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The Oligarchs #5
Vicious Proposal
The monster tore apart my pretty lies. Nervosa is the beast from out west. He’s a lovely killer, scarred, shredded, and veiled in a mysterious past. He owns California, and he wants to own me. I’m not interested. I enrolled at Stanford for one to solve my grandfather’s murder, and to clear my mother’s name. Except a war is brewing. Nervosa drags me deep into the middle and forces me to choose between peace and my own family. Death follows him like a shadow. I hate Nervosa, but he’s the first man to ever see past my insecurities. When he’s around, it’s like I have two legs to stand on for the first time in my life. We’ll help each other. I’ll let him break through my walls and touch me in ways I never imagined. Together, we’ll drag the truth into the light, kicking and screaming, or we’ll die trying.
- GenresMafia Romance
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 4, 2022
156 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
B.B. Hamel
200 books2,537 followersI'm a long time reader, writer, and lover of Romance! Writing is my dream and my passion, and I want to share my stories with you.
I live in the Philadelphia area with my husband and two dogs.
Website: http://www.bbhamel.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bbhamelwriter
Check out my mailing list for updates, giveaways, and more! http://bbhamel.com/signup
I live in the Philadelphia area with my husband and two dogs.
Website: http://www.bbhamel.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bbhamelwriter
Check out my mailing list for updates, giveaways, and more! http://bbhamel.com/signup
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January 8, 2022
Nervosa & Melanie’s Dark Story Concludes The Series! Their Steamy Story Brings The Series To The West Coast As Melanie Orchard Enters Nervosa’s Territory When She Attends Stanford. Soon She Finds Herself Pulled Into Nervosa’s World & The Complicated Politics That Threaten Her Brother.
ABOUT THE OLIGARCHS SERIES:
The world’s most exclusive club includes some of the most feared men and women on earth. They are the oligarchs. The mafias, the cartels, the bratva – you name it – they all bow to the likes of them. The oligarchs are drowning in wealth. That in combination with the boredom that plagues them has led to a corrupted view of the value of human life. As a result, they have evolved such that now they operate like gods on earth. Their money buys them whatever they want. So far removed from society-imposed consequences, all that is left to hold them in check is the high-powered game that they play amongst themselves.
Like puppet masters, the oligarchs use the various criminal underground groups to orchestrate their desired outcomes. They enjoy the back and forth and the power struggle that results from their interferences. It is a zero-sum game. You take a little here and there, upsetting the balance of power. But they have rules, too. Importantly, oligarchs aren’t allowed to make a direct move against one another; that is what their proxies are for. They can align themselves with the Irish mafia, for instance, to indirectly attack another oligarch via the bratva he helps fund, but only as long as it doesn’t create too much chaos. They must be measured (which is of course a relative term).
No oligarch can assume too much power without the others eventually deciding to restore the balance. Thus the game goes, repeating the cycle, but it always balances out in the end because there are rules that the members abide by, expectations they understand of one another. There are consequences if they step out of line. While they might fight with guns via their proxies, that isn’t how business is conducted with one another. They require a different set of skills to operate amongst their peers. Politics, alliances, and the ability to sway opinions are how they win the game from within. A direct attack on another oligarch, however, will provoke a bloody reaction from the group. Stepping that far out of line, upsetting the balance of power, is not tolerated. If an oligarch continues the course, causing too much chaos, sooner or later the other players – the other oligarchs – will decide to act against you.
FROM PERFECT MONSTER, BOOK 1:
The story opens during the winter in Sea Isle, New Jersey.
Cassie Ward, about twenty-one, left her father’s Boston home and moved to Sea Isle, New Jersey three years ago. Sea Isle was a fresh start for her, a chance for a quiet life. She bicycles around town and works at various bars to support herself. She hasn’t seriously considered dating since then. Her best friend, co-worker, and neighbor – Winter – encourages her to get out there and have some fun, but she doesn’t know anything about the incident. The car phobia, the scar, the words that damaged her self-esteem … Cassie keeps those things close to the vest.
Roman Lenkov, thirty-eight, belongs to the world’s most exclusive club: the oligarchs. He assumed his position of leadership when his father was gunned down at his cousin’s wedding three years ago. Oisin MacKenna, head of the MacKennas, an Irish mafia organization that is moving into the South, killed his father, and Roman won’t rest until he gets revenge. Darren Servant, another oligarch, is backing up the MacKennas, hiding Oisin, and making Roman’s efforts fruitless. But Roman has a plan. It will be messy, but it doesn’t matter anymore. Roman won’t just roll over and allow the assassination to go unpunished. Revenge will be his, even if Roman’s father was a monster.
When Cassie works a party full of powerful and dangerous men, an accident turns the ire of one such man against her. Another man, whose powerful presence seems to command the entire room, comes to her rescue. But Cassie’s troubles don’t end there. When she becomes a witness to a crime, a target is on her back. Her knight in shining armor, Roman, comes to her rescue again, promising to keep her safe. But as things begin to unravel, Cassie soon finds herself whisked away into Roman’s dark and dangerous world.
FROM BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE, BOOK 2:
This story opens outside of South Bend, Indiana, immediately following the close of book one.
Winter Kresswell, roughly twenty-four, has a lot in common with her best friend, Cassie. Winter, too, has a past that she hopes to keep secret. She was raised in upstate New York in a life of luxury, but she was not surrounded by love. Following her parents’ split, she was left with a father that was iconic in the world of finance, but who unfortunately saw Winter as a liability. He wasn’t there when she needed him most, so at eighteen she decided to leave her old life behind, changing her name from Spring Kane and adopting a new identity. She has lived a quiet life in Sea Isle, New Jersey since before Cassie arrived three years ago. They had worked together, waitressing at various venues around town, and were neighbors as well until Roman Lenkov whisked Cassie away. Cassie seemed to have gotten her happily ever after in that unlikely match with Roman, but it put Winter in the crosshairs of Darren Servant, another dangerous oligarch. Darren was involved in a treacherous war with Roman, and he used Winter for her connection to Cassie. Winter shouldn’t have turned down Roman’s protection when she left their beach house on foot, but that was a lesson she learned too late. Darren, it seemed, was not through with her yet.
Darren Servant, roughly thirty-three, is quiet but ruthless and has been after Roman for years. Darren lost the MacKennas to Roman once Cassie’s father was installed as their new leader, but he still has the Ukrainians, led by Hadeon Patrenko, working with him, and he has Roman on the defensive. To the other oligarchs, the battles are nothing more than an expensive game to quell their boredom, but for Darren, it means so much more. He has his sights set on taking Roman down, but even that won’t be enough. Roman must die. Winter had proven useful in the past, and taking her will help to keep Roman in check. Roman might be accustomed to death, but his new wife won’t want anything happening to her best friend. And when Darren learns that Winter’s father is Jason Kane, he sees other ways in which the young woman could be useful.
When Darren brings Winter to his home outside of South Bend, he gives her a list of rules to follow. Winter, though, is naturally feisty and challenges him every chance she gets. They have a battle of wills as he works to take down Roman, and she strives for her freedom. Their back and forth soon leads to some rather unwanted chemistry, and eventually, their dynamics begin to change. Darren had promised Winter her freedom once she had served her purpose, but he soon develops other plans. The pair battle it out while the mysterious Servant family history unfolds. But as they grow closer, Winter’s relationship with Cassie proves to be more of a problem. The couple eventually earns a happy for now ending, but the series is clearly unfinished. The danger remains. The story closes in the fall.
FROM PRETTY SINNER, BOOK 3:
This book opens one week after the close of book two. Penny has awoken on an island in the Caribbean.
Penny Servant, about twenty-seven, had been lucky in many respects. She is naturally kind and considerate of others, although a little naïve. She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, one of the younger of the Servant children. Her father had been an Oligarch, and her brother Darren stepped into the role in his place. Darren is a good brother, but he is overprotective, too. She is probably lucky that she was allowed to go off to Blackwoods College to earn her degree.
Since returning from college, Penny had spent her time largely locked up like a bird in a cage. She longed for purpose, friends, and a life. Her sister Erin, second oldest, wasn’t content to watch Darren take charge and had begun a shadow campaign unbeknownst to him. She is cold and calculating. Thanks to Erin’s underhanded schemes, she had been sold to her stalker.
Kaspar Feargus Ulbrecht von Baskin the Fourteenth, about thirty, is a beast. He has been spreading chaos since he inherited his seat as an Oligarch. He hadn’t been raised by loving parents, and many would argue that he grew up to be a monster. Not unlike other Oligarchs, he was infected by his privilege and his twisted upbringing. He is capable of turning on the charm, however, as evidenced by his popularity in college and the women that would readily accept his attentions.
There is one thing that matters to Kaspar above all else – and that is Penny Servant. He admittedly had gone a little overboard in his pursuit of her, but he knew immediately upon meeting her that she would be his. When Erin made him an offer, he couldn’t believe his good luck. Penny is now under his control, but that has never been the ultimate goal. He wants her hand in marriage and her willing submission, but convincing her of his intentions will be no easy task.
FROM CHARMING KILLER, BOOK FOUR:
This book opens in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Erin Servant has agreed to meet young new Oligarch Redmond Orchard, who recently killed his father, Old Bern, to take his place in the world’s most elite group. Penny has married Kaspar.
Erin Servant, about thirty-two, wants freedom. Raised as the oldest daughter of an Oligarch, she had been sheltered her entire life. She was meant to be used for an advantageous marriage for the family, but she has other plans. Since her father’s death and her brother Darren’s ascension to the status of Oligarch of the Servant family, she has been quietly plotting. She outwitted her mother, sold out her sister Penny to Kaspar, a deadly Oligarch, and accumulated enough money and men to leave the Servant mansion in South Bend, Indiana, and head to Chicago, where she plans to become an Oligarch in her own right.
Erin feels the need to prove herself. She hates that it is only the oldest son to inherit the seat of Oligarch and resents that daughters are only used as tools. She is smart and wants to be involved in the family business. But more than that, she feels different, like an outsider in her own family. Her racing thoughts never give her peace, and she has difficulty sitting still for long. Her thoughts control her, and the only respite is immersing herself in social media, which has a calming effect. Her ceaseless machinations give her some sense of power over her own destiny. She has made great strides, but she needs to make some big moves if she is to join the ranks of the Oligarchs.
Redmond Orchard is an Oligarch, but he isn’t the smartest, the strongest, nor the richest. His father had been a powerful Oligarch, and unassuming Redmond had dethroned him to take the title himself. Everyone had underestimated him, and he liked it that way. Now he is feared as a ruthless monster, a psychopath. He is the head of his family at the Orchard estate in Colorado. But taking over as Oligarch had not been easy, and much had been lost in the process. Redmond needs to rebuild in order to maintain power and to ensure the safety of his people and his family – his difficult mother and his spirited seventeen-year-old sister, Melanie.
Like many Oligarchs, Redmond had attended Blackwoods College. His good looks attracted plenty of female attention, and he had a preference for busty blondes – until he first saw Erin Servant. He knew she was the one, and he would do what it took to convince her of that fact. Erin is different than other women. She is smart and headstrong – and she wants to be an Oligarch in her own right. It gives him an opportunity.
IN THIS BOOK:
This book opens just before the beginning of fall semester, within a year of Redmond and Erin’s story. The couple is now married.
Melanie Orchard, nineteen, was raised as the daughter of an Oligarch. The Orchard Estate is opulent and located in beautiful Colorado, but her home has always felt like a prison. She has been desperate to experience normal things – anything that would get her out of her home and allow her to meet new people. She has been educated by tutors and has no friends. It is all supposedly for her own safety. Her brother Redmond recently became an Oligarch and took over the family – after offing their abusive father. The battle for control was hard-fought, but he won. Her mother is a drunk who hides away in her room, but Melanie and her brother have always felt close. She loves his new wife, Erin, who is now an Oligarch in her own right. Together, they are powerful.
Melanie doesn’t want to attend Blackwoods College like so many other Oligarch kids do. She wants something more normal, so she chooses Stanford instead. Redmond has his reservations because it sends her to another Oligarch’s territory – someone that he isn’t close with and who has a bad reputation. He decides to send Palmira, his best friend and best bodyguard, along with Melanie to ensure her safety on campus. That doesn’t exactly help Melanie fit in, but she doesn’t have a choice in the matter.
Alexander Nervosa isn’t your typical Oligarch. He wasn’t raised in privilege. He was raised by two addicts and sometimes slept in a car. His parents used him to help finance their addictions. When he wasn’t stealing, he was playing chess. If he didn’t win, he likely wouldn’t eat. He hadn’t even been enrolled in school. Fortune shined on him when his adoptive parents found him at the age of ten. He felt loved and secure for the first time in his life. As their only child, he was trained to take over the family business one day. His father died without warning, and that is when Nervosa grew into his role as Oligarch. He was consumed by rage because of the loss, but he got his act together and assumed his duty, taking his father’s place. The ensuing bloody power struggle earned him a wicked reputation amongst his fellow Oligarchs. He knows how to turn on the charm, but he keeps people at a distance, a vestige of his upbringing.
The West Coast Oligarchs work fairly well together. After witnessing the chaos on the East Coast – the wars that Roman, Darren, Kaspar, and Redmond started – it has them a little nervous. The long-understood rules have been broken. Oligarchs were not supposed to attack one another directly, but that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. The East Coast seems to have made its peace now, but the result is even more alarming. Their eastern empires are linked through marriage now, making them far too powerful for comfort. Silvano Tense thinks it is just a matter of time before they turn their interest west. He wants to take a preemptive strike and expand his network east instead. His tactic: distract them by flooding the east with killer drugs. Nervosa may have a black heart, but he knows a little about the damage substance abuse leaves behind and wants nothing to do with it. He is also convinced they would lose. Liam Quest is like Nervosa in some ways. They’ve both had a rough life. He isn’t thrilled with the method but agrees that striking first is the way to go. At forty-four, Griffin Deem is older than his fellow West Coast Oligarchs and tries to play it cool. He might not mind expanding east, but he doesn’t feel the plan is wise.
When Melanie is invited to a meeting with Nervosa, she and Redmond agree that she must go since Stanford is in Nervosa’s territory and it would be rude to decline. But Melanie gets more than she bargained for when she finds herself pulled into West Cost Oligarch politics. Nervosa wants her help with Redmond, but she has a favor of her own to ask for. She has become obsessed with solving a thirty-year-old family mystery, something her mother refuses to discuss. She learned that her estranged Uncle Cedric lives nearby and hopes for an introduction. As the pair begins to spend time with one another, their chemistry grows. But Melanie was trying to get away from that life, and Nervosa has never thought twice about a woman before. He doesn’t get close to people, but for some reason, Melanie fascinates him. As the danger gets more real, Melanie worries about Redmond being attacked. They both have difficulty trusting after seeing their loving father turn into an abusive monster, and it is entirely possible that Nervosa’s warning is nothing more than a con. Alliances are tests, and everyone is out for himself. Things eventually begin to spiral out of control, but the couple finds a happy ending.
Nervosa and Melanie’s romantic suspense switches things up in the series by introducing a new set of Oligarchs, and the marriage is yet another link amongst the Oligarchs. Although this is the last book in this series, it does sound like more books could be coming – perhaps in a West Coast Oligarch series.
There are a few notes about characters. Palmira accompanies Melanie to California in this story. We meet her in book four. Sometimes she felt a little off-character here. I also wondered how Redmond could send his best friend away for four years. As for Constance Orchard, maiden name Connie Yardley, her horrible behavior was notable in Redmond’s story. Here, Melanie tries to unearth buried family history relevant to her mother. In the end, it helps to shed light on where her mother’s behavior.
Nervosa and Melanie’s dark story concludes the series. Their steamy story brings the series to the West Coast as Melanie Orchard enters Nervosa’s territory when she attends Stanford. Soon she finds herself pulled into Nervosa’s world and the complicated politics that threaten her brother. The story is nicely written, but I did feel it could be tighter. There were some things that felt convenient – such as Melanie not immediately picking up the phone to warn Redmond that he might soon face a war. The plot was somewhat complex. I enjoyed Nervosa’s character and would have enjoyed even more of him. Melanie’s obsession with her family history was slightly wonky. I did feel the couple’s chemistry, but the reason Nervosa gives for falling for Melanie felt weak. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Nervosa and Melanie. I rate this book 3.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
ABOUT THE OLIGARCHS SERIES:
The world’s most exclusive club includes some of the most feared men and women on earth. They are the oligarchs. The mafias, the cartels, the bratva – you name it – they all bow to the likes of them. The oligarchs are drowning in wealth. That in combination with the boredom that plagues them has led to a corrupted view of the value of human life. As a result, they have evolved such that now they operate like gods on earth. Their money buys them whatever they want. So far removed from society-imposed consequences, all that is left to hold them in check is the high-powered game that they play amongst themselves.
Like puppet masters, the oligarchs use the various criminal underground groups to orchestrate their desired outcomes. They enjoy the back and forth and the power struggle that results from their interferences. It is a zero-sum game. You take a little here and there, upsetting the balance of power. But they have rules, too. Importantly, oligarchs aren’t allowed to make a direct move against one another; that is what their proxies are for. They can align themselves with the Irish mafia, for instance, to indirectly attack another oligarch via the bratva he helps fund, but only as long as it doesn’t create too much chaos. They must be measured (which is of course a relative term).
No oligarch can assume too much power without the others eventually deciding to restore the balance. Thus the game goes, repeating the cycle, but it always balances out in the end because there are rules that the members abide by, expectations they understand of one another. There are consequences if they step out of line. While they might fight with guns via their proxies, that isn’t how business is conducted with one another. They require a different set of skills to operate amongst their peers. Politics, alliances, and the ability to sway opinions are how they win the game from within. A direct attack on another oligarch, however, will provoke a bloody reaction from the group. Stepping that far out of line, upsetting the balance of power, is not tolerated. If an oligarch continues the course, causing too much chaos, sooner or later the other players – the other oligarchs – will decide to act against you.
FROM PERFECT MONSTER, BOOK 1:
The story opens during the winter in Sea Isle, New Jersey.
Cassie Ward, about twenty-one, left her father’s Boston home and moved to Sea Isle, New Jersey three years ago. Sea Isle was a fresh start for her, a chance for a quiet life. She bicycles around town and works at various bars to support herself. She hasn’t seriously considered dating since then. Her best friend, co-worker, and neighbor – Winter – encourages her to get out there and have some fun, but she doesn’t know anything about the incident. The car phobia, the scar, the words that damaged her self-esteem … Cassie keeps those things close to the vest.
Roman Lenkov, thirty-eight, belongs to the world’s most exclusive club: the oligarchs. He assumed his position of leadership when his father was gunned down at his cousin’s wedding three years ago. Oisin MacKenna, head of the MacKennas, an Irish mafia organization that is moving into the South, killed his father, and Roman won’t rest until he gets revenge. Darren Servant, another oligarch, is backing up the MacKennas, hiding Oisin, and making Roman’s efforts fruitless. But Roman has a plan. It will be messy, but it doesn’t matter anymore. Roman won’t just roll over and allow the assassination to go unpunished. Revenge will be his, even if Roman’s father was a monster.
When Cassie works a party full of powerful and dangerous men, an accident turns the ire of one such man against her. Another man, whose powerful presence seems to command the entire room, comes to her rescue. But Cassie’s troubles don’t end there. When she becomes a witness to a crime, a target is on her back. Her knight in shining armor, Roman, comes to her rescue again, promising to keep her safe. But as things begin to unravel, Cassie soon finds herself whisked away into Roman’s dark and dangerous world.
FROM BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE, BOOK 2:
This story opens outside of South Bend, Indiana, immediately following the close of book one.
Winter Kresswell, roughly twenty-four, has a lot in common with her best friend, Cassie. Winter, too, has a past that she hopes to keep secret. She was raised in upstate New York in a life of luxury, but she was not surrounded by love. Following her parents’ split, she was left with a father that was iconic in the world of finance, but who unfortunately saw Winter as a liability. He wasn’t there when she needed him most, so at eighteen she decided to leave her old life behind, changing her name from Spring Kane and adopting a new identity. She has lived a quiet life in Sea Isle, New Jersey since before Cassie arrived three years ago. They had worked together, waitressing at various venues around town, and were neighbors as well until Roman Lenkov whisked Cassie away. Cassie seemed to have gotten her happily ever after in that unlikely match with Roman, but it put Winter in the crosshairs of Darren Servant, another dangerous oligarch. Darren was involved in a treacherous war with Roman, and he used Winter for her connection to Cassie. Winter shouldn’t have turned down Roman’s protection when she left their beach house on foot, but that was a lesson she learned too late. Darren, it seemed, was not through with her yet.
Darren Servant, roughly thirty-three, is quiet but ruthless and has been after Roman for years. Darren lost the MacKennas to Roman once Cassie’s father was installed as their new leader, but he still has the Ukrainians, led by Hadeon Patrenko, working with him, and he has Roman on the defensive. To the other oligarchs, the battles are nothing more than an expensive game to quell their boredom, but for Darren, it means so much more. He has his sights set on taking Roman down, but even that won’t be enough. Roman must die. Winter had proven useful in the past, and taking her will help to keep Roman in check. Roman might be accustomed to death, but his new wife won’t want anything happening to her best friend. And when Darren learns that Winter’s father is Jason Kane, he sees other ways in which the young woman could be useful.
When Darren brings Winter to his home outside of South Bend, he gives her a list of rules to follow. Winter, though, is naturally feisty and challenges him every chance she gets. They have a battle of wills as he works to take down Roman, and she strives for her freedom. Their back and forth soon leads to some rather unwanted chemistry, and eventually, their dynamics begin to change. Darren had promised Winter her freedom once she had served her purpose, but he soon develops other plans. The pair battle it out while the mysterious Servant family history unfolds. But as they grow closer, Winter’s relationship with Cassie proves to be more of a problem. The couple eventually earns a happy for now ending, but the series is clearly unfinished. The danger remains. The story closes in the fall.
FROM PRETTY SINNER, BOOK 3:
This book opens one week after the close of book two. Penny has awoken on an island in the Caribbean.
Penny Servant, about twenty-seven, had been lucky in many respects. She is naturally kind and considerate of others, although a little naïve. She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, one of the younger of the Servant children. Her father had been an Oligarch, and her brother Darren stepped into the role in his place. Darren is a good brother, but he is overprotective, too. She is probably lucky that she was allowed to go off to Blackwoods College to earn her degree.
Since returning from college, Penny had spent her time largely locked up like a bird in a cage. She longed for purpose, friends, and a life. Her sister Erin, second oldest, wasn’t content to watch Darren take charge and had begun a shadow campaign unbeknownst to him. She is cold and calculating. Thanks to Erin’s underhanded schemes, she had been sold to her stalker.
Kaspar Feargus Ulbrecht von Baskin the Fourteenth, about thirty, is a beast. He has been spreading chaos since he inherited his seat as an Oligarch. He hadn’t been raised by loving parents, and many would argue that he grew up to be a monster. Not unlike other Oligarchs, he was infected by his privilege and his twisted upbringing. He is capable of turning on the charm, however, as evidenced by his popularity in college and the women that would readily accept his attentions.
There is one thing that matters to Kaspar above all else – and that is Penny Servant. He admittedly had gone a little overboard in his pursuit of her, but he knew immediately upon meeting her that she would be his. When Erin made him an offer, he couldn’t believe his good luck. Penny is now under his control, but that has never been the ultimate goal. He wants her hand in marriage and her willing submission, but convincing her of his intentions will be no easy task.
FROM CHARMING KILLER, BOOK FOUR:
This book opens in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Erin Servant has agreed to meet young new Oligarch Redmond Orchard, who recently killed his father, Old Bern, to take his place in the world’s most elite group. Penny has married Kaspar.
Erin Servant, about thirty-two, wants freedom. Raised as the oldest daughter of an Oligarch, she had been sheltered her entire life. She was meant to be used for an advantageous marriage for the family, but she has other plans. Since her father’s death and her brother Darren’s ascension to the status of Oligarch of the Servant family, she has been quietly plotting. She outwitted her mother, sold out her sister Penny to Kaspar, a deadly Oligarch, and accumulated enough money and men to leave the Servant mansion in South Bend, Indiana, and head to Chicago, where she plans to become an Oligarch in her own right.
Erin feels the need to prove herself. She hates that it is only the oldest son to inherit the seat of Oligarch and resents that daughters are only used as tools. She is smart and wants to be involved in the family business. But more than that, she feels different, like an outsider in her own family. Her racing thoughts never give her peace, and she has difficulty sitting still for long. Her thoughts control her, and the only respite is immersing herself in social media, which has a calming effect. Her ceaseless machinations give her some sense of power over her own destiny. She has made great strides, but she needs to make some big moves if she is to join the ranks of the Oligarchs.
Redmond Orchard is an Oligarch, but he isn’t the smartest, the strongest, nor the richest. His father had been a powerful Oligarch, and unassuming Redmond had dethroned him to take the title himself. Everyone had underestimated him, and he liked it that way. Now he is feared as a ruthless monster, a psychopath. He is the head of his family at the Orchard estate in Colorado. But taking over as Oligarch had not been easy, and much had been lost in the process. Redmond needs to rebuild in order to maintain power and to ensure the safety of his people and his family – his difficult mother and his spirited seventeen-year-old sister, Melanie.
Like many Oligarchs, Redmond had attended Blackwoods College. His good looks attracted plenty of female attention, and he had a preference for busty blondes – until he first saw Erin Servant. He knew she was the one, and he would do what it took to convince her of that fact. Erin is different than other women. She is smart and headstrong – and she wants to be an Oligarch in her own right. It gives him an opportunity.
IN THIS BOOK:
This book opens just before the beginning of fall semester, within a year of Redmond and Erin’s story. The couple is now married.
Melanie Orchard, nineteen, was raised as the daughter of an Oligarch. The Orchard Estate is opulent and located in beautiful Colorado, but her home has always felt like a prison. She has been desperate to experience normal things – anything that would get her out of her home and allow her to meet new people. She has been educated by tutors and has no friends. It is all supposedly for her own safety. Her brother Redmond recently became an Oligarch and took over the family – after offing their abusive father. The battle for control was hard-fought, but he won. Her mother is a drunk who hides away in her room, but Melanie and her brother have always felt close. She loves his new wife, Erin, who is now an Oligarch in her own right. Together, they are powerful.
Melanie doesn’t want to attend Blackwoods College like so many other Oligarch kids do. She wants something more normal, so she chooses Stanford instead. Redmond has his reservations because it sends her to another Oligarch’s territory – someone that he isn’t close with and who has a bad reputation. He decides to send Palmira, his best friend and best bodyguard, along with Melanie to ensure her safety on campus. That doesn’t exactly help Melanie fit in, but she doesn’t have a choice in the matter.
Alexander Nervosa isn’t your typical Oligarch. He wasn’t raised in privilege. He was raised by two addicts and sometimes slept in a car. His parents used him to help finance their addictions. When he wasn’t stealing, he was playing chess. If he didn’t win, he likely wouldn’t eat. He hadn’t even been enrolled in school. Fortune shined on him when his adoptive parents found him at the age of ten. He felt loved and secure for the first time in his life. As their only child, he was trained to take over the family business one day. His father died without warning, and that is when Nervosa grew into his role as Oligarch. He was consumed by rage because of the loss, but he got his act together and assumed his duty, taking his father’s place. The ensuing bloody power struggle earned him a wicked reputation amongst his fellow Oligarchs. He knows how to turn on the charm, but he keeps people at a distance, a vestige of his upbringing.
The West Coast Oligarchs work fairly well together. After witnessing the chaos on the East Coast – the wars that Roman, Darren, Kaspar, and Redmond started – it has them a little nervous. The long-understood rules have been broken. Oligarchs were not supposed to attack one another directly, but that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. The East Coast seems to have made its peace now, but the result is even more alarming. Their eastern empires are linked through marriage now, making them far too powerful for comfort. Silvano Tense thinks it is just a matter of time before they turn their interest west. He wants to take a preemptive strike and expand his network east instead. His tactic: distract them by flooding the east with killer drugs. Nervosa may have a black heart, but he knows a little about the damage substance abuse leaves behind and wants nothing to do with it. He is also convinced they would lose. Liam Quest is like Nervosa in some ways. They’ve both had a rough life. He isn’t thrilled with the method but agrees that striking first is the way to go. At forty-four, Griffin Deem is older than his fellow West Coast Oligarchs and tries to play it cool. He might not mind expanding east, but he doesn’t feel the plan is wise.
When Melanie is invited to a meeting with Nervosa, she and Redmond agree that she must go since Stanford is in Nervosa’s territory and it would be rude to decline. But Melanie gets more than she bargained for when she finds herself pulled into West Cost Oligarch politics. Nervosa wants her help with Redmond, but she has a favor of her own to ask for. She has become obsessed with solving a thirty-year-old family mystery, something her mother refuses to discuss. She learned that her estranged Uncle Cedric lives nearby and hopes for an introduction. As the pair begins to spend time with one another, their chemistry grows. But Melanie was trying to get away from that life, and Nervosa has never thought twice about a woman before. He doesn’t get close to people, but for some reason, Melanie fascinates him. As the danger gets more real, Melanie worries about Redmond being attacked. They both have difficulty trusting after seeing their loving father turn into an abusive monster, and it is entirely possible that Nervosa’s warning is nothing more than a con. Alliances are tests, and everyone is out for himself. Things eventually begin to spiral out of control, but the couple finds a happy ending.
Nervosa and Melanie’s romantic suspense switches things up in the series by introducing a new set of Oligarchs, and the marriage is yet another link amongst the Oligarchs. Although this is the last book in this series, it does sound like more books could be coming – perhaps in a West Coast Oligarch series.
There are a few notes about characters. Palmira accompanies Melanie to California in this story. We meet her in book four. Sometimes she felt a little off-character here. I also wondered how Redmond could send his best friend away for four years. As for Constance Orchard, maiden name Connie Yardley, her horrible behavior was notable in Redmond’s story. Here, Melanie tries to unearth buried family history relevant to her mother. In the end, it helps to shed light on where her mother’s behavior.
Nervosa and Melanie’s dark story concludes the series. Their steamy story brings the series to the West Coast as Melanie Orchard enters Nervosa’s territory when she attends Stanford. Soon she finds herself pulled into Nervosa’s world and the complicated politics that threaten her brother. The story is nicely written, but I did feel it could be tighter. There were some things that felt convenient – such as Melanie not immediately picking up the phone to warn Redmond that he might soon face a war. The plot was somewhat complex. I enjoyed Nervosa’s character and would have enjoyed even more of him. Melanie’s obsession with her family history was slightly wonky. I did feel the couple’s chemistry, but the reason Nervosa gives for falling for Melanie felt weak. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Nervosa and Melanie. I rate this book 3.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2022
A great edition to this story
While this is not technically part of a set series, and can be enjoyed alone, I sincerely recommend reading this one in a set order to get the most from this story and characters.
Melanie and Nervosa's story was suspenseful and also predictable. That said, I really enjoyed the way this story was crafted and enjoyed watching their HEA happen.
I recommend this author and loved these characters.
I suggest beginning this story with Roman in Perfect Monster.
Then Darren's story in Beautiful Trouble.
Follow those with Kaspar in Pretty Sinner, then Erin and Redmond's story in Charming Killer...THEN this one.
All of these stories are everything we love about Mafia reads: Family drama, steamy chemistry and plenty of firepower!
Looking forward to the next one from this talented author.
While this is not technically part of a set series, and can be enjoyed alone, I sincerely recommend reading this one in a set order to get the most from this story and characters.
Melanie and Nervosa's story was suspenseful and also predictable. That said, I really enjoyed the way this story was crafted and enjoyed watching their HEA happen.
I recommend this author and loved these characters.
I suggest beginning this story with Roman in Perfect Monster.
Then Darren's story in Beautiful Trouble.
Follow those with Kaspar in Pretty Sinner, then Erin and Redmond's story in Charming Killer...THEN this one.
All of these stories are everything we love about Mafia reads: Family drama, steamy chemistry and plenty of firepower!
Looking forward to the next one from this talented author.
January 13, 2022
Vicious Proposal is the final book in
Oligarchs series. It's transcending and captivating. The characters are compelling and passionate and pulls the readers into the story. Melanie was raised an Oligarch on the beautiful estate of Colorado. She's nineteen years old and is Redmond baby sister. But she has always felt like she was living in a glided cage at home and long leave the constrain of The Orchard estate where, she would experience the life of normal young woman since she has always been surrounded by guards and tutors. She told her brother Redmond that she would like to enroll at Stanford University. He has a problem with this because Stanford is in West Coast which is another Oligarchs territory which could means trouble for the West Coast Oligarchs.
Alex Nervosa is one of West Coast Oligarch he's ruthless, dark, charming with a black heart and reserved. He wasn't born Oligarch. He had harsh upbringing with shitty addicts for parents who use him for personal gain. He save from his harsh life when he was adopted by an Oligarch. He became an Oligarch after the death of his adoptive father. He invites Melanie to a meeting when he heard that she was in his territory. She went because she didn't want it to reflect bad on her brother. Melanie wants to solve a family mystery but the West Coast wants to a preemptive start a war before the East Coast do. Melanie doesn't like Oligarchs business she just wants a normal life away from the politics of the Oligarchs.
Nervosa typically doesn't give women a second look but Melanie intrigues him. The other Oligarchs is planning an attack against the East Coast but he doesn't agree with it. Nervosa is a scarred, beast beautiful killer and he wants Melanie something that he never wanted before. Death follows him every where he goes. They are twists and turns, deception, secrets, lies, rivalry, lust, mystery, violence, and steam. The chemistry between these two were magnetic. The story was well written with great characters and exceptional supporting characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oligarchs series. It's transcending and captivating. The characters are compelling and passionate and pulls the readers into the story. Melanie was raised an Oligarch on the beautiful estate of Colorado. She's nineteen years old and is Redmond baby sister. But she has always felt like she was living in a glided cage at home and long leave the constrain of The Orchard estate where, she would experience the life of normal young woman since she has always been surrounded by guards and tutors. She told her brother Redmond that she would like to enroll at Stanford University. He has a problem with this because Stanford is in West Coast which is another Oligarchs territory which could means trouble for the West Coast Oligarchs.
Alex Nervosa is one of West Coast Oligarch he's ruthless, dark, charming with a black heart and reserved. He wasn't born Oligarch. He had harsh upbringing with shitty addicts for parents who use him for personal gain. He save from his harsh life when he was adopted by an Oligarch. He became an Oligarch after the death of his adoptive father. He invites Melanie to a meeting when he heard that she was in his territory. She went because she didn't want it to reflect bad on her brother. Melanie wants to solve a family mystery but the West Coast wants to a preemptive start a war before the East Coast do. Melanie doesn't like Oligarchs business she just wants a normal life away from the politics of the Oligarchs.
Nervosa typically doesn't give women a second look but Melanie intrigues him. The other Oligarchs is planning an attack against the East Coast but he doesn't agree with it. Nervosa is a scarred, beast beautiful killer and he wants Melanie something that he never wanted before. Death follows him every where he goes. They are twists and turns, deception, secrets, lies, rivalry, lust, mystery, violence, and steam. The chemistry between these two were magnetic. The story was well written with great characters and exceptional supporting characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2022
In this 5th book of ‘The Oligarchs’ series by BB Hamel, “Vicious Proposal” has a secondary character from book 4 introduce us to a different set of oligarchs who dominate everything on the west coast. The prior stories have seen battles between east coast oligarchs; now it’s intriguing to learn about their west coast counterparts.
Melanie is the sister of an oligarch who succeeded his father in power after he killed the old man. Of course, it was a complicated situation. Melanie gets along fine with her brother, but she decides to attend Stanford University in California in an attempt to escape the gilded prison that is, and always has been, her life. She desperately wants to feel like a “normal” person. Nervosa, a strangely charismatic young man who shows great interest in her, is an oligarch himself. The west coast oligarchs are hatching plans he doesn’t like, and Nervosa has his own ideas about how to derail things – ideas involving Melanie.
In addition to all of that, Melanie is trying to find her mother’s brother who lives in California. She’s never met him because her mother ran away from home and stayed permanently estranged from the family she left behind. Melanie has just a couple of clues about what might have happened, but it’s mostly a terrible mystery and she is determined to uncover the answers.
The intense attraction between Melanie and Nervosa is something neither of them can fight. Multiple oligarchs and a variety of family members make for great secondary characters. There are some twists and turns, and unexpected moments of humor from Melanie’s female bodyguard. I also thought Nervosa’s personal history was interesting. This is an entertaining story and points in thought-provoking directions.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased a copy on Amazon.
Melanie is the sister of an oligarch who succeeded his father in power after he killed the old man. Of course, it was a complicated situation. Melanie gets along fine with her brother, but she decides to attend Stanford University in California in an attempt to escape the gilded prison that is, and always has been, her life. She desperately wants to feel like a “normal” person. Nervosa, a strangely charismatic young man who shows great interest in her, is an oligarch himself. The west coast oligarchs are hatching plans he doesn’t like, and Nervosa has his own ideas about how to derail things – ideas involving Melanie.
In addition to all of that, Melanie is trying to find her mother’s brother who lives in California. She’s never met him because her mother ran away from home and stayed permanently estranged from the family she left behind. Melanie has just a couple of clues about what might have happened, but it’s mostly a terrible mystery and she is determined to uncover the answers.
The intense attraction between Melanie and Nervosa is something neither of them can fight. Multiple oligarchs and a variety of family members make for great secondary characters. There are some twists and turns, and unexpected moments of humor from Melanie’s female bodyguard. I also thought Nervosa’s personal history was interesting. This is an entertaining story and points in thought-provoking directions.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased a copy on Amazon.
January 7, 2022
This is the 5th story in this series - A Dark Mafia Romance and in this story we get Melanie’s story who is Redmond’s younger sister. With Melanie going to Stanford she’ll be in the territory of the West Coast Oligarchs, Alex Nervosa is the one in charge and boy does he bring it when he brings Melanie into his business with the other Oligarchs. Nervosa has been in business with Liam, Griffin and Silvano for years as they are also other Oligarchy’s and once Silvano believes Redmond, Erin and the others will come for them so he takes the offense and wants to start a war before they see it coming by sending out addictive drugs to their area. Melanie’s only thought is to find the truth about what happened to her mother and grandfather all those years ago by wanting to see her uncle Cedric. Once Nervosa and Melanie join forces they deal with both issues and even go so far as to alert Redmond of Silvano’s plan hoping to stop the war be fore it starts. Melanie discovers she has a cousin, Laurel who she hopes to have a relationship with and her roommate is a nice person who she believes is her friend until she undercover she who she really is but she has no harm behind it. Erin and Redmond are keep in the loop by Palmira without Melanie and Nervosa realizing it and they come in the end to offer their support and even make deal to own a building in Nervosa’s territory. Both Melanie and Nervosa come to see that their love for one another is something to cherish and grow as they bring to good out in one another so he does what any man in loves should do…. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2022
I’m enjoying this series very much.
This story is revolves around Alex Nervosa a West Coast Oligarch and Melanie Orchard, Redmond’s sister an East Coast Oligarch.
Lots of mystery and intrigue goes on in this book.
Action, suspense and family secrets fill the pages along with the growing attraction between Nervosa and Melanie.
I adorned both Melanie and Alex.
He’s young and new to the Oligarch title but he’s ruthless and without mercy with his enemies.
His upbringing as a child has shaped and defined a lot of his beliefs and were he draws the line on things.
I liked the vibes he gives off it made him that just more alluring.
Melanie has always been under the thumb of the men in her life.
First her father than her brother.
When she’s determined to go to Stanford Redmond finally relents and let’s her go.
Of course this being Nervosa’s territory he’s intrigued by her and her persistence in that specific university.
I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and develop.
I loved how they brought out the different sides in each other.
She brought out his softer and more vulnerable parts.
And he brought out her inner strength and determination.
Ms. Hamel had me turning the pages as fast as I could read all her words.
I’m so happy with how she brought so much growth to the main characters.
And how she let them not only depend on themselves but how they trusted their instincts to trust one another.
That made their bond that just more special.
This story is revolves around Alex Nervosa a West Coast Oligarch and Melanie Orchard, Redmond’s sister an East Coast Oligarch.
Lots of mystery and intrigue goes on in this book.
Action, suspense and family secrets fill the pages along with the growing attraction between Nervosa and Melanie.
I adorned both Melanie and Alex.
He’s young and new to the Oligarch title but he’s ruthless and without mercy with his enemies.
His upbringing as a child has shaped and defined a lot of his beliefs and were he draws the line on things.
I liked the vibes he gives off it made him that just more alluring.
Melanie has always been under the thumb of the men in her life.
First her father than her brother.
When she’s determined to go to Stanford Redmond finally relents and let’s her go.
Of course this being Nervosa’s territory he’s intrigued by her and her persistence in that specific university.
I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and develop.
I loved how they brought out the different sides in each other.
She brought out his softer and more vulnerable parts.
And he brought out her inner strength and determination.
Ms. Hamel had me turning the pages as fast as I could read all her words.
I’m so happy with how she brought so much growth to the main characters.
And how she let them not only depend on themselves but how they trusted their instincts to trust one another.
That made their bond that just more special.
January 10, 2022
This Oligarch story sees us following Melanie, Redmond Orchard’s younger sister to the west coast. She’s begun her studies at Stanford and attracts the attention of the young but deadly Oligarch Nervosa. Melanie has two reasons for Stanford. The first freedom from her gilded cage of a life, brought up on a compound. The second, getting to the bottom of what really happened to her maternal grandfather. She had found a diary of her mother’s that didn’t paint him in a particularly good light. She knew her mother fled penniless and inherited nothing, living on the streets until she met their Oligarch father.
Nervosa isn’t happy with Silvano, one of the four west coast Oligarchs. He seems determined to wage war on the east coast after all of their infighting and betrayal. He doesn’t want them to make the first move, but his plan is toxic. Nervosa makes a point of introducing Melanie to the group and allowing her to listen in on Silvano’s plans. They have to warn Redmond and try to prevent thousands of needless deaths. As the two of them gradually get to know each other, their barriers slowly begin to fall and feelings with passionate chemistry take their place. The two of them face everything head on together. But who will stand with them?
This was another excellent, enjoyable addition to this series. Loved it.
Nervosa isn’t happy with Silvano, one of the four west coast Oligarchs. He seems determined to wage war on the east coast after all of their infighting and betrayal. He doesn’t want them to make the first move, but his plan is toxic. Nervosa makes a point of introducing Melanie to the group and allowing her to listen in on Silvano’s plans. They have to warn Redmond and try to prevent thousands of needless deaths. As the two of them gradually get to know each other, their barriers slowly begin to fall and feelings with passionate chemistry take their place. The two of them face everything head on together. But who will stand with them?
This was another excellent, enjoyable addition to this series. Loved it.
December 14, 2023
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Stand-alone:Yes**
Author: BB Hamel
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 2/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Alex (Nervosa) and Melanie
Trope(s): Dark Mafia Romance
Vicious Proposal can be read as a standalone, however the characters do tie into her The Oligarchs Series, plus there are character crossovers. Can be read independently, but I would recommend having full enjoyment diving into the series. Book is on low angst and, although deals with darker subjects, does not require trigger warnings. I found Alex and Melanie to be flat characters. I enjoyed the book, but did not feel incredibly drawn or invested in them. This book focuses more on the storyline rather than the building of their romance. It is a quickish read and the suspense and the storyline are intriguing enough to hold your attention.
Melanie leaves her life in Chicago behind to head to California. Her mission is two-fold, to escape her family name to attend college at Stanford and to search for answers her mother refuses to give her.
Alex Nervosa is a ruthless Oligarch, not born into the legacy, but rather chosen by his adopted family.
They both need something from the other, so a bargain is struck. Let the chaos begin because war is inevitable in their deadly world.
Stand-alone:Yes**
Author: BB Hamel
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 2/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Alex (Nervosa) and Melanie
Trope(s): Dark Mafia Romance
Vicious Proposal can be read as a standalone, however the characters do tie into her The Oligarchs Series, plus there are character crossovers. Can be read independently, but I would recommend having full enjoyment diving into the series. Book is on low angst and, although deals with darker subjects, does not require trigger warnings. I found Alex and Melanie to be flat characters. I enjoyed the book, but did not feel incredibly drawn or invested in them. This book focuses more on the storyline rather than the building of their romance. It is a quickish read and the suspense and the storyline are intriguing enough to hold your attention.
Melanie leaves her life in Chicago behind to head to California. Her mission is two-fold, to escape her family name to attend college at Stanford and to search for answers her mother refuses to give her.
Alex Nervosa is a ruthless Oligarch, not born into the legacy, but rather chosen by his adopted family.
They both need something from the other, so a bargain is struck. Let the chaos begin because war is inevitable in their deadly world.
January 8, 2022
She may be in sunny California but the danger and secrets are still everywhere
Vicious Proposal is the fifth book in The Oligarchs series. This story is about Melanie Orchard and Alex Nervosa. She is the younger sister of Redmond, who's story is in Charming Killer, and has moved to sunny California to go to Stanford to try and get away from her family and life. But being the sister of an Oligarch there are still family connections and rules to be followed, along with armed bodyguards that can kill a man in the blink of an eye. Nervosa is the boss of the West Coast Oligarchs and he is powerful, ruthless, and "self contained". Melanie had an ulterior motive of moving as she wants to discover exactly what happened with her abusive grandfather and her mother. To do this she wants to meet with her Uncle Cedric and needs Alex's help. There are prices to be paid which she must decide if she can pay. Along the way there are secrets uncovered, danger around even corner and a whole lot of drama. There are also interesting character developments with both Melanie and Alex.....and what a sizzling connection they have.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Vicious Proposal is the fifth book in The Oligarchs series. This story is about Melanie Orchard and Alex Nervosa. She is the younger sister of Redmond, who's story is in Charming Killer, and has moved to sunny California to go to Stanford to try and get away from her family and life. But being the sister of an Oligarch there are still family connections and rules to be followed, along with armed bodyguards that can kill a man in the blink of an eye. Nervosa is the boss of the West Coast Oligarchs and he is powerful, ruthless, and "self contained". Melanie had an ulterior motive of moving as she wants to discover exactly what happened with her abusive grandfather and her mother. To do this she wants to meet with her Uncle Cedric and needs Alex's help. There are prices to be paid which she must decide if she can pay. Along the way there are secrets uncovered, danger around even corner and a whole lot of drama. There are also interesting character developments with both Melanie and Alex.....and what a sizzling connection they have.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
January 9, 2022
Escaping Into A Complex Love -
Melanie thought she could have a semblance of a normal life when she moved far away from family to attend college, but what she actually got was an entanglement in a battle and a mind-blowing romantic adventure. Nervosa had a hard life growing up and his shaped his adult life, so he couldn’t understand why Melanie entering his life seemed to centre him. Their connection was electrifying from the first time they met, but it would take a few antagonistic interactions and a sizzling intimate encounters, for them to realise they couldn’t be without each other.
This was one of the most intense, action-packed and exhilarating story I have read in quite a while. I stayed up until dawn reading the book, as I just couldn’t stop once I started. The story had a wonderful balance of danger and romance, which helped the characters and storyline keep me captivated and leave me needing more. If you are a fan of dark romance stories, then this book a must read, but I suggest you start with book one of the series.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Melanie thought she could have a semblance of a normal life when she moved far away from family to attend college, but what she actually got was an entanglement in a battle and a mind-blowing romantic adventure. Nervosa had a hard life growing up and his shaped his adult life, so he couldn’t understand why Melanie entering his life seemed to centre him. Their connection was electrifying from the first time they met, but it would take a few antagonistic interactions and a sizzling intimate encounters, for them to realise they couldn’t be without each other.
This was one of the most intense, action-packed and exhilarating story I have read in quite a while. I stayed up until dawn reading the book, as I just couldn’t stop once I started. The story had a wonderful balance of danger and romance, which helped the characters and storyline keep me captivated and leave me needing more. If you are a fan of dark romance stories, then this book a must read, but I suggest you start with book one of the series.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2022
This is the fifth and concluding novel in the fascinating series and is Alexander Nervosa and Melanie’s journey. Nervosa has had a tough life, and he is mysterious, scarred and a killer, while Melanie is the daughter of an Oligarch, which has had her leading a sheltered life, and she wants to experience life on the outside. When Melanie convinces her brother to let her attend a college in another Oligarch’s territory, he reluctantly agrees. With Melanie now on Nervosa’s territory, she is obsessed with solving a mystery within her family, and he is completely fascinated with her. Nervosa can see through Melanie’s façade to the insecure girl underneath, and they chemistry between these two is combustible and undeniable. This is a well written story which is dark, raw, gritty, and with intrigue, family, danger, suspense, twists, and love, which leads to a steamy and riveting page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I always highly recommend.
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 11, 2022
Melanie wants nothing more than to be normal away from her Oligarch family. Instead of going the normal college route, she goes to Stanford to be closer to research her mother's family. Alex Nervosa is one of the Oligarchs in the west territory, knows who she is, Redmond Orchard's sister, strikes a deal with her. She does not know if she can trust him, it does not help that he tells she should trust no one. Melanie is constantly pushing him away so it takes awhile for the two to hook up.
This book is fast paced romantic suspense, not as dark as the others in the series. Alex and Melanie have more in common than she believes. While this is a standalone, it would be best to read Perfect Monster, Beautiful Trouble, Pretty Sinner and Charming before this one as there events that happen in those books with the characters in this one. I really loved this series, too bad it has come to an end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is fast paced romantic suspense, not as dark as the others in the series. Alex and Melanie have more in common than she believes. While this is a standalone, it would be best to read Perfect Monster, Beautiful Trouble, Pretty Sinner and Charming before this one as there events that happen in those books with the characters in this one. I really loved this series, too bad it has come to an end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2022
This is the fourth book in this series. It is about the uber mafia. The men and women whose rule from the shadows. The Oligarchs. They wield enormous power around the world. This book feature Melanie. She is the daughter/sister of an Oligarch. And she is enrolled at Stanford in part to escape the constant isolation. And in part to investigate her mother’s past. There she meets Nervosa. Also known as Alex Nervosa. He is the head of an Oligarch family. He wants to use her to get in contact with her brother. But when he pulls her into a meeting of the other west coast Oligarchs he puts her in danger. And the more time they spend together the closer they become. This story is full of gun fights, secrets and love. I love this world that BB Hamel has created. And the characters leap off the page. I did receive an advance copy for my honest review.
January 7, 2022
More Fabulous Oligarch Escapades!!
In a prior story we saw the East coast Oligarchs go to war. Sister to one of the most powerful, Melanie, wants a “break” and goes to Stanford to get away from where she is known, and can be “normal”. Thus far she has had tutors and kept in a gilded cage without any/many friends.
Melanie immediately comes to the attention of Nervosa - who takes her to a meeting of the West coast Oligarchs. They are planning a pre-emptive strike on the east coast Oligarchs. Nervosa disagrees with their methods and wants Melanie’s hep to talk to her brother.
Complex relationships, family matters and the yearning for a “normal” life make these pages fly by. Gritty and raw at times. Emotional and sensitive at others. A completely engaging tomb.
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
In a prior story we saw the East coast Oligarchs go to war. Sister to one of the most powerful, Melanie, wants a “break” and goes to Stanford to get away from where she is known, and can be “normal”. Thus far she has had tutors and kept in a gilded cage without any/many friends.
Melanie immediately comes to the attention of Nervosa - who takes her to a meeting of the West coast Oligarchs. They are planning a pre-emptive strike on the east coast Oligarchs. Nervosa disagrees with their methods and wants Melanie’s hep to talk to her brother.
Complex relationships, family matters and the yearning for a “normal” life make these pages fly by. Gritty and raw at times. Emotional and sensitive at others. A completely engaging tomb.
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
January 9, 2022
This is a departure of what Ms. Hamel normally writes or that i read of hers.
This plot line is about the Uber rich of the Uber Rich. These are the people who rule the world and control the Mafia, and countries.
Nervous is one of the Uber rich and Melanie is the daughter of one. They shouldn’t connect or even know each other.
Nervosa is trying to stop a war, and wants to use Melanie to reach her brother to warn him.
They come to an understanding, she’ll help him get to her brother and he’;; help her find out what happened years ago to make her mom. Who she is now.
Along the way they fall in love and find out that people they thought were different, are in as deep if not deeper then they are.
They fall in ,love and try to not have them feelings, but Mother Nature is stronger then self control.
Eventually everything comes to a head between the top brass and the war is diverted.
This plot line is about the Uber rich of the Uber Rich. These are the people who rule the world and control the Mafia, and countries.
Nervous is one of the Uber rich and Melanie is the daughter of one. They shouldn’t connect or even know each other.
Nervosa is trying to stop a war, and wants to use Melanie to reach her brother to warn him.
They come to an understanding, she’ll help him get to her brother and he’;; help her find out what happened years ago to make her mom. Who she is now.
Along the way they fall in love and find out that people they thought were different, are in as deep if not deeper then they are.
They fall in ,love and try to not have them feelings, but Mother Nature is stronger then self control.
Eventually everything comes to a head between the top brass and the war is diverted.
January 11, 2022
Melanie, an Oligarch princess, wants to live a "normal" life, free from her brother's protective arms. She heads to Stanford where she’ll be in the territory of the West Coast Oligarchs. Alex Nervosa is an adopted Oligarch, but is no less dedicated to his family business than the other 3 bosses on the West Coast. He is drawn to Melanie and needs her help to stop a war from happening. This book, as with all the other 3 Oligarch's books, are steamy, action packed, full of twists and turns, full of betrayals and family secrets. If you haven't read this series, you can binge-read the entire series to date for free if you have Kindle Unlimited. This is a great series by one of my favorite authors, B.B. Hamel.
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 22, 2022
BB Hamel continues to bring readers well-developed stories with amazing characters. In Vicious Proposal Alexander Nervosa and Melanie Ochard star in the final chapter of the Oligarchs. War is on the horizon between the East Coast and West Coast Oligarchs, can Nervosa and Melanie prevent this from happening?
This story has a little bit of everything: Suspense, romance, and tons of drama. Set in California, this book is not all sunshine and rainbows, it's dark and twisted, but in a good way. If you're looking for a great read and enjoy dark mafia romances, I recommend you pick up your copy today.
This story has a little bit of everything: Suspense, romance, and tons of drama. Set in California, this book is not all sunshine and rainbows, it's dark and twisted, but in a good way. If you're looking for a great read and enjoy dark mafia romances, I recommend you pick up your copy today.
January 7, 2022
4.5 Stars!! This is another book in the Oligarch series by B.B. Hamel and it does not disappoint. This is the story of Melanie and Nervosa. Both have been through lots of turmoil in their lives. Melanie chose to go to school on the West coast to get away from her family, but she also has an ulterior motive. There is lots going on in this story and it is interesting to watch the relationship between Nervosa and Melanie develop. There are some old characters from previous books that come back since Melanie is Redmond's sister. Lots of twists and turns that keep you reading to the end. Well written with good character development.
I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.
January 7, 2022
This final book in the Oligarch series was another great read, this story finds Nervosa and Melanie together. He is intrigued by her and she is being swept up in matters that are very dangerous and doesn't realize it. She's a deer and she's being hunted. It was an intense story, but not as intense as previous chapters, nothing wrong with that, his character had a bit more depth and different characterization than previous characters and I enjoyed the difference. Loads of intensity, power exchanges and previous characters made appearances as well. I still want to know what happened to the factory after Erin made modifications. Loved this series and recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
January 10, 2022
I really liked this story. It feels like a slow burn. Hot times are minimal, but the story is good. The only thing I didn’t care for was Melanie’s behavior about her mystery. She decided a narrative and didn’t really care about hurting people to get her answers even though literally no one cared about it except her. Nervosa just helped her do her thing, sometimes at the very wrong moments. I did like that she found some family, though they probably will never want to see her again after the way she behaved. Nervosa is a leader in every sense and is right there with him men.
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 14, 2022
This is an interesting story in the Oligarchs series. I have enjoyed this series by B.B. Hamel from the beginning. I was not sure about this book at first because there was a different tone to the story. Alex Nervosa is a different kind of Oligarch. Melanie is the sister of another Oligarch. She wants to study at Stanford but she also has a secret agenda. There is something underfoot in the shadowy world of the Oligarchs. Nervosa and Melanie make a series of deals and that brings them closer. Will Nervosa and Melanie be able to work things out before it's too late?
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 29, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, I loved the characters Melanie and Nervosa, they were very strong characters. Both from the same worlds. Melanie trying to act normal by going to college out of her area. Only she has caught the attention of Nervosa a big boss with another family. Only he finds out who she really is and doesn't let on to her. Its a great addition to the series, I loved all the drama that was within this book. Melanie gave Nervosa a run for his money and she wasn't afraid to stand up to him and tell him to do one. It's great loved it. Highly recommend this book and others from this author.
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.
March 28, 2022
Great book
Melanie just wanted to go to college and try to have a normal life since she was always locked away at home
She went to Stanford she ran into nervosa she knew of him but didn't know him he was captivated by her
She meet with him and all hell broke loose
He kept her safe along with Palm her body guard
She found out her who roommate was and they ended up being good friends
Nervosa meet with all the oligarchs timepiece there territory
They fought til the end
Melanie got her answerable was looking for but hoped in time would heal the wounds
She loved her family and nervosa she gave her self to him completely and they got their happy ever
Melanie just wanted to go to college and try to have a normal life since she was always locked away at home
She went to Stanford she ran into nervosa she knew of him but didn't know him he was captivated by her
She meet with him and all hell broke loose
He kept her safe along with Palm her body guard
She found out her who roommate was and they ended up being good friends
Nervosa meet with all the oligarchs timepiece there territory
They fought til the end
Melanie got her answerable was looking for but hoped in time would heal the wounds
She loved her family and nervosa she gave her self to him completely and they got their happy ever
January 9, 2022
Proposal not so vicious
This episode feels like a transition from one family to another and ultimately maybe that's where the real twisted proposition is, more than in Melanie and Nervosa's tale (Especially as Melanie's sister-in-law, is Erin, already encountered in previous accounts, and that she was far from being a tender soul)
It's a great story that mixes the manipulations of a dark and criminal world, with a scorching and intense part, and yet a very romantic narrative, much like the characters even if they have a dark side.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
This episode feels like a transition from one family to another and ultimately maybe that's where the real twisted proposition is, more than in Melanie and Nervosa's tale (Especially as Melanie's sister-in-law, is Erin, already encountered in previous accounts, and that she was far from being a tender soul)
It's a great story that mixes the manipulations of a dark and criminal world, with a scorching and intense part, and yet a very romantic narrative, much like the characters even if they have a dark side.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
January 27, 2022
Melanie dreams of escaping her Oligarch family and being normal so she heads to Stanford where she has plans. Nervosa is an Oligarch in the west and when Melanie ends up in his territory she catches his eye. I loved Melanie and Nervosa's story. They have intense chemistry and sparks were flying. Vicious Proposal is book five and the conclusion to The Oligarchs series. The writing is well done, the characters are interesting and the ending was perfect. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
April 17, 2022
Minimal
Storyline was not dark and simply involved a naive girl finding mother's diary and jumping to conclusions. Most of the plot is childish as Melanie is a lost ball in high weeds due to being sheltered, rich, clueless of the world and away from home at college. Of course she is attracted to the bad guy Nervosa. Nervosa and his dislike for and fight against drugs is the saving grace of this implausible story. Funny that Erin was an unattractive shrew in book three but is now a beautiful brilliant strategist married to Redmond with her own family.
Storyline was not dark and simply involved a naive girl finding mother's diary and jumping to conclusions. Most of the plot is childish as Melanie is a lost ball in high weeds due to being sheltered, rich, clueless of the world and away from home at college. Of course she is attracted to the bad guy Nervosa. Nervosa and his dislike for and fight against drugs is the saving grace of this implausible story. Funny that Erin was an unattractive shrew in book three but is now a beautiful brilliant strategist married to Redmond with her own family.
January 7, 2022
I thought that this was a really good book. I really liked Melanie and Nervosa's story. I really enjoyed the connection and chemistry between these two. Melanie and Nervosa's story is full of drama and twists and turns with steam and a really good HEA. I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it and Ms. B.B. as a wonderful author.
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 8, 2022
This is definitely a page turner. Melanie is off at college and on a personal mission to find out about her mothers family. She also desperately wants to live a somewhat normal life outside of her Oligarch family. She is going to school in Nervosa’s territory. Nervosa proves to be a very complex Oligarch. Their story is full of drama and power struggles. They work well together and have a ton of chemistry.
January 9, 2022
This is the fifth book in the series but it can be read as a standalone. Melanie convinces her Oligarch brother to let her attend college in another Oligarch’s territory and she also plans on investigating the mystery behind her grandfather’s death to clear her mother’s name. Alex is an Oligarch and has a mystery to solve as well, when he and Melanie work together, sparks fly. Fast-paced read with plenty of drama, steam and twists and turns. I liked it.
January 11, 2022
east vs west
Vicious Proposal is book five in the series The Oligarchs by author B. B. Hamel. Here you in this
story you get to meet the west coast Oligarchs- they are just as ruthless - just as scary.
Only problem they want war - war against the east coast Oligarchs.
There’s a chance when east meets west and sparks fly- maybe war can be an afterthought. You never know with these Oligarchs.
Spicy- steamy - bloody - wonderful- welcome to BB Hamel’s world.
Enjoy!!
Vicious Proposal is book five in the series The Oligarchs by author B. B. Hamel. Here you in this
story you get to meet the west coast Oligarchs- they are just as ruthless - just as scary.
Only problem they want war - war against the east coast Oligarchs.
There’s a chance when east meets west and sparks fly- maybe war can be an afterthought. You never know with these Oligarchs.
Spicy- steamy - bloody - wonderful- welcome to BB Hamel’s world.
Enjoy!!
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