ivanov & Mikhail Volkov
💋 Sweet Depravity: Ruthless Obsession #2 • REVIEW LINK • Vaska Rostov & Mary Fraser
♥️ Sweet Savagery • coming soon


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𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
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Profile Image for Abstract ♥ Books.
1,281 reviews1,765 followers
March 9, 2021



ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS

line

Star Rating : 4/5 Stars

POV : Dual

Cliffhanger : None

Hero : Mikhail

Heroine : Nadia

Pace of the story : Fast

Angst Rating : 6/10

Heat Rating : 9/10

Triggers Involved : Dub Con

Plot Summary :
Mikhail has always been Nadia's body guard. He owns her brothers everything and they are like his own brothers too. He respects them and would never betray them. Which is why he can never be with the only woman who intrigues him. Nadia is his forbidden fruit. The one who is always in front of him and yet he can never have her . Until one day he realises that it is enough. He has to have her , consequences be damned.

Nadia always had a crush on mikhail. He was the one she could never have. He was all grown up and mature and she was the little girl of the family. Her crush would never be disclosed because that would put her and Mikhail both in danger. That is until she sees the same raw desire in Mikhail's eyes.

Now she has his attention. She has the one thing she thought she would never get. But things are not what she hoped them to be. Mikhail is not a prince Charming. He is the ruthless predator who will stop at nothing to bend her to his will and punish her if she strays.

Overall Opinion :
This author, hell she has me hooked so bad! This series is my new addiction. Every time I read one book by her, I need the next one! It's like a repeating pattern.

Her writing is so addictive and there is no way I can let go of this series. Mikhail and Nadia are amazing and pure fire together. Their tale hooked me in and didn't let me go until the very end! They both had a tale filled with so much heat and suspense. I loved Damien and Gregor in this book and how they always protected their baby sister.

A must read for all the dark romance lovers! If you want to read one hell of a romance with a very JP hero and DubCon situations, then don't hesitate to read this one!

My-Post-3
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Profile Image for Chalice.
3,681 reviews112 followers
October 22, 2022
The couple: Mikhail and Nadia

Romance trope: mafia
Series: Ivanov Crime Family
Length: 280 pages

Plot: Mikhail works for the Ivanov crime family (Russian mafia) and is often tasked with watching over the brothers' little sister, Nadia. She has been in love with him forever, and on the day of her 18th birthday party, there is a moment - a moment that he then uses to crush her. He might feel some sort of way about her, but he knows her brothers would never allow him to be with her. So a couple of years later, when Nadia finds herself in danger, of course it is Mikhail who comes to her rescue, and he is not giving her up again. He knows that he can protect her, even if he has to go up against her brothers to claim that right.

Commentary: I liked Nadia - she was a little less intense than the heroines from the first two books (although I did find it interesting that all three girls were into creative, artsy-type pursuits, in this case, jewelry-making). She was sweet and just trying to make the best of her life, even if nobody would admit exactly what kind of things her family was into. But Mikhail? I'm not exactly sure how I feel about him. The book said that he was about 5 years older than Nadia, so on her 18th birthday, he was about 23. As a 23-year-old, he was already some sort of bdsm master. I'm not saying it isn't possible; I am saying I find it difficult to believe, knowing some young men in that age range. Experimenting? Sure. Participating in that lifestyle regularly? Okay. But at the level of Mikhail? That's debatable. He was absolutely dirty, and normally, that's not a problem for me, but I felt like there was a mismatch here that went beyond a normal power difference. Where in the first two books, the girls could keep up with the punishments and even liked them (I guess - I don't know if I'm convinced, but they said so), Nadia didn't seem to be at all interested beyond a slight physical response at times. She even tells him/thinks multiple times that she might have made a mistake, that this isn't what she wanted and that the idea of him was better than the reality. Mikhail seems to feel a little guilty once he realizes she was a virgin but that didn't really cause him to back off any. He only backed off towards the end when she ran away and her friends explained some things to him.
So, in short, well-written as usual, but I wasn't feeling the intense connection between the two main characters.

Previous book in the series: Vicious Oath
Profile Image for TheBookPlatypus.
1,242 reviews264 followers
March 19, 2021
The Ivanovs’ head of security and Nadia the mafia princess are two people in a forbidden love story.

“It had become a habit over the years to always look for her. As the Ivanovs had a security, technically it was my job to watch over her, to protect her. My job and my own private hell“
🖤
“...yes, everyone else may see passed her, but not me“.

The unwanted orphan left in the cold cement steps of an orphanage deep in Siberia knows that someone like him could never marry into a powerful mafia family so he’s always kept his emotions and hands to himself. Except for one night on Nadia‘s 18th birthday, he catches her with another guy as innocent as it was, Mikhail's jealousy finally came to a head and he ended up getting handsy with Nadia.

“Mikhail had been my one and only crush since he first started working for my brothers two years ago.”

It was clear that they both had an interest and sparks flying from the get go. It was instant lust from both.

Unfortunately when he came to his senses he walked away. And for three years after, he barely spoke to her leaving her with that small memory on her 18th birthday.

“There hasn’t been a day I hadn’t ached for this mans touch. That I hadn’t lived for the small crumbs he tossed my way: A stolen glance here, the accidental brush of his hand there, the sound
of my name on his lips no matter how casually. “

Opening up her own jewelry store, Nadia tries to find her own identity and having her own sense of freedom, she unknowingly became the target of a targeted break-in. Mikhail was her rescuer of course and became quite the unconventional knight in shining armor. From here on out, the book is full of suspense and drama within the mafia world.

So here’s the thing. I’m a huge fan of this author. This series so far has been absolutely amazing to read. But this book just didn’t quite do it for me as the others have. I did not like Mikhails character at all. Now don’t get me wrong I love my overly possessive dominant dubcon/noncon scenarios but the way that Mikhail talked to and treated Nadia wasn’t sexy or fun to read for me.

I’m glad that Nadia somewhat stuck up for herself, I just didn’t feel for this story as much.
Mikhail had all this loyalty to the brothers and all the sudden he had no issue spouting off -
“Nadia would be my wife as soon as I could arrange it. The devil himself would not stop me, and neither would the Ivanov brothers.” -

There wasn’t much inner turmoil or conflicting emotions over what he had to do to keep the girl that he claims to want. It was just an instant turn around.

However, the ending was really cute and it really rounded off the conclusion of their relationship. And I did enjoy seeing the couples from the previous books in their current lives all together. It does leave off on a HEA.
There’s definite smut 🔥🔥🔥 (because this is a Zoe Blake book and she’s probably one of my top authors that I feel can write smut like no other. )

Overall 3.5 stars
Profile Image for Terri.
444 reviews10 followers
March 6, 2021
OMG step aside Ivanov brothers Mikhail is in the house!!

Mikhail is down and dirty!! He is going to set the pages of whatever your reading this on on fire!! There is no sweet and gentle to him. Nadia is so sweet and innocent she didn’t know what to expect. She was blindsided with Mikhail. There is some down and dirty sex so be prepared.

Nadia’s besties are still up to no good so seeing them with them. Seeing all the men deal with the women in their lives will have you laughing and yelling YOU GO GIRL!

The ending... I loved the ending Nadia came into who Mikhail nor herself never figured she is. All in all ONE CLICK THIS BOOK NOW!!!
Profile Image for Autumn Lee.
91 reviews28 followers
March 19, 2021
Bodice Ripper Perfection!

Normally when it comes to books, television, and movie series, they don't get better and better as they go along. Though, you do occasionally find the unicorn series that does. This is one of those unicorn series. I devoured this story in one day, even though it took me until 1am to do it. It was worth it!! Again this story is a story written by someone who loves romance and knows exactly what a reader wants. At least this reader anyway! Forbidden romance is one of my all time favorite tropes and this one ticked all my boxes. It's not just hot and steamy fun. It's informative, entertaining, educational, and completely over the top! Just like the rest of this series. I seriously can't say enough good things about every one of Ms. Blake's Russian Mafia books. They're sheer modern day bodice ripper perfection!!
Profile Image for Melluvsbooks.
1,570 reviews
March 25, 2021
IMO, this was the best one of the series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️



What I loved:

• sweet innocent h - more soft and submissive than her 2 friends - I loved her ❤️

• OTT aggressively j/p H - he even gets jealous of her BROTHER at one point. 😍😅

• no actual separation - they pine for each other for 3 years, but they aren't separated 👍

• she doesn't run from him and fight excessively... my biggest issue with the other books (which I also enjoyed, BTW) was that the h's fought TOO much... this was just right 👌#callmegoldilocks 😂

• dubcon/noncon - I like how Zoe does dubcon, and I noticed it particularly in this book - she lets you into the h's head to hear that she REALLY wants it, the H to go nuts and "force" her, and she's about to provoke the H ON PURPOSE.... then she does, and well... 👀 HE does... and you get the YUMMY dubcon/noncon - it straddles the line, but in a way that doesn't feel like a cop out - the H doesn't *know* she's doing it on purpose...👀 #mammalike 😋

• loads of kinky smexxy-times 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 #punishmenteffsftw 😍😋😂



What I didn't like:

• There's no real angst in this book 😕 - I think that if we'd gotten to experience some of the longing and resisting first-hand during their 3-year time period where he ignored her and refused to touch her, we would have had a bit of yummy angst. Instead, we're just told about it, and I was a bit bummed. I live for the tummy flips. 🤷‍♀️ #imadramahoooaar

• no OW drama of any kind - again, I was missing the angst. 😕 (I will say that the lack of OW drama made more logical sense in this book than the other 2. They were both into each other at the beginning and had developed feelings over time, and there wasn't a separation. His celibacy made more sense in this context, as well. 💓)





Bottom Line: For me, this was the best of the bunch. 🥰

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️



⚠️For the Safety Squad⚠️

• no cheating/sharing

• no OW drama of any kind

• dubcon/noncon



https://www.amazon.com/Betrayed-Honor...
Profile Image for Flo₂₂.
1,609 reviews130 followers
March 28, 2021
well all this series was the same.
-Little intimate moment , almost having sex, then when they saw she is a V they stop.
-Then they are apart for 3 years (in this case he stayed at distance)
-They have 1 passion in comun (first book the art,second book the fashion , third book the guns)
-They have to run away 🙄,and of course the push from the h . (this case, less than the other one's)
-The spanking and punishments, again, SAME. But this time around i didn't like their intimacy, but this is just my opinion.
Anyway at least i was able to finish it even tho like in the other one i kind of skipped when the h gets kind of annoying , and this h seems more patetic IMO.
Overall? i think i wouldn't be feeling this way if the books weren't so similar! and in all of them i had problems with how annoying the h are!!! .
I guess this author is not for me.
Profile Image for Tranese.
1,791 reviews7 followers
May 17, 2022
Please make series into a boxset!!

This was one was definitely unexpected and different from the rest that I've read. However that is all right with me, because I still love reading every word of this book!
Profile Image for Tai Nelson-Barnes.
2,833 reviews76 followers
April 24, 2021
Finally, we get the story we have been on pins and needles for. Mikhail and Nadia's love story. And I have to admit it is one of my all-time favorite books this year. Mikhail is everything you could ever want in an alpha hero. He is strong, assertive, and in love. Nadia is his forever love and he will protect her with everything he has, even if it is against her brother's wishes for them to be together.

Nadia is a wonderful character. She is a princess in the mafia but doesn't want to be treated as such. She wants to be left alone to do what she wants no matter the cost. But what she doesn't realize is that the cost could be her life.

Mikhail and Nadia are the power couple you want to read. Though this is the last book in the Ivanov Crime Family series, nothing is missed during the ride. This is a must-read!




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Profile Image for DemetraP.
5,842 reviews
March 22, 2021
I liked the earlier two books in this series better. He ignored her for 3 years because he didn't think the heroine's brothers would let them have a relationship.

Then all of a sudden he decides they need to be together at her brother's wedding.

SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
S
P
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I
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.................................The first time they have sex, he takes a 7 inch dildo and tells her to deep throat it so she can practice taking him since he's bigger. Really? Their first time together and he's using sex toys. She also lies and tells him she's not a virgin so he's rough with her. Then he gets mad she didn't tell him and she says she likes pain and didn't want him to treat her any differently.

I just was not a fan of this couple.
Profile Image for Autumn.
977 reviews45 followers
March 17, 2021
This is a hard one for me.

I can't tell if I like this one or if it's rapey. Oh, this is not starting off well is it. I'm choosing to believe Nadia and Mikhail's story is dub-con. I could be right I could be wrong but like yeah Dub Con. For the record I'm a huge dub con fan.

So Mikhail and Nadia we know from the previous books. Mikhail is in charge of security for the Ivanov Crime family. He's also in love with the Ivanov daughter Nadia. but obviously, he can't have her. She wants him just as bad but is convinced he doesn't see her until the night of her 18th birthday party when things get steamy and a little dub conny.

but then nothing happens.

well not until 3 years later and Mikhail lets himself go. He does all these things and Nadia is like bro can we slow down and he's acting all alpha caveman. There are some very questionable things that go on between them. Nothing more questionable than with the purple thing. Like that's all I'm saying about that.

The book was steamy Ill give it that. But something was off in this and I'm not sure I can exactly pinpoint it. Other than to say the actions of the characters did not match up.
Profile Image for LORRIE.
3,535 reviews63 followers
March 6, 2021
Another excellent mafia read. I l9ved it
Profile Image for Anika Kay.
69 reviews4 followers
March 22, 2021
If you're new to this series, I highly recommended reading Savage Vow and Vicious Oath before you read this one. Not only because the story is connected (you don't HAVE to for story continuity though, each of them can be read as a standalone), but because the steam level in this is OFF THE CHARTS! Y'all need to handle Gregor and Damien before you can take on Mikhail!

Omg, Zoe Blake has come out with all guns blazing, literally and metaphorically both in this story. The premise is a forbidden romance between Nadia, the "baby" of the dangerous Ivanov family, and Mikhail, an ex-Russian armyman who is Nadia's bodyguard. This story is going to leave you hot and bothered for sure, but there are a few tender moments which also make their mark. You can't help falling for Zoe's brand of super dominant, grumpy cavemen; and admiring the women who have these badboys wrapped around their fingers.

Warnings: 18+ ONLY. Mikhail is a firm believer of, ahem, discipline, and his tastes in intimacy are DISTINCTLY unique.
17 reviews
March 19, 2021
Brilliant end to the Ivanov series

As always Zoe Blake does not let us down, with yet another brilliantly written story.
The story build and characters are wonderful. Who does not love a beast of an alpha man? One who can still have a sweet side for the one he loves?
This story will keep you one your toes and leave you wanting more! We can only hope to see the Ivanov family in books to come, as they are just too good to want to let go.

Thank you Zoe Blake for yet another masterpiece.
Profile Image for Kate V.
1,840 reviews365 followers
March 22, 2021
3 stars!

This is the third book in the Ivanov Crime Family series and features Mikhail and Nadia. I have been waiting to read their story and I was so excited when it showed up on my Kindle. Mikhail is the head of security for the Ivanov family and is obsessively in love with Nadia. Nadia is the younger sister of Gregor and Damien. To Mikhail he sees Nadia as off limits despite how much he wants to call her his. However, on Nadia's eighteenth birthday the chemistry brewing between them explodes and they have a moment of unbridled passion. Mikhail quickly realizes the mistake and walks away leaving Nadia feeling rejected.

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Several years later, both Mikhail and Nadia still feel a connection with each other but nothing has come from it. During Samara's wedding to Gregor, the heat explodes again and Mikhail seemingly rejects her AGAIN. Later, Nadia is almost kidnapped/killed and Mikhail saves her and vows that she is his now. For real this time? Will Mikhail finally make Nadia his? What will her brothers think? Will the ones that tried to go after Nadia be punished? What will Nadia think about all this interference and manipulation of her life?

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So this was my least favorite of the series for a few reasons.

1. Nadia is SO self-deprecating. I was tired of reading about how she wasn't this or wasn't that. Girl, come on...you are beautiful. I just imagined her face looking like this all the time. It got old quick.

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2. Mikhail was ALL over the place. For someone that was supposed to be an alpha male and sure of himself, he gave me whiplash. I could not really figure out who he was as a character.

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3. Lube. Mikhail...ever heard of it?

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Overall, it was not a bad read and I loved the over-the-top possessive nature of Mikhail and besides the lube issue, the steamy bits were kinky and fun. The cover of this isn't very appealing either. Anyway, a fun read but it just wasn't my favorite.
Profile Image for Fiatgal.
1,005 reviews
November 23, 2024
I usually love Zoe Blake’s books, fun, entertaining, but the only thing I can say about this one is: What, no lube?! Damn, not good.
Profile Image for Tabatha Reed.
1,687 reviews198 followers
September 20, 2021
This is definitely my least favorite of this series. I put off reading it because I just knew it wasn’t going to be as good. It’s not terrible, there were parts I liked more than the previous two books but mostly this one is my least favorite for all the reasons I thought it would be.

I don’t like friends to lovers or brothers best friend books because they always have the H standing on the sidelines not claiming the h for whatever bullshit reasons. I like jealous/possessive alpha males who claim their women unapologetically. He’s a bodyguard for there family, they employ him cue the reasons he can’t have her. Boo fucking hoo, beta boy. After all this angsty bullshit he comes out all macho swinging and in the very end - the long awaited HEA, he’s back to being pathetic. No thanks, I’ll pass.

Story 2/5, Heat 3.5/5, Darkness 1/5, Angst 4/5 🤮

Medium burn (45%), sex is pretty spicy considering the situation, it’s about all this book had going for it.

Virgin h, no condoms, anal play, sex toys, spanking, humiliation, degradation, push away from him because he’s a pathetic beta, then from her, 2ish week separation but he’s stalking her like a pathetic beta, no OW drama, slight OM drama. No cheating, no cliffhanger and HEA.
Profile Image for Reading with Robin.
288 reviews79 followers
May 26, 2021
ARC RECEIVED

I think the author was trying to make the heroine a little badass by upping her gun knowledge, but it just came across as a cringe-fest, sureeeeeee, this sheltered heroine who has live behind a bulletproof wall all her life seems to have GOOD advice on what gun the Hero should use.
Very unbelievable

I got bored halfway through, there were some parts where I did enjoy, I'm not going to lie, but the author could have tone down the caveman act.
Honestly, every male character from this series seems to be a copy-paste from each other.
This mafia plot seems very 1-dimension too.
Profile Image for Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth).
2,252 reviews1,525 followers
March 11, 2021
Nadia Ivanov is the cherished baby sister of the Ivanov crime family. Nadia has been in love with Mikhail for forever. He’s her protector. An enigma. The trusted right hand man to her brothers. He seems completely immune to her… except for the night of her 18th birthday. One forbidden interaction reveals the cracks in his resolve. And then nothing. For three years. Nadia feels completely alone. Her friends have been on the run and Mikhail won’t even look at her. She feels invisible. She has no life past her family and the work that she does at her jewelry shop.

Whether Nadia realized it or not, Mikhail wants his kroshka badly, but he knows it’s just not meant to be. She’s too good for him. He has nothing to offer. It’s not about money. It’s about family and history - none of which he has being an unwanted bastard orphan from Siberia. He has to keep it together or her brother’s will kill him. But when the family business spills over onto Nadia, it’s more than Mikhail resolve can withstand. He decides he’s done denying his feelings; no one will take her from him, regardless of any fallout with her brothers.

Betrayed Honor is the third installment in the Ivanov Crime Family series. It really can’t be read as a standalone and should be read after Savage Vow and Vicious Oath. If high handed, anti-hero stories with dubcon and kink isn’t your jam, you probably won’t like this book. It is a dark, more gritty romance with a hero that’s super jealous/possessive, who knows “what’s best” for his heroine, and likes his smexy times hard and gritty. Zoe Blake fans will NOT be disappointed!

Holy hotness! Betrayed Honor comes out swinging and just keeps going hard till the end. The chemistry between Nadia and Mikhail simmered so long that when they finally come together it's explosive! After waiting so long to be with Mikhail, there was no virginal wading in the sexual pool for Nadia - she just jumped right in the deep end! Nadia was a sweet heroine. She had more of a quiet resolve than her friends and had been very insulated from the violence that surrounds their family. Nadia starts to come into her own when she gets more than a little tired of Mikhail’s emotional ping ponging and starts provoking him to get a response . Mikhail was a very conflicted hero - torn between Nadia and the loyalty he feels for her brothers. Vicious Oath is probably still my favorite, but Betrayed Honor was wonderful and a great wrap up to the series!
Profile Image for Lynn Reynolds.
1,698 reviews39 followers
March 20, 2021
Rating: 4.5 Stars

Nadia wants to be seen as an adult. Mikhail knows what he wants and knows how to show it. This has to be the hottest of the three books. We get to get reacquainted with characters from the previous two while trying to figure out if Nadia and Mikhail will have any type of relationship.

Mikhail is an alpha male that knows best when it comes to Nadia. She may be younger but she has a bright mind. But that doesn’t help her when it comes to Mikhail. The author quietly includes us into her story. It will be difficult to look away and that includes the intimate moments between our main characters. Some of you may even blush.

Our author gives us a great mix of action, a he-man that wants to lord over a not so naive young woman, and heat that doesn’t seem to want to be contained. This is a series that just gets better with each book that comes out. I loved the ending because it was perfect for our couple but I was confused. I don’t want this series to be over. The author left me wanting another Ivanov book. One can always hope.

I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
165 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Nadia wasn’t a very big character in the other two books and it was nice to see her get her own book following the same time line. This one followed the same time line but didn’t have any scenes that were repeated like the other books. Nadia was a very naive women in a mafia family which I found a little hard to believe and a little bit annoying at times but throughout the book I came to find that she was just naive in general. However with Mikhails help she was able to grow into her own and become a character I was routing for. Their love story was unique and it moved very quickly. Their relationship followed the same dynamic of the relationships from the first two books expect that Nadia and Mikhail were more familiar with each other when the book starts. I also liked how the characters from the previous books also played a part in this one. Definitely make sure you read the first two books first to avoid any confusion and to understand the inside the jokes.
Profile Image for Kylie Taylor.
710 reviews22 followers
April 3, 2021
Was sooo looking forward to Nadia and Mikhail’s story , and it did NOT disappoint! Mikhail has hid his attraction and love for her for years , and on NadiAs 18th birthday they kiss ! Only for Mikhail to demands it never happens again And he is only her body guard .
But three years of silent forbidden glances at once another is more than enough to make one break.
So glad they got their story, and with a good suspense feel .
Love love loved this conclusion to this series !
🌟🌟🌟🌟

Her innocence was going to get her killed.
That was if I didn't get to her first.
She's the protected little sister of the powerful Ivanov Russian mafia family - the very definition of forbidden.
It’s always been my job, as their Head of Security, to watch over her but never to touch.
That ends today.
She disobeyed me and put herself in danger.
It was time to take her in hand.
I’m the only one who can save her and I will fight anyone who tries to stop me, including her brothers.
Honor and loyalty be damned.
She’s mine now.
Profile Image for Vee.
715 reviews204 followers
December 24, 2024
3,5 stars

Tropes : mafia romance, forced proximity, brother’s employee, bodyguard H x mafia princess, J/P H, touch her and 💀
Ending : hfn
Triggers : violence
Spice : 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️ /5
Angst : 🔥 🔥 🔥 /5
OM/OW drama : slight OM (H was the jealous type)
Celibate while separated : yes
Intimacy details : virgin h, oral, no condom, rough sex, hair pulling, anal, sex toy, spanking, sight choking
Standalone / Series : part of an interconnected series

Hero : Mikhail Volkov (23/26)
Heroine : Nadia Ivanov (18/21)

This was quite a short read for me. Pretty enjoyable but nothing new or surprising here. Mikhail was an alpha and a jerk, Nadia got body betraying syndrome.

I don’t really care about the guns talk, kinda felt like a gun wikipedia was copied and pasted into the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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