Oh Vaslav, Vaslav, Vaslav. I know this is supposed to be a darker romance but oh god did that man make me laugh out loud, numerous times throughout this book.
"Oh, don't worry. I'm working on that." "What?" "What?" Vaslav returned.
I have so many quotes highlighted from him which I thought were so funny within their context, especially coming from this man who is just so matter-of-fact. The fact that he isn't even putting a dry, humorous spin on it, was what made it even funnier for me. He just straight up calls it as he sees it.
'He was the annoying fly on the wall that couldn't even carry information from one room to another because it was too stupid to find its way out of the one it was already in.
We knew Vas could be brutal and cold, we saw it in book one and he's not just labelled as the 'Beast of Moscow' for nothing.
'Grudges were Vaslav's best friend. He held them mighty close.'
And although we learnt information about his past, I felt like this book opened him up to us more, showing us a slightly softer side to him. The scene with Vera when they're repotting the plants was one example of that and I can see why Vera is continuously intrigued by him, even when she knows she shouldn't be. Underneath all that aggressiveness is a man who just wants someone to share his life with, even if it can't be all of it.
"There is no motive, Vera. I have none. I just don't want to die alone."
I think Vera is only now truly coming to the realisation that she's a loner in this book, as she officially says she's leaving The Swan House. I'm not quite sure why she hasn't considered moving back to America, given there isn't much left for her in Russia, but I think part of that definitely has to do with her ties to her family. I imagine we're going to see more of her and her father's relationship in book 3, given where this storyline was going, so it will be interesting to see just how that has affected her decisions. But, oh my heart, when she finds out about her neighbour. I didn't think that scene was going to play out quite like it did so it was definitely a shock and made me cry some real tears!
Again this was a very slow burn story, but we knew it was going to be. The interactions between Vera and Vaslav were still tension filled though and I do also like that fact we're getting more of the background story.
"Be my good girl, then, and give it to me, kisska."
Vaslav and his demands about Vera marrying him made me laugh so much, the guy literally has no chill.
"We're not even lovers, we're barely friends," she whispered. "You can't make me be your wife."
"Would you like it if I took that as a challenge? Be careful, I might have already."
Not sure how I feel about the ending to this book though! I haven't even read Demyan's books yet, but I already know I love him after reading 'The Darkest Lies' trilogy and from what I've read so far in this. And knowing he and Vas are not going to be having a chummy relationship is making me nervous as to whose side I should choose lol! I have a feeling Claire is definitely going to worm her way into Vas' heart though, if she hasn't already. It's definitely going to be very interesting to see how book 3 starts out after the cliff-hanger we were left on in this, that's for sure.
Also looking for more of the Vas-Igor bromance. Those two make me laugh with their constant bickering, usually due to Vas going off and doing whatever the hell he wants -and I can't wait to see more of it!
"I didn't say anything otherwise."
"Your face does it for you."
"Well, I'm working on that."
Vaslav scowled, muttering, "Work harder."
Likewise, Kiril was adorable and so cheeky, it was cute to see the way Igor took him under his wing! I hope we get to see Vera take him in as a little brother type figure too, as much as she claimed she already had Roman.
"Got any gum?" Kiril asked.
She passed her companion a glance. "Maybe."
He arched a brow. "Give me some, and I won't talk the whole time."
I can definitely see the little brat causing some mischief and getting himself into some tight situations, but I only hope it doesn't end him up in too much trouble because I already love his character!
Overall another BK 5* read from me. BK always does such a good job at world building and drawing emphasis to certain parts within the story, as well as building the tension. And I'm looking forward to seeing how the rest of this story develops.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
*TW: This book is Russian Mafia related and contains some darker themes. Please heed any trigger warnings the author may have noted for it.
*The Lies Between Lovers is book 2 in The Beast of Moscow Saga. It is not a standalone and the books must be read in order. This book ends on a cliff-hanger.