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Vancouver Mafia #2
Beautiful Russian Monster
When my grandfather, a shipping tycoon, went missing,
I quickly discovered that there are some problems
that money can’t solve.
And this frightening situation was one of them.
I didn’t think things could possibly get worse,
but then I woke up.
To a monster standing over me.
With his hand covering my mouth.
My reluctant captor, Viktor,
with his clipped Russian accent and scary looking guns,
operates with military precision.
Don’t even get me started on his rules.
As he drags me across the globe,
we are plunged into a dark world that is
filled with danger and violence.
But the conflict we are rushing towards,
isn’t what scares me.
What truly terrifies me,
is how this man is starting to make me feel.
My beautiful Russian monster.
He’s the only thing standing
between me and my worst nightmare.
And I’m not sure that we will survive.
I quickly discovered that there are some problems
that money can’t solve.
And this frightening situation was one of them.
I didn’t think things could possibly get worse,
but then I woke up.
To a monster standing over me.
With his hand covering my mouth.
My reluctant captor, Viktor,
with his clipped Russian accent and scary looking guns,
operates with military precision.
Don’t even get me started on his rules.
As he drags me across the globe,
we are plunged into a dark world that is
filled with danger and violence.
But the conflict we are rushing towards,
isn’t what scares me.
What truly terrifies me,
is how this man is starting to make me feel.
My beautiful Russian monster.
He’s the only thing standing
between me and my worst nightmare.
And I’m not sure that we will survive.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
889 people are currently reading
2235 people want to read
About the author
Odette Stone
16 books3,613 followersJoin Odette's VIP mailing list for exclusive material ➜ https://geni.us/OdettesVIP
Join Odette’s FB group to connect➜https://geni.us/HotAlphas
Website ➜ https://www.odettestone.com
Instagram➜ https://www.instagram.com/odette.stone/
Odette has ranked in the top #50 of all Amazon Authors, with a Top #20 bestseller. This KDP All-star author loves to write contemporary, new adult and sports romance books.
She resides in beautiful Vancouver, Canada and she lives for coffee, walks on the beach (no, really), a good book and TV dramas. She is a proud dog mom to a beautiful fur baby puppy named, Mica. She has been described as introverted, funny, and an excellent listener. She's so good at keeping secrets, her friends call her "the vault." She hates being the centre of attention but she'll push you to take the stage.
Odette writes real, honest and intense romance novels. If you like hot, intelligent Alpha males, you've come to the right place! Her writing goal is to keep her readers up late at night, because they keep saying, "Just one more chapter, I'm just going to read one more chapter."
Join Odette’s FB group to connect➜https://geni.us/HotAlphas
Website ➜ https://www.odettestone.com
Instagram➜ https://www.instagram.com/odette.stone/
Odette has ranked in the top #50 of all Amazon Authors, with a Top #20 bestseller. This KDP All-star author loves to write contemporary, new adult and sports romance books.
She resides in beautiful Vancouver, Canada and she lives for coffee, walks on the beach (no, really), a good book and TV dramas. She is a proud dog mom to a beautiful fur baby puppy named, Mica. She has been described as introverted, funny, and an excellent listener. She's so good at keeping secrets, her friends call her "the vault." She hates being the centre of attention but she'll push you to take the stage.
Odette writes real, honest and intense romance novels. If you like hot, intelligent Alpha males, you've come to the right place! Her writing goal is to keep her readers up late at night, because they keep saying, "Just one more chapter, I'm just going to read one more chapter."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 489 reviews
October 17, 2024
I'm in love with Viktor. ❤️🩹
April 15, 2025
⭐ 5 Stars – Absolutely Obsessed! ⭐
From the very first page, Beautiful Russian Monster completely consumed me—I could not put this book down! It’s intense, thrilling, and packed with the kind of slow-burn, high-stakes romance that keeps you glued to every word. If you love grumpy, stoic, protective heroes with a side of forced proximity, danger, and undeniable chemistry, then this is the book for you.
Viktor is exceptional. A brooding, lethal, and ridiculously compelling hero who operates with chilling precision—but beneath that icy exterior, there’s a man who protects what’s his with unwavering devotion. And the heroine? She’s smart, resourceful, and refuses to back down, even when thrown into a world she barely understands. Their push-pull dynamic is perfection, making every moment between them electric.
Now, let’s talk about the captor/captive dynamic—because Odette Stone nailed it. This isn’t just about forced proximity; it’s about two people thrown together by circumstance, slowly breaking down walls, learning to trust, and falling in love in the most unlikely of situations. It’s that mix of danger, tension, and vulnerability that makes every glance, every reluctant touch, and every moment of unexpected tenderness hit even harder.
And can we talk about how well this book balances action, suspense, and romance? The fast-paced plot never drags, the stakes feel real, and every twist kept me hooked. It’s more than just a romance—it’s a thrill ride.
Odette Stone, consider me officially a fan. If this is what her books are like, I need more ASAP.
If you love protective heroes, high-stakes romance, forced proximity, and intense chemistry, Beautiful Russian Monster is an absolute must-read. Highly recommend!
🎶 Wicked Game – Chris Isaak
🎶Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur
🎶Rescue Me – OneRepublic
🎶Talk – Khalid
From the very first page, Beautiful Russian Monster completely consumed me—I could not put this book down! It’s intense, thrilling, and packed with the kind of slow-burn, high-stakes romance that keeps you glued to every word. If you love grumpy, stoic, protective heroes with a side of forced proximity, danger, and undeniable chemistry, then this is the book for you.
Viktor is exceptional. A brooding, lethal, and ridiculously compelling hero who operates with chilling precision—but beneath that icy exterior, there’s a man who protects what’s his with unwavering devotion. And the heroine? She’s smart, resourceful, and refuses to back down, even when thrown into a world she barely understands. Their push-pull dynamic is perfection, making every moment between them electric.
Now, let’s talk about the captor/captive dynamic—because Odette Stone nailed it. This isn’t just about forced proximity; it’s about two people thrown together by circumstance, slowly breaking down walls, learning to trust, and falling in love in the most unlikely of situations. It’s that mix of danger, tension, and vulnerability that makes every glance, every reluctant touch, and every moment of unexpected tenderness hit even harder.
And can we talk about how well this book balances action, suspense, and romance? The fast-paced plot never drags, the stakes feel real, and every twist kept me hooked. It’s more than just a romance—it’s a thrill ride.
Odette Stone, consider me officially a fan. If this is what her books are like, I need more ASAP.
If you love protective heroes, high-stakes romance, forced proximity, and intense chemistry, Beautiful Russian Monster is an absolute must-read. Highly recommend!
🎶 Wicked Game – Chris Isaak
🎶Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur
🎶Rescue Me – OneRepublic
🎶Talk – Khalid
January 3, 2022
I was so drawn to her. Would my darkness swallow all her light?
It’s been about two years since I’ve gotten lost in an Odette Stone read, and I’m happy to say that her stories are still incredibly well written and so easy to immerse yourself in. Beautiful Russian Monster definitely leans into the suspense aspect of the story heavily and straight from the start, while the romance aspect slowly builds and builds along the way with tension and a bit of sweetness.
Viktor and Blaire are essentially forced on this dangerous journey together in order to save his friends and her grandfather. Viktor has a past and experience in doing these dangerous and often criminal things, but Blaire is in a whole new world. Reading these two falling in love slowly while on this rollercoaster ride was so sweet. Odette truly takes the time to convince you of why these two match up. While the title does give extreme dark/mafia vibes the book is more suspense journey with a slow burn romance plot. There’s some criminal activity, but it’s less mafia more corrupt happenings. Anyway, I don’t want to get TOO into it, because this is a story you need to experience on your own.
Also that ending. Excuse me Ms. Stone… I need answers quickly!
**Note - this is easy to understand standalone, but I highly advise that you read Dark Russian Angel prior to this. You don’t need it to understand the plot, but it will introduce you to some of the characters in this story and why they are where they are in their lives. Not required, but in my opinion, read it first.
AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
It’s been about two years since I’ve gotten lost in an Odette Stone read, and I’m happy to say that her stories are still incredibly well written and so easy to immerse yourself in. Beautiful Russian Monster definitely leans into the suspense aspect of the story heavily and straight from the start, while the romance aspect slowly builds and builds along the way with tension and a bit of sweetness.
Viktor and Blaire are essentially forced on this dangerous journey together in order to save his friends and her grandfather. Viktor has a past and experience in doing these dangerous and often criminal things, but Blaire is in a whole new world. Reading these two falling in love slowly while on this rollercoaster ride was so sweet. Odette truly takes the time to convince you of why these two match up. While the title does give extreme dark/mafia vibes the book is more suspense journey with a slow burn romance plot. There’s some criminal activity, but it’s less mafia more corrupt happenings. Anyway, I don’t want to get TOO into it, because this is a story you need to experience on your own.
Also that ending. Excuse me Ms. Stone… I need answers quickly!
**Note - this is easy to understand standalone, but I highly advise that you read Dark Russian Angel prior to this. You don’t need it to understand the plot, but it will introduce you to some of the characters in this story and why they are where they are in their lives. Not required, but in my opinion, read it first.
AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
January 11, 2022
I HATE captor/captive books where the heroine doesn't know when to shut her f**king mouth. There is no sense of self-preservation because they always somehow (because the author doesn't have the lady cojones to write dark heroes) that the captor won't hurt them. She was just kidnapped by the guy and spends the hike through the woods and the car ride asking TOO MANY QUESTIONS! In real life, she'd be tied up and tossed into the truck with a dirty sock in her mouth. Ugh. Naive heroines are the bane of mafia romances.
February 27, 2023
A reviewer mentioned this was like Jason Bourne and YES! Take Jason Bourne make him a grumpy monosyllabic Russian and give him a HEA and you've got this book.
Viktor is the aforementioned ex Russian special forces grump who's trying to go straight but he gets pulled back in by a shadowy dude who wants him to do bad things. The bad thing is kidnapping a heiress and then traipsing to Asia to retrieve some doohickey that belongs to her grandfather. Listen, the plot was wild and didn't make a whole lot of sense but I didn't care because it was such a great ride.
This is an epic adventure into Asia. Cambodia, Vietnam and Singapore all play a part and during this wild and life or death escapades the stoic Viktor transitions from kidnapper to protector. The burn is slow and they don't kiss until halfway through but I didn't care because big burly grumpy Russian was kicking ass and taking names all the while treating Blaire like she was the most precious thing in the world 🥹
This is a mix of adventure and suspense romance that's paced so well I felt like I was watching a movie. It never let up. It wasn't perfect though, like I mentioned the plot was bonkers and hard to follow at times but I who cares when the hero is a bearded giant dirty talker who is willing to die for his woman.
"Her eyes found mine. “Why did you hit him?” I spoke the truth. “He doesn’t love you the way I do.”
::Sigh::
Tropes:
Grumpy/sunshine
Kidnapper
Forced Proximity
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥/5
Viktor is the aforementioned ex Russian special forces grump who's trying to go straight but he gets pulled back in by a shadowy dude who wants him to do bad things. The bad thing is kidnapping a heiress and then traipsing to Asia to retrieve some doohickey that belongs to her grandfather. Listen, the plot was wild and didn't make a whole lot of sense but I didn't care because it was such a great ride.
This is an epic adventure into Asia. Cambodia, Vietnam and Singapore all play a part and during this wild and life or death escapades the stoic Viktor transitions from kidnapper to protector. The burn is slow and they don't kiss until halfway through but I didn't care because big burly grumpy Russian was kicking ass and taking names all the while treating Blaire like she was the most precious thing in the world 🥹
This is a mix of adventure and suspense romance that's paced so well I felt like I was watching a movie. It never let up. It wasn't perfect though, like I mentioned the plot was bonkers and hard to follow at times but I who cares when the hero is a bearded giant dirty talker who is willing to die for his woman.
"Her eyes found mine. “Why did you hit him?” I spoke the truth. “He doesn’t love you the way I do.”
::Sigh::
Tropes:
Grumpy/sunshine
Kidnapper
Forced Proximity
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥/5
February 10, 2022
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
I honestly think this is one of the bestselling , action packed, tense, emotional and exciting books I’ve ever read.
It never stops, it’s absolutely full of great lines, and very entertaining encounters.
This author can write!
If you want high end action, sensitivity, emotion, and slow burn romance, you just found it.
Highly recommend!!
💋💋💋
I honestly think this is one of the bestselling , action packed, tense, emotional and exciting books I’ve ever read.
It never stops, it’s absolutely full of great lines, and very entertaining encounters.
This author can write!
If you want high end action, sensitivity, emotion, and slow burn romance, you just found it.
Highly recommend!!
January 11, 2022
I I tried to like this book
I love this author and was excited to get this book, but i think it is terrible. I couldn’t get past chapter 9. The heroine is a mouthy know it all who literally never listens. She is supposed to be worried and trying to save her grandfather but all she does is verbally fight/flirt with the hero who she completely disrespects for the part of the book I read. She seemed to never take anything seriously except for what she wanted.
I love this author and was excited to get this book, but i think it is terrible. I couldn’t get past chapter 9. The heroine is a mouthy know it all who literally never listens. She is supposed to be worried and trying to save her grandfather but all she does is verbally fight/flirt with the hero who she completely disrespects for the part of the book I read. She seemed to never take anything seriously except for what she wanted.
December 4, 2022
i seriously dont know how odette stone does it
June 16, 2023
aşırı sikko aksiyon/macera filmi kurgusu gibiydi.
ne, neden, niçin sorgulaması yapmazsanız bir tık keyif alınabilir lakin ben alamadım.
sevemedim.
ne, neden, niçin sorgulaması yapmazsanız bir tık keyif alınabilir lakin ben alamadım.
sevemedim.
February 9, 2022
Another insufferably stupid and vapid heroin. Run Viktor! DNF
January 6, 2022
Riveting.
Odette writes exceptional stories. But, here’s the thing. Each one is better then the last and it isn’t something an already accomplished writer usually manages. For me, she is in that top 10% of writers, everything she composes flows. This latest book starts off grabbing you and pulling you into the story- you will not want to put it down. I had a very hard time not going to the end to see what was going to happen cause I couldn’t stand the suspense! Very few books read that way. This is a five star suspenseful ride.
I received an ARC copy for my honest review.
Odette writes exceptional stories. But, here’s the thing. Each one is better then the last and it isn’t something an already accomplished writer usually manages. For me, she is in that top 10% of writers, everything she composes flows. This latest book starts off grabbing you and pulling you into the story- you will not want to put it down. I had a very hard time not going to the end to see what was going to happen cause I couldn’t stand the suspense! Very few books read that way. This is a five star suspenseful ride.
I received an ARC copy for my honest review.
April 1, 2024
Viktor and Blarie Asterdam. He kidnaps her to save his friends. This one was better than the first.. felt more real.
"Your dating profile would be so compelling: willing to kidnap, vast knowledge of firearms and the dark underworld of crime. Strong, silent and wants his way all the time. Will put on your seat belt for you.”😂😂😂(Her)
**Opposites
**Secrets
**Kidnapping
CL listen 🎶
"Your dating profile would be so compelling: willing to kidnap, vast knowledge of firearms and the dark underworld of crime. Strong, silent and wants his way all the time. Will put on your seat belt for you.”😂😂😂(Her)
**Opposites
**Secrets
**Kidnapping
CL listen 🎶
March 11, 2022
3.5 stars. Viktor Mikhailov is forced to work outside of international law to save his ex boss and business partner, Andrusha, and Andrusha’s wife, Olivia. Forced to do the bidding of a secret Canadian gov’t/military organization, Viktor kidnaps Blaire, billionaire shipping heiress, to retrieve a flash drive hidden on Blaire’s grandfather’s ship (whew, say that ten times fast!). I should say, Blaire’s grandfather is also kidnapped but by the guys wanting the flash drive on the other side.
What I liked: 1) I really liked the crossing of continents, countries, borders, etc. Keep all of that up! 2) I appreciated all the action. It read like movie scenes and was quick paced. Motorcycles are always fun chase scenes to read about. 3) The relationship build up was pretty well done. The pacing, especially after the hostage situation was resolved, was well done.
What didn’t work for me: 1) If it had been any conflict other than a psycho ex I would have given this 4 or 5 stars. AGAIN WITH THE EX!!!!!! Couldn’t it have been someone who had had a loved one in Viktor’s crosshairs or someone related to the Tonko rescue. But no, it is an out-of-nowhere storyline involving Viktor meeting a woman that never shows in Beirut. What the what??? It was so random. “Yeah, I was thinking of marrying her and gaining a child in the process, but she never showed up for the meeting and I got over it quickly enough, so it wasn’t meant to be.” Or better yet, “ She was hot, the sex was great and we got along really well. I could see us working out long term.” It was just really weird to me. It wasn’t even Viktor’s ex, it was drama from the ex of Viktor’s ex. 2) There is some internal dialogue that is a bit too on the nose for me. When Viktor talks about how tough she is or how sassy she is it makes me crazy b/c I like when she exasperates him or impresses him, instead of him telling the reader how we should perceive her. 3) The non ex drama. Oh Pierre, Pierre, Pierre. I could have maybe dealt with the Pierre drama if I didn’t have to deal with Justine’s ex. Drop Justine and her ex storyline and keep Pierre and I would have loved it more. 4) The boat scenes were kind of superfluous. The synopsis: They get on the boat and have to keep clearing out weeds. Again and again. A snake shows up and gets shot. The end. Literally nothing advancing the plot happens.
Anyway, all in all an okay read. But am tiring of the crazy ex storyline.
What I liked: 1) I really liked the crossing of continents, countries, borders, etc. Keep all of that up! 2) I appreciated all the action. It read like movie scenes and was quick paced. Motorcycles are always fun chase scenes to read about. 3) The relationship build up was pretty well done. The pacing, especially after the hostage situation was resolved, was well done.
What didn’t work for me: 1) If it had been any conflict other than a psycho ex I would have given this 4 or 5 stars. AGAIN WITH THE EX!!!!!! Couldn’t it have been someone who had had a loved one in Viktor’s crosshairs or someone related to the Tonko rescue. But no, it is an out-of-nowhere storyline involving Viktor meeting a woman that never shows in Beirut. What the what??? It was so random. “Yeah, I was thinking of marrying her and gaining a child in the process, but she never showed up for the meeting and I got over it quickly enough, so it wasn’t meant to be.” Or better yet, “ She was hot, the sex was great and we got along really well. I could see us working out long term.” It was just really weird to me. It wasn’t even Viktor’s ex, it was drama from the ex of Viktor’s ex. 2) There is some internal dialogue that is a bit too on the nose for me. When Viktor talks about how tough she is or how sassy she is it makes me crazy b/c I like when she exasperates him or impresses him, instead of him telling the reader how we should perceive her. 3) The non ex drama. Oh Pierre, Pierre, Pierre. I could have maybe dealt with the Pierre drama if I didn’t have to deal with Justine’s ex. Drop Justine and her ex storyline and keep Pierre and I would have loved it more. 4) The boat scenes were kind of superfluous. The synopsis: They get on the boat and have to keep clearing out weeds. Again and again. A snake shows up and gets shot. The end. Literally nothing advancing the plot happens.
Anyway, all in all an okay read. But am tiring of the crazy ex storyline.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2022
ALL THE STARS!!
I’ve been waiting for Viktor’s book since reading Dark Russian and the waiting was worth it! Two things that almost guarantee a 5 star rating for me is if there’s an actual story line that can stand on its own without the sex scenes and if I can connect and feel the chemistry between the main characters. Odette always seems to hit that mark. This book was incredibly well written and kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Viktor is essentially forced to take the heroine, Blaire, hostage in order to save Andrusha and Olivia’s lives. They both then journey together through out Asia while facing many obstacles. Viktor, with his special ops and mafia background, was always very focused and mission driven while simultaneously being protective and surprisingly sweet. Blaire was no doormat or damsel in distress. She was very strong, capable and everything they overcame was always done as a team effort. This book is a slow burn romance that showcased perfectly and organically two people falling in love. I wouldn’t want it any other way!
*I was given an ARC for an honest review
I’ve been waiting for Viktor’s book since reading Dark Russian and the waiting was worth it! Two things that almost guarantee a 5 star rating for me is if there’s an actual story line that can stand on its own without the sex scenes and if I can connect and feel the chemistry between the main characters. Odette always seems to hit that mark. This book was incredibly well written and kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Viktor is essentially forced to take the heroine, Blaire, hostage in order to save Andrusha and Olivia’s lives. They both then journey together through out Asia while facing many obstacles. Viktor, with his special ops and mafia background, was always very focused and mission driven while simultaneously being protective and surprisingly sweet. Blaire was no doormat or damsel in distress. She was very strong, capable and everything they overcame was always done as a team effort. This book is a slow burn romance that showcased perfectly and organically two people falling in love. I wouldn’t want it any other way!
*I was given an ARC for an honest review
January 23, 2025
Man, this book! I thought I'd read a couple of chapters before beginning work this morning, and oh my goodness I was glued to the pages all day, sorry boss (it's ok, I had already done everything I had to do for work, in case you're worried).
Anyway, this book! It reminds me of so many well-loved romantic suspense I used to read extensively, like Sandra Brown and Linda Howard. The whole story doesn't let up for a minute. You're thrown into the thick of things from the very first page, it's fast-paced, you don't know what will come up next, and it all flew very beautifully.
I loved it, and look forward to reading more from the author.
Beautiful Russian Monster can be read as a standalone and is on KU.
Anyway, this book! It reminds me of so many well-loved romantic suspense I used to read extensively, like Sandra Brown and Linda Howard. The whole story doesn't let up for a minute. You're thrown into the thick of things from the very first page, it's fast-paced, you don't know what will come up next, and it all flew very beautifully.
I loved it, and look forward to reading more from the author.
Beautiful Russian Monster can be read as a standalone and is on KU.
June 8, 2022
Okay first off that cliff hanger? So not cool lol.
Stockholm syndrome was narrowly avoided in the guise that Blaire had multiple chances to leave the situation if she so wanted to. Eh it was weak but ya know.
I won't lie though I did enjoy reading this book. I'll claim it as a guilty pleasure 😭🤣
(This was probably better than Andrusha's story tbh)
Stockholm syndrome was narrowly avoided in the guise that Blaire had multiple chances to leave the situation if she so wanted to. Eh it was weak but ya know.
I won't lie though I did enjoy reading this book. I'll claim it as a guilty pleasure 😭🤣
(This was probably better than Andrusha's story tbh)
May 16, 2023
This is not a romance this is Tom Cruise who falls in love with the damsell in distress in every Mission Impossible movie but his Russian version (well there is nothing about being Russian anyway).
I wanted to sink myself into her with the fleeting hope I could be touched by some of her purity- but I didn't deserve that kind of redemption.
I wanted to sink myself into her with the fleeting hope I could be touched by some of her purity- but I didn't deserve that kind of redemption.
October 16, 2022
Like reading a jason bourne movie. perfectly over the top.
January 1, 2025
When the kidnapper is slay and hot but isn’t in the mafia anymore (lame).
January 6, 2022
Odette Stone made a good case for why her characters should not be together even while proving they should in the second book of her Vancouver Mafia series, Beautiful Russian Monster!
A dark adventure filled with suspense, this story hit the pages running. Ms. Stone created the ultimate broody hero in Viktor Mikhailov. With a past rich in intrigue his old life eventually caught up with him, catapulting him into danger and forcing him to make decisions with no ideal outcomes. Blaire Asterdam cloaked her strength in frailty, constantly shaking up people's opinions of her. Pushing herself and always seeking her full potential Blaire was impossible to not be captivated by. Subtle pitted against blunt, the nuances of Viktor and Blaire's evolving relationship were a driving force in this work. In many ways opposites, this pair found common ground and quickly found a way to see past their differences even as they discovered their shared trait of kindness. This couple's meaningful interactions and ability to see beyond their obvious circumstances highlighted this writer's adept writing. A wonderful job was done by the author of gradually pulling out the emotions and the truths from characters with vastly different communication styles. There was a very strong chemistry between this couple adding a nice layer to this work and emphasizing the depth of their attraction when sparked.
Odette Stone continues to wow her readers with her compassionate and insightful stories. The way she reveals the dimensions of her characters shows the connection she has with her work and translates beautifully to her audience. Odette Stone's Beautiful Russian Monster has set the bar high for what the rest of 2022 has to offer!
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*This book can be read as a standalone.*
A dark adventure filled with suspense, this story hit the pages running. Ms. Stone created the ultimate broody hero in Viktor Mikhailov. With a past rich in intrigue his old life eventually caught up with him, catapulting him into danger and forcing him to make decisions with no ideal outcomes. Blaire Asterdam cloaked her strength in frailty, constantly shaking up people's opinions of her. Pushing herself and always seeking her full potential Blaire was impossible to not be captivated by. Subtle pitted against blunt, the nuances of Viktor and Blaire's evolving relationship were a driving force in this work. In many ways opposites, this pair found common ground and quickly found a way to see past their differences even as they discovered their shared trait of kindness. This couple's meaningful interactions and ability to see beyond their obvious circumstances highlighted this writer's adept writing. A wonderful job was done by the author of gradually pulling out the emotions and the truths from characters with vastly different communication styles. There was a very strong chemistry between this couple adding a nice layer to this work and emphasizing the depth of their attraction when sparked.
Odette Stone continues to wow her readers with her compassionate and insightful stories. The way she reveals the dimensions of her characters shows the connection she has with her work and translates beautifully to her audience. Odette Stone's Beautiful Russian Monster has set the bar high for what the rest of 2022 has to offer!
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*This book can be read as a standalone.*
January 6, 2022
This one was fun! I don't usually go for the romantic suspense sub-genre, especially since so many of the heroes (like this one) are ex-military and that's just a personal preference that I don't dig. But this one felt like a blockbuster action/adventure film, and it was so fun! Odette Stone is so good at making even the most ridiculous situations seem plausible, and I love the way she manages to make the characters' opposing motivations coincide and connect by the end. Being on her ARC team is such a gift, because I'm always itching for her next book, and this one didn't disappoint!
December 5, 2022
This was my third and least favourite book by Odette Stone, which sucks because I really loved the other two. Even though the writing was still good, I just couldn't give it a higher rating because I felt a lack of emotion in the relationship between Blaire and Viktor. Also, this one was a bit too much slow burn for me. For half of the book nothing really happened and I was a bit bored. What a pity!
March 12, 2024
Viktor and Blaire. Viktor is forced to kidnap Blaire in order to save his 2 friends. He and Blaire must travel to Asia to a ship to recover a flash drive, which Blaire is supposed to know where it is. He grandfather has also been kidnapped, so she his along with Viktor to save her grandfather.
June 27, 2023
Broche de oro 😍😍😍
August 6, 2025
This didn't feel like a mafia romance at all. This felt very James Bond-y and was super action packed. It wasn't bad, but it just wasn't what I was expecting.
January 3, 2022
Solid 4 stars. I’m not a huge fan of the mafia stories but Odette Stone became a must-read author for me with her first 3 books of the Vancouver Wolves Hockey series (“Home Game” is one of my all-time top reads and one of the very few in my re-read list). I’m glad the mafia part was in Viktor’s past, and I fell in love with him and Blaire.
I felt the ending was a bit rushed and didn’t love how certain parts were wrapped up, or not wrapped up. I also thought the whole Pierre storyline was unnecessary and not developed or resolved well.
Overall a good read with great main characters! I would definitely continue reading anything and everything from Ms. Stone, but would really LOVE more books in the hockey series!!
*I received an ARC of this book in return for my honest opinion*
January 23, 2022
This one needed time to grow on me, not sure why. I liked Blair and Viktor, but the mission they were on seemed over the top. Maybe because it was given to Viktor by a shadowy maybe government guy, maybe because he was just shady, don't know, but definitely not trust worthy. This mission sent the two to Asia, where if it could go wrong it did. I liked seeing Viktor adjust as needed and Blair follow along, although there were bright spots where she ended up showing off to Viktor, knowing helpful things he didn't.
Things didn't seem to get better once they completed the mission and were home. Then Viktor's past caught up with him and caused lots of trouble. It took a bit, but finally things got taken care of and Viktor and Blair could finally live their HEA.
Things didn't seem to get better once they completed the mission and were home. Then Viktor's past caught up with him and caused lots of trouble. It took a bit, but finally things got taken care of and Viktor and Blair could finally live their HEA.
April 24, 2022
i really enjoyed the beginning of this book despite a few minor things. i liked how grumpy viktor was and that there wasn’t any insta lust. it did start to slow down at the halfway point, and the ending was a little ridiculous. i mean books with kidnapping aren’t realistic in the first place, but the whole villain thing at the end was silly.
January 5, 2022
I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of Odette’s book Beautiful Russian Monster in exchange for my review. I sat down and read it in one day and can honestly say I loved it. We first met Viktor in Dark Russian Angel as Andrusha’s right hand man. In Beautiful Russian Monster Viktor is put in a very difficult position in order to save Andrusha and Olivia’s lives. And while he was committed to his mission, his natural instinct is to be a protector. The story takes us on an adventure from Vancouver, Canada to SouthEast Asia, dragging a reluctant hostage - Blaire - to retrieve a flashdrive from one of her Grandfather’s cargo ships. What I enjoyed the most was how Viktor and Blaire’s attraction was growing as they overcame every obstacle in their way. They started out as adversaries, but became true partners in order to accomplish their mission. Viktor was strong and protective and driven, while Blaire was no damsel in distress, always asking questions, but helping in critical ways throughout the time; finally overcoming one of her greatest fears in order to save Viktor. I would highly recommend reading Dark Russian Angel before Viktor’s book in order to get the back story of Andrusha and Viktor’s friendship. I would give both books FIVE stars.
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