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Mafia Bride #1
Captive Bride
I’m no innocent virgin. But the Bratva leader won't take no for an answer…
My first husband is dead and buried.
I’m left a widowed mafia princess—a dangerous title to hold, especially when one man already has his eye on me.
Viktor Andreyev.
His own men call him Ussuri. The Bear. Older than me, with a reputation for violence and a cruel exterior to match, he’s no one I would ever choose for a husband. In fact, I’d hoped that I’d never have to marry again at all.
But he’s made the price for peace my hand in marriage. And it’s clear that I can’t refuse.
I’ve survived marriage to one cruel man already. I’m no fragile princess. I know I can survive this. But the secrets of the Bratva are darker than even I realized, and the more I learn, the more desperate I am to escape.
Only one man, and the temptations he poses, stand in the way.
He holds my body captive. But he’ll never hold my heart.
My first husband is dead and buried.
I’m left a widowed mafia princess—a dangerous title to hold, especially when one man already has his eye on me.
Viktor Andreyev.
His own men call him Ussuri. The Bear. Older than me, with a reputation for violence and a cruel exterior to match, he’s no one I would ever choose for a husband. In fact, I’d hoped that I’d never have to marry again at all.
But he’s made the price for peace my hand in marriage. And it’s clear that I can’t refuse.
I’ve survived marriage to one cruel man already. I’m no fragile princess. I know I can survive this. But the secrets of the Bratva are darker than even I realized, and the more I learn, the more desperate I am to escape.
Only one man, and the temptations he poses, stand in the way.
He holds my body captive. But he’ll never hold my heart.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2021
757 people are currently reading
1827 people want to read
About the author
M. James
65 books403 followersPrepare to be captivated by the sensational world of M. James, the mastermind behind a genre-defying realm of romance and intrigue. With a pen dipped in passion and a heart that beats to the rhythm of forbidden desires, M. James weaves tantalizing tales that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.
Follow her to the dark side where strong heroines fearlessly navigate treacherous paths and damaged heroes find solace in their darkest corners. Her words will wrap around your senses like a seductive embrace, transporting you to a world where love and danger dance a wicked tango.
M. James resides in the suburbs of Chicago but lives for the big moments that make life interesting. Although writing brings her passion and darkest fantasies alive, watching suspenseful thrillers with her two dogs and loving husband brings her excitement in the most exhilarating way. Nonetheless, getting lost in a dark mafia romance along with a tall glass of wine makes any day a bit juicier.
From enemies to lovers to forbidden romances, M. James' stories of passion, intrigue, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very end. If your appetite craves the intoxicating prose of Rina Kent or the allure of Sophie Lark, prepare to be entangled in M. James' captivating new series. But be warned, dear reader, for her world is not for the faint of heart. It is a world where inhibitions are shed, and inhibitions are tested. It is a world where passion reigns supreme, and where the pursuit of love can ignite a blaze that consumes all in its path.
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Follow her to the dark side where strong heroines fearlessly navigate treacherous paths and damaged heroes find solace in their darkest corners. Her words will wrap around your senses like a seductive embrace, transporting you to a world where love and danger dance a wicked tango.
M. James resides in the suburbs of Chicago but lives for the big moments that make life interesting. Although writing brings her passion and darkest fantasies alive, watching suspenseful thrillers with her two dogs and loving husband brings her excitement in the most exhilarating way. Nonetheless, getting lost in a dark mafia romance along with a tall glass of wine makes any day a bit juicier.
From enemies to lovers to forbidden romances, M. James' stories of passion, intrigue, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very end. If your appetite craves the intoxicating prose of Rina Kent or the allure of Sophie Lark, prepare to be entangled in M. James' captivating new series. But be warned, dear reader, for her world is not for the faint of heart. It is a world where inhibitions are shed, and inhibitions are tested. It is a world where passion reigns supreme, and where the pursuit of love can ignite a blaze that consumes all in its path.
FOLLOW ME ON MY SOCIALS
BUNDLES & MORE
EXCLUSIVE FACEBOOK GROUP
TIKTOK
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
December 27, 2021
3.75 Stars
First of all...how do I keep doing this to myself? I saw this on amazon (directly from my kindle) and it looked like the full series was out. But, once AGAIN, I have failed to do my due diligence and just now saw that book two is out...but book three (the final book), is not out at the time of my reading this.
This vexes me.
I find myself very, very vexed.
But I digress.
I enjoyed this.
I am a sucker for arranged mafia marriages. Add to that an age gap and some sizzling chemistry?
It should be noted that the male Bratva lead in this deals in the trafficking of women, which some people might understandably have an issue with. So head's up on that front.
I myself am soulless, however, especially when it comes to my smutty fiction, so...
Already started book two.
First of all...how do I keep doing this to myself? I saw this on amazon (directly from my kindle) and it looked like the full series was out. But, once AGAIN, I have failed to do my due diligence and just now saw that book two is out...but book three (the final book), is not out at the time of my reading this.
This vexes me.
I find myself very, very vexed.
But I digress.
I enjoyed this.
I am a sucker for arranged mafia marriages. Add to that an age gap and some sizzling chemistry?
It should be noted that the male Bratva lead in this deals in the trafficking of women, which some people might understandably have an issue with. So head's up on that front.
I myself am soulless, however, especially when it comes to my smutty fiction, so...
Already started book two.
January 19, 2022
Dnf at 65%
I couldn’t do it anymore. Such vile characters. The H was a despicable, unscrupulous piece of shit who trafficked young virgin girls and called them his property and merchandise and he justified his repulsive actions by claiming that most of the times the girls were pulled out of the gutter and sold to rich men and destined to live in palaces instead of roach-infested apartments and that they were trafficked because the girls fathers deserved to be punished!?!? And to think this man had two daughters of his own! I wouldn’t put it past him to sell his own daughters.
AND
This almost FORTY disgusting man jerked off to the thoughts of his soon-to-be wife who he had never ever even talked to and just seen from a distance.
Another reason why I hated him SO much 👇🏻
I would’ve swallowed (and maybe even shamelessly enjoyed) this misplaced show of dominance if it were any other hero, but Viktor just didn’t do shit for me. H a t e d him.
Waste of my 🧚🏻♀️precious🧚🏻♀️ time!
I couldn’t do it anymore. Such vile characters. The H was a despicable, unscrupulous piece of shit who trafficked young virgin girls and called them his property and merchandise and he justified his repulsive actions by claiming that most of the times the girls were pulled out of the gutter and sold to rich men and destined to live in palaces instead of roach-infested apartments and that they were trafficked because the girls fathers deserved to be punished!?!? And to think this man had two daughters of his own! I wouldn’t put it past him to sell his own daughters.
AND
This almost FORTY disgusting man jerked off to the thoughts of his soon-to-be wife who he had never ever even talked to and just seen from a distance.
“The thought of that, of her getting wet for me, of running my fingers over her pussy and finding her soaked for my cock despite herself, pushes me over the edge. I come with a groan, my palm curling over my pulsing cockhead to catch my release, and I thrust against it, my whole body shuddering with the force that I haven’t felt in some time.
If jerking off thinking about her feels that good, what will fucking her be like?”
Another reason why I hated him SO much 👇🏻
“You will give me a son. An heir. I will fuck you as often as I please until you do so, until you are pregnant. After you give me a son, you can do what you like, so long as you raise him properly. It won’t matter to me. This marriage is for convenience, not for love, and for my pleasure, not for yours.”
I would’ve swallowed (and maybe even shamelessly enjoyed) this misplaced show of dominance if it were any other hero, but Viktor just didn’t do shit for me. H a t e d him.
Waste of my 🧚🏻♀️precious🧚🏻♀️ time!
September 22, 2023
The H trades skin! He kidnaps and sells girls!
At first, I ignored that part about him because the story was well written, but later it became a focus point!
He tried to pass it off like he is doing them a favor, saving young poor girl's into sex jobs.
The h is the typical mafia princess, being use like a pawn in a world of men.
There's a 15y age gap.
This book follow other stories that are explained,
(I still understood)
The story is stretch into 2 books and this one end with a cliffhanger.
I won't be reading the next
At first, I ignored that part about him because the story was well written, but later it became a focus point!
He tried to pass it off like he is doing them a favor, saving young poor girl's into sex jobs.
The h is the typical mafia princess, being use like a pawn in a world of men.
There's a 15y age gap.
This book follow other stories that are explained,
(I still understood)
The story is stretch into 2 books and this one end with a cliffhanger.
I won't be reading the next
September 11, 2022
the hero tried to justify sex trafficking, absolutely not.
January 13, 2022
Trigger warnings for references to sex trafficking. The book itself, tw; rape, sex trafficking, domestic abuse and sexual assault.
Captive Bride? More like The Yassification of a Sex Trafficker.
This was a 1* for me but she did decide to leave him at the end so points for effort I guess???
I just wish she’d shot him.
Also?????? I’m going to need books to start being a bit clearer if they’re about mafias or trafficking because I have now been unpleasantly surprised twice. There’s some things you shouldn’t try and fucking glamorise and yes, I get the comparisons to the arms and drugs trade but I wouldn’t have enjoyed an in-depth look at those world either. I’m here for an arranged marriage and some stupid face offs with stupid guns not to read what essentially becomes a thesis justifying sex trafficking with graphic sex scenes sprinkled in for some flavour. The last third of this book was just so incredibly jarring. I’ve read more respectful fanfiction than this.
The feminine urge to carry on reading mafia books??? Yes. The desire to continue this series??? No.
Also, the best sexual tension was before they consummated the relationship(reconsummated it???). After that there was nothing.
Tbh my 1* is for Sofia the side character and Sofia only x
Captive Bride? More like The Yassification of a Sex Trafficker.
This was a 1* for me but she did decide to leave him at the end so points for effort I guess???
I just wish she’d shot him.
Also?????? I’m going to need books to start being a bit clearer if they’re about mafias or trafficking because I have now been unpleasantly surprised twice. There’s some things you shouldn’t try and fucking glamorise and yes, I get the comparisons to the arms and drugs trade but I wouldn’t have enjoyed an in-depth look at those world either. I’m here for an arranged marriage and some stupid face offs with stupid guns not to read what essentially becomes a thesis justifying sex trafficking with graphic sex scenes sprinkled in for some flavour. The last third of this book was just so incredibly jarring. I’ve read more respectful fanfiction than this.
The feminine urge to carry on reading mafia books??? Yes. The desire to continue this series??? No.
Also, the best sexual tension was before they consummated the relationship(reconsummated it???). After that there was nothing.
Tbh my 1* is for Sofia the side character and Sofia only x
March 13, 2023
If I could describe the book in two words it would be: ✨GASLIGHT EXPRESS✨ (except it couldn’t gaslight my gullible ass into liking it)
I am more comfortable reading about a MMC who knows he’s a douche for dealing in skin trading and being unapologetic about it than read about one that thinks he’s giving the women he sells a better life because they are taken from the streets and sold to men who payed exuberant amounts Of money for them. Also blatant non consent by the FMC being narrated like it dub-con irked me a lot.
I am more comfortable reading about a MMC who knows he’s a douche for dealing in skin trading and being unapologetic about it than read about one that thinks he’s giving the women he sells a better life because they are taken from the streets and sold to men who payed exuberant amounts Of money for them. Also blatant non consent by the FMC being narrated like it dub-con irked me a lot.
November 28, 2021
Just Okay
Writing was excellent with good character development for Catarina's character while Viktor's character fell short. The man is a control-freak who is one hyprocasy after another. His character drowns in hyprocasy throughout the book romanticizing his trafficking of kidnapped girls and selling them to rich men. He actually thinks he is doing them a favor which adds to his narcassistic behavior and his desire to live in a bubble of lies and deception so he can sleep at night. He chooses to believe that money somehow makes you a good person in a society when in truth it merely gives these men a wall to hide their sadistic behavior toward innocent women behind. He considers himself their "savior" by having them kidnapped off the street, so he can traffic them to the rich and famous. His character's appeal is generally surrounding his relationship with his daughters (which only adds to the hyprocasy" and when he is not being a complete bas.....ard to Catarina. His character is unpredictable and annoying because he puts himself on such a high pedestal. I tried connecting with his character throughout this book but failed. Viktor states that he likes women; really...you could have fooled me. Every time he tries to act human, he quickly reverts to who he really is....a man who is consumed by himself and his Bratva.
Catarina's character is the reason I kept reading this book. She is the true heroine in this series that deserves recognition and empathy. She has a heart that has been broken so many times and has seen so much death and yet keeps fighting. She has been betrayed by a man she thought was her friend only to be coupled with a monster who sees her as nothing more than a Stepford wife and a broodmare. The author does an excellent job in taking a deep dive into her tortured character that has been exploited so many times by so many people including her own father.
Luca lands a devastating blow to Catarina early in this novel by emotionally blackmailing her into a marriage to Viktor, her enemy. He lies and makes promises he has no way of fulfilling to get her to agree to the marriage and then leaves her to fend for herself. He was a disappointment in his own story with Sofia and continues to be a huge disappointment. He had an opportunity to work something else out with Viktor and he chose to take the easy route. The only characters in these books that change are Sophia and Catarina, which is common in this genre. It's always the women who make the sacrifices that can result in horrible abusive marriages and often times, death. Luca told Sophia that he wanted to do things differently as a Don, do away with arranged marriages etc., only to do the unspeakable; make Catarina marry Viktor within months of saying that to his own wife who is pregnant with their child.
I have a pretty good idea who is responsible for the the events surrounding Catarina while in Russia and they are right under Viktor's nose. It's never been divulged what happened to Viktor's first wife, but her demise is definitely tied to this story and Catarina.
Writing was excellent with good character development for Catarina's character while Viktor's character fell short. The man is a control-freak who is one hyprocasy after another. His character drowns in hyprocasy throughout the book romanticizing his trafficking of kidnapped girls and selling them to rich men. He actually thinks he is doing them a favor which adds to his narcassistic behavior and his desire to live in a bubble of lies and deception so he can sleep at night. He chooses to believe that money somehow makes you a good person in a society when in truth it merely gives these men a wall to hide their sadistic behavior toward innocent women behind. He considers himself their "savior" by having them kidnapped off the street, so he can traffic them to the rich and famous. His character's appeal is generally surrounding his relationship with his daughters (which only adds to the hyprocasy" and when he is not being a complete bas.....ard to Catarina. His character is unpredictable and annoying because he puts himself on such a high pedestal. I tried connecting with his character throughout this book but failed. Viktor states that he likes women; really...you could have fooled me. Every time he tries to act human, he quickly reverts to who he really is....a man who is consumed by himself and his Bratva.
Catarina's character is the reason I kept reading this book. She is the true heroine in this series that deserves recognition and empathy. She has a heart that has been broken so many times and has seen so much death and yet keeps fighting. She has been betrayed by a man she thought was her friend only to be coupled with a monster who sees her as nothing more than a Stepford wife and a broodmare. The author does an excellent job in taking a deep dive into her tortured character that has been exploited so many times by so many people including her own father.
Luca lands a devastating blow to Catarina early in this novel by emotionally blackmailing her into a marriage to Viktor, her enemy. He lies and makes promises he has no way of fulfilling to get her to agree to the marriage and then leaves her to fend for herself. He was a disappointment in his own story with Sofia and continues to be a huge disappointment. He had an opportunity to work something else out with Viktor and he chose to take the easy route. The only characters in these books that change are Sophia and Catarina, which is common in this genre. It's always the women who make the sacrifices that can result in horrible abusive marriages and often times, death. Luca told Sophia that he wanted to do things differently as a Don, do away with arranged marriages etc., only to do the unspeakable; make Catarina marry Viktor within months of saying that to his own wife who is pregnant with their child.
I have a pretty good idea who is responsible for the the events surrounding Catarina while in Russia and they are right under Viktor's nose. It's never been divulged what happened to Viktor's first wife, but her demise is definitely tied to this story and Catarina.
January 6, 2022
I'll give it four stars for the story itself, but I'm not a fan of how the H deals with women trafficking and tries to justify it. As a result, I give it two stars altogether.
March 22, 2022
I need to stop going into random books blind
Read
July 15, 2024I don’t know how to describe my thoughts and feelings about this book. I could only say; it is an another level of what I can never comprehend to sugarcoat the depravity of human-trafficking, then write a romance (?) about a carnal lust towards a lowlife criminal psychotic man who is an affectionate father. Wtf???. Please, some respect to the people and their families who have to live with a devastating trauma.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2022
It was bad, and it was good.
September 19, 2022
Will Caterina ever be free??
Caterina knows what obligation means especially since she is a Mafia Princess, but she had hoped since her husband was just buried that she would finally get some time to herself. Of course that doesn't happen because Viktor has named his price for the sins Caterina's dead husband committed against him and that price is Caterina's hand in marriage. So once again she is married off to someone she didn't choose and she finds out he expects her to take care of his two daughters as well as provide him with a male heir. This is the first book in the story so be prepared for a cliffhanger ending!!
Caterina knows what obligation means especially since she is a Mafia Princess, but she had hoped since her husband was just buried that she would finally get some time to herself. Of course that doesn't happen because Viktor has named his price for the sins Caterina's dead husband committed against him and that price is Caterina's hand in marriage. So once again she is married off to someone she didn't choose and she finds out he expects her to take care of his two daughters as well as provide him with a male heir. This is the first book in the story so be prepared for a cliffhanger ending!!
January 9, 2022
Oh my god!
Victor Andrevya can step on me and I won’t mind!
Like the perfect daddy material doesn’t exi——
Here he is!!
I absolutely loved him, I mean , who doesn’t like a hot alpha brooding dominating mature man ffs!!!
I wud love to give him a baby if Caterina isn’t up to the job xD
He is absolutely swoon worthy🥵😮💨😩
5 ⭐️
Victor Andrevya can step on me and I won’t mind!
Like the perfect daddy material doesn’t exi——
Here he is!!
I absolutely loved him, I mean , who doesn’t like a hot alpha brooding dominating mature man ffs!!!
I wud love to give him a baby if Caterina isn’t up to the job xD
He is absolutely swoon worthy🥵😮💨😩
5 ⭐️
February 18, 2022
Not the typical beginning to a mafia romance. At least not one I’m used to as Caterina is a fresh widow. I like the premises though I’m not a fan of Viktor so far. But maybe he’ll grow on me. Interesting plot and good writing. I’m not really that interested in those characters but that cliffhanger did grab my attention so I’ll dive in to the next book.
December 27, 2021
We have h the Italian Mafia Princess and a the H a handsome bratva leader.
the push-pull, sexual tension is crazy between Catarina and Viktor
I liked Catarina's strength and Viktor's care.
the push-pull, sexual tension is crazy between Catarina and Viktor
I liked Catarina's strength and Viktor's care.
October 7, 2024
He deals in s*x trafficking, he sells girls wtf?
November 24, 2024
Y pq no le puedo poner 0 estrellas.
December 18, 2023
I am usually a giant fan of dark mafia romances but I guess I do have a limit after all - who knew!?
If you liked this book, happy for you! But this just definitely wasn’t for me. MMC has ZERO care that obviously there’s some past issues with forced sex with FMC and basically painfully forces her on wedding night all because he’s pissed that she isn’t grateful he is trying to make her feel good too????
AND then later he thinks showing her how he’s “good” to the girls he traffics unlike “bad traffickers” that she’ll realize he’s not that bad and no longer be upset that he traffics women and girls and I just couldn’t find any way to continue the series after that (I did finish this book cause I hardly stop in middle and dnf). I just felt for FMC the majority of the book with how isolated she felt and I guess I am more of an anti hero (monster to everyone but her) kinda romance girly🤷🏻♀️
If you liked this book, happy for you! But this just definitely wasn’t for me. MMC has ZERO care that obviously there’s some past issues with forced sex with FMC and basically painfully forces her on wedding night all because he’s pissed that she isn’t grateful he is trying to make her feel good too????
AND then later he thinks showing her how he’s “good” to the girls he traffics unlike “bad traffickers” that she’ll realize he’s not that bad and no longer be upset that he traffics women and girls and I just couldn’t find any way to continue the series after that (I did finish this book cause I hardly stop in middle and dnf). I just felt for FMC the majority of the book with how isolated she felt and I guess I am more of an anti hero (monster to everyone but her) kinda romance girly🤷🏻♀️
Want to read
September 15, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/8/2022)! 🎁
October 21, 2022
I skipped books 2 and 3 because I couldn't face reading them with the serious amount of repetition of just two thoughts from both Sofia and Luca, that I couldn't stand the thought of continuing their story. So I jumped to this because I thought Viktor might have been interesting.
But it was to find the same awful repeating of just two thoughts from both characters in this over and over and over and over! Using the book search tool it showed Caterina thought that this life wasn't what she wanted over 80 times!
80 times one thought is repeated! It's ridiculous and makes for terrible reading, and those 80 times didn't include all the many more times she had that same thought but using different words. Awful writing.
Just like book one, the majority of these two books, book 4 & 5, are the heroine thinking on repeat hundreds of times how she shouldn't want the hero but being so pathetic that her lust overrules her morals. Which is also an example not only of how repeative it is but also how stupid and unenjoyable the story and writing are.
Because It starts from the very outset of the book, the heroine thinking of how she doesn't want the hero, how she doesn't want any man after her last husband beat and raped her, but also because Viktor traffics in women, kidnapping and selling them abd he disgusts her because of that but just one look at Viktor when she sees him for the first time and she's overcome by lust for him, wanting him and wanting his love. It's so bad!
It goes on like this throughout the book, her constantly thinking about how she shouldn't want him because he traffics innocent young women, but she's so stupid and pathetic that it never actually matters to her that he traffics women, because she constantly lusts afrer him and opens her legs for him every time he wants.
The sex scenes were tedious, there's far too many of them, even a 20 page sex scene copied and pasted from this book into the next book as a dream in italics. Yawn. And many sex scenes happen at ridiculously stupid and unbelievable times. Like in the next book, her lusting for him immediately after she's been beaten and cut up so badly she nearly died from the torture by his enemies and the infection of her wounds. Seroously?! I love a good erotica but this was just a joke to read, and not a good one.
The writing fails at all other times to build a story and characters. There are no scenes of this supposed smart, powerful Bratva man and loving father checking in with the man he tasked with protecting his young daughters, again from the next book. No. Not one. He keeps thinking of giving up on her, leaving her in the wilderness with the men who took her. He's not a male I want to read about.
The author has shown no skill in writing a believable story and believable romance, no ability shown to build a story so it's believeable, or at least understandable, why the characters would do and feel what they do. It's just a mess of repeating back and forth two thoughts, of a mindless, pathetic heroine who can't control her lust, even at the most ridiculous times, and an unappealing male.
And the fact these two books are all the author justifying sex traffickers who steal and sell and enable the rape of innocent, young virgin girls by rapists and sex slavers, by claiming that he is giving them a better life as 'sex slaves locked in gilded prisons with their rapist, who must enjoy that he sold them to be raped because it has given them a better life, being raped, because they're kept in a lavish prison, compared to the poverty they would have lived in', it was appalling of any author to write that! I don't know how she hasn't pulled these from publication to change that, after the numerous reviews pointing that out. One star for these books is a star too many.
But it was to find the same awful repeating of just two thoughts from both characters in this over and over and over and over! Using the book search tool it showed Caterina thought that this life wasn't what she wanted over 80 times!
80 times one thought is repeated! It's ridiculous and makes for terrible reading, and those 80 times didn't include all the many more times she had that same thought but using different words. Awful writing.
Just like book one, the majority of these two books, book 4 & 5, are the heroine thinking on repeat hundreds of times how she shouldn't want the hero but being so pathetic that her lust overrules her morals. Which is also an example not only of how repeative it is but also how stupid and unenjoyable the story and writing are.
Because It starts from the very outset of the book, the heroine thinking of how she doesn't want the hero, how she doesn't want any man after her last husband beat and raped her, but also because Viktor traffics in women, kidnapping and selling them abd he disgusts her because of that but just one look at Viktor when she sees him for the first time and she's overcome by lust for him, wanting him and wanting his love. It's so bad!
It goes on like this throughout the book, her constantly thinking about how she shouldn't want him because he traffics innocent young women, but she's so stupid and pathetic that it never actually matters to her that he traffics women, because she constantly lusts afrer him and opens her legs for him every time he wants.
The sex scenes were tedious, there's far too many of them, even a 20 page sex scene copied and pasted from this book into the next book as a dream in italics. Yawn. And many sex scenes happen at ridiculously stupid and unbelievable times. Like in the next book, her lusting for him immediately after she's been beaten and cut up so badly she nearly died from the torture by his enemies and the infection of her wounds. Seroously?! I love a good erotica but this was just a joke to read, and not a good one.
The writing fails at all other times to build a story and characters. There are no scenes of this supposed smart, powerful Bratva man and loving father checking in with the man he tasked with protecting his young daughters, again from the next book. No. Not one. He keeps thinking of giving up on her, leaving her in the wilderness with the men who took her. He's not a male I want to read about.
The author has shown no skill in writing a believable story and believable romance, no ability shown to build a story so it's believeable, or at least understandable, why the characters would do and feel what they do. It's just a mess of repeating back and forth two thoughts, of a mindless, pathetic heroine who can't control her lust, even at the most ridiculous times, and an unappealing male.
And the fact these two books are all the author justifying sex traffickers who steal and sell and enable the rape of innocent, young virgin girls by rapists and sex slavers, by claiming that he is giving them a better life as 'sex slaves locked in gilded prisons with their rapist, who must enjoy that he sold them to be raped because it has given them a better life, being raped, because they're kept in a lavish prison, compared to the poverty they would have lived in', it was appalling of any author to write that! I don't know how she hasn't pulled these from publication to change that, after the numerous reviews pointing that out. One star for these books is a star too many.
April 28, 2023
this review is of s the whole Mafia Bride series
Firstly, I read a few negative reviews of this, complaining about the fact that the H is in the flesh trade and that he makes some excuses and justifications about it. well HELLO, that is kind of a massive part of the plot, isn't it? We learn from his inner monologue that he knows it's not ok, we hear the bs justifications he gives to others about it (Luca, Cat), which btw he gets called out on every time, and we see him go through change regarding this.
I really enjoyed the first book. The heroine seemed smart, quite aware of her situation, trying to use her brain to make the best of it... I liked the push and pull between the heroes, and was interesting and hot.
Then the second book kinda dragged and even though the storyline has clearly 3 parts, I don't think it really works as a three books series. As the story progresses and the s*x scenes get more and more frequent they start to feel as more of a fluff to fill the pages. Even when the Hs are not having s*x, we get oh so many wet dreams. I was skipping through it quite a lot. And the h, as she starts to fall for the H, starts to think and act less smart and more immature, that by the half of book three she is kinda annoying honestly.
The third book was supposed to be this big bang ending to the story, but I found too many logical flaws in it to really enjoy it. So here the rant begins:
So even though I really enjoyed this first book, the whole series is more of a 3 star read to me.
Firstly, I read a few negative reviews of this, complaining about the fact that the H is in the flesh trade and that he makes some excuses and justifications about it. well HELLO, that is kind of a massive part of the plot, isn't it? We learn from his inner monologue that he knows it's not ok, we hear the bs justifications he gives to others about it (Luca, Cat), which btw he gets called out on every time, and we see him go through change regarding this.
I really enjoyed the first book. The heroine seemed smart, quite aware of her situation, trying to use her brain to make the best of it... I liked the push and pull between the heroes, and was interesting and hot.
Then the second book kinda dragged and even though the storyline has clearly 3 parts, I don't think it really works as a three books series. As the story progresses and the s*x scenes get more and more frequent they start to feel as more of a fluff to fill the pages. Even when the Hs are not having s*x, we get oh so many wet dreams. I was skipping through it quite a lot. And the h, as she starts to fall for the H, starts to think and act less smart and more immature, that by the half of book three she is kinda annoying honestly.
The third book was supposed to be this big bang ending to the story, but I found too many logical flaws in it to really enjoy it. So here the rant begins:
So even though I really enjoyed this first book, the whole series is more of a 3 star read to me.
January 25, 2022
I’ve never read anything by this author before, just stumbled across this while browsing KU. Clearly, there have been books about other people in this world but I decided to trek on. I really like the authors style of writing. The story moves a bit slowly and I struggled to decide my rating. I may still edit the rating.
Story 3/5, Heat 2/5, Angst 2.5/5
Fast burn-ish, arranged marriage wedding night happens at 27%-ish, but h refuses more intimacy until pretty deep into book. I think 80% or so.
Their relationship is extremely tense. The steamy scenes were very tense, I actually really enjoy degradation in my steamy scenes but something here rubbed me the wrong way, I can’t put my finger on it exactly- what normally would have me drooling made me cringe, not sure why but it made it difficult to enjoy those parts because they were more irritating than steamy. I suspect because the H is just that terrible.
The H is pretty irredeemable. Not sure how the author plans to deal with it. He sells women into sexual slavery. He tries to defend this throughout the book but there’s no getting around how irredeemable that is. I have a bad feeling his h is going to end up being the victim that teaches him how wrong it is and that’s extremely fucked up, this woman has had a terrible life and I think she’s going to pay for his sins.
No condoms, no virgins, manwhore , degradation, humiliation, spanking, slight OW drama, no OM drama, push away from h, no separation- though she’s kidnapped at end of book 1. No cheating, there is a cliffhanger but trilogy is complete.
Safety - well he’s a human trafficker, h thinks he might have a woman working as a maid so he can use her but he doesn’t. The woman was a victim of his trafficking though. She was raped by a guard, taking her virginity and devaluing her sale - so H has her work for him as a maid.
Story 3/5, Heat 2/5, Angst 2.5/5
Fast burn-ish, arranged marriage wedding night happens at 27%-ish, but h refuses more intimacy until pretty deep into book. I think 80% or so.
Their relationship is extremely tense. The steamy scenes were very tense, I actually really enjoy degradation in my steamy scenes but something here rubbed me the wrong way, I can’t put my finger on it exactly- what normally would have me drooling made me cringe, not sure why but it made it difficult to enjoy those parts because they were more irritating than steamy. I suspect because the H is just that terrible.
The H is pretty irredeemable. Not sure how the author plans to deal with it. He sells women into sexual slavery. He tries to defend this throughout the book but there’s no getting around how irredeemable that is. I have a bad feeling his h is going to end up being the victim that teaches him how wrong it is and that’s extremely fucked up, this woman has had a terrible life and I think she’s going to pay for his sins.
No condoms, no virgins, manwhore , degradation, humiliation, spanking, slight OW drama, no OM drama, push away from h, no separation- though she’s kidnapped at end of book 1. No cheating, there is a cliffhanger but trilogy is complete.
Safety - well he’s a human trafficker, h thinks he might have a woman working as a maid so he can use her but he doesn’t. The woman was a victim of his trafficking though. She was raped by a guard, taking her virginity and devaluing her sale - so H has her work for him as a maid.
February 1, 2022
Book 1 - 3 Stars.
Book 3 - 3 Stars.
Book 3 - 2.5 Stars.
You feel like a second chance at something I thought I’d lost forever.
She’s mine.
My princess, my queen. My printsessa. My mafia bride.
Viktor doesn’t want to hurt me. He wants to possess me.
Own me. Dominate me.
Narrated in Dual POV and this is a trilogy so book 1 & 2 ends on a cliffhanger with coming to conclusion in book 3.
Also this an overall review of all three books.
So trope is basic arranged, age-gap, mafia marriage of convenience, the only difference being it's both Viktor and Catarina's second marriage. Both widow/widower with Viktor having two daughters aged about 7 and 9 respectively. Viktor wants a son and Catarina wants the peace to stay between families.
Overall it was an okay read and there are only two things which I liked, one is Catarina's character. She was strong and in true sense a survivor. Second is Viktor's reluctance to change. As a bratva leader I didn't expected to him change suddenly because it's not logically possible.
But there was lots of spelling, formatting errors. Also all these mafia men were so weak and their behavior (specifically in book 3) was disappointing and weird. In such a dangerous and life changing situation they behaved so not accordingly.
Book 3 - 3 Stars.
Book 3 - 2.5 Stars.
You feel like a second chance at something I thought I’d lost forever.
She’s mine.
My princess, my queen. My printsessa. My mafia bride.
Viktor doesn’t want to hurt me. He wants to possess me.
Own me. Dominate me.
Narrated in Dual POV and this is a trilogy so book 1 & 2 ends on a cliffhanger with coming to conclusion in book 3.
Also this an overall review of all three books.
So trope is basic arranged, age-gap, mafia marriage of convenience, the only difference being it's both Viktor and Catarina's second marriage. Both widow/widower with Viktor having two daughters aged about 7 and 9 respectively. Viktor wants a son and Catarina wants the peace to stay between families.
Overall it was an okay read and there are only two things which I liked, one is Catarina's character. She was strong and in true sense a survivor. Second is Viktor's reluctance to change. As a bratva leader I didn't expected to him change suddenly because it's not logically possible.
But there was lots of spelling, formatting errors. Also all these mafia men were so weak and their behavior (specifically in book 3) was disappointing and weird. In such a dangerous and life changing situation they behaved so not accordingly.
December 21, 2021
HOLY MOTHER OF BOOK LOVERS!
I ABSO-FREAKIN-LUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! What a great start to a continuation of the Promise series. I loved Caterina's character in the Promise series and to get to know her character on a deeper level turned out to be rollercoaster ride of excitement. I'm not truly sure how I feel about Viktor's character yet. I do know he sounds SAF and I know he has a gentle caring side to him but deep down he is alittle scary too. The way he is with his daughter is sweet but Anika needs an attitude adjustment. Yelena is so sweet and innocent, absolutely adorable. This book was so exciting and the at times the suspense was so intense I was bouncing in my seat I couldn't read fast enough. I love when Caterina settles down and starts to warm up to Viktor. The sex is off the freakin charts SMOKIN HOT! This book consumed me from beginning to the end. I loved every minute of it. The ending left me screaming NOOOO! in my head. I didn't want it to end. I can't wait for the next book. I extremely recommend this book to everyone!
January 26, 2022
Probably like.. 3.5-3.75 realistically though.
I couldn’t put this book down but I don’t know I would say I loved it. For being the start of its own series, it was so confusing when side characters and dons were brought in about past events. It felt like there needed to be something to explain what all happened without uh, reading the other separate series since this is a standalone trilogy.
I’ve read a lot of mafia type books and this wasn’t the worst one ever - but I felt like pulling my hair out since Viktor and Catarina are the worst communicators ever (and I exist hello). And it only got worse in book 2.
I think the series really had potential, but perhaps was rushed to meet deadlines for the next book to be out? It feels like maybe instead of three books, one large book or two larger books would’ve fit the story better (and vigorous editing as well).
I do just wanna say, the writing was amazing. Nothing wrong with that at all, but world building, plot consistency, etc needed more editing.
I couldn’t put this book down but I don’t know I would say I loved it. For being the start of its own series, it was so confusing when side characters and dons were brought in about past events. It felt like there needed to be something to explain what all happened without uh, reading the other separate series since this is a standalone trilogy.
I’ve read a lot of mafia type books and this wasn’t the worst one ever - but I felt like pulling my hair out since Viktor and Catarina are the worst communicators ever (and I exist hello). And it only got worse in book 2.
I think the series really had potential, but perhaps was rushed to meet deadlines for the next book to be out? It feels like maybe instead of three books, one large book or two larger books would’ve fit the story better (and vigorous editing as well).
I do just wanna say, the writing was amazing. Nothing wrong with that at all, but world building, plot consistency, etc needed more editing.
January 30, 2022
Good
I really enjoyed The Promise series with Luca & Sofia and I was looking forward to this series.
I have to admit from this book I actually like Viktor more than Catarina, I loved Cat in The Promise Series however I found her annoying in this first book.
The reason for that was her inner dialogue/ thoughts were repeated so many times I lost count, I get her concerns with this marriage but the amount of times she kept repeating her time with Franco and what he did was annoying.
I understand from Luca & Sofia’s story how Franco treated Cat and his abuse which was disgusting and he deserved what happened however the amount of times Cat thinks this was just too repetitive and had me skipping pages with Cat’s inner dialogue.
Viktor is who he is no bones about it and she knew this and she is behaving childishly towards him with her tantrums and silence, she could have said No to Luca.
I think Alexi is behind what happened at the end of this book so I will go to that next to see what happens between them.
I really enjoyed The Promise series with Luca & Sofia and I was looking forward to this series.
I have to admit from this book I actually like Viktor more than Catarina, I loved Cat in The Promise Series however I found her annoying in this first book.
The reason for that was her inner dialogue/ thoughts were repeated so many times I lost count, I get her concerns with this marriage but the amount of times she kept repeating her time with Franco and what he did was annoying.
I understand from Luca & Sofia’s story how Franco treated Cat and his abuse which was disgusting and he deserved what happened however the amount of times Cat thinks this was just too repetitive and had me skipping pages with Cat’s inner dialogue.
Viktor is who he is no bones about it and she knew this and she is behaving childishly towards him with her tantrums and silence, she could have said No to Luca.
I think Alexi is behind what happened at the end of this book so I will go to that next to see what happens between them.
March 14, 2022
Triggers: forced marriage, rape, dubcon, kidnapping, human trafficking
FMC: Catarina
MMC: Viktor
Plot: Cat is an Italian mafia princes who lost her parents and her husband whom she hated within 3 months of each other. She’s encouraged heavily by the new don Lucas to marry the brat a Pathan vikTor who is a widow with 2 girls. To keep the peace between Italian Irish and Russian mafia cat agrees to marry again. She also has to birth a son and heir for vikTor. VikTor is brutal and violent at work but tries tO keep peace in the house and let Cat be semi independent. When cat learns of victors human trafficking business she panics and takes his girls back to her family home. VikTor loses his cool,and abused cat with a belt which she ends up liking. VikTor then forces cat to be a true with and fulfill her widely duty and actively has sex with her. The sex scenes are absolutely hot! Eventually vikTor takes Cat to Russia to show her how well he treats his kidnapped human traffic victims. But while in Russia cat gets kidnapped herself.
FMC: Catarina
MMC: Viktor
Plot: Cat is an Italian mafia princes who lost her parents and her husband whom she hated within 3 months of each other. She’s encouraged heavily by the new don Lucas to marry the brat a Pathan vikTor who is a widow with 2 girls. To keep the peace between Italian Irish and Russian mafia cat agrees to marry again. She also has to birth a son and heir for vikTor. VikTor is brutal and violent at work but tries tO keep peace in the house and let Cat be semi independent. When cat learns of victors human trafficking business she panics and takes his girls back to her family home. VikTor loses his cool,and abused cat with a belt which she ends up liking. VikTor then forces cat to be a true with and fulfill her widely duty and actively has sex with her. The sex scenes are absolutely hot! Eventually vikTor takes Cat to Russia to show her how well he treats his kidnapped human traffic victims. But while in Russia cat gets kidnapped herself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2022
It was hard to feel badly for Catrina. She had the quintessential “shoulda, woulda, coulda” mentality. She has a detrimental negativity and horrible preconceived notion about Viktor's personality and truthfully it did not make Catrina endearing to me. No matter how thoughtful Viktor was Catrina shot him down and was an arrogant entitled princess. I wanted to clobber her, shake her up and let her see what a b*tch she was being. I understand her grieving. I understand her disappointment in her late husband and father. But she took all her anger out on Viktor and I feel that was not right. Viktor put up with a lot of Catrina's sh#t and he was wise enough to give her space. I feel after she went too far with Viktor and he slammed down on her. Good I say. He let her know who was boss and she deserved it. But despite knowing what she did was wrong she still defied him. I hope book two her character improves.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Page-turner
Scary
Steamy
Tragic
Unpredictable
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Page-turner
Scary
Steamy
Tragic
Unpredictable
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews