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Ripped Bratva #2
Ripped Lace
I fled from the don and retreated into my past.
But I should’ve known Phoenix would never truly let me go.
On the day of my wedding—the day everything was supposed to be made right again—he shows up with revenge in his heart.
And makes me his again, right on the altar.
But what I don’t tell him is this:
I’ve started to recall things. Things I was better off forgetting.
And by the time I’m done remembering…
Everything he loves might be destroyed.
RIPPED LACE is a secret baby, arranged marriage romantic suspense novel. It is Book Two of the Ripped Duet. Phoenix and Elyssa’s story begins in Book One, RIPPED VEIL (so make sure you’ve read that before starting this one)!
But I should’ve known Phoenix would never truly let me go.
On the day of my wedding—the day everything was supposed to be made right again—he shows up with revenge in his heart.
And makes me his again, right on the altar.
But what I don’t tell him is this:
I’ve started to recall things. Things I was better off forgetting.
And by the time I’m done remembering…
Everything he loves might be destroyed.
RIPPED LACE is a secret baby, arranged marriage romantic suspense novel. It is Book Two of the Ripped Duet. Phoenix and Elyssa’s story begins in Book One, RIPPED VEIL (so make sure you’ve read that before starting this one)!
440 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2021
614 people are currently reading
1337 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Fox
195 books4,826 followersNicole Fox writes smart, sexy mafia romance novels. She is a crazy cat lady in her late 30s with a coffee addiction, an overactive imagination, and a husband who somehow puts up with her impulsive need to keep buying new plants for their house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
February 25, 2022
It is so bad I wanna give you a zero, but that’s not possible so I give you a 1
November 22, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
2nd book in the series, lots of triggers be warned.
Steamy, angst filled, dark and violent.
Brilliant characters that are very addictive to read about, if you love your men dark moody and passionate, you’ll adore Phoenix
💋💋💋
2nd book in the series, lots of triggers be warned.
Steamy, angst filled, dark and violent.
Brilliant characters that are very addictive to read about, if you love your men dark moody and passionate, you’ll adore Phoenix
December 26, 2021
I really liked the first book of this series. However,in this second book the heroine really got on my nerves with her foolishness and idiocy:”)
Sometimes, I literally felt like strangling her to death but well 🤷🏽♀️
Hence, I would like to give this book 4 ⭐️
Sometimes, I literally felt like strangling her to death but well 🤷🏽♀️
Hence, I would like to give this book 4 ⭐️
November 18, 2021
See review for book 1 - it stand for this as well
February 28, 2022
It was very rushed, parts of it did not make sense and no character development for me
November 1, 2021
Wow, what a ride.
This is book two in the Ripped duet, be sure to read book one Ripped Veil before reading this book. I love Phoenix and Elyssa, plus this story is so intriguing. Definitely a great read!!
This is book two in the Ripped duet, be sure to read book one Ripped Veil before reading this book. I love Phoenix and Elyssa, plus this story is so intriguing. Definitely a great read!!
October 23, 2021
This is the continuation of Phoenix and Elyssa’s story. Phoenix and Elyssa turn into very different people throughout this ordeal. Elyssa starts out as a meek, dependent, naïve young girl and turns into a strong, feisty, take-charge woman. Phoenix is a dark, dangerous, “unfeeling” type of guy who starts to learn that asking for help is not a weakness and that things are not always as they seem.
My emotions were all over the place with this story. It was intense and dark. There were times I wanted to strangle Phoenix because he couldn’t get over things Elyssa had done in her past – she was a part of a cult and knew no better. Tragedy, deception, suspense, violence, passion, family and loyalty are thick in this story. Once again, Nicole Fox did a great job of making you feel like you were a part of the story. I look forward to reading more from her. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My emotions were all over the place with this story. It was intense and dark. There were times I wanted to strangle Phoenix because he couldn’t get over things Elyssa had done in her past – she was a part of a cult and knew no better. Tragedy, deception, suspense, violence, passion, family and loyalty are thick in this story. Once again, Nicole Fox did a great job of making you feel like you were a part of the story. I look forward to reading more from her. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2021
This book picks up where book one left off. Phoenix has finally discovered who the spy in his household is but he still thinks Elyssa is still involved with the Astra Tyrannos and she has been thrown out of Phoenix's mansion as well as his life. Once she leaves, Elyssa discovers that she has left behind the duffel bag with all the money and her important documents. Her car breaks down so she is now on foot and she ends up back at the Sanctuary and back in Father Josiah's clutches. Soon she is being dressed in a wedding gown and she is walked down the aisle by her father who places her hands into the evil grip of Father Josiah to be his bride again. While up on the altar saying their vows to one another there is an explosion in the front of the church and through the wreckage walks Phoenix with his gang of Bratva soldiers. They surround all the parishioners and Phoenix joins the almost wed couple on the altar. He halts the wedding, stabs Josiah in the gut, and takes the groom's place. He forces the officiant to marry him and Elyssa. He still doesn't trust her but as the saying goes, "keep your friends close and your enemies closer." He hasn't given up on his quest to destroy the Astra Tyrannos and he intends to do just that. I'm going to leave you here and you'll have to read the book to discover what happens next to these two broken people. Let's just say that what happens next is edge of the seat, heartbreaking and thrilling events that keep you gripped until the very end. It is so worth the price of admission for such a poignant tale of two shattered individuals who together can heal each other and make sense of such a brutal world that they live in. I can absolutely highly recommend this duet of books because they are a deep look into the darkest recesses of humanity with small glimpses of light and hope that burns bright in each and every one of us. Kudos to the author for taking us on such an exciting dark journey only to bring us to the light at the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 26, 2021
Ripped Lace by Nicole Fox is book Two in the Ripped Bratva Duet. This continues the story of Phoenix and Elyssa so you should read the previous book Ripped Veil before starting this one. This picks up with Phoenix total focus on bring down Astra Tyrannos. Things start going south when the spy who has been at his house is revealed. This take another turn and Phoenix kicks out Elyssa who has to return to The Sanctuary where she is once again set up to marry Father Josiah. More action packed in this book.
August 21, 2022
Dos almas rotas..
esto es todo lo que puedo decir sobre Elyssa y Phoenix.
Es tan jodidamente genial ver el crecimiento de Elyssa en este libro, tenía super claro sus sentimientos hacia Phoenix, aunque él, en ciertos momentos fue un desalmado con ella, pero convengamos que era todo producto de todos los años de dolor que iba arrastrando.
En ciertos momentos ella dudó que él haya perdido totalmente su humanidad pero eso cambió, ella hizo que él se reecontrara y creyera nuevamente en una familia e incluso MAS
En fin, este libro tiene ciertas conversaciones que me encantaron, esos arranques de furia donde ya sea Phoenix-Elyssa o Phoenix-Matvei se decían de todo a corazón abierto
Es tan jodidamente genial ver el crecimiento de Elyssa en este libro, tenía super claro sus sentimientos hacia Phoenix, aunque él, en ciertos momentos fue un desalmado con ella, pero convengamos que era todo producto de todos los años de dolor que iba arrastrando.
En ciertos momentos ella dudó que él haya perdido totalmente su humanidad pero eso cambió, ella hizo que él se reecontrara y creyera nuevamente en una familia e incluso MAS
En fin, este libro tiene ciertas conversaciones que me encantaron, esos arranques de furia donde ya sea Phoenix-Elyssa o Phoenix-Matvei se decían de todo a corazón abierto
May 29, 2025
These are pretty palate cleansing for me, but this was literally the worst one I’ve read.
July 23, 2025
No Vlad :(
April 1, 2022
4 stars
This was as intense, if not more so, than the first one. At times it was outlandish but, more often than naught, I disregarded it because I wanted answers. I sure got them. And, I'm not sure how I feel about them.
I will give this author credit though, even as I was on the fence with the book, she still snared me into clicking the pages. So, I guess she did her job as a writer.
This was as intense, if not more so, than the first one. At times it was outlandish but, more often than naught, I disregarded it because I wanted answers. I sure got them. And, I'm not sure how I feel about them.
I will give this author credit though, even as I was on the fence with the book, she still snared me into clicking the pages. So, I guess she did her job as a writer.
October 18, 2021
perfect ending for a really complicated fantastic couple. I especially admired the evolving character of Elyssa and the sweet moments with her son. Thinking of Phoenix I can say that I have very controversial feelings. at times I wanted to throttle him with common sense and at other times fill him with kisses ... or other things ... hahaha. we can say that the hot moments were not lacking indeed. It was a beautiful story and I absolutely recommend it if you want to know the ending of the two lovebirds and for those who have not read the first book to run to do it. nothing is missing: from love to betrayals to courage and sudden escapes from moments of suspense to so hot and sexy. It was truly a deserved ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 21, 2021
Nicole Fox is a pleasure to read. There’s something about the way she writes her characters which gives them lives of their own. You connect on a deep level and keep coming back to see what happens. Truly a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2021
I think it was a perfect way to conclude both stories. It was very intriguing and I had trouble putting the book down even when I was sleepy. I would love to see what more could become of Matevi and Yuri. Great book overall
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2021
Truly, I though the first book in this duet was crazy intense but then this one shows up and makes it look tame! Seriously, I was on the edge the whole time, reading furiously to see how this all turned out.
Elyssa has her soft moments here but mostly she’s fueled by fire in this one. Phoenix is just as moody, broody and somehow even less likable in this one. Like any good romance hero he eventually gets there but he takes his sweet time doing it. In the meantime he makes for a good hate read so enjoy the ride while he gets his act together.
This one definitely has a darker vibe to it and more triggering content so definitely proceed with caution if you are sensitive.
Story 4/5, Heat 3/5, Spice 2/5, Darkness 2.5/5
Medium burn, there’s a bit of activity before this but they do the deed around 40%. More sexy scenes and more bite to them. The overall focus is still highly plot driven though.
No condoms, no virgins, no manwhore, forced marriage, captive, forced exhibitionism, orgasm denial, push away from H (still!), month long separation at the very beginning of book. No OW drama, OM drama (cult stuff), no sharing, no cheating, no cliffhanger and HEA.
Safety - there’s no cheating or anything here but it’s definitely not a safe book book. Human trafficking and all the stuff that entails, violence and torture, etc.
There is OM drama as cult leader still wants to marry the h but ultimately nothing happens there thankfully.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Elyssa has her soft moments here but mostly she’s fueled by fire in this one. Phoenix is just as moody, broody and somehow even less likable in this one. Like any good romance hero he eventually gets there but he takes his sweet time doing it. In the meantime he makes for a good hate read so enjoy the ride while he gets his act together.
This one definitely has a darker vibe to it and more triggering content so definitely proceed with caution if you are sensitive.
Story 4/5, Heat 3/5, Spice 2/5, Darkness 2.5/5
Medium burn, there’s a bit of activity before this but they do the deed around 40%. More sexy scenes and more bite to them. The overall focus is still highly plot driven though.
No condoms, no virgins, no manwhore, forced marriage, captive, forced exhibitionism, orgasm denial, push away from H (still!), month long separation at the very beginning of book. No OW drama, OM drama (cult stuff), no sharing, no cheating, no cliffhanger and HEA.
Safety - there’s no cheating or anything here but it’s definitely not a safe book book. Human trafficking and all the stuff that entails, violence and torture, etc.
There is OM drama as cult leader still wants to marry the h but ultimately nothing happens there thankfully.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2022
3.5 stars, rounding down
*spoilers ahead*
Honestly, a little disappointed with this one. Don’t get me wrong—it’s good. Same sort of vibe as the first book, and just as interesting. But there was one flaw I couldn’t get over.
Phoenix.
Phoenix was the male lead, but he treated Elyssa terribly, both in the first book and, in my opinion, in this book. He yells at her, basically emotionally and verbally (and I think I would even say physically) abuses her, and really just treats her terribly. I was waiting for him to fix things, but for the first half of the book he just seemed to go on to do this repeatedly, and I was thinking “…..he’s not going to be redeemed is he.”
Then his best friend/underboss says he’s leaving partly because of the way Phoenix treats Elyssa, and Phoenix suddenly has some sort of epiphany and decides he’s going to let her in. And Elyssa laps it up, going as far as to believe that he’s too good for HER.
?????????
SHE WAS BRAINWASHED AND RAPED AT A YOUNG AGE. WHY DOES HE BLAME HER FOR HER ACTIONS WHEN SHE GREW UP IN A FUCKING CULT????????
Then Phoenix goes on to emotionally abuse her some more, before deciding in the last 50 pages of the novel “lol guess what I love her” and basically deciding that’s the way things are going to be.
And.
She.
Takes.
It.
Oh god, the TOXICITY.
So while the book was intriguing, hot, dark, and wonderful in all other aspects, Phoenix and Elyssa were simply not meant to be, in my opinion, and that’s what basically kicked the book down to 3.5 stars.
*spoilers ahead*
Honestly, a little disappointed with this one. Don’t get me wrong—it’s good. Same sort of vibe as the first book, and just as interesting. But there was one flaw I couldn’t get over.
Phoenix.
Phoenix was the male lead, but he treated Elyssa terribly, both in the first book and, in my opinion, in this book. He yells at her, basically emotionally and verbally (and I think I would even say physically) abuses her, and really just treats her terribly. I was waiting for him to fix things, but for the first half of the book he just seemed to go on to do this repeatedly, and I was thinking “…..he’s not going to be redeemed is he.”
Then his best friend/underboss says he’s leaving partly because of the way Phoenix treats Elyssa, and Phoenix suddenly has some sort of epiphany and decides he’s going to let her in. And Elyssa laps it up, going as far as to believe that he’s too good for HER.
?????????
SHE WAS BRAINWASHED AND RAPED AT A YOUNG AGE. WHY DOES HE BLAME HER FOR HER ACTIONS WHEN SHE GREW UP IN A FUCKING CULT????????
Then Phoenix goes on to emotionally abuse her some more, before deciding in the last 50 pages of the novel “lol guess what I love her” and basically deciding that’s the way things are going to be.
And.
She.
Takes.
It.
Oh god, the TOXICITY.
So while the book was intriguing, hot, dark, and wonderful in all other aspects, Phoenix and Elyssa were simply not meant to be, in my opinion, and that’s what basically kicked the book down to 3.5 stars.
April 14, 2022
Tbh the first book wasn’t great. I only read the second because I wanted to figure out who her baby daddy was, which ofcourse, they didn’t reveal til the last 10% of the book.
I pushed through the misery of it to get there though. It honestly was like forcing myself to keep watching episodes of a bad tv series. I was being mentally tortured. Page after page I hoped it was almost over, but it kept dragging on. I just wanted it to end but I couldn’t stop reading it because I needed to know who the freaking baby daddy was.
Anyway, the author was clearly just making stuff up as she went, didn’t seem like she put much effort into a storyline. Idk how else to explain it aside from her main focus in this book seemed to be “what more can I do to make the bad parts bad”
I pushed through the misery of it to get there though. It honestly was like forcing myself to keep watching episodes of a bad tv series. I was being mentally tortured. Page after page I hoped it was almost over, but it kept dragging on. I just wanted it to end but I couldn’t stop reading it because I needed to know who the freaking baby daddy was.
Anyway, the author was clearly just making stuff up as she went, didn’t seem like she put much effort into a storyline. Idk how else to explain it aside from her main focus in this book seemed to be “what more can I do to make the bad parts bad”
January 8, 2022
It's worst book I've ever read!!!
Spoilers.....
It seriously nobody is going to mention the fact that the h and the H are having a lot of sex while their baby was abducted by a SEX TRAFFICKING RING.?!!!!? The h was just weak, without anything to offer besides her beauty *eyeroll*
Spoilers.....
It seriously nobody is going to mention the fact that the h and the H are having a lot of sex while their baby was abducted by a SEX TRAFFICKING RING.?!!!!? The h was just weak, without anything to offer besides her beauty *eyeroll*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2021
Ripped Lace is book two in the Ripped Bratva duet by Nicole Fox - the story of Elyssa and Phoenix... After death and betrayal, Elyssa has returned to face her fate at The Sanctuary. She’s desperate to give her son a stable home even if it means marrying a man she despises. Phoenix still determined to take down Astra Tyrannis, makes his way to The Sanctuary to take Elyssa back as well as all the other members.
I will grant you this second half is filled with action and excitement .....surprises as well, After Phoenix discovered Charity shot dead in his office he realized that she was not the spy. Elyssa comes in and see's her best friend dead on the floor of Phoenix’s office she automatically thinks Phoenix killed her. Elyssa runs upstairs to her room and notices Charity had packed a bag with the money, clothes for all of them. Elyssa grabs it and runs from the house, when she stopped to feed Theo she found the note and gun that Charity had left. The note pointed the finger at Anna the housekeeper, Phoenix is trying to figure out who killed Charity when he is shot in the arm by Anna. Phoenix had rescued Anna or so he thought from a sex trafficker, now he realizes that Anna was the spy in his house all along and she works for Astra Tyrannis. Elyssa goes back to the house and walks in on Anna getting ready to kill Phoenix, she shoots her. Phoenix is still struggling with the deaths of his wife and son and he ends up telling Elyssa to leave. Elyssa leaves but she left the money at the house so she has nowhere to go. Elyssa goes to Wild Night Blossom and back to the Sanctuary where she grew up. Elyssa is getting ready to marry Father Josiah .... so it's like a repeat ......the man she thought she killed when a blast at the door of the chapel stuns everyone. Phoenix has come to take Elyssa back. Phoenix takes Elyssa as his wife and then has sex on the altar. A TOTAL sham of what a wedding should be .....Phoenix decides to take everybody from the Sanctuary to Mexico so he can interrogate them. Phoenix is struggling with his feelings for Elyssa and his guilt about his former wife and son..Aurora and Yuri....which he has done the entire time from book 1.... LO and Behold .... The compound is attacked and baby Theo is stolen. ... The probs i had with this book is Elyssa seems to have reverted to a psycho always hearing Charity's voice so much that she has conversations with the voice.... for this reader it got aggravating .. anyway this story still has spelling and grammar mishaps bit not as bad as book 1 ....
the other thing that got to this reader is Phoenix denies his leadership skills his right hand man always throws up at him Phoenix is rash , hot headed and creates hardship on himself as well as his men... and yet during all this fighting sometime somewhere Elyssa gains a back bone....
Phoenix comes to the realization that he loves Elyssa..... Elyssa remembers stuff from her teen years... Phoenix accepts Theo is his son.....Elyssa and Phoenix find not only Theo but his first son Yuri.....yet.. supposedly all is forgiven, forgotten and they move on .... and Matvie the right hand man now decides he needs alone time ....
For this reader ... even tho the books were ok is not a typical Mafia book the leader is rash the right hand man is to calm.. to be a leader of men and the one you would think should be is killed ... parents and inlaws come together to share love and happiness .... ..I enjoyed reading but ... at same time disappointed
I will grant you this second half is filled with action and excitement .....surprises as well, After Phoenix discovered Charity shot dead in his office he realized that she was not the spy. Elyssa comes in and see's her best friend dead on the floor of Phoenix’s office she automatically thinks Phoenix killed her. Elyssa runs upstairs to her room and notices Charity had packed a bag with the money, clothes for all of them. Elyssa grabs it and runs from the house, when she stopped to feed Theo she found the note and gun that Charity had left. The note pointed the finger at Anna the housekeeper, Phoenix is trying to figure out who killed Charity when he is shot in the arm by Anna. Phoenix had rescued Anna or so he thought from a sex trafficker, now he realizes that Anna was the spy in his house all along and she works for Astra Tyrannis. Elyssa goes back to the house and walks in on Anna getting ready to kill Phoenix, she shoots her. Phoenix is still struggling with the deaths of his wife and son and he ends up telling Elyssa to leave. Elyssa leaves but she left the money at the house so she has nowhere to go. Elyssa goes to Wild Night Blossom and back to the Sanctuary where she grew up. Elyssa is getting ready to marry Father Josiah .... so it's like a repeat ......the man she thought she killed when a blast at the door of the chapel stuns everyone. Phoenix has come to take Elyssa back. Phoenix takes Elyssa as his wife and then has sex on the altar. A TOTAL sham of what a wedding should be .....Phoenix decides to take everybody from the Sanctuary to Mexico so he can interrogate them. Phoenix is struggling with his feelings for Elyssa and his guilt about his former wife and son..Aurora and Yuri....which he has done the entire time from book 1.... LO and Behold .... The compound is attacked and baby Theo is stolen. ... The probs i had with this book is Elyssa seems to have reverted to a psycho always hearing Charity's voice so much that she has conversations with the voice.... for this reader it got aggravating .. anyway this story still has spelling and grammar mishaps bit not as bad as book 1 ....
the other thing that got to this reader is Phoenix denies his leadership skills his right hand man always throws up at him Phoenix is rash , hot headed and creates hardship on himself as well as his men... and yet during all this fighting sometime somewhere Elyssa gains a back bone....
Phoenix comes to the realization that he loves Elyssa..... Elyssa remembers stuff from her teen years... Phoenix accepts Theo is his son.....Elyssa and Phoenix find not only Theo but his first son Yuri.....yet.. supposedly all is forgiven, forgotten and they move on .... and Matvie the right hand man now decides he needs alone time ....
For this reader ... even tho the books were ok is not a typical Mafia book the leader is rash the right hand man is to calm.. to be a leader of men and the one you would think should be is killed ... parents and inlaws come together to share love and happiness .... ..I enjoyed reading but ... at same time disappointed
November 9, 2021
This was a great end to this series. Book 2 brought Elyssa and Phoenix's' story full circle. The sex/slave trade of innocent women and children is a growing problem in the world and needs people who are willing to go the extra mile to put an end to it; once and for all. This book may be fiction but the problem is real.
Alyssa grows so much in book two becoming a take charge woman who is no longer afraid to face her demons or protect those that she loves. It's a come to Jesus moment in book two as memories and facts are uncovered throughout this book, changing Elyssa into the woman she was always meant to be. She develops into a well honed woman who no longer seeks others to help her in becoming the woman she was always meant to be. It's a wonderful transformation for her character and well deserved. I loved how they kept Charity's character alive in book 2, that was a great addition to the story.
Phoenix's character finally starts to understand that he isn't a one man show and needs the help of his men, Alyssa and his alliances. He's a Don of the Bratva, not God and learns to understand that asking for help doesn't show weakness, but shows intelligence. He is exhausting at times with his on again off again rant with Elyssa's history but finally lays blame on someone besides her. She was a child raised in a cult that knew no better than to do what was told of her....end of story.
This book has a secondary characters that I hope will get his story too. His presence in this book was pivotal throughout the series.
Book two is full of suspense, brutality, cruelty "that is off the charts" but is a well developed story of two people who burn it all down only to arise from the ashes to continue their quest. It's got all the sexual attraction a reader could ask for and is a well told story that will resonate with readers long after they finish this book.
Alyssa grows so much in book two becoming a take charge woman who is no longer afraid to face her demons or protect those that she loves. It's a come to Jesus moment in book two as memories and facts are uncovered throughout this book, changing Elyssa into the woman she was always meant to be. She develops into a well honed woman who no longer seeks others to help her in becoming the woman she was always meant to be. It's a wonderful transformation for her character and well deserved. I loved how they kept Charity's character alive in book 2, that was a great addition to the story.
Phoenix's character finally starts to understand that he isn't a one man show and needs the help of his men, Alyssa and his alliances. He's a Don of the Bratva, not God and learns to understand that asking for help doesn't show weakness, but shows intelligence. He is exhausting at times with his on again off again rant with Elyssa's history but finally lays blame on someone besides her. She was a child raised in a cult that knew no better than to do what was told of her....end of story.
This book has a secondary characters that I hope will get his story too. His presence in this book was pivotal throughout the series.
Book two is full of suspense, brutality, cruelty "that is off the charts" but is a well developed story of two people who burn it all down only to arise from the ashes to continue their quest. It's got all the sexual attraction a reader could ask for and is a well told story that will resonate with readers long after they finish this book.
March 2, 2024
MMC/FMC- Phoenix and Elyssa
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- Mafia Romance (Bratva)
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋 Like unto bunnies
Series? Y (duet)
Safety? N (discussion of S.A./R.)
Triggers- discussion of S.A., discussion of human trafficking, child endangerment, kidnapping, violence, explicit erotic content, language.
Tropes- Forced Marriage, Vengeance Is Mine, Dysfunctional Family FTW, He Ain’t Heavy- He’s My Bratva
What I thought- Elyssa in this one is more developed. She’s realized that she has spent most of her life listening to what other people tell her to do, and she is trying to change that. She succeeds, somewhat; she listens to and obeys her inner voice, but she equates that voice with her dead friend rather than feeling that it is her own. She’s also wrestling with the idea of brainwashing vs personal responsibility .
Phoenix has let his thirst for vengeance overtake his entire life and his Bratva. He has lost the people who were his heart. But just because someone has experienced awful things doesn’t mean they’re not an asshole, and he’s being an asshole.
Lots of action in this book. Lots of zexytime. It’s definitely a page turner, and, though there were parts that I wasn’t crazy about, the story had me hooked. Four stars.
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- Mafia Romance (Bratva)
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋 Like unto bunnies
Series? Y (duet)
Safety? N (discussion of S.A./R.)
Triggers- discussion of S.A., discussion of human trafficking, child endangerment, kidnapping, violence, explicit erotic content, language.
Tropes- Forced Marriage, Vengeance Is Mine, Dysfunctional Family FTW, He Ain’t Heavy- He’s My Bratva
What I thought- Elyssa in this one is more developed. She’s realized that she has spent most of her life listening to what other people tell her to do, and she is trying to change that. She succeeds, somewhat; she listens to and obeys her inner voice, but she equates that voice with her dead friend rather than feeling that it is her own. She’s also wrestling with the idea of brainwashing vs personal responsibility .
Phoenix has let his thirst for vengeance overtake his entire life and his Bratva. He has lost the people who were his heart. But just because someone has experienced awful things doesn’t mean they’re not an asshole, and he’s being an asshole.
Lots of action in this book. Lots of zexytime. It’s definitely a page turner, and, though there were parts that I wasn’t crazy about, the story had me hooked. Four stars.
October 24, 2021
This is the stunning conclusion of Nicole Fox Russian Mafia Mafia Romance Duet Ripped Lace. It's unputdownable, so dark and twisted it will have you biting your nails. Nicole was phenomenal as always the way how she weave these characters. This book has little of every thing betrayal, murder, pain, drama, suspense, loyalty, heat factor off the charts, action, kidnapping, deception, hatred, twists and turns, revenge, trust issues, retaliation, love and so much. Elyssa has shown major character growth from the first book. Phoenix is still struggling with loss of wife and child he has trust issues with Elyssa and not sure about his feeling for her.
Phoenix had been trying to figure out who was the spy unbeknowing to that it was Anna the girl who saved from the sex club and hired as his staff. But she was a plant by his enemy Astra Tyrannis to take down. She killed Elyssa best friend Charity and when Elyssa came in room and saw that her friend was dead with Phoenix standing over her thought he did it until she found note of evidence that her friend left pointing to Anna. Anna was about to finish her mission when Elyssa stopped by shooting and killing her. The story is brilliantly written with extraordinary characters with well thought out plotline and easy to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Phoenix had been trying to figure out who was the spy unbeknowing to that it was Anna the girl who saved from the sex club and hired as his staff. But she was a plant by his enemy Astra Tyrannis to take down. She killed Elyssa best friend Charity and when Elyssa came in room and saw that her friend was dead with Phoenix standing over her thought he did it until she found note of evidence that her friend left pointing to Anna. Anna was about to finish her mission when Elyssa stopped by shooting and killing her. The story is brilliantly written with extraordinary characters with well thought out plotline and easy to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 29, 2021
In this second part of the duet we will see a new side of Elyssa, a more courageous side, she stops being that shy and fearful girl to give way to a woman who gets fully into the mouth of the wolf to protect her loved ones. ❤️ her transformation!
Phoenix remains unclear about Elyssa, he wants her close to him but he also does not allow himself the ability to open his heart to her completely after what happened with his family.
Charity is still a character that I love, and, although in this book, she appears less, her interventions are still the most fun and always to be by Elyssa's side when she needs her most.
The love story between Phoenix and Elyssa improves a lot in this book but they also have their ups and downs, especially when Phoenix is getting closer to his revenge, and, when Elyssa begins to regain her memory, and, discovers that some secrets are they better stay buried.
One of my favorite scenes in this book is the entrance of Phoenix in the cathedral, I loved it!
“I hope I didn’t miss the call for objections,” Phoenix Kovalyov snarls, stepping into the cathedral as armed Bratva men pour into the church behind him. His eyes meet mine. “Because I most certainly fucking object.”
I recommend the duet, it has everything to hook you.
Phoenix remains unclear about Elyssa, he wants her close to him but he also does not allow himself the ability to open his heart to her completely after what happened with his family.
Charity is still a character that I love, and, although in this book, she appears less, her interventions are still the most fun and always to be by Elyssa's side when she needs her most.
The love story between Phoenix and Elyssa improves a lot in this book but they also have their ups and downs, especially when Phoenix is getting closer to his revenge, and, when Elyssa begins to regain her memory, and, discovers that some secrets are they better stay buried.
One of my favorite scenes in this book is the entrance of Phoenix in the cathedral, I loved it!
“I hope I didn’t miss the call for objections,” Phoenix Kovalyov snarls, stepping into the cathedral as armed Bratva men pour into the church behind him. His eyes meet mine. “Because I most certainly fucking object.”
I recommend the duet, it has everything to hook you.
October 20, 2021
Oh my goodness what an exciting ending!!!
A nail-biting, thrill ride for sure! I am so excited to get the second half of Phoenix and Elyssa's story. I thought Ripped Veil was crazy intense but it had nothing on Ripped Lace! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time because the action went right up until the end. Phoenix was extra broody and impassioned this time around. He was a true Mafia Don here and did what needed to be done regardless of feelings for anyone. Elyssa really came into herself here. She went from a meek little girl to a woman willing to do whatever it takes to protect those she loves. There were some very surprising twists and plenty of action though out the story. It was very well balanced and had a nice, fast flow to it. Because once I started reading I couldn't put it down.
Nicole Fox sure does know how to write a gripping story. Even if you had no interest in romance you would still be taken with this story. It's that good!! So if you love Mafia you will love it. If you love dark romance you will love it and even if you just like suspenseful stories you will love it! I would 100% recommend Ripped Lace!
A nail-biting, thrill ride for sure! I am so excited to get the second half of Phoenix and Elyssa's story. I thought Ripped Veil was crazy intense but it had nothing on Ripped Lace! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time because the action went right up until the end. Phoenix was extra broody and impassioned this time around. He was a true Mafia Don here and did what needed to be done regardless of feelings for anyone. Elyssa really came into herself here. She went from a meek little girl to a woman willing to do whatever it takes to protect those she loves. There were some very surprising twists and plenty of action though out the story. It was very well balanced and had a nice, fast flow to it. Because once I started reading I couldn't put it down.
Nicole Fox sure does know how to write a gripping story. Even if you had no interest in romance you would still be taken with this story. It's that good!! So if you love Mafia you will love it. If you love dark romance you will love it and even if you just like suspenseful stories you will love it! I would 100% recommend Ripped Lace!
October 19, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ripped Lace is book 2 of the Ripped Duet by Nicole Fox. Normally I do not like stories chopped up into tiny parts. Even though this book is in 2 parts each has a pretty complete story. I love the plot. I couldn't put the book down and read straight through, way past my bed time. I had to know what was going to happen. The action goes through the entire book. The story had twists and turns that I wasn't sure what would happen next.
Phoenix Kovalyov is not a good guy. He is angry, violent and trusts no one. He flies off in a rage quite often. However even with this I couldn't help but love him. He is protective and you can see his motivations. Elyssa starts off naïve and timid but she finds her voice throughout the book. I love her development.
I have read a few duets by this author. I have loved every one. They are gritty and have a lot of violence but the story is gripping. There is meat in the plot; it is not fluffy. I recommend this duet if you like mafia stories. It is an amazing read!
Ripped Lace is book 2 of the Ripped Duet by Nicole Fox. Normally I do not like stories chopped up into tiny parts. Even though this book is in 2 parts each has a pretty complete story. I love the plot. I couldn't put the book down and read straight through, way past my bed time. I had to know what was going to happen. The action goes through the entire book. The story had twists and turns that I wasn't sure what would happen next.
Phoenix Kovalyov is not a good guy. He is angry, violent and trusts no one. He flies off in a rage quite often. However even with this I couldn't help but love him. He is protective and you can see his motivations. Elyssa starts off naïve and timid but she finds her voice throughout the book. I love her development.
I have read a few duets by this author. I have loved every one. They are gritty and have a lot of violence but the story is gripping. There is meat in the plot; it is not fluffy. I recommend this duet if you like mafia stories. It is an amazing read!
October 22, 2021
This is the second part of this amazing duet, and my word, I though Ripped Veil was an intense read, but this part takes it to another level, and I loved it! Phoenix is broodier and angrier, and trusts no one, and as a Don he does whatever he wants regardless of the feeling of others. Elyssa has come into her own in this story, and she will do whatever she must to protect the ones she loves. On Elyssa’s wedding day when everything was supposed to come right, Phoenix shows up fuelled by revenge and claims her. Elyssa has kept to herself that her memories are slowly returning, but what will that mean for her and Phoenix? This is a well written emotionally charged storyline, which is dark, raw, gritty, and with drama, suspense, danger, intrigue, twists, action, betrayal, vengeance, and love, which leads to a thrilling and riveting page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
October 24, 2021
The thrilling conclusion to Ripped Veil, I am truly speechless, this book has everything you would want and need in a mafia romance. Elyssa has finally come into her own, no longer that girl from the sanctuary, she now has sass and a family to protect. Phoenix is still looking for answers, he believes the key lies with Elyssa which is locked away in her memory, so many questions and answers that are interlinked but not fitting just right. As the story unfolds your heart breaks for the tragedies this couple has had to face, when heartbreaks from there pasts come to the forefront again vengeance is what they both seek but will the pasted discoveries destroy Elyssa and Phoenix, could they let each other go !!!
An amazing duet, do not be the one to miss out on this author’s compelling storytelling.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An amazing duet, do not be the one to miss out on this author’s compelling storytelling.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2023
Phoenix and Elyssa’s story is intense and has a lot of violence, betrayal, secrets, and a whole lot of love and devotion as well. This is the conclusion of their story and it quite an epic tale. Phoenix will not let Elyssa go and he is willing to fight everyone and anyone who is trying to hurt what belongs to him. This quite a bit of violence in this book but it does in the name of protecting those you love. Elyssa is strong but she can't fight the need and pull she has towards Phoenix and she is done trying. However, danger is lurking everywhere and some secrets could destroy them. Keeping their family and friends safe is always a full time job and this is definitely a key component in this final book of this series. Everyone has to remain strong to defend those weaker and sometimes causalities occur but that is the price of war. This is a powerful and very entertaining Bratva romance and you will love how it all comes together. Happy Reading!!
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